Giving both the film and the filmmakers some extra breathing room, Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure PAN has been moved from its previous July 24th opening to fall and will begin its global launch with the new domestic release date of October 9, 2015.
The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
In making the announcement, Fellman said, “We wanted to give ‘Pan’ the space to extend its theatrical run, so taking it out of the cluttered summer season made the most sense. Moving the film to the heart of the fall will allow us more time to screen the picture, enabling us to capitalize on what we anticipate will be strong word of mouth.”
Kwan Vandenberg added, “Peter Pan is a beloved figure the world over, and the fall corridor is perfect for this epic adventure story that explores the origins of this young hero. In many markets we can take advantage of school holidays that ensure a greater opportunity for families to enjoy ‘Pan’ together.”
Director Joe Wright expressed his support for the move, noting, “As you might expect, the fantastical story of Peter Pan involves very complex effects and I did not want to compromise on quality in finishing the film. This allows me and my team the time to complete the movie and tell the story the way it should be told.”
From director Joe Wright (“Atonement,” “Pride & Prejudice”) comes PAN, a live-action feature presenting a wholly original adventure about the beginnings of the beloved characters created by J.M. Barrie.
Peter (Levi Miller) is a mischievous 12-year-old boy with an irrepressible rebellious streak, but in the bleak London orphanage where he has lived his whole life those qualities do not exactly fly. Then one incredible night, Peter is whisked away from the orphanage and spirited off to a world of pirates, warriors and fairies called Neverland. There, he finds amazing adventures and fights life-or-death battles while trying to uncover the secret of his mother, who left him at the orphanage so long ago, and his rightful place in this magical land. Teamed with the warrior Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara) and a new friend named James Hook (Garrett Hedlund), Peter must defeat the ruthless pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman) to save Neverland and discover his true destiny—to become the hero who will forever be known as Peter Pan.
Wright directed PAN from a screenplay written by Jason Fuchs. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Oscar nominee Paul Webster (“Atonement”) are producing, with Tim Lewis serving as executive producer.
The film stars Oscar nominee Hugh Jackman (“Les Misérables”), Garrett Hedlund (“Inside Llewyn Davis”), Oscar nominee Rooney Mara (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), newcomer Levi Miller, and Amanda Seyfried (“Les Misérables”). Rounding out the cast are Adeel Akhtar (“The Dictator”) as Smee; Taejoo Na (“The Kick”) as Kwahu; Nonso Anozie (“Son of God,” “Atonement”) as Bishop; Kathy Burke (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”) as Mother Barnabas; Kurt Egyiawan (“Skyfall”) as Murray; Lewis MacDougall (UK TV’s “In the Name of the Children”) as Nibs; and Jack Charles (“Mystery Road”) as The Chief.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with RatPac-Dune Entertainment, a Berlanti Production, a Joe Wright film, “Pan.” Filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, PAN is set for release in 3D and 2D in select theatres and IMAX on October 9, 2015.
