Unfortunately for the fans, the highly-anticipated third installment "Star Trek Beyond" is delayed. Paramount Pictures moved the release date of the film from July 8 to July 22, 2016.
The studio didn't exactly specify why it opted to keep the fans waiting longer, but unnamed sources have told Hollywood Reporter that the main reason for the move was for the film to secure enough IMAX screens. And in its supposed date of release (July 8), "Star Trek Beyond" would have had to forgo an IMAX run due to "Tarzan," which Warner Bros. will open on July 1.
Forbes, on the other hand, reported that Paramount might give a serious consideration on having 2016 as a must-release year for the third installment. This is because the said year is the 50th anniversary of the property in its original televised form.
If July 22 is to be the official release date, the "Star Trek" franchise doesn't have any reason to worry about major competition. The films that are due for that date include "Ice Age: Collision Course" and "King Arthur." The former may pose a threat, especially that all of its series have grossed over $160M. However, the latest film in the franchise, which is "Ice Age: Continental Drift," was the lowest grossing, as reported by Latin Post.
The third installment is looking to rebuild the franchise after "Star Trek: Into Darkness" underperformed compared to its predecessor. The reboot movie gained $257M in 2009, while the sequel brought in $228 in domestic gross. It is rumored that the upcoming film will top both of those numbers.
The film stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, Zoe Zaldana, John Cho, Anton Yelchin and Idris Elba. Justin Lin is stepping into the director's seat for the first time after J.J. Abrams took on the first two films.
With the new release date, "Star Trek Beyond" fans have to keep playing the waiting game. They just have to re-mark their calendars for the theatrical release on July 22.
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