Halloween Kills will now have a theatrical day-and-date release, Universal announced. The second Halloween film from David Gordon Green will be available to stream on Peacock the day it hits the big screen on October 15, 2021.
What prompted the change of plans? Naturally, the pandemic has caused segments of the movie-going public to be cautious about going to the movies again. Keep in mind that Universal has also tried a similar strategy in the past. Its main concern now is replicating its results.
Anthony D’Alessandro summarizes it this way:
“I hear Uni[versal] was happy with Boss Baby 2 on the service, and wanted try this again with Halloween Kills,” “The movie’s move to a dynamic window has nothing to do with any fears about the delta variant’s future impact on the domestic [box office].”
In July, Universal’s day-and-date release of The Boss Baby: Family Business on Peacock was the experiment D’Alessandro is referring to. A domestic box office haul of 57 million dollars was recorded for that film.
No Time to Die, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, and Dune are coming out October 1, 8 and 22 respectively, which will make Halloween Kills challenging. By pivoting the movie’s release date, Universal is hoping to attract keep-at-home horror fans and make Halloween Kills’ opening a real event.
