There is some minor news to report today in the world of theatrical release dates. Disney announced their counter moves to Fox’s big reveal today which should go pretty much unnoticed by the typical moviegoer. Marvel’s Thor sequel has been brought to the week of November 8, 2013 which will presumably give it some distance from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. This will allow the Chris Hemsworth-lead feature to show off its retention skills at the box office prior to November 22 when Lionsgate is scheduled to unleash their sequel effort.
The other bit of news might be a slightly bigger deal. The Lone Ranger has been put in front of July 4th weekend next year where it will go head-to-head with Independence Day 3D. This operates under the assumption that no one else would dare book the holiday seeing how two obvious performers will be raking in the cash starting July 3.
Originally, the plan was for the Johnny Depp-lead feature to follow Memorial Day weekend; however, the pairing of Fast & Furious 6 with The Hangover Part III the prior week seems to have scared Disney off of the spot. Both films could reasonably boast $30+ million week two’s which could end up hurting Disney’s chances of recouping their $200+ million investment.
If you missed that Fox press release earlier today, be sure to check it out via the link that follows.