The Great Gatsby has been pushed back from its Christmas release date by around half a year, with Warner announcing that the film will now be released on an unspecified date in summer 2013.
Baz Luhrmann's 3D adaptation of the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald had initially been scheduled to arrive on Christmas Day, but will now face a significant delay, which Warner hopes will ensure, "this unique film reaches the largest audience possible."
"The responses we've had to some of the early sneak peeks have been phenomenal," said international distribution president Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, "and we think The Great Gatsby will be the perfect summer movie around the world."
However, sources close to the production have suggested that the delay has actually been imposed to allow Luhrmann more time to put the finishing touches to the project. The LA Times claims to have learned that the move will give the director, "more time to finish its extensive 3D effects and a planned all-star soundtrack."
Given that the story takes place against the backdrop of a stiflingly hot summer, it does feel as though Gatsby 's new release date might be a better fit, although Warner will be aware that such a slot will scupper the film's hopes of recognition from the Academy. We'll bring you the new release date as soon as it's confirmed.
