Relativity Media has pushed its prized Sundance acquisition “The Bronze” from July to October as rumors rage about the company’s future under CEO Ryan Kavanaugh, TheWrap has learned.
“The Bronze” was slated to debut in limited release on July 10 before going wide on July 31. Relativity will now give the raunchy comedy a limited release on Oct. 16 before it expands to more theaters on Oct. 23.
Relativity had not released a trailer for the July release yet, which was a red flag to industry observers.
“The Bronze” stars Melissa Rauch as a foul-mouthed former gymnast who agrees to train an up-and-coming young gymnast in exchange for a large inheritance. Bryan Buckley directed from a script that the “Big Bang Theory” actress co-wrote with her husband Winston Beigel.
Rather than compete against Illumination Entertainment’s surefire blockbuster “Minions” and WB’s buzzy horror movie “The Gallows,” “The Bronze” will now open against Steven Spielberg‘s “Bridge of Spies,” Guillermo del Toro‘s “Crimson Peak” and Sony’s Jack Black comedy “Goosebumps.” That’s certainly stiff competition, but “The Bronze” could serve as a strong counterprogramming option.
Additionally, the movie marketplace is crowded with R-rated comedies this summer, including Melissa McCarthy’s “Spy,” Mark Wahlberg’s “Ted 2” and New Line’s “Vacation” reboot starring Ed Helms.
Relativity has been the subject of many rumors this week in the wake of the forced resignation of two board members — Jason Colodne and Jason Beckman of Colbeck Capital. Kavanaugh is reportedly scrambling to raise $200 million to pay off debt that is due to be paid on May 31. It is believed that the company’s financial difficulties played a factor in the delay of “The Bronze.”
Relativity bought U.S. rights to opening night film “The Bronze” at Sundance for $3 million. The film was produced by Stephanie Langhoff, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday morning, while Buckley was unavailable.