New Line and Warner Bros. must have no fear, because the studios have set a Dec. 16 release date for Will Smith's "Collateral Beauty," the same day that Disney and Lucasfilm will release "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" dominated the box office upon its December release last year, making this move a bit of a head scratcher at first glance. However, WB must be banking on the counterprogramming angle of "Collateral Beauty," which also stars Helen Mirren, Edward Norton, Naomie Harris and Michael Pena. The story will follow a New York ad man (Smith, not Don Draper) as he tries to recover from a tragic event. The serious and adult tone stands in stark contrast to the fun and humorous vibe established by "The Force Awakens." Perhaps the difference will attract a sizeable enough audience looking for a change of pace.
David Frankel ("The Devil Wears Prada," "Marley & Me") is directing from a script by Allan Loeb. Village Roadshow Pictures and New Line will team up on the movie. "Rogue One" is Lucasfilm's first ever non-saga "Star Wars" film. Though not directly related to the franchise, it is still generating plenty of hype among "Star Wars" fans.
Elsewhere, Warner Bros. has removed Alcon Entertainment's "Chicken Soup for the Soul" from its release schedule. The adaptation of the best-selling self-help book does not have a release date as of now, but WB is reportedly planning on putting it in theaters some time in 2017.
"Chicken Soup for the Soul" is believed to have four connected inspirational stories. The script is being penned by Lewis Colick.
Smith can next be seen in this summer's "Suicide Squad," also from WB.
We'll keep you posted as more details begin to emerge.
