So, was it because of the reshoots that are apparently taking place on "47 Ronin" or to give the film more time to get the 3D looking right? Well, it depends on who you believe but either way, if you wanted to see the Keanu Reeves-led samurai epic, you're going to have to wait just a little bit longer.
Universal has pushed back "47 Ronin" from its planned release on November 21st to February 8, 2013. Co-starring Rinko Kikuchi, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki and Tadanobu Asano and penned by "Wanted" co-writer Chris Morgan, the Carl Erik Rinsch-directed film follows the story of the titular 47 warriors who, following the forced seppuku (ritual suicide by disembowelment) of their master after assaulting a court official, seek revenge on those who caused his death. So yeah, some pretty bracing stuff.
The original November date would have it the film opening right up against another big ticket 3D movie, Alfonso Cuarón's highly ambitious sci-fi tale "Gravity" starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. Our guess? Universal wanted to dodge a potential bullet, and the February date where it will open against the Nicholas Sparks adapation "Safe Haven" is a much better position for the movie. Sometimes it isn't production schedules, but plain old good business that causes a movie to be shifted. Probably smart not to have two big, high-concept 3D action movies on the same date.
So, you can scratch "47 Ronin" off your fall dance card for now, and Atticus Ross is probably glad to have a bit more time to get the score locked in for the movie anyway. [Deadline/Box Office Mojo]