The writing was on the wall for this one for a while. Warner Bros. had dated two wide releases for Thanksgiving weekend, “Creed” and Jeff Nichols’ on-the-run sci-fi picture, “Midnight Special.” One of the films would have to move and with “Creed” already enjoying some strong (possibly Oscar contending?) buzz, it felt like it was only a matter of time until “Midnight Special” announced a new release date or was pushed into 2016.
The latter has happened and it probably makes sense. Nichols’ John Carpenter-esque sci-fi picture about a father and son on the run after the dad learns his child possesses special powers, felt like more of a film better suited to the spring season of indie auteur-driven releases. Now we’ll have to wait a little longer as “Midnight Special” has been pushed to March 18, 2016 release.
It should be noted Warner Bros. recently screened the movie early for select press. Perhaps they were trying to gauge reaction and where best to slot the film. At any rate it, it seems like they have decided. “Midnight Special” will face off against Lionsgate’s “The Divergent Series: Allegiant – Part 1,” TriStar’s “Miracles from Heaven”and Paramount’s “Monster Trucks”, that same weekend next year.
Jeff Nichols’ (MUD) MIDNIGHT SPECIAL is taking the slow train–pushed back 4 months to Mar. 18, 2016.
— Exhibitor Relations (@ERCboxoffice) July 28, 2015