Following on the heels of Disney’s recent live-action adaptations of former animated films, Warner Bros. has decided to bring a fresh new take to King Arthur with Guy Ritchie attached as director. Originally set with a July 2016 release date, Warner Bros. has decided to move the film down a full seven months to February 2017.
According to Deadline, Warner Bros. is hoping to capitalize on Ritchie’s past winter success with Sherlock Holmes by releasing the film in February. Though on its face it seems like a wise move by the studio, one should question why Warner Bros. would vacate a prime spot in the summer of 2016. Speculation has already started that the move was due to a lack of faith in the film. So with a push of over a year it would presumably give Warner Bros. enough time for potential reshoots. A similar action was taken by Paramount back in 2012 when they decided to move down the release date of their film World War Z from December 2012 to June 2013.
Unlike its animated counterpart, Warner Bros.’ take on King Arthur seems to be lending itself towards a more gritty and realistic tone. In the synopsis of the film, Arthur, played by Charlie Hunnam, is a street-smart man who, upon finding the sword of Excalibur must manage its power while also being confronted by Vortigern, the man who killed his parents.
Starring alongside Hunnam is an all-star cast with Eric Bana playing King Uther, Jude Law as Dictator Vortigen and Djimon Hounsou playing Bedivere. This would be the first live-action adaptation of King Arthur since the 2004 version, which was directed by Training Day and Southpaw director Antoine Fuqua.
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