New Regency has announced a delay in the release of Jeff Nichols’ highly-anticipated film, The Bikeriders. This decision is attributed to the ongoing actors’ strike and the restrictions on talent’s ability to participate in promotional and publicity activities.
The film, a drama starring acclaimed actors Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, and Tom Hardy, was initially scheduled to hit theaters on December 1. It has made appearances at various fall film festivals, including its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival and its upcoming screening at the Chicago International Film Festival.
According to Variety, The Bikeriders is the first movie to adjust its release date on the weekend of December 1-3, which initially marked the release of Beyoncé’s newly announced concert film, Renaissance.
The period following Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the quietest weekends for the movie industry, and the impact of Beyoncé’s project on this narrative is yet to be determined. No early advance ticket sales for Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé have been disclosed as of now, in contrast to the strategy used for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
At present, The Bikeriders remains without a confirmed release date. However, the intent is to release it in time for this year’s awards season.
The decision to remove the film from the release calendar had to be made promptly as there is no clarity on when the SAG-AFTRA strike, which saw an abrupt end to negotiations last week, might conclude. This prompted New Regency and 20th Century to take action regarding their marketing campaign.
The film is an adaptation of Danny Lyon’s book of the same name and delves into the story of a 1960s motorcycle club in Chicago. New Regency is currently in theaters with the sci-fi epic, The Creator, which has faced challenges finding its audience.
The ensemble cast includes the exceptional talents of Jodie Comer, known for her outstanding performances in Killing Eve and The Last Duel, along with Austin Butler, whose portrayal of Elvis has garnered critical acclaim, and the indomitable Tom Hardy, renowned for his roles in Mad Max: Fury Road and The Revenant.
The narrative unfolds over the course of a decade, chronicling the Vandals’ evolution from a local Chicago club of outsiders united by their love for good times, rumbling bikes, and their unwavering loyalty to the club’s steadfast leader, Johnny (Tom Hardy).
As the years go by, Kathy grapples with the challenges of navigating her husband’s untamed spirit and his unswerving allegiance to Johnny, with whom she feels an intense competition for Benny’s attention. Life within the Vandals becomes increasingly difficult, compelling Kathy, Benny, and Johnny to confront difficult choices about their loyalty to the club and to each other.
The Bikeriders will be a must-watch for film enthusiasts and those seeking a gripping, character-driven drama that explores the complexities of human relationships amidst a backdrop of roaring engines and rebellious spirit.
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