Exclusive: Clarence bookThe adventure comedy, produced by Legendary and Jay-Z, will not be released in UK cinemas this week as planned.
The biblical epic has quietly pulled from the UK release calendar at the last minute after Sony had scheduled a January 19 release. UK exhibitors are due for release on January 19 (the film appeared on several cinema sites when it opened this week) and marketing materials are circulating with a January 19 slate.
We understand that a March release is now more likely. Sony is handling UK distribution, but we understand the decision to delay its release came from Legendary, who produced and financed the film.
News of the schedule change comes after the film recently opened in the US, where it grossed just $3 million during MLK Jr's 4-day weekend, making the film debut at No. 9 on the charts. We've heard that a later UK release date is always possible, but it's unusual for a studio film to be changed on such short notice.
The film stars Lakeith Stanfield, David Oyelowo, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Clarence book It tells the story of the intelligent but down-on-his-luck Clarence Stanfield, who struggles to find a better life for his family while struggling to free himself from his debts. Captivated by the power and glory of the risen Christ and his apostles, he risks everything to make his way to divine life and ultimately discovers that the saving power of faith may be his only way out.
Omar Sy, RJ Sellers, James McAvoy, Anna Diop, Teyana Taylor, Alfre Woodard, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Caleb McLaughlin, Babs Olusanmokun, Eric Kofi Abrefa, Nicholas Pinnock, Michael Ward, and Chase Dillon complete the cast of this film. Tom Glynn Carney and Tom Vaughan Lawlor.
Samuels produced the film with James Lasseter, Tendo Najenda, and Sean “Jay-Z” Carter. Jarrett Grant is executive producer.
Legendary and Sony had no comment.
Andreas Weissmann contributed to this report.
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