Warner Bros. has delayed the release of itsBen Affleck-led addiction dramaThe Way Backfrom October 18th of this year to July 17, 2025, the studio announced Monday.
Gavin O’Connordirected the film, which finds Affleck playing a former basketball star who, after struggling with alcohol addiction, attempts to redeem himself by coaching the high school basketball team at his alma mater.
According to Deadline, which broke the news,The Way Backhas scored well with test audiences – for what it’s worth, I’ve heard good things as well – and the studio thought it best to promote the movie to basketball fans next spring, when the NCAA’s March Madness kicks off and NBA teams are jockeying for playoff position.
Rather than open against Disney’sMaleficent: Mistress of Eviland Sony’sZombieland 2: Double Tap,Warners will now releaseThe Way Backagainst Disney/Pixar’sOnwardand Paramount’sDylan O’BrienmovieMonster Problems.Pixar is a box office juggernaut, of course, butThe Way Backcould prove to be a savvy counter-programming move.
Another reason that Warner Bros. may have decided to shiftThe Way Backis that the studio has several adult-oriented dramas coming out this fall, includingThe Goldfinch,Motherless Brooklyn,The Good LiarandJust Mercy, and it’s entirely possible thatClint Eastwood’sRichard Jewellmovie could be ready before the end of the year as well. The studio’s marketing and publicity teams will also have their hands full withIt: Chapter Two, theJokermovie andDoctor Sleep, so it’s probably for the best that Affleck’s movie won’t be lost in the shuffle.
O’Connor co-wroteThe Way BackwithBrad Ingelsby, and he also produced the film withMark Ciardi,Gordon Gray,Ravi D. Mehta,Jennifer Toddand Affleck, whileAaron L. GilbertandJason Clothserved as executive producers.
Affleck fans will be able to catch theJustice Leaguestar inDee Rees' crime dramaThe Last Thing He Wanted, which pairs him withAnne Hathaway. He also reprises hisChasing Amyrole as Holden McNeil inKevin Smith’sJay and Silent Bob Reboot, which arrives in October. I love that no matter how big he gets, Affleck never forgets where he came from, and he has always stayed loyal to the View Askewniverse.
