Entertainment
Trolls 3 confirmed with exclusive cinematic release window
The trolls are back (Picture: DreamWorks Animation/AP)
A third Trolls movie is in the works at DreamWorks Animation, and this time it will be an exclusive theatrical release.
Universal Pictures have announced plans for another film in the franchise, which will aim to be released in cinemas on November 17, 2023, enjoying a 17-day stretch on the big screen before also being available on streaming services.
The movie is currently set to go up against an as-yet untitled Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski film from Paramount Pictures.
News of a theatrical release for Trolls 3 comes after Trolls World Tour caused controversy in the movie industry when Universal opted to release the movie on digital rental service on the same day as its cinema release in April 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With many theatres across the globe forced to close, the company opted to press ahead with the release and drop their film for audiences to watch at home as well as in cinemas that were still open.
The first Trolls movie grossed $350million (£261m) at the box office, while the sequel netted more than $100m (£74m) from streaming.
Trolls sequel Trolls World Tour still did well at the box office, despite its release strategy (Picture: DreamWorks Animation/AP)
Trolls stars Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake at a photo call for the sequel ahead of coronavirus lockdowns (Picture: Getty)
AMC, which owns Odeon, and Cinemark cinema chains initially vowed to boycott Universal releases in the wake of the studio’s decision to dispose of the theatrical window for Trolls World Tour and NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell’s promise to open titles on premium and in theatres at the same time.
However, AMC and Universal eventually agreed to a minimum 17-day exclusive window in cinemas – down from the original 75-90 day window – with the chain getting a cut of PVOD profits.
Other productions, including The Invisible Man, also received early home releases due to the pandemic.
However, some blockbusters, such as James Bond movie No Time To Die, and Marvel’s Black Widow, had their release dates pushed back multiple times due to the pandemic before opting for opposing exclusive theatrical and day-and-date releases, respectively.
Daniel Craig’s last outing as James Bond in No Time To Die waited for lockdowns to ease before opting for a cinematic release (Picture: MGM/Eon/Danjaq/UPI/Kobal/Rex/Shutterstock)
Trolls’ World Tour featured a star-studded cast who lent their voices to the movie, including Anna Kendrick, who plays Poppy, and Justin Timberlake, who stars as Branch.
More: Justin Timberlake
James Corden voiced the role of friendly troll Biggie, Ozzy Osbourne portrayed Thrash, Jamie Dornan starred as Chaz, J Balvin as Tresillo, Kenan Thompson as Tiny Diamond, and Kevin Michael Richardson voiced Mr Dinkeles.
Casting and plot details are yet to be announced.
Trolls 3 is scheduled for cinematic release on November 17, 2023.
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