Christopher Nolan’s Tenet starring Robert Pattinson still set for release on 17 July 2020

We’ve posted previously that Christopher Nolan is still releasing Tenet on 17 July 2020. According to IndieWire “While the studio has revamped much of its release schedule due to pandemic theater closings, “Tenet” is still locked on its original release date. Nolan accelerated the film’s editing schedule, sending his editors home on March 20 to tie up loose ends. There was never any question of the movie not being finished”.

IndieWire provides its opinion on why it thinks it will open unless theatres are closed. Below are a few excepts, head over to IndieWire to read their full opinion:

No director supports theaters more

Many filmmakers would be happy to have someone else’s film go first post-pandemic; Nolan wants that assignment. Making a stand could elevate him to the role held by Steven Spielberg for decades as the face of his profession as a brand and creative force.

Warner Bros. backs his stance

This is Nolan’s ninth straight film with Warner Bros. (“Interstellar” was a Paramount coproduction). In a changing world, the studio still treasures close ties to top creatives, and no one is more important to them than Nolan. Any studio anxiety would likely by mollified by Nolan’s single-minded passion. Second-guessing is a primal sport in Hollywood, but here they’d likely be secure.

“Tenet” is go big or go home

It is expected to have 70mm, 35mm, IMAX, as well as standard digital presentation. Its thriller/action plot has been kept under wraps, but its time-travel/spy element/war themes as well as its massive location shoots around the world suggest the scope of a film maximized by theatrical experience. Throw in what appears to be a typically epic Nolan story and it ticks all the “wow” boxes that could herald the theaters’ return.

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It could mean an Oscar

Nolan already has the “overdue” factor, and decent reviews plus box-office success are a boost, but saving the industry as well? The script just writes itself.

WarnerMedia update concerning the release of Tenet after the cut

UPDATED: From Screen Daily

After WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey said the company was “rethinking” the theatrical model in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the media giant clarified its stance last night (22), although there was a public recognition that Christopher Nolan’s Tenet might not open on July 17 should theatres remain closed.

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“We are committed to – and are excited about – releasing Tenet in theatres this summer or whenever theatres reopen,” said Warner Bros CEO Ann Sarnoff. “We remain supportive of the theatrical experience and our exhibition partners, and are confident that our tentpole titles, including Tenet and Wonder Woman 1984 are exactly the type of films that will have people eager to return to theatres.”

Stankey added: “Theatrical films have always been a major part of the our ecosystem. I fully expect that as we evaluate our business going forward, we will continue to champion creative work that is worthy of the theatrical experience.”

Sarnoff’s comments recognised that Nolan’s sci-fi tentpole Tenet, dated for July 17, might not open on that date should theatres remain closed due to the outbreak. Wonder Woman 1984 is set to open on August 14.