What Happens Later, a romantic comedy film directed by and starring Meg Ryan, has made a strategic decision to avoid competing with Taylor Swift’s concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. The film was initially set to release on October 13th, the same day as Taylor Swift’s film, but Bleecker Street, the distributor of What Happens Later, has now chosen to release it three weeks later on November 3rd. This move follows Universal’s decision to move the release date of their horror sequel, The Exorcist: Believer, to avoid competition from Taylor Swift’s film as well.
Bleecker Street took to Twitter to announce the new release date, playfully stating, “So we’ll take our time… Are you ready for it? Meg Ryan ends her 14-year rom-com hiatus and the #Megaissance begins with #WhatHappensLater, now happening… later. Coming only to theaters November 3!” This decision allows the film to have its own spotlight without the risk of being overshadowed by the popularity of Taylor Swift’s concert film.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film has already set a single-day ticket sales record for AMC Theatres, with $26 million in sales. This surpasses the exhibitor’s previous record set by 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, which had $16.9 million in first-day sales. AMC Theatres is not only screening Swift’s film but also serving as the theatrical distributor. Cinemark and Regal Cinemas have also been enlisted to screen the film in the US.
The film showcases Taylor Swift’s highly successful string of concerts from her Eras Tour, which concluded its US dates last month. The film will run for four weekends, with ticket prices set at $19.89 for adults and $13.13 for children. It provides fans with the opportunity to relive Swift’s mesmerizing performances on the big screen.
What Happens Later, based on Steven Dietz’s play Shooting Star, stars Meg Ryan and David Duchovny as ex-lovers who reunite after more than 20 years at an airport. Ryan not only stars in the film but also directs it. She collaborated on the screenplay with Dietz and Kirk Lynn. This film marks Ryan’s return to the romantic comedy genre after a hiatus of 14 years.
With both films receiving attention and generating excitement among fans, the decision to stagger their release dates ensures that audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy both films separately. By avoiding a head-to-head competition, What Happens Later and Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film can each thrive and capture the attention of their respective target audiences.
In conclusion, the strategic decision to move the release date of What Happens Later to November 3rd allows it to avoid competing with Taylor Swift’s concert film. This move ensures that both films have the opportunity to shine independently and attract their desired audiences. Fans can look forward to the return of Meg Ryan to the romantic comedy genre and the chance to experience Taylor Swift’s electrifying performances on the big screen.