Universal Pictures Moves Release of 'Wanted' into Summer 2008

Universal Pictures Moves Release of 'Wanted' into Summer 2008

Film Will Now Be Released on Friday, June 27, 2008

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Pictures has moved the release date of its hotly anticipated fantasy-action-thriller "Wanted" from spring to summer. The film will now be released on Friday, June 27, rather than its former release date of March 28.

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The film stars James McAvoy ("Atonement"), Morgan Freeman ("The Bucket List"), Common ("American Gangster") and Angelina Jolie ("Mr. & Mrs. Smith") as members of a secret society that carries out the orders of fate itself. It is the first English-language film directed by Russian visual pioneer Timur Bekmambetov, creator of the Night Watch series -- the most successful film franchise in his country's history. Based upon Mark Millar's explosive graphic novel series, the film is produced by Marc Platt ("Legally Blonde"), Jason Netter ("Painkiller Jane"), Jim Lemley ("Invincible") and Iain Smith ("Children of Men").

In making the date-change announcement, Nikki Rocco, Universal Pictures' President of Distribution, stated, "After an early look at "Wanted", we are certain that it fulfills its promise as a stunning, committed, thrilling, eye-popping vision that introduces a bold new narrative. We believe it can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the event titles of the summer and will give audiences a chance to discover a fresh new alternative. We are excited to date the film on June 27."

"Wanted" tells the tale of one apathetic nobody's transformation into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. In 2008, the world will be introduced to a hero for a new generation: Wesley Gibson.

25-year-old Wes (James McAvoy) was the most disaffected, cube-dwelling drone the planet had ever known. His boss chewed him out hourly, his girlfriend ignored him routinely and his life plodded on interminably. Everyone was certain this disengaged slacker would amount to nothing. There was little else for Wes to do but wile away the days and die in his slow, clock-punching rut.

Until he met a woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie).

After his estranged father is murdered, the deadly sexy Fox recruits Wes into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his dad's death by unlocking his dormant powers. As she teaches him how to develop lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: carry out the death orders given by fate itself.

With wickedly brilliant tutors -- including the Fraternity's enigmatic leader, Sloan (Morgan Freeman) -- Wes grows to enjoy all the strength he ever wanted. But, slowly, he begins to realize there is more to his dangerous associates than meets the eye. And as he wavers between newfound heroism and vengeance, Wes will come to learn what no one could ever teach him: he alone controls his destiny.

Universal Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment present A Marc Platt/Kickstart Production -- in association with Top Cow -- James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman in "Wanted", starring Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, Common and Angelina Jolie. Casting is by Mindy Marin; music is by Danny Elfman. Co-producers are Mark Millar, J.G. Jones and Chris Carlisle. The costume designer is Varvara Avdyushko; the editor is David Brenner, ACE. "Wanted's" production designer is John Myhre; the film's director of photography is Mitchell Amundsen. The executive producers are Marc Silvestri, Adam Siegel, Roger Birnbaum and Gary Barber. "Wanted" is produced by Marc Platt, Jason Netter, Jim Lemley and Iain Smith. The film is based on the series of comic books by Millar and J.G. Jones, from a story by Michael Brandt & Derek Haas. Wanted's screenplay is by Michael Brandt & Derek Haas and Chris Morgan. It is directed by Timur Bekmambetov.

About Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (http://www.universalstudios.com/). Universal Studios is part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

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CONTACT: Michael Moses of Universal Pictures, +1-818-777-5926

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