Killers of the Flower Moon will release in movie theaters simultaneously around the globe in late October, shrugging off a planned limited release earlier that month.
Apple Studios announced Tuesday that Martin Scorseses opus, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, will hit cineplexes Oct. 20, with a streaming debut on Apple TV+ to follow at an undetermined date. This pivots from a previously announced limited rollout set for Oct. 6. Paramount Pictures is partnering with the tech monolith on distribution.
While reasoning for the scuttled limited release was not disclosed, Hollywood continues to struggle through dual union strikes with no immediate end in sight. Should SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP be unable to reach an agreement, Scorseses all-star cast will not be able to promote the big-budget crime thriller. A splashy wide release could benefit Killers at a time when movies of all scopes and budget ranges have struggled to pop in limited release, the only notable winner since the pandemic being Oscar winner Everything Everywhere All at Once. Apple and Paramount will likely gain more momentum with a strong global push.
Killers is the story of a killing spree backed by white settlers targeting the wealthy Osage Nation of Oklahoma, who are in possession of priceless oil fields. The film was pre-ordained with awards favorability even before its strong May debut at the Cannes Film Festival, where it earned a nine-minute standing ovation. The film teams DiCaprio once again with Scorsese mainstay Robert De Niro. Indie heat-seeker Gladstone (Certain Women, Fancy Dance) received glowing notices for her breakout performance.