Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is (hopefully) working out its final pandemic release jitters, afterSony Pictures has pushed and pulled the family hybrid flick around its theatrical calendar again. Just two weeks after bouncing the Beatrix Potter-inspired comedy adventure to May 14 from June 11, Peter is parking his cottontail on Independence Day Weekend with a July 2 date (up against actioner Top Gun: Maverick from Paramount).
Sony had been inspired to move the project up to May given the limited reopening of theaters in New York and Los Angeles and the warm reception for Warner Bros.’ Tom and Jerry. The push back to July could inspire even better turnout for family audiences over a summer break, holiday weekend.
Peter Rabbit 2 was originally slated for February 7, 2020, but was nudged back to April 3 and then August 7 last year, then again shooed off the carrot patch to January 15, 2021, then April 2, then June as the COVID pandemic continued to disrupt exhibition plans around the world.
Once again with writer-director-producer Will Gluck at the helm and Animal Logic tackling the CG characters, Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway picks up with Bea (Rose Byrne), Thomas (Domhnall Gleeson) and the rabbits have created a makeshift family, but despite his best efforts, Peter (voiced by James Corden) can’t seem to shake his mischievous reputation. Adventuring out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated, but when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be.
The sequel also stars David Oyelowo as Nigel, with critters voiced by Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki and Aimee Horne (Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail); Colin Moody, Lennie James, Sia, Sam Neill, Rupert Degas, Ewen Leslie, Christian Gazal and Damon Herriman. Byrne and Gleeson also lend their voices to Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mr. Jeremy Fisher, respectively.
Released in 2018, Sony’s Peter Rabbit grossed $350+ million worldwide ($115.3M domestic). With both live-action filming and CGI/VFX production centered in Australia, the pic earned an AACTA Award for Production Design.
[Source: Deadline]
