Vin Diesel's Bloodshot Returns To Theaters After Pandemic Cut Run Short
Vin Diesel's Bloodshot is returning to theaters this week after the coronavirus pandemic cut its original theatrical run short. Sony had hopes of launching a Valiant Cinematic Universe with Bloodshot at one point. Although other Valiant characters were then sold to Paramount, there was still a chance that Bloodshot could become a franchise thanks to Diesel. He has become a box office star thanks to the Fast & Furious franchise with great international appeal.
The chances of Bloodshot launching a franchise depended on how well the film fared at the box office. Unfortunately, the movie barely made $10 million domestically. The film might not have received great reviews, but this performance isn't entirely Bloodshot's fault. COVID-19 forced theaters to shut down shortly after the movie opened, limiting the original run to less than a week. As a result, Sony pushed Bloodshot out as an early Paid Video On Demand release to try and recoup some money, but it will now get a second chance.
Theaters are starting to open again in the United States and across the world, and AMC Theatres has confirmed that Bloodshot is returning to cinemas. The film will be available on the big screen again starting on August 20th. AMC customers who see the movie will receive double points for these tickets. Bloodshot will also be available at Regal Cinemas at the same time, and likely in other chains around the world.
So far, Bloodshot is one of the few 2020 new releases confirmed to go back to theaters as they start to reopen. Sonic the Hedgehog will also be back in theaters with the chance to add to its $300M worldwide total gross. While Sonic had a month to find its audience, Bloodshot wasn't able to do the same. The movie has barely made more than $30M globally. It opened in China at the end of July but it hasn't been reported how Bloodshot has performed in the weeks since then.
As unfair as Bloodshot's release timing was, it remains to be seen whether or not the re-release will generate much business. A benefit that Bloodshot will have is that it will be one of a few "new" releases that will be in theaters when they open. If people who decide to go to the movies at this time don't want to rewatch something they've already seen, then Bloodshot will be a rare offering of new-ish content. And with most theaters opening with cheaper ticket prices for these films, perhaps audiences will be more willing to take a chance on Bloodshot or those who have become fans of it at home will journey to a theater to experience it on the big screen.
Source: AMC Theatres