Russell Crowes 'Cinderalla Man' Gets Pushed Back

[Friday, March 12th, 2004]
Universal Pictures have moved the release date of Ron Howards boxing drama Cinderella Man, which is to star Russell Crowe, from Dec. 17 to March 18, 2005, according to Variety.

The Cinderella Man move comes after production on the pic was delayed to April 19 because Crowe dislocated his shoulder in January while training for the film.

"The injury is no more serious than we thought before, but it did require some delays, and we now have a very ambitious production schedule," a producers spokesman said.

Sticking to the original date would have required compressing the entire production sked to less than eight months. They now have 11 months.

The studio's main concern was leaving enough room for marketing. "You can't just throw it out there. This is a very intricately woven campaign that needs time, just as it was with A Beautiful Mind. "

Cinderella Man had been considered a likely contender at next year's Oscars, but the pic now won't be eligible until the 2006 ceremony.

The March 18 date is the same slot from which U released Erin Brockovich in 2000. Pic grossed $125 million and garnered a best actress Oscar for Julia Roberts. U's confidence in releasing Oscar contenders earlier in the year was also bolstered by noms that summer opener Seabiscuit picked up this year.

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