‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ scraps limited release, reveals release date

“Killers of the Flower Moon” is set to make its global theatrical debut in late October, bypassing its previously planned limited release earlier in the month.

Apple Studios announced on Tuesday that Martin Scorsese’s grand cinematic venture, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, will grace cinema screens starting from October 20. The movie will subsequently premiere on Apple TV+ at a later, yet-to-be-specified date. This shift follows the initial announcement of a limited release on October 6. Paramount Pictures is collaborating with Apple Studios for the movie’s distribution.

While the exact reasons for altering the release strategy were not disclosed, the entertainment industry is currently grappling with dual union strikes, and their resolution remains uncertain. In case SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP fail to come to an agreement, the esteemed ensemble cast of Scorsese’s high-budget crime thriller might be unable to promote the film. Opting for a wider release could prove advantageous for “Killers,” given the challenges faced by movies of various scales and budgets in limited releases. An exception to this trend has been the acclaimed “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” an Oscar winner released during the pandemic. By opting for a robust global launch, both Apple and Paramount are likely to build more substantial momentum.

“Killers” narrates a tale of a spree of killings orchestrated by white settlers targeting the prosperous Osage Nation of Oklahoma, who possess invaluable oil fields. The film garnered anticipation for awards even before its impactful debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it garnered a remarkable nine-minute standing ovation. The movie reunites DiCaprio with the Scorsese mainstay Robert De Niro. Rising indie star Lily Gladstone (“Certain Women,” “Fancy Dance”) received widespread acclaim for her standout performance.