Killers of the Flower Moon will be released in cinemas simultaneously around the world in late October, ignoring a limited release planned for earlier that month.
Apple Studios announced Tuesday that Martin Scorsese’s work, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, will hit theaters October 20, with its debut on Apple TV+ to follow at an unspecified date. This is about a limited rollout previously announced on October 6th. Paramount Pictures is partnering with the technology platform for distribution.
While the reasons for the limited release were not revealed, Hollywood continues to struggle through dual union strikes with no immediate end in sight. If SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP can’t come to an agreement, Scorsese’s team can’t promote the big-budget crime thriller. Widespread release could benefit “Killers” at a time when films of all stripes and budget ranges struggle to appear in limited release, and the only notable winner since the pandemic is Oscar winner “Everything Everywhere at Once.” Apple and Paramount are likely to gain further momentum with a strong global push.
“The Killers” is the story of a white settler-supported killing spree targeting the wealthy Osage nation of Oklahoma, who own priceless oil fields. The film was pre-determined with accolades even before its strong debut in May at the Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered a nine-minute standing ovation. The film once again brings together DiCaprio and Scorsese mainstay Robert De Niro. Indie music’s heat seeker, Gladstone received glowing notices for her breakout performance.