kidnapPoster

The film was initially scheduled for release on October 9, 2015, but in July 2015, the studio behind it, Relativity, pushed back the date to February 26, 2016, because the company was facing a financial crisis. It was then re-scheduled once again for a May 13, 2016 premiere, before being pushed back a 3rd time to December 2, 2016, and pulled off the schedule again, to be later slated for March 10, 2017, which never happened, leaving many wondering when/if “Kidnap” would ever get its day to shine in front of audiences. Skip ahead to May 11, 2017, when newly-formed distribution company Aviron Pictures announced that it had picked up all U.S. release rights to “Kidnap,” setting an August 4, 2017 theatrical open.

A project that’s been “on the shelf” since 2014, you’re finally going to get to see it; assuming you’ve been anticipating the movie.

The film is said to have tested quite well among African American audiences, but one has to wonder, given just how long it’s been in Limbo (about 3 years now), it’s possible that interest in it may have dwindled, and when it finally does open on August 4, it may not perform as well as it might have if it had opened on schedule. But this could also turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Berry appears in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” which will be out in September, so anticipation for that film (the first “Kingsman” movie grossed over $400 million worldwide) may help drive interest in “Kidnap” a month earlier.

Berry also executive produces the project with her production partner, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, via their 606 Films company, which she launched in early 2014.

Spanish filmmaker Luis Prieto (“Pusher”) directed “Kidnap,” from a script penned by Knate Gwaltney.

Di Bonaventura Pictures is producer. Lotus Entertainment and Gold Star Films financed the film, as well as exec produced.

So August 4 it is for “Kidnap’s” release.

Aviron has released a first poster (above) and trailer (below) for “Kidnap.”

Aviron Pictures

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