Paul W.S. Anderson’s latest video game film adaptation starring his wife Milla Jovovich (the man certainly has a specialty) isMonster Hunter.The film, which is an adaptation of the Capcom series about hunting giant, dangerous beasts, has nailed down an official release date of December 30th, 2020. That means that Milla Jovovich will be clashing her giant, absurdly impractical weaponry against Gal Gadot’s magic shield, asMonster Hunterwill be releasing to theaters in the same week asWonder Woman 1984.
This shift makesMonster Hunterone of the few films to actually move its release dateupduring the Coronavirus, shifting from April 23rd, 2021. It will be taking the place of Sony’sEscape Room 2, which is now set for an unspecified 2021 release, suggesting this may be more a case of shuffling in something that’s almost ready as a substitute for a project that needs more time. The question remains however:can the film compete withWonder Woman?
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It’s a tricky issue, because this is anything but a normal release window. WhileMonster Hunterseems to be sticking to a traditional theater release (in fact Sony has boldly marketed the new date with the line “Only in theaters”)Wonder Woman 1984has a more cautious approach in mind. The latest DC blockbuster will be releasing to HBO Max on the same day it hits theaters for no additional charge, a move that is likely going to cut into the film’s theater box office significantly. This putsMonster Hunterin an enviable position, where its only major competition is also available on home-streaming, while those choosing what to see in theaters may have to consider thatMonster Hunterwon’t be available if they don’t see it in person.
As for the film itself, it seems about like what you’d expect from the team that madeResident Evil. The teasers seem to suggest that it’s a silly action film that will take some inspiration from the games, but won’t follow them too closely. Whether or notMonster Hunterwill resonate as strongly with audiencesas theResident Evilfilms did, however, seems like less of a sure bet. Either way, audiences will see for themselves very soon.
Monster Hunterwill premiere Christmas day, 2020.
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