If a studio has a film byClint Eastwoodon deck, you would think they would give it a rollout worthy of his pedigree and longevity in the industry. This should especially be true if the film turns out to be his last movie as a director, something that has been widely said about his upcoming release,Juror #2. Warner Bros. is the studio releasing the film, but they aren’t treating it like a project by an acclaimed director. In fact, they seem to be treating it like an afterthought.
Varietyreports that despiteJuror #2having its world premiere at AFI Fest this weekend at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood,Warner Bros. will only be releasing the film in less than 50 theaters, with no plans to expand the film in the weeks ahead. As of now, it looks like showtimes are popping up at four locations in New York City, five in Los Angeles and one in Chicago. This is not the release you would expect from an Eastwood film, especially one that doesn’t have negative buzz and has a top-notch cast that includesNicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, Zoey Deutch, and J.K. Simmons, among others.
Putting things in perspective,Juror #2, which is being released by a major studio,will likely be seen on fewer screens than awards season favorites such asAnoraandThe Brutalist, movies being released by smaller independent studios. Despite this, because of their potential during the awards season, they will be seen on more screens as they continue to expand, something thatJuror #2won’t have the opportunity to do.
All Signs Point to Warner Bros. Wanting to Bury Juror #2
More evidence pointing to the film being buried is thatWarner Bros. is considering not reporting box office grosses for the film. There seems to be this move to quickly erase it from the memory of the public, and this is one way of doing so. On the one hand, WB can say that they gave it a theatrical release, but on the other, astute followers of this kind of thing will see that it’s obvious they’re clearly dumping it. Despite Eastwood’s last filmCry Machonot beinga box office champwith a gross of $16.5 million, that film was released simultaneously on the then HBO Max streaming service and in theaters. Keep in mind, he has a loyal fanbase of older moviegoers who will see his films. Look no further than the $174 million worldwide gross of 2018’sThe Muleor the even greater success of 2014’sAmerican Sniper, which pulled in $547 million globally.
Rumor Suggests Clint Eastwood May Not Be Done With Hollywood Yet
At age 94, Eastwood might still be willing to take on another project if recent rumors ring true, but that’s pure speculation at this point.
Juror #2was originallyintended for streaming, but this all changed after screenings of the film showed its potential. Releasing it on a handful of screens does make it qualify for awards attention, something they seem to be doing just in case, but all signs point to the $30 million film not being a player in an already crowded field. What seems to be happening here is WB not truly respecting its partnership with Eastwood, which has spanned 50 years. Under itsnew leadership, these loyalties don’t seem to matter.
Warner Bros. hasn’t commented on the low number of screens forJuror #2but did say that the film"is releasing in the U.S., but also in the U.K., France, Spain, Italy, and Germany with the full support of Warner Bros and the film will have its worldwide debut at the AFI Film Festival this weekend."
Juror #2hits under 50 screens on Nov.1.
Justin Kemp, a juror in a prominent murder trial, encounters a moral conflict as he realizes his influence over the jury’s decision. Struggling with the potential consequences, he faces the ethical challenge of possibly swaying the verdict to either convict or free the wrong individual, complicating his role significantly.
