Universal Pictures has changed the release of its horror sequel ‘Happy Death Day 2U’ to February 13. However, this is so the release does not coincide with the first anniversary of the Parkland school shooting. On February 14, 2018, a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 people.
The change of date follows an appeal on Twitter by Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was killed in the massacre. His tweet:
My daughter and 16 others were killed on February 14th. Universal Studios is releasing a move a movie called Happy Death Day 2 U? I get the pun on Valentines Day, for me it will always be the day my daughter was murdered. Please reconsider this!!!!https://t.co/mcx72VKE7A
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) January 16, 2019
Further, Universal gave an official statement on the matter:
“When Universal Pictures became aware last week that the one-year anniversary of the tragic events in Parkland, Florida fell on the Happy Death Day 2U release date, the studio spoke with victim advocates and immediately began the process of changing the release date of the film,” Universal announced in a statement. “Following discussions with its partners in exhibition, Universal will move the North American release date to February 13. Additionally, the studio has decided not to show the film in Parkland and the surrounding areas. Outdoor, digital and in-theatre marketing for the film will be suspended in that market. The studio understands the importance of memorializing the February 14 date as an opportunity to continue to allow the Parkland community to heal.”
In short, Universal made the best decision here. This is a very admiring and respectful move, and will only benefit all parties involved.
Jessica Rothe leads the returning cast. The film is the follow-up to Blumhouse’s surprise 2017 smash hit of riveting, repeating twists and comic turns. Blumhouse is responsible for ‘Split,’ ‘Get Out,’ ‘The Purge’ franchise, and more. This time, Tree (Rothe) discovers that dying over and over was surprisingly easier than the dangers that lie ahead. Christopher Landon returns to write and direct this next chapter.
Once again, the film will now release on February 13.
Source: Twitter and Entertainment Weekly