Universal Pictures has pushed back the release of the new 'Murder, She Wrote' movie starring Jamie Lee Curtis, moving it from 22nd December 2027, to 4th February 2028.
The delay appears to help the film avoid a packed holiday box office lineup and fierce competition from several major franchise releases. Its original December date would have placed it close to blockbuster titles like 'Avengers: Secret Wars,' 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' and 'The Housemaid's Secret,' all scheduled to hit theatres around the same time.
Why Change Dates for 'Murder, She Wrote' Release?
By moving to early February, the mystery film avoids that crowded holiday battle and lands just before the Super Bowl, a spot often used for counterprogramming aimed at different audiences.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
The project marks the first major theatrical adaptation of 'Murder, She Wrote,' the classic crime drama made famous by Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher. Curtis is set to take on the iconic sleuth role in the reboot.
The release shift also helps the film steer clear of growing buzz around 'The Hunt for Gollum,' which marks the first new live-action Middle-earth movie in more than a decade. Directed by and starring Andy Serkis, the film also brings back Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood, adding to the anticipation.
Meanwhile, Marvel's 'Avengers: Secret Wars' remains a major wildcard, while 'The Housemaid's Secret,' led by Sydney Sweeney and joined by Kirsten Dunst, is building momentum after the success of the first film.
While Universal has not officially explained the date change, the move looks like a strategic decision to give 'Murder, She Wrote' more breathing room and a stronger chance to stand out when it arrives in 2028.
