The Sundance Film Festival has never been known for showing big studio films, but Warner Bros. decided to host a surprise screening of the long-delayed Jupiter Ascending, the latest big-budget sci-fi epic from the Wachowskis. The film reportedly got a quiet response, with some even walking out of the theater.
The surprise was spoiled by Variety Tuesday night, just before the screening. When the audience showed up with their invitations, they were given 3D glasses.
Even though there was hype, Park City’s 300-seat Egyptian Theater was filled with empty seats when the film began. Dan Farci of Badass Digest tweeted that he and another critic, David Ehrlich, got a whole row to themselves. Two hours later, he wrote, “Literally no idea how that got made.”
The purpose of the screening was puzzling to say the least. It was not a premiere event, so stars Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum weren’t there. The directors weren’t there either.
Even if they were there, they wouldn’t be happy with the response. The crowd, which spends days watching serious indie movies and documentaries, didn’t clap when the credits began. Some even walked out during the movie.
Jupiter Ascending cost Warner Bros. $175 million to make and was at one point supposed to be released in July 2014. It was pushed back and is now being released on Feb. 6.
image of star Channing Tatum courtesy of Nancy Rivera/ACE/INFphoto.com