Cannes update: Fox pushes 'Wall Street' sequel to September - to make way for fest preem (HWT)

By Nancy Tartaglione

UPDATED: Fox has indeed pushed the release of "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" back from April 23 to September 24 in what could be construed as eyeing a shot at a slot in official selection, and a premiere, at the festival.

PREVIOUSLY:

With the Oscars fading into memory, it's time to look forward to the industry's next big glitzy affair: The Cannes Film Festival, where, Wiretap is hearing, a band of merry men may be making their way up the red carpet on opening night. According to information we've received, Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood" is tipped to open the festival.

Further, it's also been whispered that French passport holder, Oliver Stone, will screen his "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" out of competition.

The US release date for "Robin Hood" is May 14, so, given that the festival opens on May 12, the timing would make sense.

Cannes Film Festival chief Thierry Fremaux, however, told Wiretap, "No decision has been made because we still have films to see for the opening night slot."

Universal Pictures International France marketing director Stephane Rethore had essentially the same thing to say, "nothing is confirmed," he told Wiretap.

"Robin Hood" stars Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Matthew Macfadyen, Mark Strong, Danny Huston and William Hurt among others in a Brian Helgeland action/adventure spin on the classic tale.

As for "Wall Street," the US release date is currently (as per IMDB) set for April 23 while the French release date is May 5, a week before the festival opens. Word is over here that the Fox film is thus likely to screen rather than have an official selection premiere at the festival.

Stone's sequel to the 1987 iconic treatise on greed again stars Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko. The corporate raider, just released from prison, hooks up with a young trader (Shia LaBeouf) for a new round of high-stakes exploits. Also in the cast are Carey Mulligan, Josh Brolin, Frank Langella and Charlie Sheen reprising his role from the original as Bud Fox.