NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Universal pulled Pete Davidson’s new movie, “The King of Staten Island,” from theaters two days before it was scheduled to premiere, to the chagrin of some fans who bought tickets in advance, according to a report.
The "SNL" star’s semi-autobiographical film was “intended to debut in a limited number of theaters — mostly drive-ins… while also launching simultaneously across premium video-on-demand platforms,” but didn’t end up getting released in theaters after all, Variety reported.
An independent theater owner told Variety Universal gave “no explanation” for the decision, while a theater operator told the outlet the abrupt move “caused a considerable amount of ill will with customers who bought tickets online showing up for the Thursday 7 p.m. show.”
Variety, citing “insiders at Universal,” reported that the decision was the result of “an internal misunderstanding" that resulted in executives “unintentionally” booking the film in approximately 100 theaters.
“This is an error. The King of Staten Island is only opening on VOD Friday,” director Judd Apatow tweeted in response to the mix-up. “It is not opening in theaters.”
“It is a mistake,” Apatow added. “It is only on VOD.”