Universal has taken its untitled sci-fi comedy, starring Zach Galifianakis, Bill Hader and Seth Rogen, off its May 26, 2017 release date. The movie would have been going up against Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” the fifth movie in the “Pirates” franchise, and Sony’s science-fiction thriller “Life,” starring Rebecca Ferguson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds, which takes place abroad the International Space Station.
Universal announced the untitled project, also known as “The Something,” in February as the directorial debut of “22 Jump Street” writer-producer Rodney Rothman, then dated it a month later. The story centers on astronauts who happen upon a mysterious craft and find that they are not equipped to represent humankind in a battle of intelligent life.
Universal did not disclose Friday why it had removed the movie from the schedule but sources have indicated that the studio had concerns about the budget. Rogen had indicated in an Aug. 8 interview with Howard Stern that the project had scheduling issues.
Rothman is producing the R-rated comedy with Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver, who are producing under their Point Grey Pictures banner. Good Universe’s Nathan Kahane and Joe Drake executive produce.
