Amazon Acquires ‘The Tomorrow War’ for a July Release

Originally set to be released on Christmas of 2020, The Tomorrow War is a massive blockbuster from Paramount Pictures that, like many, got hit hard by the COVID pandemic.

As is the case with many of those films, release plans got delayed and have now shifted to a home on streaming, as it was announced today that Amazon Studios has acquired the film from Skydance for a reported $200 million, and they’ll be releasing it straight to their Prime Video streaming service on July 2nd, 2021. 

The live-action directing debut from The Lego Batman Movie director Chris McKay, The Tomorrow War is set in a near future where humanity gets a possible advantage in their war against an invading alien force when they discover the ability to draft soldiers from the past into the war. 

The film stars Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, Betty Gilpin, Sam Richardson, Edwin Hodge, and J.K. Simmons. 

Originally positioned as a big Christmas theatrical release, Amazon is clearly hoping to capitalize on people being at home over Fourth of July weekend with this new release date. They put a lot of money into an untested original property here, a risk in today’s market that is so reliant on brand recognition. 

Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke shared a statement of great optimism about the project, saying, “‘The Tomorrow War’ will be a global event that will surprise and delight our customers around the world. Director Chris McKay has brilliantly crafted this unique, action-packed sci-fi escape that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats and tug on their heartstrings with its father-daughter storyline. We couldn’t be happier to continue our relationship with Chris Pratt—who brings such dynamic star power to the film—along with David Ellison and the Skydance team, as we share this exciting film with fans.”