Baz Luhrmann's 'Australia' pushed back

Pre-Thanksgiving bow in response to 'Harry Potter' move

By Carl DiOrio

Aug 28, 2008, 12:57 PM ET

Fox has bumped back the release of its adventure pic "Australia" in the U.S., Canada and Australia by 12 days to Nov. 26.

The move to the day before Thanksgiving is the latest in a series of distributor efforts to adjust to Warner Bros.' decision to move "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" from its holiday slot to July 17.

"Recent shifts in the release dates of other pictures created an opportunity for us," Fox domestic distribution president Bruce Snyder said.

On its new date -- which moves the Baz Luhrmann-helmed "Australia" from Friday, Nov. 14 -- the Hugh Jackman/Nicole Kidman starrer will go up against wide openers including Lionsgate's action sequel "Transporter" and Warners' seasonal pic "Four Christmases," starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. Both of those pics also will bow on Wednesday.

"Australia" is still set to bow in other international territories at Christmas, as originally scheduled.

Baz Luhrmann's 'Australia' pushed back

Pre-Thanksgiving bow in response to 'Harry Potter' move

By Carl DiOrio

Aug 28, 2008, 12:57 PM ET