Peter Farrelly’s acclaimed upcoming dramedy Green Book will get a limited-edition run in theaters before opening nationwide.
The awards contender, starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen, will first debut in 20 cinemas in select markets on Nov. 16 before expanding into theaters across the country on Nov. 21, its previously announced release date. Participant Media and DreamWorks are partners on the film.
Universal, which is in charge of releasing Green Book, on Wednesday announced the switch-up. Rolling out first in select theaters can boost word-of-mouth, particularly heading into the crowded Thanksgiving corridor.
The pic recounts the friendship that developed between African-American pianist Don Shirley (Ali) and Italian-American driver Tony Lip (Mortensen) as they embark on a road trip through the American South in the early 1960s that transcends race and class.
Winner of the People’s Choice Award at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, the film’s screenplay was written by Farrelly, Nick Vallelonga and Brian Currie.
