Amazon’s ‘The Aeronauts’ Sets Exclusive Imax Run

Amazon Studios has set a Nov. 1 release date for The Aeronauts, starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones and directed by Tom Harper.

But first the Amazon flick will be released exclusively in Imax theaters for a special one-week engagement starting Oct. 25, 2019, before expanding nationally for a full theatrical run a week later. “The Aeronauts is a spectacular movie featuring emotionally engaging performances and edge-of-your-seat action,” Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said in a statement.

The Aeronauts marks the first Amazon Studios film to be released on Imax’s large format screens. “We’re thrilled to join Imax in showcasing this one-of-a-kind film in such a grand format. We look forward to giving our customers an unforgettable theatrical experience high above the clouds,” Salke said.

Set in 1862, the period film from Harper centers on the adventures of two real-life 19th century hot air balloonists, pilot Amelia Wren and scientist James Glaisher. Jones and Redmayne starred together in The Theory of Everything, which earned Redmayne an Oscar for his role as Stephen Hawking.

Written by Jack Thorne, The Aeronauts is produced by Mandeville Films’ Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman and Harper, and executive produced by Richard Hewitt and Thorne. FilmNation Entertainment is handling international distribution.

Key action sequences in The Aeronauts were designed for Imax and feature the giant screen exhibitor’s expanded aspect ratio. “Tom (Harper) designed this movie for the Imax screen and the result is going to blow audiences away. This film, inspired by incredible true events, offers heart-pounding intense sequences that are woven so wonderfully with the beauty, scale and emotion of these two characters as they go on their epic journey,” Imax president of Imax Entertainment Megan Colligan said in her own statement.