Universal Pictures has set the release dates for the following films:

  • Dracula - Director Gary Shore's origin story starring Luke Evans (Fast Six) in the title role will move from an August 8, 2014 release to an October 3, 2014 opening.
  • Search Party - Scot Armstrong's directorial debut starring Thomas Middleditch, TJ Miller and Adam Pally opens September 12, 2014.

Hit the jump for more on both pictures, including the reason behind the Dracula delay.

universal dracula poster

We recently reported that Legendary Pictures was looking to get in on the Dracula pic as its first film under the new distribution deal signed with Universal after splitting from Warner Bros.  The push back on the calendar might have more to do with getting Legendary's Ts crossed and Is dotted than any creative issues. That being said, it's possible an October release will put audiences more in the mood to see a re-vamped Drac story than the dog days of summer might have.

Armstrong, who has written Road Trip, Old School and The Hangover Part II, will make his directorial debut in the comedy that also stars Krysten Ritter, Alison Brie and Jason Mantzoukas.

Here's the synopsis for Search Party:

24 hours ago, Nardo (Thomas Middleditch) was standing at the altar next to the love of his life.  Now he’s shivering in just a pair of gold leggings in the Mexican desert, and the only men who can save him are his best friends (TJ Miller, Adam Pally).  Writer Scot Armstrong (Road TripOld School and The Hangover: Part II) makes his directorial debut in a comedy that follows a rescue by the guys you call when you’ve run out of all other options.