‘Gravity’ Set for Nationwide Re-Release by Warner Bros.

The Sandra Bullock-George Clooney space epic has already taken in $670 million worldwide, and will add to that starting Jan. 17

Warner Bros. will re-release “Gravity” nationwide on Friday, Jan. 17, one day after the Oscar nominations are announced.

The exact number of theaters for the re-release will be determined next week, the studio said — though it’s expected to be more robust than a typical limited release. And there will be competition, as it was already shaping up as a crowded weekend.

On that same day, Paramount will be releasing “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” Open Road Films will debut its first animated film “The Nut Job,” Universal is opening the comedy “Ride Along” and Fox is rolling out the horror film “Devil’s Due.” All will be nationwide releases.

Also read: ‘Gravity’ Behind-the-Scenes Featurette Takes Audiences From Script to Screen (Video)

Alfonso Cuaron’s 3D space epic is a front-runner in the best picture race. The director and the film’s stars, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, are in the discussion for individual  honors, and it is a favorite for effects and technical honors, too.

“Gravity” became a surprise blockbuster when it debuted in October, and its $670 million worldwide box-office haul ($255 million domestic) dwarfs that of the other Oscar contenders.

Warner Bros. had been planning a second run for “Gravity,” but initially thought it would come later. With awards momentum building, it has decided to go out earlier, and last week ramped up its marketing campaign with new  TV commercials running nationwide.

“12 Years a Slave,” another awards frontrunner, will also be returning to theaters on Jan. 17. Fox Searchlight said in December that it was re-releasing director Steve McQueen’s slavery saga, which has taken in more than $38 million domestically after opening in October.

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