Universal is getting back in the mini-budgeted movie business, announcing Thursday that it would distribute the $5 million action comedy "Stretch" in the United States and U.K.
The studio has set a March 21, 2014, release date for the film, which is produced by Jason Blum via his Blumhouse Productions. Universal and Blum are scoring big at the box office this summer with the horror thriller "The Purge," which was made for $3 million and has taken in $55 million.
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"Stretch is directed by Joe Carnahan ("The Grey") and stars Patrick Wilson, Ed Helms, Chris Pine and Brooklyn Decker. The plot follows an L.A. limo drive (Wilson) who, with one shift left to play off a big debt, picks up a reclusive billionaire (Pine) who can provide the big tip.
Also read: 'The Purge': Why Doesn't Everyone Make $3M Movies That Open to $36M?
Tracy Falco produces, along with Blum and Carnahan.
That March 2014 weekend is getting crowded. Disney has the action film "Need For Speed" on that date, along with Film District's R-rated romantic comedy "Walk of Shame."