Even though The Weinstein Co. claims “business as usual,” the film The Current War starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Thomas Edison has been shelved.
While official statements report that the company is not at risk of shutdown, Deadline reports that it did push back this project’s planned release date of November 24 to an undisclosed time in 2018.
The film centers on the race between Edison and George Westinghouse, played by Michael Shannon, to create a sustainable electricity system for America in the 19th century.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to unenthusiastic reviews. The shift came after The Current War screenwriter Michael Mitnick dropped out of a New York Film Festival panel on Thursday reportedly saying that he finds it inappropriate to promote the film at this time.
What the future holds for The Weinstein Co. is unknown. However, in a lengthy interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bob Weinstein said “there is a plan” to maintain The Weinstein Co., though likely with a less “familial” name.