Fifty Shades of Grey and ID4 2 delayed, plus release date changes for Dracula Untold and Get on Up

I know this is going to just break all of your hearts, but it looks like you’re going to have to wait a little longer to experience the deep eroticism of the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY film.

Universal Pictures has done some release date shuffling, and chief among them is Sam Taylor-Johnson‘s film version of E.L. James’ steamy novel. The film, once scheduled to open on August 1, 2014 (opposite GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY) hit a speed bump last month when actor Charlie Hunnam dropped out of the project, and while the studio was able to find a replacement a short time later, the writing was on the wall that the film was on shaky ground. Hence, the studio has positioned it for February 13, 2015. Yes, a Valentine’s Day-friendly slot for a very romantic and touching tale of S&M love. This delay will likely work in the movie’s favor, even if the hardcore fans are sure to be initially disappointed by the news. (Interesting timing too considering FIFTY SHADES stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson are featured on the new cover of Entertainment Weekly, seen to the right.)

Universal hasn’t abandoned the August 1 slot altogether; in FIFTY SHADES’ place goes GET ON UP, the James Brown biopic starring Chadwick Boseman, Dan Aykroyd and Viola Davis. Counterprogramming against the summer blockbusters, sure, but also perhaps a very early bid to get Academy and other awards voters to pay attention to the film.

The studio has pushed back DRACULA UNTOLD, starring Luke Evans, but only just a little. Originally slated to hit on October 3, 2014, the tale of the man who becomes the world’s most famous vampire is now hitting theaters on October 17. Who says they don’t release horror movies around Halloween anymore?

Finally, 20th Century Fox has pushed back INDEPENDENCE DAY 2 a full year; the sci-fi sequel was originally targeting a July 3, 2015 release, but perhaps the uncertainty surrounding Will Smith‘s involvement – combined with just how insanely crowded that summer has become – has forced Fox’s hand to reevaluate. It will now invade on July 1, 2016. Um, mark your calendars?