Universal Trims Forgotten Island Theater Count
Universal is pulling the film from nearly 580 locations as it shifts to the PVOD market.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Film — General
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Universal is removing the film Forgotten Island from nearly 580 theaters to accommodate the upcoming release of Laika's film Wildwood. The move comes as the movie transitions to the PVOD market following a disappointing theatrical run.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the studio's strategy to adjust theatrical distribution to better align with the performance of its film slate and make room for new releases. Despite critical success, the film failed to break even on its initial $80 million production budget during its theatrical tenure.
Forgotten Island grossed $65 million against an $80 million production budget, despite maintaining a 95% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film originally debuted in over 3,500 theaters.
The players
Universal
Universal is a major American film production and distribution company known for managing diverse cinematic properties.
Laika
Laika is an animation studio recognized for its distinct stop-motion films and upcoming theatrical releases.
Forgotten Island
Forgotten Island is a feature film that holds a high critical rating but experienced limited commercial success.
Wildwood
Wildwood is a new film produced by Laika slated for theatrical distribution.
The details
Universal is reducing the theater count for the project as it prepares for the debut of Wildwood. The film will continue its theatrical run in approximately 1,500 locations as it moves toward digital availability.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Forgotten Island was released in theaters.
October 2026: Forgotten Island enters its fifth week of release.
Industry Dynamics
The studio's move follows the ongoing shift toward hybrid theatrical-PVOD release windows, reflecting how distributors optimize screen allocation for underperforming titles. This trend underscores a broader effort by Hollywood to balance theatrical presence with rapid digital access.
Viewers who missed the film in theaters will soon find it available through the PVOD market. Those currently looking to catch the movie on the big screen can still find it in approximately 1,500 locations nationwide.
The takeaway
Studios are increasingly prioritizing agile distribution models when initial box office returns do not meet budget expectations. This transition allows audiences to access content via home viewing options sooner than traditional release cycles previously permitted.
Further reading
For more on the current industry landscape, visit the Film — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Collider.
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