Paramount pulls 'Soloist' from AFI

Film was scheduled to open, premiere at fest

By DAVE MCNARY

A week after Paramount pulled "The Soloist" out awards season, it’s yanked the drama out of the Oct. 30 AFI Fest opening night slot – which would have been the drama’s world premiere.

AFI made the announcement late Wednesday via a statement from producers Par, DreamWorks and Participant Media. "Due to the change in ‘The Soloist’ release date, we unfortunately had to withdraw from the AFI FEST Film Festival. It was an honor to be invited as the Opening Night film and we are very grateful to the festival for their support and understanding."

Par’s moving the Jamie Foxx-Robert Downey Jr. starrer from Nov. 21 to March 13.

AFI also said it plans to announce its new opening night film on Thursday. The AFI Fest runs from Oct. 30 through Nov. 9.