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'Wolfman,' 'Nottingham' delayed

'Fast and Furious' cruises from June to April

By PAMELA MCCLINTOCK

By moving 'Wolfman' to Nov. 6, Universal hopes to give pic a higher profile and more time for post-production.

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Marking major changes to next year's slate, Universal Pictures has pushed back the release of horror franchise hopeful "The Wolfman" from April 3 to Nov. 6 and taken Ridley Scott's "Nottingham" out of 2009 entirely.

Also, U's "Fast and Furious" will now open on April 3, instead of June 12.

"Nottingham," toplining Russell Crowe, will open in 2010, but U did not set a specific date.

U said the reshuffling was the sensible thing to do, considering that "Fast and Furious" is completed, while the Brian Grazer-produced "Nottingham" won't start lensing until February or March.

And moving "Wolfman" -- a reboot toplining Benicio Del Toro -- to Nov. 6 gives the film more of a high-profile release, as well as ample time for post-production. Pic is directed by Joe Johnston.

Even with "Fast and Furious" opening in April, Universal still has one June 2009 release, the Will Ferrell adventure-comedy "The Land of the Lost," which opens June 5.

With "Fast and Furious" gone, the June 12-14 weekend now sports two comedies, giving other studios a chance to slot in counterprogramming.