Film release moved as Parkland dad requested

A Parkland father who asked that Universal Pictures change the release date of its upcoming movie, “Happy Death 2 U,” which was scheduled to come out on the anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre, got his wish. Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was one of the 17 students and faculty members fatally gunned down Feb. 14, 2018, shared a message on Twitter Wednesday afternoon requesting that the producers change the movie’s date for release.

“My daughter and 16 others

were killed on February 14th. Universal Studios is releasing a movie called Happy Death Day 2 U? I get the pun on Valentines Day, for me it will always be the day my daughter was murdered. Please reconsider this!” Guttenberg wrote.

Universal Pictures responded early Wednesday afternoon with plans to move the release date to Feb. 13.

“When Universal Pictures became aware last week that the one-year anniversary of the tragic events in Parkland, Florida fell on the “Happy Death Day 2U” release date, the studio spoke with victim advocates and immediately began the process of changing the release date of the film,’’ according to a Universal spokesman. “Following discussions with its partners in exhibition, Universal will move the North American release date to Feb. 13. Additionally, the studio has decided not to show the film in Parkland and the surrounding areas . ... The studio understands the importance of memorializing the Feb. 14 date as an opportunity to continue to allow the Parkland community to heal.”

Guttenberg shared the good news on Twitter adding, “this was a great outcome.”

The horror movie follows a teenager played by Jessica Rothe who has to die over and over again to save her high school classmates from a serial killer who wears a babyfaced mask. The movie is a sequel to 2017’s “Happy Death Day” which has been described as something akin to “Groundhog Day” meets “Scream.”

Universal Pictures has also decided to suspend promotions for the movie in the area.

“Outdoor, digital and in-theatre marketing for the film will be suspended in that market,” according to a company spokesman.