Release of James Gunn's BrightBurn pushed by Sony to May 24, 2019

The release of James Gunn's "BrightBurn" has been pushed by Sony to May 24, 2019.

The horror film, backed by Gunn, was initially scheduled to bow on November 30 this year.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will now open in the beginning of the long Memorial Day weekend, one of the most coveted spots on the box-office calendar.

"BrightBurn" will face-off against Disney and Guy Ritchie's live-action "Aladdin", Warner Bros' video game adaptation "MineCraft" and Fox's Stuber, toplined by Gunn's "Guardians of the Galaxy" star Dave Bautista.

The film was shrouded in mystery and was set for a panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July, but that appearance was cancelled after news broke that Disney had fired Gunn as director of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3" over old, offensive tweets.

"BrightBurn" stars Elizabeth Banks. Gunn's brother Brian Gunn and cousin Mark Gunn wrote the script, with David Yarovesky directing.

Another horror film from Sony, "The Possession of Hannah Grace" will now open in the November 30 slot.

(With inputs from agencies.)