Universal Pictures has moved the release date of its fantasy thriller Wanted to June 27, 2008, placing it up against the Tom Cruise action flick Valkyrie at the summer box office.

Wanted, based on the graphic novel series by Mark Millar, stars Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp and Common. The film was originally scheduled for theatrical release on March 28, 2008.

When I saw the headline about the release date change on the press release, I immediately was thrilled. Because a move from spring to the end of June means the studio has faith enough in the movie to consider it a summer tentpole.

As of now, the R-rated fantasy-action-thriller will go up against Bryan Singer’s action drama Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise. Disney/Pixar’s latest animated feature, Wall-E also opens that weekend, though that’s targeted for family audiences.

In the release, Nikki Rocco, Universal Pictures’ President of Distribution, stated, “After an early look at Wanted, we are certain that it fulfills its promise as a stunning, committed, thrilling, eye-popping vision that introduces a bold new narrative. We believe it can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the event titles of the summer and will give audiences a chance to discover a fresh new alternative.”

Check out Geeks of Doom’s previous coverage of Wanted:

‘Wanted’ Trailer + Images + Synopsis