The upcoming remake of a 1980s black comedy classic, The Roses, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, has been given its release date. As two of the biggest British stars in Hollywood, Cumberbatch and Colman are set to bring their considerable talents to the screen again. The duo have had successful spells in their own right with TV shows like BBC’s Sherlock adaptation, and Broadchurch, as well as receiving acclaim on the big screen with movies like The Imitation Game and The Favourite. But their next project will see them acting opposite one another for the first time.
Per Searchlight Pictures, The Roses, inspired by the 1989 Michael Douglas movie The War of the Roses (from the novel by Warren Adler), will release on August 29, 2025. The film stars British heavyweights Cumberbatch and Colman as Theo and Ivy, whose idyllic marriage nosedives into bitter resentment and fierce compeтιтion. Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, and Ncuti Gatwa will co-star, while Jay Roach will direct and co-produce from a screenplay by Tony McNamara. Michelle Graham will also co-produce alongside Adam Ackland, Leah Clarke, Ed Sinclair, and Tom Carver.
The official logline from Searchlight reads as follows:
Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch): successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing – as Theo’s career nosedives while Ivy’s own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce compeтιтion and hidden resentment ignites.
What This Means For The Roses’ Release
The Movie Could Enjoy A Decent Box Office Run
August is typically the tail end of the summer release window when studio tentpoles have long theatrical runs. While Searchlight Pictures may not have earmarked The Roses as being a box office behemoth, there is a good chance that the movie’s August 29 release date will give it a chance of a decent box office run over Labor Day Weekend, particularly with a strong cast, and two-time Oscar nominee penning the script.
The movie will need to compete with The Toxic Avenger remake and Darren Aronofsky’s crime thriller Caught Stealing, both of which could perform well, but for those seeking more light-hearted entertainment, The Roses could be the optimal choice.
Director Roach is well-versed in helming popular comedies, directing the Austin Powers trilogy, as well as Meet the Parents and its sequel. His experience, combined with the talents of Cumberbatch and Colman as seasoned performers who can anchor a movie towards success, should help The Roses to enjoy a fruitful box office, and it might even be in contention for awards season.
Our Verdict On The Roses’ Chances Of Success
A Lack Of Genre Compeтιтion Could Help The Movie
The Roses could have a good run during its theatrical release, and the lack of comedy compeтιтion during its release could help propel it to box office success. The movie will need to compete with The Toxic Avenger remake and Darren Aronofsky’s crime thriller Caught Stealing, both of which could perform well, but for those seeking more light-hearted entertainment, The Roses could be the optimal choice. In an era of remake apathy, the movie is a risk, but the strong source material and relatable subject matter could see The Roses become an unexpected hit with audiences.
Source: Searchlight Pictures
