Very often, studios have to push back and delay the release of a film because they need to do re-shoots to fix problems or because they need more time to finish special effects work. However, a report from IGN states that 20th Century Fox will release "Hitman: Agent 47" in theaters one week early.

The film was initially scheduled for a Feb. 27 release but it was pushed back to Aug. 28. Now, the studio has placed the film to be shown on Aug. 21. 

The decision to move the film is a smart counter-programming tactic that ensures the film won't have to compete with another movie targeting the same demographic. The new release date will put it in competition against the horror flick "Sinister 2" and the action-comedy "American Ultra."

Aug. 21 may have "American Ultra" but the movie is marketed as a comedy as much as it is an action flick. The only other major movie release on that date is "Sinister 2," which is a horror film. This would allow "Hitman: Agent 47" to dominate the box office since most moviegoers looking for a straight-up action movie wouldn't have to choose between several films.

If the film was not moved, it would be competing against "War Room," "We are Friends," and "Regression." "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon II: The Green Legend" would also be released in limited theaters and on Netflix. The Aug. 28 release date has one action film, and adding another one would lessen the movie's chances of attracting moviegoers. 

"Hitman: Agent 47" is based on the video game franchise of the same name. The movie revolves around one of the agents, played by Rupert Friend, being tasked with finding the daughter of the man who created the "Agent" program in order to keep the Agency's secrets intact against those who would try to bring it down.