Here is a crazy idea that hasn't been done in a while. The word is that "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" is going to have different endings in theaters. According to First Showing, at last night's screening, director Gavin Hood mentioned that there would be "multiple secret endings on different prints and different theaters will be showing different versions."
I'm sure there's going to be people that don't like this idea. I have to say, I like it. I do hope when I see it, I don't get stuck with a sucky/lame ending. Am I going to see it multiple times at multiple theaters to try to catch them all? Probably not. Is this because of the leaked version? Maybe. I do think it's a brilliant idea. The last time I remember this happening was in 1985 with the movie version of the board game "Clue." There were (I believe) three different endings. People might complain or be bitter if they don't get to see the ending they feel is a better, cooler one but let's be honest. The chances are probably pretty good that you will buy or at least rent this movie when it's released on DVD and Blu-ray. I know I will be. I'm sure we can assume that the release will contain all the different endings. And as much as I hate to think about it, the endings may also somehow end up on youtube.
I'm all for this. Even if this is just a 'gimmick' to try to entice those that couldn't resist the vile temptation of watching/downloading the leaked version, I say it's a great 'gimmick' at that. It will help to build up the suspense. Knowing that what you see at the end is unexpected could further enhance the viewing experience. I wonder if theaters showing it on more than one screen will also have copies of the different ending or if they're going to divvy them between different theaters.
Do you like the idea of different endings? Do you think this is a good idea or a cheap marketing ploy? Will you try to see it more than once to catch the different endings? How many different ones do you think there are?