The film -- about the CIA's hunt for Osama bin Laden and the U.S. Navy SEALs raid that left the world's most wanted terrorist dead -- is still officially set to open nationwide on Dec. 19, but theater owners have been informed it may rollout more slowly.
One idea being floated is to open Zero Dark Thirty in New York and Los Angeles on Dec. 19. On Jan. 4, the movie would expand into a total of 10 or 12 markets, and then expand nationwide on Jan. 11 -- timed to the announcement of Oscar nominations on Jan. 10.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/zero-dark-thirty-may-open-382822