Once again Hollywood is attempting to build momentum for the weekend by releasing a major film, Tropic Thunder, on Wednesday instead of Friday. Last week the strategy backfired, as Pineapple Express and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 failed to build up much steam, and come Sunday both finished behind The Dark Knight, making it number one for four weeks in a row. But Tropic Thunder, opening in 3,319 theaters, just might be able to break The Dark Knight’s hold.

Tropic Thunder’s popular cast won’t hurt its chances. While much is being made of its three stars, Robert Downey, Jr., Ben Stiller (who also wrote and directed) and Jack Black, it’s the supporting cast and cameos that are making viewers curious: Matthew McConaughey, Tyra Banks, Nick Nolte, John Voight, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Lance Bass, Jason Bateman, Alicia Silverstone, and, most intriguing of all, Tom Cruise playing a tubby, balding, cantankerous uber-agent. Although DreamWorks has been trying to keep this performance as a fun little surprise, word is spreading that it’s the comedic turn of the century.

There are also a number of protests drawing attention to Tropic Thunder, from groups offended by Robert Downey, Jr.’s African American role, to organizations against the use of the ‘r-word’ to refer to the  mentally challenged. Regardless of the negative publicity, the protests are raising awareness and juicy controversy.

Holding out for the more traditional Friday opening is Fox’s Mirrors, starring Keifer Sutherland and Paula Patton as a strained, separated couple who are being tormented by mysterious forces on the other side of mirrors and other reflective surfaces. Director Alex Aja is no stranger to horror/suspense. He worked on both P2 and The Hills Have Eyes remake. It opens in 2,600 theaters.

The animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars is also waiting for a Friday opening. This time, George Lucas has focused a movie on an incident that happened between Episodes II and III that involves Anakin Skywalker and, you guessed it, clones. It has the Star Wars franchise's popularity behind it, but no really well-known cast members other than Samuel L. Jackson. It will especially appeal to those who love Star Wars video games. Warner Bros. is opening the film in 3,300 theaters.

Vicky Christina Barcelona and Henry Poole is Here are two other smaller studio films opening this Friday. The former, written and directed by Woody Allen, stars Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem and Patricia Clarkson. Barcelona, about two girlfriends on a summer holiday in Spain, will open in 700 theaters. Henry Poole is Here, which opens in about 500 theaters, revolves around an image of the face of Jesus appearing on a wall and working small miracles. It stars Luke Wilson, Radha Mitchel, Adriana Barraza, Cheryl Hines, George Lopez and Richard Benjamin.

No matter which film comes out on top, it’s good to note that theatergoers this weekend have a much wider selection of new releases than usual for late summer.