A better shot at a lucrative run in Imax theaters was one very big reason Paramount moved the release date for Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible 5” up to July 31.

The action sequel had been scheduled to debut on Christmas Day, one week after “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” hits theaters on Dec. 18. But Monday’s shift of “MI5” means Paramount not only avoids direct competition with Disney’s blockbuster-to-be, it also gives it a shot at Imax’s 338 theaters, which have been committed to “Star Wars” over the holidays.

None of the parties involved were commenting Tuesday, but the ticket premiums from the giant screen chain and PLF screens have played an increasingly large role in the success of breakout movies recently, and maximizing those returns makes sense.