By In a recent trend of major studio delays, Warner Bros. has announced the postponement of Matt Reeves’ The Batman, as well as a schedule change for the fourth Matrix film. Other delays include various DC Universe films, and two unannounced features.
The Batman, the latest cinematic evolution of the Caped Crusader, has been pushed from its October 1, 2021 date to March 4, 2022. Matt Reeves’ production was previously halted when star Robert Pattinson contracted COVID-19 during the shoot. This delay follows the news that the studio would be pushing Denis Vilenueve’s epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune to that October date. Why compete with yourself?
Meanwhile the long-awaited return of The One and only Matrix franchise will actually move forward from the previously-scheduled April 1, 2022 release date. It will now premiere on December 22, 2021. Helmed by original co-creator Lana Wachowski with Keanu Reeves and Carrie Anne-Moss returning to their iconic roles, the tentatively-titled Matrix 4 seems to be coping with the pandemic-induced stresses of production well, with shooting in Berlin taking place throughout August.
Further delays include The Flash, which has been moved to a November 4, 2022 date after previously being set for April of that year. Shazam 2, in turn, has vacated that November slot and is now set for screens on June 2, 2023.
In addition, two unannounced films are now set for June 3, 2022 and August 5, 2022.
The rush of delays in recent days have included MGM’s postponement of the latest 007 film, with Cary Fukunaga’s No Time to Die delayed to April 2, 2021. Meanwhile, the latest Fast & Furious release has been bumped back to a May 28, 2021 release.
With major theaters closing indefinitely, it’s a dire time for the film industry. With poor box office returns under pandemic conditions, Hollywood is playing chicken with the coronavirus, and it’s unfortunately a game where theater chains are the ones to lose.
Through doom and gloom, we persevere. For further updates, stay tuned.
Source: Variety