(Warner Bros. Discovery Delays Releases of New ‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘Dune’ and ‘Godzilla’ Films-WSJ)
On Thursday, Warner Bros. Discovery announced a delay in the release of three of its highly anticipated big-budget action and fantasy films. This decision comes as a result of the ongoing dual strikes involving writers and actors, which have effectively halted much of Hollywood’s production.
The studio has confirmed that “Dune: Part Two,” “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” and “Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” will see their release dates pushed to various points throughout the upcoming year. Notably, the sequel to “Dune” was initially scheduled for a November debut.
The decision to postpone the releases of nearly completed films underscores the critical roles that writers and actors play in the promotional efforts of studios. With actors unable to engage in promotional activities since their union initiated a strike in mid-July, studios are grappling with the ramifications for film promotions.
(Source: The Jakarta Post)
In the specific case of the “Dune: Part Two,” Warner Bros. explained that the postponement was prompted by the desire to align the release with a period when the film’s global cast and production team could actively participate in promotional activities.
These three movies, encompassing significant budgets and generating immense anticipation, stand out as some of the most impacted projects due to the ongoing strikes. Under the regulations stipulated by the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild, striking writers and actors are barred from endorsing their work. This includes their presence at premieres, participation in film festivals, and providing insights about upcoming titles through interviews.
Notably, in late July, Sony Pictures made the noteworthy announcement of delaying the release of “Kraven The Hunter,” a Marvel Comics spinoff featuring a character intertwined with Spider-Man. Additionally, a sequel to “Ghostbusters” was also deferred. Adding to this, Sony removed “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” its highly anticipated third animated film centering around the iconic web-slinging hero, from the release calendar originally slated for March. This sequence of events underscores the far-reaching impact of the ongoing strikes on the film industry.
Amid the backdrop of the pandemic, the initial installment of “Dune,” under the direction of Denis Villeneuve and starring Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet, ventured onto the big screen. Its journey was marked by a remarkable achievement, garnering a substantial $402 million at the global box office.
Source Deadline
The sequel, much like its predecessor, is a collaborative effort between Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment, maintaining continuity in both direction and cast. Initially slated for a November 3 release, the sequel’s premiere has been rescheduled to March 15, 2024.
As for “Godzilla,” another joint production by Legendary, its anticipated release on March 15, 2024, has been shifted by a month to April 12. Meanwhile, the animated “Lord of the Rings” film, featuring a cast led by the accomplished “Succession” star Brian Cox, has encountered an eight-month delay. Originally intended for release on April 12, 2024, its new premiere date is set for December 13, 2024. These changes in release schedules reflect the complex adjustments necessitated by ongoing industry developments.
Zendaya, a most prominent figure in the film industry, not only plays a pivotal role in “Dune” but also headlines “Challengers,” a captivating tennis-themed comedy directed by Luca Guadagnino. Initially slated to premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September, the movie’s release has been deferred to April due to the ongoing actors’ strike.
The unfolding scenario in Hollywood, marked by strategic decisions to delay movie releases amidst the persistent strikes, underscores the escalating significance of marketing campaigns for major cinematic productions. A prime example of this is the unforeseen triumph of Warner Bros.’ summer blockbuster “Barbie,” which generated nearly $1.3 billion globally. This remarkable triumph can be credited to the captivating promotional endeavors spearheaded by actors Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Additionally, the collaborative contributions of the studio and co-producer Mattel, a distinguished toy manufacturer, played a pivotal role in this achievement.
Another determining factor influencing shifts in release schedules is the availability of theaters equipped to showcase visually stunning and grand-scale films in formats like IMAX. The latter part of this year is set to witness a flurry of superhero and fantasy releases in IMAX, featuring titles like “The Marvels,” “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” “Wonka,” and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”
In recent developments, a collective of major movie studios and streaming platforms, including Warner Bros., Disney, Netflix, Paramount, and Amazon, have publicly disclosed the details of their latest offer to the Writers Guild. The union, which initiated a strike in May, has yet to reach an agreement. The intent behind this release is to apply pressure on the Writers Guild to bring the proposed deal to a member vote.
The offer, initially presented to WGA leadership during an August 11 meeting, encompasses concessions on residual payments and a cumulative 13% wage increase. However, the union conveyed to its members that the offer fell short of their expectations, thus resulting in yet another impasse in the negotiations. The ongoing discussions continue to shape the dynamics of the industry, impacting key releases and shaping the future of filmmaking.