In a significant move that reverberates through the entertainment industry, Warner Bros has announced the postponement of its highly anticipated "Dune: Part Two" sequel and an animated "Lord of the Rings" film due to the ongoing Hollywood actors' strike. The decision comes as a blow to both the studio and cinema chains still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the movie industry.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros revealed on August 24 that the release of "Dune: Part Two," originally slated for November, will now be rescheduled to March 15 of next year. This postponement is attributed to the inability of the film's stars, including Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet, to participate in promotional activities amid the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union.
"Dune: Part Two" is a highly anticipated sci-fi sequel based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, depicting an intergalactic struggle for control over a precious resource. The first installment, released in 2021 during the pandemic, achieved substantial success, grossing $402 mn globally.
Moreover, the ripple effect of this delay led to the reshuffling of other release dates. Warner Bros' "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" will now premiere on April 12 instead of its earlier March slot. Consequently, an animated "Lord of the Rings" film, initially slated for April, has been pushed back to a December release.
The ongoing strike, initiated by the SAG-AFTRA actors union in solidarity with Hollywood writers, commenced on July 14. This labor action has spurred a domino effect in the entertainment landscape. Movie studios, grappling with the absence of stars to engage in promotional activities, have been compelled to adjust their film schedules in an effort to sustain the buzz around their upcoming releases.
Sony Pictures is one of the studios adapting to the circumstances. The studio has modified its release strategy for "Dumb Money," a film inspired by the GameStop stock saga. The nationwide release, initially planned for September 22, has been restructured. It will now debut on a limited number of screens in New York and Los Angeles on September 15 before expanding across the country on October 6.
Despite a boost this summer from films like "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer," the overall box office figures for the year remain below pre-pandemic levels. Noteworthy films still on the 2023 release schedule include Walt Disney's "The Marvels," a Lionsgate prequel to "The Hunger Games," and "Wonka," another Warner Bros production featuring Timothée Chalamet.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, initiated on May 2, continues to impact the entertainment industry. The production of scripted television shows and some movie shoots have been disrupted by this ongoing labor dispute. The situation highlights the intricate web of interdependencies within the world of entertainment, underscoring the importance of collaboration among different segments of the industry.
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