The massive box office success of Barbie and Oppenheimer has marked 2023 as a comeback year for American cinema, particularly for big-studio theatrical releases. However, ongoing Hollywood labor strikes, resulting from studio executives’ refusal to engage in fair contract negotiations with writers and actors, have cast uncertainty over the remaining film lineup for this year.
Specifically, the SAG-AFTRA strike is causing studios to postpone certain theatrical releases. The strike’s rules completely prohibit union members from promoting their projects, which includes abstaining from posting about them on social media and attending premieres and festivals. This poses a significant challenge for films that heavily rely on high-profile stars to actively promote them.
Variety reports that Warner Bros. is contemplating rescheduling potential awards contenders such as Dune 2 and the Color Purple remake to later dates. Additionally, several major films currently in production, including Deadpool 3, a live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, and Venom 3, are likely to face postponement due to the indefinite duration of the strike.
Furthermore, highly anticipated movies like Zendaya’s Challengers have already been pushed to the following year. Here is a continuously updated list of officially delayed productions.
Challengers
Release date: April 26, 2024 (USA)
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Screenplay: Justin Kuritzkes
Distributed by: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Cinematography: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom
Music by: Trent Reznor; Atticus Ross
Tashi, a former tennis player who is now a coach, has taken her husband from being an average player to becoming a renowned grand slam champion. In an effort to help him break free from his current losing streak, she convinces him to participate in a challenger event, which is considered one of the lowest-level tournaments on the pro tour. However, things become tense when he discovers that he will be competing against Patrick, his former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, who was once a promising player but is now feeling disillusioned and burnt-out.
Luca Guadagnino’s most recent film faced challenges due to the strike, impacting its release schedule. The MGM movie, which revolves around a romantic entanglement between three tennis players, was initially planned to debut at the Venice Film Festival on August 30 and hit theaters nationwide on September 15. However, it has been postponed, and fans will now have to wait until April 26, 2024, to witness the Euphoria star’s captivating performance on the tennis court.
Challengers Trailer
Problemista
Release date: August 4, 2023 (USA)
Director: Julio Torres
Producers: Julio Torres, Emma Stone, Dave McCary, Ali Herting
Distributed by: A24
Alejandro is an aspiring toy designer who’s struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time on his work visa runs out, a job assisting an art world outcast becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream.
A24 recently made an announcement regarding the postponement of the release of the Julio Torres comedy film titled “Problemista.” The movie had its premiere at SXSW in March. The studio decided to delay the release as a show of support for filmmaker Julio Torres, who expressed solidarity with the strikers on Instagram in response to the recent news. A specific rescheduled release date for the film has not been set yet, and it will be determined at a later time.
Problemista Trailer
White Bird: A Wonder Story
Initial release: August 18, 2023
Director: Marc Forster
Story by: R. J. Palacio
Based on: White Bird: A Wonder Story; by R. J. Palacio
Production companies: Participant; Lionsgate; Mandeville Films; 2Dux² Productions
Ever since Julian got expelled from his previous school due to his treatment of Auggie Pullman, he has faced a continuous struggle to find a sense of belonging. However, his life takes a transformative turn when his grandmother decides to share her own tale of courage. Back in her youth, during the Nazi-occupied France, she found refuge and protection from mortal danger through the kindness of a boy. Their shared experience led them to discover a beautiful and magical world they created together, and despite the risks, the boy’s mother was determined to keep her safe. In this way, Julian’s life takes on a new perspective, shaped by his grandmother’s inspiring story.
Deadline reports that the Lionsgate movie White Bird, which is a spinoff of the 2017 family film Wonder, has faced a delay. Originally scheduled for a limited release on August 15, followed by a wide release on August 25, the film’s release has been postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing strikes. As of now, the film’s new release date falls within the fourth quarter, but it remains undetermined.
White Bird: A Wonder Story Trailer
Poor Things
The Hollywood Reporter states that Searchlight Pictures has rescheduled Yorgos Lanthimos’ film “Poor Things” from its original theatrical release date of September 8 to December 8. Despite this change, the sci-fi comedy, which features renowned actors Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Willem Dafoe, is still confirmed to participate in this year’s Venice Film Festival.
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