Marvel Studios has announced significant changes to its upcoming movie release schedule, impacting major titles like ‘Deadpool 3’ and ‘Captain America: New World Order’.
Release Date Swap
In a major reshuffle, ‘Deadpool 3’, which was initially set for a May 3, 2024 release, will now make its way to theaters on July 26, 2024. Conversely, ‘Captain America: New World Order’ has been moved from its July 2024 slot to a later date of February 14, 2025.
Behind the Shifts
This reshuffling comes in the wake of the recent SAG-AFTRA strike, which brought numerous Hollywood productions to a halt. Lasting 117 days, the strike forced studios to reevaluate and adjust their release timelines, leading to these significant date changes.
Impact on Other Marvel Titles
The changes extend beyond these two films. ‘Thunderbolts’, featuring stars like Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, is now slated for a July 25, 2025 release, pushed back from its original December 20, 2024 date. Similarly, ‘Blade’, starring Mahershala Ali, has been delayed to November 7, 2025, a significant push from its earlier February 14, 2025 release.
Production Challenges
Both ‘Blade’ and ‘Thunderbolts’ faced delays in their production due to the lack of ready scripts during the writers’ strike in May. This necessitated a shutdown of their production processes, contributing to the delay in their release dates.
Deadpool 3’s Production Resumes
Ryan Reynolds returns in his role as the titular character in ‘Deadpool 3’, also taking on the producer’s role. Director Shawn Levy and Reynolds used the strike downtime to edit existing footage and begin special effects work. Filming is set to resume in London, with the crew ready to complete the second half of the movie.
Captain America’s Unexpected Delay
‘Captain America: New World Order’, starring Anthony Mackie, completed its principal photography before the strikes. The delay to a later date was unexpected, as many anticipated it would swap dates with ‘Deadpool’ and open in May 2024.
Broader Industry Impact
The end of the SAG-AFTRA strike has prompted a flurry of release date changes across Hollywood. Studios are rapidly rearranging their schedules to accommodate the disruptions caused by the strike, affecting not just Marvel but the entire industry.
In conclusion, the recent SAG-AFTRA strike has led to significant reshuffling in Marvel Studios’ release schedule, affecting major titles like ‘Deadpool 3’ and ‘Captain America: New World Order’. This shift reflects the broader impact of production delays on the film industry, as studios adapt to the changing landscape and strive to meet audience expectations.
