In the aftermath of the recently concluded WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, Disney has announced revised release schedules for several highly anticipated superhero films. ‘Deadpool 3’ and ‘Captain America 4,’ initially delayed indefinitely, now have confirmed release dates, with ‘Deadpool 3’ hitting theaters on July 26, 2024, instead of the previously slated May 3, 2024. ‘Captain America: New World Order’ is now set for release on February 14, 2025, shifting from its original July date, according to sources.
However, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) faces additional setbacks, as both ‘Blade’ and ‘Thunderbolts’ experience significant delays, now slated for release in 2025. ‘Thunderbolts,’ featuring Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, has been rescheduled to July 25, 2025, after a previous postponement from December 20, 2024. Meanwhile, ‘Blade,’ starring Mahershala Ali, faces a nine-month delay, moving to November 7, 2025, from its initial February 14, 2025, IANS reported from New Delhi.
Both ‘Blade’ and ‘Thunderbolts’ had plans for summer production but were halted due to unprepared scripts during the writers’ strike in May.
In a departure from Marvel changes, Disney has also pushed the release date for ‘The Lion King’ spin-off, ‘Mufasa: The Lion King,’ to December 20, 2024, from its original date of July 5, 2024.
With the SAG-AFTRA strike now resolved, insiders from the ‘Deadpool 3’ set report that director Shawn Levy plans to resume shooting in London within the next two weeks. In contrast, ‘Captain America: New World Order,’ starring Anthony Mackie, had already completed principal photography before the strikes, making the shift to a later date unexpected.
These adjustments mark a complex ripple effect in the entertainment industry, showcasing the delicate balance between production timelines and unforeseen challenges, culminating in revised schedules for some of the most anticipated films in recent times.”