It looks like fans of Aquaman and Dune will have to wait a little longer to see the sequels to these films this year, as Warner Bros. is seriously considering delaying the release of Aquaman 2 and Dune 2 due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Most of Hollywood is currently at a standstill as the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are currently on strike following failed negotiations with the Motion Picture and Television Producers Alliance for better terms. The WGA strike has been ongoing since May, while SAG-AFTRA began last week, affecting all Hollywood studios, including Warner Bros.
If the strikes continue, it could potentially delay three of Warner Bros' upcoming 2023 films. As Variety has reported the studio is considering delaying Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Dune: Part Two and The Color Purple until 2024. The news comes after multiple BTS problems with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom became known.
The fact that Warner is considering delaying these releases indicates that the studio not confident that the strike is close to resolution and could extend beyond the summer. The color purple and the Aquaman sequel were to hit theaters on December 20 and December 25, respectively. A title like The Color Purple, noted one industry player, would depend on a strong awards campaign. Campaigns for the Academy Awards and Golden Globes could be hampered by a prolonged strike.
Surely, Warner Bros. is not the only studio currently evaluating the release schedule. Major films arriving on the same dates as the Dune sequel include The Marvels (although Disney has just released a new trailer confirming a November 10 release date) and Lionsgate's franchise reboot, The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes on November 17.
