Warner Bros delays ‘Dune’ sequel, ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie
2023.08.24 18:21
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: The Warner Bros logo is seen during the annual MIPCOM television programme market in Cannes, France, October 14, 2019. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard/File Photo
By Lisa Richwine
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The Warner Bros movie studio will delay the planned November release of a big-budget “Dune” sequel until March, a studio spokesperson said on Thursday, because its stars cannot promote the movie during the Hollywood actors’ strike.
The move deals a blow to cinema chains such as AMC Entertainment (NYSE:), Cineplex and others still trying to recover from the COVID pandemic. “Dune” was one of the most anticipated films on the late 2023 schedule.
The shift of “Dune: Part Two” prompted Warner Bros to delay “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” by one month until April. An animated “Lord of the Rings” film will be pushed from April until December.
“Dune: Part Two” stars Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet in a sci-fi sequel based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel about an intergalactic battle to control a precious resource.
The SAG-AFTRA actors union has been on strike since July 14, and top stars are refusing to promote upcoming films and TV shows during the work stoppage.
