These films will be released after the end of the Hollywood strike
Work on some blockbusters is likely to continue soon following the agreement reached in the Hollywood strike. Some films were interrupted in the middle of filming due to the strike, others in post-production. Hollywood studios are now in the process of rearranging their cinema schedules and have announced the first new release dates.
"Gladiator 2"
The fact that there will be a sequel to the Oscar-winning historical epic "Gladiator" with Russell Crowe had pleased many and surprised some. After all, the heroic general Maximus (Crowe) dies at the end of the 2000 film. The sequel by director Ridley Scott will now tell the story of Maximus' nephew Lucius. Paul Mescal ("Normal People") plays the leading role, Crowe is probably not in it. Film fans can hope that "Gladiator 2" will be released in cinemas in 2024 after all. Filming had been interrupted due to the strike. According to media reports, it could be released in November.
"Mad Max" sequel "Furiosa"
With "Furiosa", viewers can look forward to the fifth part of the "Mad Max" film series. The predecessor "Mad Max: Fury Road" starring Tom Hardy (2015) won six Oscars. Anya Taylor-Joy ("The Queen's Gambit") can now be seen in the lead role of the new action film by George Miller as the eponymous heroine Furiosa. The industry magazine "Variety" reports rumors that Warner Bros. would like to see the world premiere of the film at the Cannes Film Festival in May once the strike is over.
"Deadpool 3" with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman
Filming of the third part of "Deadpool" with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman had started when the actors' strike began in July. Disney has now set the release date for the ironic Marvel action flick from director Shawn Levy for July 26, 2024. "According to insiders, Levy is scheduled to resume filming in London in the next two weeks," wrote the Hollywood Reporter shortly after the strike settlement was announced on Thursday. Marvel and Disney had paid to keep the sets open during the strike.
Sequel to "Twister"
The sequel to the action spectacle "Twister" is also due to be released next year. In the 1996 box office hit, Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton fight against life-threatening tornadoes. The new disaster film "Twisters" stars Daisy Edgar-Jones ("The Song of the Crayfish") and Anthony Ramos ("Transformers: Rise of the Beasts"). Universal has set July 19 as the release date in the USA. The Hollywood Reporter writes: "Sources say there should be enough time to finish filming and post-production, which will include numerous visual effects."
"Dune 2", "Napoleon": Promo with the stars possible again
The release dates of the two blockbusters "Napoleon" (November 23) and "Dune: Part 2" (March 14, 2024) are unaffected by the strike. However, the agreement makes it possible for the Hollywood stars to do promo after all, unlike expected. Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby - the lead actors of Ridley Scott's "Napoleon" - will be giving interviews next week, as was announced at short notice. It is likely that the team from "Dune" will also be coming to Europe for interviews. The second part of Denis Villeneuve's science fiction film not only features Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, but also Austin Butler and Florence Pugh.
Ratification of the agreement from Tuesday
The actors and actresses in Hollywood went on strike for almost four months. They demanded more money and regulation of the use of AI in the industry. They have now reached an agreement with the film studios, which still has to be ratified by the 160,000 or so union members. This process is set to begin on Tuesday (November 14), as the magazine "Deadline" wrote, and will continue until the first week of December. After the agreement was announced, the SAG-AFTRA union wrote: "Effective immediately, all SAG-AFTRA members should fulfill their contractual obligations and return to work."
The upcoming cinema releases include "Gladiator 2," which was affected by the strike and is now scheduled for release in November 2024. Hollywood studios are also planning to screen "Dune 2" and "Napoleon" as per their original release dates, allowing for potential promotional interviews with the cast.
Source: www.dpa.com
