Disney is reportedly considering delaying major blockbusters in an early sign of strike impact
Disney could be delaying some of its films amid the SAG-AFTRA actors' strike, in an early sign of potential major release date disruption.
The strike kicked off earlier in the month, joining the ongoing WGA writers' strikes, which have been in action since May. This is particularly historic as it marks the first time since 1960 that both actors and writers have been on strike.
According to Bloomberg, Disney is "reviewing" its release slate for the rest of 2023, with potential delays on the cards as the strike means actors cannot promote their projects (all promotional activity, including red carpets, interviews, and even social media posts, is banned under strike rules).
These conversations are said to be at "an early stage," but the publication cites Poor Things starring Emma Stone, Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins, upcoming Disney princess film Wish, and the festival favorite Magazine Dreams as films that could be delayed.
The Venice Film Festival line-up has recently been unveiled, though, and it seems to confirm that Poor Things will still be arriving this year (though its wide release date of September 8 could still be shifted). At the moment, Next Goal Wins is slated for November 17, Wish for November 22, and Magazine Dreams for December 8. Disney's Haunted Mansion and The Marvels, meanwhile, are still set to arrive in 2023.
The impact of the strike is already being felt elsewhere, too – Challengers, starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor, has been delayed to April 2024 from its September release date (it was also set to open Venice Film Festival).
Plus, blockbuster shut downs on Gladiator 2 and Deadpool 3 are reportedly costing studios $600,000 a week, and Variety has reported that Warner Bros. is
Read more on gamesradar.com
