Due to the actors’ strike, Warner Bros. is considering postponing the premiere of Dune: Part Two to 2024. The same goes for The Color Purple and Aquaman 2.
As it stands now, the much anticipated sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is set to premiere on November 3. However, Warner Bros. is already contemplating moving the premiere to 2024, Variety reports.
The delay is due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, that has effectively shut down Hollywood. For a film of this magnitude, it matters a lot if its stars also get involved in the marketing (promote the film, give interviews, attend premieres, etc.), but the SAG-AFTRA strike rules also prohibit PR appearances.
Any potential change in the premiere date must be agreed upon by both Warner and Legendary, but according to the magazine’s sources, Warner has not yet approached its partner. Neither studio was willing to comment on the news.
Warner Bros. is also considering postponing the premiere of “The Color Purple”, marked by Oprah Winfrey‘s name, and the second part of Aquaman (their current premiere dates are December 20 and 25).
It is worth noting that the mere fact that the studio is even considering delaying these huge films indicates that studio executives consider it possible that the writers’ and actors’ strikes may continue until fall or even winter.