Release of Beetlejuice 2 and Other 2024 Films at Risk, Warns Report

Summary

High-profile Warner Bros. films like Beetlejuice 2 may face delays until 2025 due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

Possible revision: Other potential films facing possible delays are Twisters, Venom 3, and Wise Guys, which is a mob drama starring Robert De Niro. The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, which began in July, has resulted in the suspension of numerous high-profile movie productions as actors persist in their struggle for equitable contracts.

A new report suggests that Beetlejuice 2 and other anticipated Warner Bros. films may be postponed until 2025. Tim Burton's upcoming sequel to the beloved horror-comedy from 1988 is scheduled to feature the original cast, including Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara, as well as Jenna Ortega in a leading role. Initially, the film was planned for a September 2024 release and had already begun production. However, due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, there is uncertainty surrounding Beetlejuice 2's release date. In addition to this sequel, other films projected for 2024, such as Twisters, the follow-up to 1996's Twister, Venom 3, and the Robert De Niro mob drama Wise Guys, may also face potential delays. Media analyst Eric Wold provides insight on these potential setbacks.

“There will be several titles in 2024 that will be pushed into 2025 and beyond due to delays in production. The studios are choosing not to disclose this information to hide their vulnerability during negotiations. However, anticipation for these titles is growing.”

Warner Bros.' Potential Movie Delays Explained

After the initiation of the WGA strike in May, the actors' guild followed suit and went on strike as well, officially commencing their labor action in mid-July. The combined impact of these two strikes resulted in a significant shutdown of Hollywood and virtually halted the production of major projects. While the WGA strike came to an end at the conclusion of September, negotiations between actors and studios for equitable agreements are still ongoing, prolonging the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Filming on studio productions cannot resume due to the ongoing actors' strike. While release dates can often be flexible, it has now reached a point where studios are not confident in completing their films on time. One notable example of a 2024 delay is Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible 8, originally slated for a June 2024 release, but now pushed back to May 2025. This delay is indicative of the significant post-production time required for major blockbusters.

Once production resumes, a backlog is anticipated. Many actors will have prior commitments to fulfill, including reshoots for partially completed projects disrupted by the strike, as well as starting or continuing filming on other projects. Additionally, there is the contractual obligation for promoting these films. The fate of Beetlejuice 2, Twisters, Wise Guys, and Venom 3 maintaining their 2024 release dates remains uncertain, as each passing day of the SAG-AFTRA strike increases the likelihood of delays.

Source: Variety