Dune and Aquaman 2 could be delayed to 2024 over Hollywood strikes

Dune: Part 2 and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom are reportedly eyeing 2024 release dates, despite the fact filming has wrapped on both sequels.

Also facing delays is The Color Purple, the second adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel after Steven Spielberg’s 1985 version.

The latest insight via Variety comes after reports Aquaman underwent three extensive reshoots to polish the DC sequel.

However, although all three films are almost ready to be shown in theatres, Warner Bros is apparently not confident the dual Hollywood strikes will be over by the fall.

Strikes first began in early May when the Writers Guild of America agreed to postpone work on film and TV projects.

Now, the actors guild SAG-AFTRA is also on strike in a fight for fair residual pay from streaming services and safeguards from AI.

Major studios are unsure when the unions will reach an agreement, which could lead to a devastating effect on their release schedule over the coming years.

Despite their latest release, Barbie, expecting a strong opening weekend, WB’s upcoming sequels may not perform as well with no actors available for promotion.

Under strike rules, stars are unable to take part in press junkets or promotion for the films, which includes walking the red carpet at their premieres.

Dune’s Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya and Aquaman’s Jason Momoa will be unable to say a word about the tentpole releases if the strikes aren’t over by November.

The studio is undoubtedly hopeful for a strong performance from both films after a troubled couple of years at the box office.

WB’s latest superhero offering The Flash is one of their biggest bombs in history, while Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods haven’t fared much better.

Dune: Part 2 could be a major player for the studio after the acclaim of the first and its $402 million box office return, a strong figure considering its pandemic release.

Based on Frank Herbert’s cult classic 1965 sci-fi novel, Part Two continues the story of Paul Atreides, who’s chosen as the leader of the Fremens’ fight against the galactic empire.

Supporting cast Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin and Stellan Skarsgård all return, with newcomers Austin Butler, Florence Pugh and Christopher Walken also joining the war.

Meanwhile, Aquaman 2 could give the floundering DC Universe a huge boost after the original grossed over $1 billion.

Cast members including Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman and Willem Dafoe will all return.