The entertainment industry is no stranger to challenges, and the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike is causing significant disruptions to Sony Pictures’ upcoming theatrical slate for 2023 and 2024. As guild actors are unable to promote their films, Sony had to make some tough decisions, leading to delays and schedule changes for several highly anticipated movies. Here’s a roundup of the major shakeup:
1. Kraven the Hunter: A Bloody Origin Story
Fans of dark and action-packed superhero tales were eager to witness Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s portrayal of Kraven the Hunter, but they’ll have to exercise some patience. The R-rated Kraven the Hunter was initially set for release on October 6, 2023. However, due to the strike-related challenges, the film’s fate has been postponed to August 30, 2024. This delay might be disheartening for fans, but they can now look forward to an exciting Labor Day weekend opening.
2. Ghostbusters: Afterlife Sequel Moves to Easter
The Ghostbusters franchise has been a beloved part of pop culture, and the much-awaited Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel was expected to hit theaters on December 20, 2023. Unfortunately, it too fell victim to the strike’s impact. Now, fans will have to wait a little longer, as the release date has been rescheduled to March 29, 2024. While the film has already completed its photography, the studio still needs to finalize some actor-related elements before the movie is ready for the big screen. The film’s Easter release might be a new twist for Ghostbusters fans, but it’s a date to mark on the calendar.
3. Venom 3 Gets a New Release Date
While some movies faced delays, not all of Sony’s decisions were pushing things further down the line. Venom 3, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular anti-hero film series, had originally been slated for an October 2024 release, just in time for Halloween. However, the studio has moved up the release date to July 12, 2024. Fans will now get to see Tom Hardy reprise his role as Venom a few months earlier than expected, although there might still be some competition around this new release date.
4. They Listen: A Mystery Waiting to Unfold
One of the films that took the hardest hit from the schedule shakeup is the horror movie They Listen, a collaboration between Blumhouse and Sony. Starring John Cho and Katherine Waterston, this secretive project was initially scheduled for release, but due to the uncertainties caused by the strike, it has been temporarily removed from the schedule entirely. With no set release date and plot details under wraps, fans are left in suspense as they wait to uncover the mystery behind They Listen.
5. More Changes Ahead
As the AMPTP and the guilds continue to face off, more release date shifts and delays are highly likely in the coming months. The strike’s impact on the industry is far-reaching, affecting productions, marketing, and distribution, leading to tough choices for studios like Sony Pictures.
While fans may feel disappointed by the changes, it’s essential to remember that these decisions were made with the best interests of the films in mind. As negotiations continue, studios will do their best to navigate the challenges and provide audiences with the thrilling cinematic experiences they crave. So, keep an eye out for further updates as Sony and other studios adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment world.
