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In the middle of the ongoing writers' and actors' strikes, Sony Pictures is rescheduling a number of important blockbusters. Upcoming and confirmed Marvel projects have been postponed to 2024 and beyond, including Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, which has been pushed back from its original March 29, 2024 release date. Kraven the Hunter, which was supposed to be released on October 6, has been pushed back almost a year until August of next year. According to Deadline, Sony Pictures is preparing a globe tour for its next Spider-Man universe spin-off, and the presence of protagonist Aaron Taylor-Johnson is required.
It goes without saying that the postponement of Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse is the largest blow to the studio, given how well its predecessor performed at the global box office, collecting $682.4 million (about Rs. 5,615 crore). With the strikes in full swing, the actors will be unable to contribute any voiceovers, and the screenplay will be unable to be edited in any way. Another live-action spin-off, Venom 3, which was supposed to begin'very, very soon' — according to actress Juno Temple — has been pushed out until July 12, 2024. Meanwhile, the Dakota Johnson-led Madame Web's release date has been pushed forward by two days, from February 16, 2024 to February 14.
The most recent Sony release to be impacted is the Gran Turismo film, which was initially scheduled to hit theatres on August 10. The PlayStation video game adaption, featuring Archie Madekwe (Midsommar) and David Harbour (Stranger Things), has been delayed by two weeks, with an expected release date of August 25. "The stars can't promote the film, but the audience can," a Sony representative told Deadline, noting that the film's trailer will be shown in cinemas in the coming weeks.
For those who are unaware, this is the first time since 1960 that both authors and performers have gone on strike, raising concerns about fair remuneration for their labour. Because of streaming platforms, artists now only receive a set amount of remuneration, rather than residuals depending on reruns. There is also the issue of large production firms seeking to incorporate AI in filmmaking, which would have a significant impact on industry jobs.
Then there's the sequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife from returning director Gil Kenan, which has completed basic filming but still need actors for post-production work. Not to add that the performers will be barred from doing any promotional work or interviews for the picture according to SAG-AFTRA (the actors' union in the United States) laws. Instead of premiering this year on December 20, the picture has been pushed out to March 29, 2024, putting it in direct conflict with Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson. Meanwhile, Bad Boys 4, which reunites the hilarious team of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, has wrapped production and will hit theatres on June 14, 2024, competing with Disney's Inside Out sequel.
Sony Pictures has also pushed back the release date of their next Karate Kid picture from June 7 to December 13, 2024. There was no announcement of a director or cast for the project, and production has since been suspended due to the ongoing strike. There was also a new Blumhouse picture called They Listen set for August 30, 2024, however that date has already been pushed back.
