The Batman is DC's next tentpole release on the WarnerMedia docket, currently set for a cinema debut on March 4, 2022 after sustaining a number of delays. The project will follow a reimagined version of the Caped Crusader, placing Robert Pattinson in a David Fincher-inspired narrative wrapped up in a neo-noir version of Gotham City.
DC and Warner Bros. have ramped up their promotion for the film such as by revealing new merch like the upcoming Funko Pops!, though the ongoing pandemic may thwart the studio's plans.
Cinemagoers have been lucky enough to catch a number of theatrical releases in 2021 like The Suicide Squad and Spider-Man: No Way Home, but rising Omicron Variant cases of COVID-19 worldwide have the potential to impact this year's slate of films. Sony has already decided to delay Morbius, potentially signaling that other studios will soon follow suit.
Now, one of WarnerMedia's top personnel addressed whether The Batman's date will move again.
Will The Batman Be Delayed Again?
Via DiscussingFilm, WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar sat down in an interview with Puck to discuss the company's HBO Max strategies and upcoming releases. Kilar briefly touched on the possibility of another delay for The Batman due to rapidly rising Omicron Variant cases.
The WarnerMedia executive noted that the company "feel[s] good" about the current date but that it will continue to monitor the situation "day by day:"
“We’re certainly paying attention to everything going on with Omicron. We feel good about the date right now. We’re gonna watch it day by day.”
How Far Can The Batman Be Pushed?
The chances of The Batman facing a delay are increasing, but hopefully, vaccine and booster rollout will ensure people are protected and the film can release as intended. Anything could happen though, as shown by Sony Pictures' pre-emptive move to delay Morbius.
If The Batman were to delay, its next most likely slot would be Black Adam's release date of July 29, 2022 or nearer to The Flash's November 4, 2022. However, given that Dwayne Johnson often occupies a summer blockbuster slot with one of his films, it's likely that his movie won't budge.
Therefore, the film could occupy a release somewhere between August and October to avoid a Marvel Studios project potentially undercutting its earnings.
With luck, it won't come to that though, and audiences can enjoy this new version of The Dark Knight without having to go through another arduous wait.
For now, The Batman will release in theaters on March 4, 2022.
