DC Film Delays: Robert Pattinson's The Batman Moves to 2022, Zachary Levi's Shazam 2 to 2023

Warner Bros' DC movie slate has now been pushed due to industry-wide coronavirus delays.

By Lauren Rouse Updated:
Robert Pattinson in The Batman and Zachary Levi as Shazam

The worldwide pandemic continues to wreak havoc with the theatrical release schedule. Films such as Wonder Woman 1984 have seen their release dates moved multiple times this year to allow for more time to get the pandemic under control. Many had hoped that Tenet's release would signal a return to theaters, but cinemas are still being seen as unsafe in many locations around the world, which has resulted in studios reshuffling their slates once again

After the announcement earlier today that Dune would be shifting to The Batman's release date, many wondered whether another schedule change was in store for the DC slate, which has now turned out to be true. 

CONFIRMATION

The Flash, Ezra Miller
Warner Bros.

Variety is reporting that Warner Bros. has officially announced that four of their DC films have been delayed. The Batman, which was slated to release on October 1, 2021, has been pushed to March 4, 2022. Ezra Miller's The Flash has moved from June 2, 2022 and will now release on November 4, 2022. Shazam 2 is also shifting dates and will now open on June 2, 2023 instead of November 2022. Meanwhile, Black Adam has been completely removed from the release calendar. 

WHAT THIS MEANS

Black Adam, The Rock
Warner Bros.

This release date push is yet another disappointment for DC fans, but studios are clearly focusing on allowing as much time as possible between releases in the hope that pandemic will be under control around the world soon. Some studios have attempted alternate approaches to a theatrical release, such as Disney+'s premium subscription for Mulan or the straight to video-on-demand release of films like Trolls: World Tour and Artemis Fowl, but the results clearly haven't been strong enough for these films to ensure more streaming releases. 

With yet another shuffle in Warner Bros.' film slate, it's a question yet again of whether Wonder Woman 1984 will make its currently scheduled December 25 release date. Wonder Woman 1984 was lucky enough to have been finished with production for some time now, but to be financially viable it will still need a theatrical release. Similarly, James Gunn's The Suicide Squad is currently deep in post-production and is still slated for its August 6, 2021 release date.

On the other hand, films like The Batman have been plagued with production troubles, from the initial worldwide shutdown to lead actor Robert Pattinson testing positive for coronavirus. Films such as The Flash and Shazam 2 haven't even started shooting, so it makes sense for Warner Bros. to allow for extra time in the schedule seeing as there's no official word on when these film can begin production. 

- In This Article: Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Release Date
March 17, 2023
Platform
Theaters
Actors
Asher Angel
- About The Author: Lauren Rouse
Lauren Rouse has been a writer at The Direct since the site launched in 2020. She has a huge passion for everything pop culture and currently writes news articles for the Marvel, Star Wars, DC and video game branches.