Work on some blockbusters is likely to continue soon after the Hollywood strike has been reached. Because of the strike, some films were interrupted in the middle of filming, others in post-production. The Hollywood studios are now in the process of changing their cinema programs and have announced the first new release dates.
“Gladiator 2” mit Paul Mescal
The fact that there will be a sequel to the Oscar-winning historical epic “Gladiator” with Russell Crowe pleased many and surprised some. The heroic general Maximus (Crowe) dies at the end of the 2000 film. The sequel by director Ridley Scott will now tell of Maximus’ nephew Lucius. Paul Mescal (“Normal People”) plays the lead role, Crowe is probably not there. Film fans can hope that “Gladiator 2” will be released in cinemas in 2024. Filming was interrupted because of the strike. According to media reports, the start could be in November.
“Mad Max” sequel “Furiosa”
With “Furiosa,” viewers can look forward to the fifth part of the “Mad Max” film series. The predecessor “Mad Max: Fury Road” with Tom Hardy in the lead role (2015) won six Oscars. Anya Taylor-Joy (“The Queen’s Gambit”) can now be seen in the leading role of George Miller’s new action film as the eponymous heroine Furiosa. The industry magazine “Variety” reports rumors that Warner Bros. would like to see the world premiere of the film at the Cannes Film Festival in May after the strike ends.
“Deadpool 3” with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman
Filming on the third part of “Deadpool” with Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman had begun when the actors’ strike began in July. Now Disney has set the release of director Shawn Levy’s ironic Marvel action flick for July 26, 2024. “According to insiders, Levy is scheduled to resume filming in London in the next two weeks,” wrote The Hollywood Reporter shortly after the strike agreement was announced on Thursday. Marvel and Disney had therefore paid for the sets to be maintained during the strike.
Sequel to “Twister”
The sequel to the action spectacle “Twister” is also scheduled to come out next year. In the 1996 box office hit, Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton battle life-threatening tornadoes. The new disaster film “Twisters” stars Daisy Edgar-Jones (“The Song of the Crawdads”) and Anthony Ramos (“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”). Universal has given a release date of July 19th in the US. The Hollywood Reporter writes: “According to sources, there should be enough time to complete filming and post-production on the film, which will also include numerous visual effects.”
“Dune 2”, “Napoleon”: Promo with the stars possible again
The start dates of the two blockbusters “Napoleon” (November 23) and “Dune: Part 2” (March 14, 2024) are unaffected by the strike. But the agreement makes it possible that the Hollywood stars can now do promo, unlike expected. Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby – the main actors in Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” – will give interviews next week, as was announced at short notice. It is likely that the “Dune” team will also come to Europe for interviews. The second part of Denis Villeneuve’s science fiction film not only stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, but also Austin Butler and Florence Pugh.
Ratification of the agreement from Tuesday
Actresses in Hollywood went on strike for almost four months. They demanded more money and regulation of the use of AI in the industry. They have now reached an agreement with the film studios that still needs to be ratified by the approximately 160,000 union members. This process is scheduled to begin on Tuesday (November 14th), as Deadline magazine wrote, and will last until the first week of December. After the agreement was announced, the SAG-AFTRA union wrote: “Effective immediately, all SAG-AFTRA members should fulfill their contractual obligations and return to work.”
