Dune, Avengers, Avatar: all the big films postponed due to Hollywood strikes

Although the writers' strike is officially over, Hollywood actors are still on the picket line. The months of strike have already caused many of the most anticipated upcoming films to announce new release dates… or get postponed indefinitely. Here are some of the flicks that you’ll need to be a little more patient about watching.

The third series of this Ryan Renolds flick was supposed to come out in May 2024, but it has been indefinitely delayed due to the strikes. What we do know is that Jennifer Garner and Hugh Jackman are coming back as Elektra and Wolverine.

Image: Deadpoo, 20th-Century Fox

The superhero vampire hunter is heading to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in this highly anticipated film — but when?! It was first slated for release in November 2023 but was put on hold because it needed to switch directors. It was then going to be released in Sept. 2024, but the strike pushed it back until Valentine’s Day 2025! But starring the Oscar-winning Mahershala Ali as Blade, many fans are willing to wait.

Yes, Ridley Scott was halfway through directing the sequel to his hit historical drama film when the strike came and ruined everything. This one won’t star Russel Crowe, but instead Paul Mescal as Lucius. Other big names to watch out for include Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal. It was scheduled for Nov. 2024, but now it depends on how long the strike lasts.

Saying “Beetlejuice” three times isn’t going to work for this movie, which was supposed to come out in time for Halloween 2024. It was supposed to be directed by Tim Burton and star Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and the original Beetlejuice Michael Keaton but production is paused until the strike is over.

Image: Beetlejuice, Warner Bros.

James Cameron’s upcoming ‘Avatar’ sequels are suffering massive delays. Because of the strikes, the third film is supposed to come out in Dec. 2025 (from Dec. 2024). The fourth has been pushed back to the very end of the decade — Dec. 2029, up from Dec. 2026. The fifth and final sequel is now supposed to come out in Dec. 2031, three years later than originally planned.

Image: Avatar Way of Water, 20th Century Studios

Anthony Mackie will take the helm as the new Captain America in this installment, which was originally going to be called ‘Capitan America: New World Order.’ Filming began in March 2023, with others like Liv Tyler joining the cast. It seems to have mostly managed to avoid being hit by the strikes and is slated for release in July 2024, a few months later than originally planned.

The first installment of this sci-fi epic was widely hailed but left viewers wanting part two... Like now, please! And while the film was set to be on screens Nov. 3, 2023, alas, viewers will have to wait until at least March 2024, when it is now scheduled for release.

Image: Dune: Part Two | Official Trailer/ Warner Bros. Pictures/Youtube

The Fantastic Four are also joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe and casting rumors have names like Matt Smith, Mila Kunis, Adam Driver, Margot Robbie, Vanessa Kirby, Penn Badgeley, and Jodie Comer swirling around. Shooting is expected to begin in 2024, and its tentative release date is May 2, 2025 — just a few months later than expected. Director Matt Shakman (pictured) said it's going ot be different than other Marvel films in "so many ways."

The live-action/CGI version of this 2002 Disney movie started filming in Hawaii and April but the strike shut down production. Starring Maia Kealoha as Lilo and the same voice actor playing Stitch as in the original, fans can also look forward to appearances from people like Zach Galifianakis. When? No one knows.

Image: Lilo & Stitch | Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride | Disney/Youtube

Tom Holland's Peter Parker is supposed to be coming back in this mega movie involving the collaboration of Sony and Marvel. Holland has said “some stuff is going on” and that “he’s excited” but the details are shaky. Sony has teased new Marvel projects for November 8, 2024, and June 27, 2025, both to be shown on IMAX. Deadline speculates that this film could be one of them.

Speaking of those Sony dates, this is the other massive Sony production in the pipeline that could be in theaters on one of those dates above. Filming for this movie starring Tom Hardy again began in June in Spain but came to a halt a month later due to the actors' strike.

After the mega success of the last film starring Tom Cruise, there were plans to release the eighth installment in June 2024. But the actor's strike means no stunts either, so this production had to be put on hold indefinitely.

These important films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been subject to a lot of rumors, but the LA Times reports they are still on track for completion even though they’ve both been pushed back a year. ‘Kang Dynasty’ is now slated for May 2026 while ‘Secret Wars’ is expected for May 2027.

The film adaption of this Broadway hit had just ten days left of production before it was set to wrap. But even so, its actors including Ethan Slater, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Granda, and Michelle Yeoh all walked out. There were supposed to be two installments in 2024 and 2025, but now those are postponed until the studios can strike a deal with the actors.

Touted as the conclusion to Marvel’s Phase 5 of the Multiverse Saga, this film with a new superhero team was supposed to come out in July 2024 but has been pushed back to at least December. It certainly has an interesting and star-studded cast including Sebastian Stan, Hannah, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, and Harrison Ford.