Movies for both DC and Marvel are piling up as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc with release schedules. From delayed productions to cast members testing positive and release dates being pushed back, a theatrical tsunami is in the works. At one point, things seemed to be getting brighter for holiday releases, but now they too are being rescheduled for later debuts. If things continue, it looks as if 2021 and 2022 will be inundated with a swath of superhero movies. News outlets across the internet have been reporting on the many reschedules now planned for the next two years.
DC Films
- Aquaman 2: Not necessarily delayed, but it is expected to release on December 16, 2022. However, it has not even begun production.
- The Batman: At one point, it looked like the Caped Crusader would return to the big screen this coming spring. That is, until lead actor Robert Pattinson tested positive for COVID-19. It was recently pushed back to 2022.
- The Flash: This movie has actually had a number of complications in getting made that predate the pandemic. Most notably, it was nearly a casualty of the less-than-successful Justice League movie. The latest planned release is now November 4, 2022.
- The Suicide Squad: As James Gunn takes his turn with DC’s anti-heroes, we’ll see if this one makes it to August 6, 2021.
- Wonder Woman 1984: Originally planned to be out this summer but moved to this month, it now appears that it could be a holiday blockbuster this year. That is, should theaters still be open. However, that could be in doubt, as infection numbers are spiking across much of the U.S.
DC has other movies in the pipeline as well. Unfortunately for them, things have gone from bad to worse with dates being delayed indefinitely or pushed back to 2023. Black Adam and Shazam 2 are the most recent ones to fall into this category. Variety has also put together an extensive list of the many Marvel projects in the works.
Marvel Studios
- Black Widow: This movie is also one that has already experienced multiple delays. It is now planned for release on May 7, 2021.
- Black Panther 2: Originally planned to begin filming in March 2021, it is now in doubt with the passing of Chadwick Boseman. At the moment, it is scheduled to release on May 6, 2022.
- Captain Marvel 2: It hasn’t begun production yet, but they are hoping to get this one out on July 8, 2022.
- Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: Looking to hit theaters on March 25, 2022, this could be Marvel’s next big hit. Rumors continue to swirl regarding cameos from various actors (old and new) portraying different incarnations of popular characters.
- Eternals: Looking to expand their galactic-themed stories, this one is planned for November 5, 2021.
- Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3: This tidbit actually comes from Digital Trends. The last word on this project is that it’s still planned to return to the big screen in 2022.
- Morbius: A part of Sony’s plans to expand its Spider-Man universe, he is hoping to debut on March 19, 2021.
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: The martial arts hero is hoping to debut on July 9, 2021.
- Spider-Man: The untitled follow-up to Far From Home is planned for December 17, 2021.
- Thor: Love and Thunder: After the huge success of Thor: Ragnarok, this next outing has been pushed back to February 11, 2022.
- Venom: Let There Be Carnage: Fans of Venom’s rival got an exciting tease with Woody Harrelson’s cameo in the post-credits scene of the first film. With any luck, it could happen on June 25, 2021.