The Batman - Part II has been delayed to October 2026, a year later than originally planned, as part of Warner Bros.' announcement of release date shifts. The sequel, which is set to be part of a trilogy and separate from the DCU, will be part of Matt Reeves' "crime saga" and is expected to provide a contrast to James Gunn's Superman, which is still on track for a 2025 release.
The release of Shang-Chi 2, the sequel to the hit Marvel film, has been delayed due to the ongoing delays of the Avengers movie it was meant to follow. This highlights the shaky state of Marvel's Phase Four plans, with several films facing delays and uncertainties. The COVID-19 pandemic and other real-world circumstances have contributed to the messy handling of events, and the studio is also dealing with VFX crunch, abuse allegations, and the ongoing WGA Strike. While Marvel and Disney will likely recover, these setbacks demonstrate the need for a more cautious approach to future releases.
Zoe Saldaña expressed disappointment on Instagram after the release date for Avatar 3 was pushed back to 2025, which means the sequels will also be delayed. The actress noted that she will be 53 when Avatar 5 comes out in 2031. The delays have been attributed to the intense CGI required for each installment. Director James Cameron will be 76 when Avatar 5 is released.