‘Deadpool 3,’ ‘Captain America 4’ delayed in Disney release shakeup

After months of speculation amid work stoppages caused by the recently ended SAG-AFTRA strike, “Deadpool 3” is being delayed by the Walt Disney Co. The comic book thriller has cleared its May 3, 2024 release date and is now all set to hit theaters on July 26, 2024.

It’s one of several moves Disney announced Thursday evening, as the studio rejigged its theatrical release slate. “Deadpool 3” now claims the slot previously occupied by “Captain America: Brave New World,” which has been pushed to February 14, 2025. Additionally, Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” has moved from December 20, 2024 to July 25. 2025 and its upcoming “Blade” reboot has been moved from February 15, 2025 to November 7, 2025.

Beyond Marvel, Disney has also delayed the upcoming prequel to its 2019 CGI remake of “The Lion King.” “Mufasa: The Lion King,” directed by Barry Jenkins, has been moved from July 5, 2024 to December 20, 2024. Additionally, the studio has cleared two other dates — July 25, 2025 and November 7, 2025 — for the release. on which it set flags for unspecified properties.

When the SAG-AFTRA strike first broke out in July, “Deadpool 3” was forced to suspend production. Now after nearly four months of hiatus, Marvel Studios plans to kick back into high gear, with filming set to begin before Thanksgiving break. However, talk of a possible delay had been ongoing for weeks after the actors’ strike extended into the fall. Now, “Deadpool 3” represents the only Marvel Studios film hitting theaters in 2024 — a major shock since the banner regularly releases three or four features a year.

While “Deadpool 3” still has plenty of production to complete, it’s worth noting that “Captain America: Brave New World,” which will see Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson take over the Marvel mantle. He had already completed principal photography before SAG. The AFTRA strike, however, required additional photography for Marvel productions. However, it now faces a seven-month delay. Meanwhile, “Thunderbolts” and “Blades” have yet to ramp up production.

“Deadpool’s” decision to drop its May release date now leaves a big hole in next year’s summer blockbuster lineup. The first weekend in May is prime real estate for studios, usually representing a big kick-off for the season. Marvel has claimed the frame in recent years with titles like “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.” 3″ and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”

Interestingly, Disney still has another tentpole set for May, with 20th Century Studios’ “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” slated for the 24th of the month, which Warner Bros. will open against. “Mad Max” spin-off of “Furiosa”. But with “Kingdom” still sticking to its original date as opposed to moving forward three weeks, it seems likely that no studio other than Disney will swoop in to claim the first days of May — that is, if a movie timed it. But can be completed. To make the date when production resumes after the strike.