Further frustration from DC fans tonight as Warner Bros. Pictures has confirmed its shifting two further DC Comics films from their current release dates. Both Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Shazam! Fury of the Gods now find themselves moving back as the studio struggles to find its footing in the marketplace.
First reported by Deadline, James Wan’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom needs more time in postproduction, so it’s moving from March 17, 2023 to December 25, 2023. The first Aquaman, released back in 2018, also hit screens in December before grossing over $1 billion at the box office. Returning the character to the holidays, whilst adding an extra 9 months to the countdown, seems fitting.
Backfilling Aquaman‘s March 17 space, David F. Sandberg’s Shazam: Fury of the Gods will be moving off its December 21 release date and heading to Aquaman 2‘s old date. It’s worth noting that Shazam! was originally set to release in December 2022 against Avatar 2. That film already owns the majority of IMAX screens meaning that Shazam! can now benefit from the larger format screens – and higher ticket prices – in March. Lest we not forget that The Batman released in March 2022, opening with $134M and giving DC a surefire hit.
A film which isn’t on the move is Andy Muschietti’s The Flash. That film remains in its current June 23, 2023 release date for now.
