‘Aquaman 2’ and ‘Shazam 2’ Release Dates Get Pushed Back

Bad news for Aquaman and Shazam fans. Both Aquaman 2 and Shazam 2 are getting pushed back by Warner Brothers.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the sequel to the original 2018 film, will now release on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023. And Shazam: Fury of the Gods (Shazam 2), will be taking over the original Aquaman 2 release date of March 17, 2023.

The good news for Shazam Fans

This news of course means that Shazam 2 is no longer being released this year, as intended, on December 21, 2022. There is some good news though, the new date will allow for Shazam 2 to have access to IMAX screens. And the movie, which will be helmed by David F. Sandberg, could well be worth the wait.

Director Sandberg recently admitted he was shocked that Dame Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu agreed to star in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) sequel. They will star as villains Hespera and Kalypso respectively.

“I mean, it’s a dream come true, first of all. I’ve been watching movies with Lucy and Helen, and now I get to work with them – which is just amazing.” Sandberg says.

“They’re just the best. When we had these parts, we were like, ‘Let’s try and get the biggest and best actresses we can.’ And we were able to, because they said yes. It’s amazing.” Sandberg adds

The upcoming blockbuster is a sequel to the 2019 film ‘Shazam!’ and sees Zachary Levi return in the title role.

Sandberg explained that a follow-up was never in any doubt. When asked when Warner Brothers contacted about making the film, which will also feature Adam Brody and Rachel Zegler, he said: “The first movie just came out, and we were already having meetings about what’s the sequel going to be and trying to figure that out. Didn’t feel like there was ever a point of like, oh, is there going to be a sequel or not?”

The good news for Aquaman fans

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will see Jason Momoa reprise his role as the titular superhero, alongside the likes of Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, and Dolph Lundgren. And Momoa has reassured fans that he’ll keep playing Aquaman as long as they’re interested.

“As long as we can. If people don’t like it and it feels like it’s past its due date, then we won’t make another one.” Momoa, 43, has said to The Hollywood Reporter.

“But if they love it, then we will make more, you know. I don’t want to force anything down someone’s throat to watch it. But I love it.” Momoa adds.

Momoa even had a hand in writing the story for the new film. And he admits that he feels a deep connection to the part.

“We wrote a great story. I was one of the writers on it and the minute we finished (‘Aquaman’) I went in with a 50-page outline for the second one and they used it and they liked it. It’s got my heart in it.” Momoa notes.

“I feel very connected to the character and have played him across, what, four movies now?” Momoa adds.

Jason Momoa isn’t worried about the release date delay

Momoa is unconcerned by the latest delay to the movie’s release as he is confident that fans will be happy with what they see. He also thanked Tom Cruise and Top Gun: Maverick for making cinemas appealing again.

“We killed it. We made something amazing and it’ll come out when it’s meant to come out.” Momoa says. “The nice thing about what’s happened with COVID is that everyone is trying to rush to meet these deadlines but we know it should come out when it’s ready to come out (at a time) when everybody is getting back in the movie theatres. So, thank you Tom Cruise.”

Are you excited about Aquaman 2 and Shazam 2? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!