'Aquaman 2,' 'Flash' Release Dates Delayed; 'Shazam 2' Coming This Christmas

KEY POINTS

Warner Bros. shuffled its release calendar, pushing back "Aquaman 2" and "The Flash"
"Shazam 2" will go head-to-head with James Cameron's "Avatar 2" this holiday season
Dwayne Johnson's "Black Adam" and "Super-Pets" will arrive a few months later than previously announced

Warner Bros. has shuffled the release dates of its upcoming movies, pushing back several films and bringing the "Shazam" sequel to an earlier date.

Jason Momoa's "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" and Ezra Miller's "The Flash" were pushed back from 2022 to 2023 due to COVID-induced production delays with visual effects, Variety reported.

The "Aquaman" sequel was supposed to be released on Dec. 16, when it would have gone head-to-head with James Cameron's "Avatar 2." However, Warner Bros. decided to postpone the superhero flick to March 17, 2023.

"The Flash," on the other hand, was moved from Nov. 4 this year to June 23, 2023.

Dwayne Johnson's highly anticipated "Black Adam" will arrive three months later than what was previously announced after being moved to Oct. 21.

But fans who are eager to watch a new project from the former wrestler can enjoy "DC League of Super-Pets," which has been moved to July 29, the original premiere date of "Black Adam."

In "Super-Pets," Johnson voices Superman's canine best friend, Krypto the Super-Dog. The film was previously slated for release on May 20.

Johnson broke the news of the reshuffling of his films' release dates on social media. In a video posted to Instagram Wednesday, the actor said, "So, here's the big and exciting news, we are moving and grooving and we are changing release dates."

"Wanted you guys to hear the news directly from me first," Johnson continued. "Can't wait for you and your families around the world to see our movies!!! Love you guys and enjoy!"

While several movies have been pushed back, Zachary Levi's "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" will arrive earlier than expected. It will be released this Dec. 12 instead of June 2 next year. Its new premiere date was initially when the "Aquaman" sequel was set to hit the big screen.

"We're thrilled to bring 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' to audiences as a Christmas gift this year," said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros.' president of domestic distribution. "Families of all ages will really enjoy it."

The studio's non-superhero movie "Wonka," starring Timothee Chalamet as Willy Wonka, was also moved from March 17, 2023, to Dec. 15, 2023.

Meanwhile, Jason Statham's "Meg 2: The Trench" received a release date. The sci-fi movie will hit theaters on Aug. 4, 2023.