Zack Snyder’s upcoming sequel to Man of Steel is certainly the definition of the word crowded. Filled with confirmed heroes in Superman (Henry Cavill), Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) and the subject of many rumours, from appearances by the likes of John Stewart’s Green Lantern to Batman’s drone army. To boot, the film was set for a July 2015 release, in what is expected to be one of the most jam-packed cinema years ever. Well today a Batarang has been tossed into that particular cog because a press release sent out by Warner Brothers today announces a new release date for the heroic bust-up in 2016.

Variety got the scoop, citing reasons behind the delay as allowing, “the filmmakers time to realize fully their vision, given the complex visual nature of the story.” As well as the fact the film is still in Pre-Production and still announcing cast, characters and plot tidbits. Interestingly the new release date for this clash of DC titans has now flown to the 6th of May 2016, which means Bats and Supes at the moment will be head-to-head with a currently unnamed Marvel project (that said, things will likely alter). Normally delays worry people but with how much is being put into Snyder’s sequel it’s unlikely there is too much cause for alarm here. It is likely Warner Brothers are merely waiting for certain actors to sign up (Jaoquin Phoenix is apparently in negotiations to play the villain) and the studio is probably giving the film a slot in a less crammed year, to amplify profits even more (not fooling us with that ‘complex visual nature’ babble). Although there were unconfirmed rumours (reported by Movieweb) that shooting will be delayed 6 weeks by Ben Affleck, who has suffered a leg injury.

Another Warner Brothers film that is announced to be budging (though not so drastically) is Joe Wright’s Peter Pan origin story, which was originally scheduled for a 26th of June 2015 but now moves to the 17th of July 2015. So while Pan may still be flying into 2015, Superman and Batman are remaining grounded until kicking off the blockbuster season in 2016. Yes fans have to wait longer but there are a lot of ingredients at work here, so hopefully extra time will be well utilised. Here is the official Warner Brothers Press Release, for more details:

“Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that the release of Zack Snyder’s untitled Superman/Batman film has been moved to May 6, 2016, allowing the filmmakers time to realize fully their vision, given the complex visual nature of the story. The decision was made following the shift of the start of production to second quarter of this year. The Studio has also set a July 17, 2015, worldwide release date for its as-yet-untitled all-new Peter Pan adventure. Joe Wright will direct the epic live-action film about the boy who would never grow up, created by J.M. Barrie. The dual date announcement was made by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “We are happy to take advantage of these coveted summer dates, which are perfect for two of our biggest tentpole releases. We share the fans’ excitement to see DC Comics’ most popular figures, Superman and Batman, together on the big screen for the first time, which will now be arriving in theatres in May 2016. Peter Pan has delighted people of every generation for more than a century, so we are thrilled to bring him back to the screen next summer for today’s moviegoers.”

Kwan Vandenberg added, “We know that there is already great anticipation building for the next Super Hero film from Zack Snyder, and we are equally eager to see what he has in store for Superman and Batman as they share the big screen for the first time ever. The summer release corridor is also perfect for Joe Wright’s ambitious new Peter Pan adventure, reimagining the ageless story of the beloved and forever-young hero for audiences worldwide.”

Zack Snyder’s Superman/Batman film stars Henry Cavill, reprising his role as Superman/Clark Kent, and Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne. The film will also reunite “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane, and also stars Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.

Snyder will direct the film from a screenplay written by David S. Goyer, from a story co-created by Goyer and Snyder. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan and Wesley Coller serving as executive producers.

The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, Batman characters created by Bob Kane, and Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston, published by DC Entertainment.

The new Peter Pan adventure will be directed by Joe Wright from a screenplay by Jason Fuchs, incorporating J.M. Barrie’s classic characters. The film is being produced by Greg Berlanti and Paul Webster.”

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