Warner Bros has confirmed it is delaying the release of big-budget sequel Dune 2 due to the ongoing strike by the US actors’ union.
Stars of the film would not be able to promote it because of the industrial action, Warner Bros said.
Dune is the second part of a hugely successful adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi novel and was forecast to be a major attraction in the pre-Christmas release line-up.
The first instalment, released in 2021, generated US$402 million in box office receipts.
'Dune: Part Two' will now debut on 15 March, with Warner Bros shifting 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' from that slot to 12 April.
Actors have boycotted film promotions since their main union SAG-AFTRA joined striking Hollywood writers taking action against the encroachment of AI into the film business.
Cinema owners will feel the blow of the delays, said analysts, after enjoying a bumper few months due to the success of Barbie and Oppenheimer.
AMC Entertainment shares tumbled 27% overnight, though this was primarily due to a 10-for-one share consolidation taking effect and fears of dilution if the cinema chain now decides to issue more shares to clear its debts.