Studio delays release, plans holiday Wonder

Gal Gadot blockbuster now comes out Dec. 25

NEW YORK — Following the less-than-stellar theatrical debut of Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet,” Warner Bros. is delaying its next big release, “Wonder Woman 1984,” until Christmas.

The postponement of the “Wonder Woman” sequel, which had been scheduled to hit theaters Oct. 2, comes on the heels of Hollywood’s boldest attempt to lure moviegoers back to theaters during the pandemic.

Warner Bros.’ $200 million “Tenet” fared well in its international-first launch but found ticket sales harder to come by in the United States. About 25 percent of U.S. theaters remain closed, including those in the top markets of Los Angeles and New York. All theaters are operating at reduced capacity.

“Tenet” grossed about $20 million in its North American rollout, which included two weeks of showings in Canada. Some believed that was as good as possible given the circumstances and hinted that audiences would follow new releases into theaters.

But the “Wonder Woman 1984” postponement was its own kind of verdict, suggesting that the studio doesn’t believe that current box-office returns can sustain its big-budget releases. Universal Studios also pushed the Jordan Peele-produced thriller “Candyman” from Oct. 16 to sometime next year.

“Wonder Woman 1984,” one of many blockbusters originally set for the summer, had been the next big-budget release on the calendar. Now, that gap extends to the Walt Disney Co.’s “Black Widow,” a Marvel release slated for Nov. 6. Other, smaller productions are going ahead.

Announcing the move of “Wonder Woman 1984” to Dec. 25, Toby Emmerich, Warmer Bros. Motion Picture Group chairman, said in a statement: “We’re very proud of the film and look forward to bringing it to audiences for the holidays.”

Clay Enos The Associated Press Gal Gadot stars as Wonder Woman in “Wonder Woman 1984.” Warner Bros. is delaying the release of the film until Christmas.