The Batman Delayed To 2022, The Matrix 4 Moves Up

Warner Bros. has delayed The Batman from its October 1, 2021 release date to March 4, 2022. The change was one of a number of reshuffles that the studio made, no doubt in response to ongoing challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Matrix 4, meanwhile, is shifting from its April 1, 2022 release date to December 22, 2021, meaning it will be available to watch earlier than previously expected. The film, which once again stars Keanu Reeves, had begun filming before the outbreak of the pandemic.

The Flash, another DC superhero flick, is moving from June 2, 2022 to November 4, 2022, while Shazam! Fury of the Gods is vacating that November 4, 2022 slot and will now arrive on June 2, 2023. Black Adam, a Shazam! spin-off starring Dwayne Johnson, was originally set for December 22, 2021, but no longer has a firm release date. The next DC film on the calendar is Wonder Woman 1984, which is currently due to release on Christmas 2020.

As previously reported, Dune has been pushed out of its December 18, 2020 spot for a new release date on October 1, 2021, which means it will no longer compete with The Batman. Both films are being released through Warner Bros., so it makes sense that they would not be made to compete against each other.

Like many other movies currently in the works, The Batman's production was disrupted due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. Production was halted when star Robert Pattinson, who plays Bruce Wayne and Batman, tested positive and proper social distancing and quarantine measures had to be implemented.

The Batman is being co-written by director Matt Reeves (War for the Planet of the Apes, Cloverfield) and Peter Craig (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2). It stars Pattinson (Twilight), Zoë Kravitz (The Lego Batman Movie), Paul Dano (There Will Be Blood) and John Turturro (The Big Lebowski).