Across the U.S., SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes have brought Hollywood to a screeching halt.
The strikes have not only disrupted the production of new films and TV shows, but they have also caused delays to some films that were slated for release in the fall. Major productions that will be delayed include “Avatar,” “The Mandalorian,” “Captain America: Brave New World,” and “Euphoria,” among several others.
The latest film to face a delay is the queer road-trip comedy, “Drive-Away Dolls,” which was shot in Western Pennsylvania late last year. The film was slated to be released Sept. 22, but it now will be held back until Feb. 23, according to production company Focus Features.
But, according to the online news site Deadline, the delay is largely due to its original release date being in competition with the award-bait film “Dumb Money,” starring Seth Rogan, Shailene Woodley, America Ferrera and Pete Davidson.
Focus Feature’s road-trip comedy also will not be present at major fall film festivals in Venice, Toronto and Telluride, Deadline reported.
To date, the largest film to pull out of the Venice Film Festival’s opening night is MGM’s “Challengers,” starring Zendaya and directed by Luca Guadagnino. That film’s release date also has been moved, to April from Sept. 15.
“Drive-Away Dolls” was directed by Ethan Coen and stars Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal and Beanie Feldstein.
First Published: July 29, 2023, 8:17 p.m.