Surprise, surprise. The anticipated -and kind of crowded- Man of Steel sequel (a.k.a. “Batman vs. Superman”) has been pushed 10 months by Warner Bros. The studio has announced today that instead of July 17, 2015, Zack Snyder’s film will be released on May 6, 2016 (same date as an undisclosed Marvel movie).

Instead of the kryptonian, Peter Pan will fly to the screen that weekend next year in Joe Wright‘s untitled take on the character. Yes, another unexciting Pan “re-imagining” will be offered instead of the hottest cinematic project in years.

Rumors of Ben Affleck suffering an injury in his leg or/and rib circulated today. But even if that was true it isn’t likely that something like that could justify this massive change. Batman isn’t the main protagonist and a masked double could have been used to some action-driven scenes the first days of production.

The reason given in the press release (in its entirety below) are the visuals. But Snyder knows better than anybody how long special effects take. My hypothesis is that the story grew a lot since the Comic-Con announcement, becoming more a “Justice League Origins” than “The Dark Knight Returns”.

Are they planning to shoot 2 films back-to-back? Will this be a straight “Justice League” project? And, will Warner Bros. give us a title? You may remember that producer Charles Roven told us in November that they will announce one when they decide how to call it.

“BURBANK, CA – January 17, 2014 – 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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