Warner Bros. Shifts 'Dynamic Duo' and 'Gremlins 3' to Fall 2028 Amid Paramount Merger

Key points

• 'Dynamic Duo' moves from June 30, 2028, to September 22, 2028, to avoid Paramount's 'Call of Duty' film.
• The untitled 'Gremlins' film is delayed from November 19, 2027, to October 6, 2028.
• Deadline states the changes are unrelated to the Paramount merger, while Cosmic Book News suggests strategic positioning.
• 'Dynamic Duo' is produced by Matt Reeves' 6th & Idaho and features a voice cast including Mason Thames and Steve Buscemi.
• The 'Gremlins' film is directed by Chris Columbus and executive produced by Steven Spielberg.

Background

In August 2026, Disney announced a broad 2028-2029 release slate, including 'Ghost Rider' in July 2028, establishing a competitive landscape for major studio releases. The current changes by Warner Bros. follow the announcement of a $111 billion merger with Paramount, expected to close by early October 2026, which has prompted internal restructuring and strategic repositioning of key titles.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline reports the date changes are unrelated to the Paramount merger, citing a 'back-to-school' strategy for 'Dynamic Duo' and a coincidence regarding the 'Call of Duty' conflict. In contrast, Cosmic Book News argues the moves are strategic, noting that 'Dynamic Duo' is a Matt Reeves project and that Warner Bros. is being built around Reeves, while James Gunn's DC Studios is sidelined. The Hollywood Reporter and Variety confirm the new dates and production details but do not offer analysis on the merger's impact, focusing instead on the creative teams and historical context of the franchises.

Why it matters

These release date adjustments signal Warner Bros.' strategic positioning as it navigates the transition into a merged entity with Paramount. The moves suggest a prioritization of specific creative leaders, such as Matt Reeves, and an attempt to optimize box office performance by avoiding direct competition with Paramount titles, even as the merger is finalized.

What to watch

Warner Bros. is expected to finalize its 2028-2029 release slate as the Paramount merger closes in early October 2026. The studio will likely continue to position Matt Reeves' projects prominently, while James Gunn's DC Studios titles may face further scheduling adjustments. Audiences will see 'Dynamic Duo' in September 2028 and 'Gremlins' in October 2028, with no official title or plot details for the latter yet disclosed.