The release of the sequel to The Batman has been postponed from its previously scheduled date of October 2, 2026, to October 1, 2027. Directed by Matt Reeves, production for this highly anticipated film will not commence until late summer 2025, and given its reliance on extensive visual effects, a fall 2026 release was feasible yet ultimately rescheduled. The new schedule has allowed Alejandro González Iñárritu and Tom Cruise’s film to occupy the now-open slot in fall 2026.

In addition to Robert Pattinson reprising his role, the cast of The Batman: Part II includes Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, and Riz Ahmed, and follows a powerful man on a mission to prove himself.

The concept for the Batman sequel was first unveiled at CinemaCon in April 2022, and by August of the same year, Mattson Tomlin was brought on board to co-write the screenplay with Reeves. The title was officially announced by DC Studios executives James Gunn and Peter Safran in late January 2023.

Following the announcement of the delay to October 1, 2027, Gunn addressed fan concerns on Threads, acknowledging the disappointment stemming from the lengthy five-year gap between installments. He reassured fans that extended delays are common for major productions, referencing gaps between other notable sequels, such as the seven-year interval between Alien and Aliens, and the fourteen years between The Incredibles films.

In earlier comments on Threads, Gunn confirmed the delay was simply due to the script being unfinished. He emphasized Reeves’ commitment to quality, noting the unpredictable nature of script development and the typical two years needed for pre-production, filming, and post-production for large-scale projects.

In addition to overseeing the Batman sequel, Gunn is working toward the release of Superman: Legacy, which will mark his directorial debut as co-CEO of DC and feature David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. This film is set to premiere in theaters on July 11, 2025, and will explore Superman’s challenges against his nemesis and his struggle with his extraterrestrial origins.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher and filmmaker Hansal Mehta engaged in a heated exchange regarding their film The Accidental Prime Minister after Mehta concurred with a journalist’s assertion that the 2019 political drama contained “lies” about former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Singh, credited as a key architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away at the age of 92 at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.

The controversy ignited with a post from senior journalist Vir Sanghvi, who referred to The Accidental Prime Minister, based on the memoir of Singh’s former media advisor Sanjay Baru, as “one of the worst Hindi movies ever made.”

The film featured Kher portraying Singh and Akshaye Khanna as Baru, directed by Vijay Gutte, and illustrated the political landscape during Singh’s administration, highlighting his challenges and the Congress party’s influence.

Sanghvi’s tweet stated, “If you want to remember the lies that were told about Manmohan Singh you should rewatch The Accidental Prime Minister. It is not only one of the worst Hindi movies ever made but is an example of how media was used to tarnish the name of a good man.”

Mehta, 56, reacted by sharing Sanghvi’s post and adding, “+100.” Earlier, he had expressed condolences over Singh’s death and stated that the nation “owes him an apology,” affirming, “More than anybody else, I owe him one.”

Kher was incensed by Mehta’s agreement with Sanghvi and labeled him a “hypocrite,” emphasizing that Mehta had served as the film’s creative director, thus having taken part in its production process.

“The HYPOCRITE in this thread is NOT @virsanghvi. He has the freedom to not like a film. But @mehtahansal was the #CreativeDirector of #TheAccidentalPrimeMinister,” Kher remarked, noting Mehta’s presence during the film’s shoot and the assumption that he had received compensation for his work.

While Kher acknowledged that he disagreed with Sanghvi’s perspective, he argued that artists should take ownership of their work, regardless of its quality. He also recalled old posts from Mehta that congratulated him, Khanna, and Gutte for their contributions to the film, which he shared without additional comments.

In response, Mehta confirmed his accountability for the film, stating, “And I can admit that I made a mistake. Can’t I sir? I did my job as professionally as I was allowed to. Can you deny that? But it doesn’t mean I have to keep defending the film or that it makes me lose objectivity about my error of judgment.” Additionally, he expressed regret for unintentionally hurting Kher and offered to discuss any misunderstandings when the time was right.

The Kannada film Bagheera, directed by D.R. Suri, has taken the OTT world by storm, continuing its dominance by securing the #1 spot on Disney+ Hotstar. The action-packed thriller, featuring mind-blowing visual effects (VFX) and a gripping storyline, is captivating audiences not only in theatres but also across streaming platforms. Produced by Hombale Films, which has been on a successful OTT streak, Bagheera is the latest feather in its cap, following the success of Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, which trended for over 300 days.

The film’s success is a testament to its high-octane, electrifying background music (BGM) and stellar performances, immersing viewers in a world brimming with action and emotion. Sri Murali, in the titular role, has won hearts with his powerful performance, showcasing his impressive versatility as an actor. His character’s emotional depth, coupled with thrilling plot twists, has helped Bagheera stand out in a sea of action films.

Rukmini Vasanth, known for her compelling screen presence, complements Sri Murali’s character, adding layers to the story. Prakash Raj, a veteran actor in Indian cinema, adds gravitas to the narrative, while Rangayana Raghu’s presence brings humor and charm to the film, balancing the intensity of the plot.

Since its release on Disney+ Hotstar, Bagheera has enjoyed an overwhelming response from audiences, maintaining its blockbuster momentum. The film continues to trend at #1 on the streaming platform, reflecting its massive popularity. It has garnered praise for its captivating direction, extraordinary technical aspects, and powerful performances, making it one of the top films in its category.

In terms of box office performance, Bagheera has grossed an impressive Rs 19.95 crores within the first 14 days of its release, further solidifying its place in Kannada cinema’s success stories.

Hombale Films, which has enjoyed massive success with Bagheera, continues to build its legacy with an exciting slate of upcoming films. The production house is set to release titles like Kantara: Chapter 1, Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam, and more, keeping the momentum going in both theatres and OTT platforms.

As Bagheera continues to break records, it’s clear that this cinematic spectacle is not just a hit; it’s a phenomenon that has left audiences eagerly anticipating more from Hombale Films.