A major studio changing a scheduled release is common practice within the industry. But when it comes to pulling a major tentpole sequel off the schedule, that is something to worry about.

A new report confirms Paramount has pulled World War Z 2 and Friday the 13th of their scheduled release, with the latter later reported to be shut down completely. Both films were a part of Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes production company. However, they have announced a release date for Darren Aronofsky‘s mother!, starring Jennifer Lawrence. More on the story below.

World War Z 2 was supposed to be released June 9 of this year. Considering that the film doesn’t have a director, it would have been beyond impossible to put a film together in time for its release.

In what may have been a reaction to Rings‘ poor box office performance over the Super Bowl weekend, Paramount also pulled Friday the 13th off its schedule. Many criticized Rings for rehashing dated plot points from the original and failing to introduce fresh ideas to reinvigorate the franchise.

But it didn’t end there. The Hollywood Reporter later revealed that the new Friday the 13th — which was actually scheduled to begin production in just a handful of weeks despite not having a cast yet — had not just been pulled from the schedule but shut down completely with a source saying “the production was not ready to go at this date.” But the production not being ready is what you pull something from the schedule for. Shutting it down completely sounds a little more complicated. The latest entry to the long-running horror franchise was said to be an origin story, so maybe Paramount didn’t like where things were going and pulled the plug.

It’s not clear exactly when Paramount might put either of these films back on the schedule. If they’re starting from scratch with Friday the 13th, it will be a while. As for World War Z 2, sources say it could be released sometime in 2018 or 2019. The first World War Z, which was plagued with production problems, went on to be a sleeper hit in 2013, grossing over $500 million worldwide. David Fincher has reportedly been in talks to direct the sequel, but there haven’t been any major updates up until now.

But it’s not all bad news for Paramount. The studio will be releasing Aronofsky’s mother! on October 13, 2017. It takes over Friday the 13th‘s original release date. This move is pretty clear as the studio is positioning itself for some awards at the start of the season.

We will keep you posted on any developments as they come in.

[Source: THR]