'Batman Vs. Superman' Delayed To 2016

The summer of 2015 just got a tiny bit less crowded. Variety reports that Warner Bros. has just pushed the Man of Steel sequel from July 17, 2015 to May 6, 2016. The new date pits the Zack Snyder-helmed film directly against an as-yet-unnamed Marvel Studios project, though in all likelihood one or the other will move before then.

Joe Wright's Peter Pan origin tale will now move into the July 17, 2015 slot, having previously been slotted for June 26, 2015. More, including the official press release from Warner Bros., after the jump.

There were also rumors earlier today that star Ben Affleck, who's set to star as Batman, had sustained a leg injury serious enough to delay the shoot by six weeks or more. However, the statement from Warner Bros. neither confirms nor denies this story.

The cast, as far as we know, remains in place. Henry Cavill is set to return as Supes, joined by his Man of Steel co-stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. New stars include Affleck and Gal Gadot, who'll play Wonder Woman. Jason Momoa and Joaquin Phoenix were also recently rumored.

Here's the press release from WB:

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.