Overview

• Warner Bros. and New Line set a new theatrical date of May 15, 2026, announcing it on the film’s official accounts with the line, “The tournament demands a new time and place.”
• Trade reporting cites a crowded October corridor and a stronger early‑summer box‑office environment, noting the recent May success of Final Destination: Bloodlines.
• The sequel’s red‑band trailer amassed roughly 100–117 million global views, reported as a record for that trailer type and a key confidence signal.
• Research screenings were described as strong by trades, and outlets report the film is complete and has already been shown to press.
• The delay trims Warner Bros.’ late‑2025 slate to mainly September titles like The Conjuring: Last Rites and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, raising concerns about exhibitors losing a fall tentpole.