1. Finding Dory

The Finding Nemo sequel isn’t even out yet - and won’t be until 2015 - but is already making headlines for alleged script changes. On the back of acclaimed documentary Blackfish - which strongly criticises Seaworld marine parks for keeping whales in captivity - the New York Times report that Pixar have already altered the marine park set ending, offering the aquatic characters the chance to leave if they so wish.

2. Gangster Squad

This retro crime drama was released in January to middling reviews, but it had actually been scheduled to premiere back in 2012. The reason for the delay? Following the Aurora cinema shootings last summer, Warner Bros. opted to replace a cinema shootout sequence with an alternate set piece (it’s the one set in Chinatown in the final release). Requiring the studio to gather up its A-list cast once again for a major action scene, the reshoots cost millions of dollars.

3. Spiderman

September 11th saw a huge range of films delayed or altered - from extreme cases (Men in Black II had to relocate its conclusion to the Statue of Liberty) to the numerous films that digitally removed the WTC from the New York skyline. The first Spiderman film was particularly affected, with the filmmakers choosing to add or change several scenes (including the image of Spidey hanging from an American flag). The film’s teaser trailer was also pulled, although it has been suggested the scene - featuring a giant web between the Twin Towers - was not due to feature in the finished product:

4. Trespass

This Bill Paxton / Ice-T starring action thriller tells the story of two firemen who go looking for buried treasure in East St. Louis, and end up facing off against a street gang. Problem was, the film was initially due to be released in summer 1992. The LA street riots, provoked by the beating of Rodney King, saw the film delayed until Christmas. More notably, the film’s original title Looters was no longer deemed appropriate and was changed to Trespass.

5. V for Vendetta

This comic-book adaptation was three months away from release when the July 7th bombings rocked London. The film, focused on a terrorist attacking the city, was pushed back six months, Warner Bros. - particularly sensitive when it comes to these matters - citing more time being needed to complete special effects. However, there were also some reports that several scenes of chaos in the underground had to be removed or reshot.

And five more...

O, the teen adaptation of Othello, was delayed for two years following the Columbine massacre.

Himizu, a dark Japanese drama and manga adaptation, was quickly repurposed in the weeks following the 2011 tsunami to reflect the impact of the tragedy alongside the existing story.

The China Syndrome had been released just a fortnight before the Three Mile Island incident. It was temporarily pulled from screens, although its reputation ultimately benefited from its eerily accurate portrayal of a nuclear emergency.

Gone Baby Gone’s UK release was delayed for over six months following the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

1942’s Across the Pacific originally concerned a Japanese plot to bomb Pearl Harbour. Two weeks into shooting, the actual Pearl Harbour attack occurred. The all-star thriller was significantly rewritten. Now focusing on a Panama Canal plot, bizarrely the now nonsensical title wasn’t changed.