Here are among the movies postponed due to coronavirus. |
With the widening spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) now officially recognised as a pandemic, more and more movies are being delayed from opening in cinemas this year. While some of the movies have been moved to new dates, most of them are now left without release dates.
Take a look below at all the movies that will not be showing in cinemas anytime soon.
"No Time to Die"
One of the first movies to be postponed was the Bond movie, "No Time to Die". It was moved earlier this month from its original April date to November 2020.
"MGM, Universal and Bond producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, announced today that after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of No Time To Die will be postponed until November 2020. The film will be released in the U.K. on November 12, 2020 with worldwide release dates to follow, including the US launch on November 25, 2020. We will advise you as soon as we have confirmed our local release date for the film in November 2020," United International Pictures Malaysia announced in a 5 March statement.
"My Spy"
It was revealed on Monday, 9 March, that "My Spy" have been postponed. According to the movie's distributor in Malaysia, TGV Pictures, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are sorry to inform you that the release of My Spy has been postponed to further notice." It is no longer opening this March but will instead open this April in the US. There is no date set yet for this side of the world except for Singapore, where the movie's release remained as this month.
"Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway"
"We have decided to push the release of our animated comedy PETER RABBIT 2 back by five months. The film is now scheduled to release locally IN CINEMAS 20 AUGUST," Sony Pictures Entertainment (Malaysia) revealed in a statement on Wednesday, 11 March. "This decision has been made due to the global continuous spread of the coronavirus – in fear of the impact the coronavirus could have on theater-goers, as well as its overall box office performance."
"Fast & Furious 9: The Saga"
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Originally set for release worldwide in May 2020, the ninth instalment of the "Fast and Furious" saga has been pushed back 11 months and will only be released in cinemas in April 2021.
United International Pictures Malaysia has released a statement confirming the postponement: "FAST & FURIOUS 9 is confirmed to move its release to next year and we will advise you as soon as we have a new release date for the film in due course. While we feel the love and anticipation of Fast fans everywhere for the next chapter in the saga, the move is made with the safety of everyone as our foremost consideration. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to your support once a new release date has been confirmed."
Meanwhile United International Pictures Singapore has just updated: "We are moving the global release date to April 2021, with North America opening on April 2. While we know there is disappointment in having to wait a little while longer, this move is made with the safety of everyone as our foremost consideration. Moving will allow our global family to experience our new chapter together. We'll see you next spring. Much love, Your Fast Family."
"A Quiet Place Part II"
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Another UIP title, serving as the sequel to 2018's "A Quiet Place", has also been delayed. "A Quiet Place Part II" will no longer open this month, though it has to receive a new release date.
United International Pictures Malaysia also provided a statement regarding it: "After much consideration, and in light of the ongoing and developing situation concerning coronavirus and restrictions on global travel and public gatherings, Paramount Pictures will be moving the worldwide release of A Quiet Place Part II.
"We believe in and support the theatrical experience, and we look forward to bringing this film to audiences this year once we have a better understanding of the impact of this pandemic on the global theatrical marketplace."
United International Pictures (Singapore) released a similar statement, adding, "The new release date will be determined after Paramount Pictures has a better understanding of the current situation. In line with this decision, United International Pictures Singapore will be delaying the local release of 'A Quiet Place Part II' until further notice. We will update you on the new release date once it is confirmed.
Mulan
Originally slated for release this month as well, this live-action adaptation of "Mulan" has been postponed. No new date has been set at the moment.
Walt Disney Pictures Malaysia stated, "We are postponing the releases of Mulan, The New Mutants, and Antlers out of an abundance of caution. We truly believe in the moviegoing experience, and we are looking at new potential 2020 release dates to be announced at a later date."
"The New Mutants"
This marks the fourth time the movie's release date is changed. As stated above, it will no longer open this April and it has yet to receive a new date.
"Antlers"
Also mentioned above, "Antlers" has been delayed from its original April 2020 release date. So far, no new date has been announced.
Chinese New Year films
During the recent Chinese New Year celebration, a slew of Chinese-language films were already postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak in China. The movies included "Vanguard" starring Jackie Chan, Wang Baoqiang's "Detective Chinatown 3", animation film "Legend of Deification Jiang Ziya, and Dante Lam's "The Rescue".
Movies still releasing soon
At the moment, among the studios above, Disney still has a blockbuster coming out soon, "Black Widow". There's been no announcement at the moment of its postponement, so it is still set to open this April, or May in some territories.
Other big movies releasing soon are "Scoob!" by Warner Bros. Pictures, opening this May, and Sony Pictures Entertainment's "Greyhound" and Warner Bros. Pictures' "Wonder Woman 1984", both opening this June.
Cinema Online, 13 March 2020