The Coronavirus, aka Covid-19, was bound to become a major problem for the film industry, but, most especially for the numerous blockbusters about to be released in the coming months.
“No Time To Die,” the 25th James Bond movie, has just had its April release date pushed back a full 8 months to November 25th. According to a report from Deadline, Universal, MGM, and producers have decided that it is way too risky to have an April window for a movie that will likely make a big chunk of its worldwide gross in Asia and Europe. As you know, China completely shut down its film industry two weeks ago and European countries, especially Italy, are seeing a daily increase of cases.
The powers that be are obviously worried about how the Coronavirus will spread in the coming weeks and months. Thousands have already died due to the outbreak. MGM are betting, hoping, no, praying that, by November, everything will be back to normal and the 163 minute “No Time to Die” will be seen by as many people as possible.
The official press release from the studio reads:
“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 U.S. launch on November 25, 2020.”
What will be the ripple-effect of Bond being delayed? ”No Time to Die” was set for release a month from now, but how about “Black Widow”? It is projected to deliver huge numbers for Marvel and Disney in China and beyond, to the point where its May 1st release is now compromised. That is the real question one must be asking today. The summer movie season is just around the corner, other potential setbacks could occur with China-hungry titles such as “F9,” “Artemis Fowl,” and “Wonder Woman 1984“ .
Stay Tuned …
I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of looking forward to the “Michael” sequel. Whether Vantoine directs it or John Logan, it doesn’t matter—it’s an inevitable sh*tshow that will result from its making and release.