Disney has postponed the release of fall blockbusters such as Marvel’s “Black Widow,” Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” and Kenneth Branagh’s “Death on the Nile” by several months. All will now be released in 2021. The theatrical year continues to be destroyed by this neverending pandemic.
“Black Widow” will now open on May 7, 2021.
“West Side Story” will open on Dec. 10, 2021
“Eternals” will debut on Nov. 5, 2021
Curiously, Disney has decided to maintain Pixar’s Soul in its November release slot, fueling speculation that it will probably get the Disney+ treatment.
So, what’s left to actually watch this year? With the exception of Netflix’s stellar lineup of Oscar-contending films (“Mank,” “Trial of the Chicago 7,” Hillbilly Elegy,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Rebecca”), there isn’t much, theatrically-speaking, in 2020. Will Adriane Lyne’s “Deep Water” be sold to Netflix as rumor suggests? Will Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” be kept as a December release by Warner Bros? Is Paul Greengrass’ “News of the World” actually sticking to its Christmas release date?
That’s all that’s left. And it’s going to continue 2021 and beyond, with, already, the Sundance and SXSW film festivals announcing digital platforms. As I suggested back in July, the 2020 movie year is most likely canceled.
No surprise, “Practical Magic 2” is not doing well with critics. We all saw it coming. The first was also hammered with bad reviews. The only reason we’re getting a sequel is due to its cult base and ‘90s nostalgia.