If you thought the worldwide panic about the latest coronavirus was only complicating your love life and your plans to inspire FOMO at Coachella next month, think again. The anxiety around COVID-19 is further reaching than many initially thought, and its repercussions are playing out on a global scale.
Hollywood is taking an especially huge hit because of the pandemic. COVID-19, which is spread through respiratory droplets or touching contaminated objects, has film companies rethinking their springtime rollout. The logic is simple: if people are scared of catching corona virus, they’ll try to limit their time in large crowds — which includes opting out of movie premieres at their local theaters.
The wildfire spread of the virus and the accompanying panic couldn’t have come at a worse time for the industry. March marks the beginning of blockbuster season, with a stream of exciting new films down the pipelines for audiences to shell out millions to watch. With its most lucrative release season at the mercy of the corona virus, many films in Hollywood’s powerful 2020 lineup could be at risk of under performing.
No Time to Die
Originally scheduled to hit theaters in April, the release date for Daniel Craig’s curtain call as the storied super spy has now been pushed back to November. Though the decision was tough to swallow — you mean to tell me that we have to wait eight months to meet the Black, female Bond? —Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Universal Pictures made the right call. China is a huge market for the film, and with the corona virus currently spreading throughout the country at a rapid pace, it’s unlikely that MGM and Universal will pull the numbers that they need for the 007 flick if they released it right now.
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
The world loves the adventures of Peter Rabbit (voiced by James Corden), but Columbia Pictures Sony Pictures Animation aren’t willing to bet against COVID-19. The world premiere of the second chapter in the mischievous rabbit’s adventure has been moved to August 7, a full five months after its initial premiere date. Executives at both companies made the move after realizing that most of the first film’s viewership came from overseas; without those audiences, the sequel could potentially be a flop.
Night of Too Many Stars: America Unites for Autism Programs
Even good causes aren’t taking a chance with corona virus. The star-studded charity event, Night of Too Many Stars: America Unites for Autism Programs, has been canceled in light of the pandemic. Slated to air live on HBO on April 16, the show was to feature standup acts from up-and-coming comedians as well as the greats; former TV host and comedian John Stewart was even supposed to make a rare return to the stage. Thanks a lot, COVID-19.
Sonic the Hedgehog
After being previously delayed due to the public outcry over the titular character’s animation design, Sonic the Hedgehog was not released in China in tandem with its Valentine’s Day premiere in the States.
“Due to the current corona-virus situation, the China release date of the film Sonic the Hedgehog will be postponed, and we will re-announce the new release date at a later time,” Paramount Pictures’ China office announced in a statement. “Sonic will only be slowing down his pace temporarily, and we look forward to bringing him zooming onto the big screen in China once it is appropriate to do so.”
The Climb
This comedy film starred Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin as two friends and biking partners whose relationship is threatened by personal discoveries made on the road. While it premiered at Sundance last year, The Climb was set it hit theaters this July — but that’s not happening anymore.
A Quiet Place Part II
The sequel to the creepy 2018 thriller starring real-life couple Emily Blu
The Hollywood Films being affected by The Coronavirus
![The Hollywood Films being affected by The Coronavirus]()
Reviewed by jollynastech
on
April 05, 2020
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