The Coronavirus continues to impact our world greatly, morphing our daily lives while taking the lives of many. It also continues to impact the film industry greatly, with several projects like A Quiet Place: Part 2, Peter Rabbit, and No Time to Die all moving from their March/April releases to later this year. Many have speculated this could lead to the closure of movie theaters across the country temporarily, perhaps throughout the summer movie season. With that being the case, its no surprise that Fast and Furious 9 is switching up its release.
Announced via the Fast Saga Facebook page, the long-awaited sequel will move from its May 22, 2020 release to April 2, 2021. This is a seismic shift in the movie calendar, with one of the summer’s tentpole projects moving out of the year entirely. Here’s the message the studio has sent to fans:
We feel all the love and the anticipation you have for the next chapter in our saga.
That’s why it’s especially tough to let you know that we have to move the release date of the film. It’s become clear that it won’t be possible for all of our fans around the world to see the film this May.
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.
With another major project moving back, it’s clear that the Coronavirus is being taken seriously by Hollywood. One has to wonder that if Disney pushes back Mulan, theaters will likely close down for safety concerns. At the end of the day, people’s safety is all that matters, and I hope everyone stays safe and healthy out there.