Special Report
Movies Postponed Due to Coronavirus
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The COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted the lives of people across the world. This includes those in the movie industry. As an increasing number of companies ask their employees to stay home, numerous movie shoots have been shut down and movie releases postponed.
Some productions have already been touched by the coronavirus. Tom Hanks became one of the first highly visible celebrities to announce that he and his wife Rita Wilson became ill with the disease after testing positive for COVID-19. The couple was in Australia while Hanks was filming a movie about the life of Elvis Presley with director Baz Luhrmann.
Other movies are delayed simply due to precautionary measures as social distancing is impossible on an active movie set. The need for social distancing affects movie theaters, too, and many announced they are closing their doors. The box office has already taken a massive financial hit, with the top 10 films grossing only $50.35 million during the weekend of March 15 — the lowest combined gross for the top 10 during this particular weekend in March since 1995, according to Box Office Mojo.
For context as to how much money movies can make during better circumstances, the sole top grossing film of all time has grossed more than $1.8 billion at the domestic box office. These are the top grossing movies of all time.
To better understand the effects the pandemic is having on the film industry, 24/7 Tempo has identified the movies that have been postponed because of the coronavirus. These range from smaller indie fares to some of the biggest upcoming blockbusters, including the new James Bond and Jurassic World movies.
Click here to see the movies postponed due to coronavirus.
1. A Quiet Place: Part II
> Directed by: John Krasinski
> Starring: Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Cillian Murphy
> Production companies: Buffalo FilmWorks, Paramount Pictures, Platinum Dunes
In the sequel to the horror film that stars Emily Blunt, the family continues to face dangers from creatures that hunt by sound. The sequel received a score of 8.6 out of 10 on IMDb, but director John Krasinski posted on Instagram that the release of the film was postponed because of coronavirus concerns.
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2. Antlers
> Directed by: Scott Cooper
> Starring: Keri Russell, Jesse Plemons, Jeremy T. Thomas
> Production companies: Fox Searchlight Pictures
The indie horror flick starring Keri Russell — about a teacher and her brother, who together with a student encounter a terrifying creature in an isolated Oregon town — has delayed its April 17 release date.
3. The Artist’s Wife
> Directed by: Tom Dolby
> Starring: Lena Olin, Bruce Dern, Juliet Rylance
> Production companies: Water’s End Productions, Greyshack Films
“The Artist’s Wife,” about a woman dealing with her husband’s Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, was set to open in New York on April 3 but has been postponed. The film stars Oscar nominees Lena Olin and Bruce Dern.
4. Avatar sequels
> Directed by: James Cameron
> Starring: Various
> Production companies: Twentieth Century Fox, TSG Entertainment, Lightstorm Entertainment
The four follow-ups to James Cameron’s blockbuster “Avatar,” which were being produced in New Zealand, have been put on hold, though the executive team may continue work in Los Angeles.
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5. The Batman
> Directed by: Matt Reeves
> Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Colin Farrell
> Production companies: 6th & Idaho Productions, DC Comics, DC Entertainment
Warner Bros. shut down production of “The Batman” on March 14. The film stars Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader and includes Zoë Kravitz, and Colin Farrell.
6. Birds of Paradise
> Directed by: Sarah Adina Smith
> Starring: Diana Silvers, Kristine Froseth, Jacqueline Bisset
> Production companies: Amazon Studios, Anonymous Content, Everything Is Everything
“Birds of Paradise” is a drama about friendship in a ballet academy whose production in Budapest was suspended. The film stars Jacqueline Bisset and was expected to be released next year.
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7. Black Widow
> Directed by: Cate Shortland
> Starring: Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, Scarlett Johansson
> Production companies: Marvel Studios, Zak Productions
Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film starring Scarlett Johansson was scheduled to open in theaters on May 1, but it has been postponed.
8. Blue Story
> Directed by: Rapman
> Starring: Stephen Odubola, Micheal Ward, Khali Best
> Production companies: BBC Films, DJ Films, Joi Productions
“Blue Story” is a feature adaptation of a series on YouTube about two friends living in the U.K. who become adversaries in a street war. The movie was set to debut March 20 and was postponed.
9. Bull
> Directed by: Annie Silverstein
> Starring: Rob Morgan, Amber Havard, Yolonda Ross
> Production companies: Bert Marcus Productions, Invisible Pictures
The indie film “Bull,” about a relationship between a disillusioned teen and an equally embittered bullfighter, was scheduled to be released on March 20 and instead will be released on video on demand and digital on May 1. The movie was written and directed by Annie Silverstein and stars Rob Morgan and Amber Havard.
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10. The Card Counter
> Directed by: Paul Schrader
> Starring: Oscar Isaac, Willem Dafoe, Tye Sheridan
> Production companies: LB Entertainment, HanWay Films
The indie film “The Card Counter,” helmed by legendary director Paul Schrader (“American Gigolo” in 1980) and starring Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaac, and Tiffany Haddish, shut down five days from completion because an actor tested positive for COVID-19.
11. Cinderella
> Directed by: Kay Cannon
> Starring: Camila Cabello, Billy Porter, Nicholas Galitzine
> Production companies: Columbia Pictures, Fulwell 73
Production for the updated version of the classic children’s story starring pop singer Camila Cabello was suspended. It was going to be shot at England’s legendary Pinewood Studios before the U.S. travel ban was extended to include the U.K. The film was set to be released on Feb. 5, 2021.
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12. The Climb
> Directed by: Michael Angelo Covino
> Starring: Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin, Gayle Rankin
> Production companies: Topic Studios, Watch This Ready, Adastra Films
The comedy-drama about the friendship of two men over the years that was written and directed by Michael Angelo Covino, who also stars in the film, was supposed to be released on March 20, but Sony Pictures Classics announced on Monday that it has delayed its opening.
13. Deerskin
> Directed by: Quentin Dupieux
> Starring: Jean Dujardin, Adèle Haenel, Albert Delpy
> Production companies: Atelier de Production, Arte France Cinéma, Nexus Factory
The indie comedy-drama about a man obsessed with his deerskin jacket, starring Jean Dujardin and Albert Delpy, was due to be released by Greenwich Entertainment on March 20, but it was delayed.
14. F9
> Directed by: Justin Lin
> Starring: Vin Diesel, Charlize Theron, Nathalie Emmanuel
> Production companies: Roth/Kirschenbaum Films, Perfect Storm Entertainment, Original Film
“F9,” the ninth iteration of the Fast and Furious film franchise, starring Vin Diesel and Charlize Theron, was due for a May 22 release and has been pushed back to April 2, 2021.
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15. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 3
> Directed by: David Yates
> Starring: Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Katherine Waterston
> Production companies: Warner Bros.
Production of the latest film in the J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts series, starring Johnny Depp and Jude Law, was scheduled to begin in the U.K. this month but has been delayed. The movie is expected to be released Nov. 12, 2021.
16. First Cow
> Directed by: Kelly Reichardt
> Starring: John Magaro, Orion Lee, Rene Auberjonois
> Production companies: Film Science
“First Cow” is based on the novel by Jonathan Raymond about an unlikely business partnership between a cook and a Chinese immigrant in 19th-century Oregon. The well-received film was in limited release beginning March 6 and was withdrawn. It is set for re-release later in 2020.
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17. Flint Strong
> Directed by: Rachel Morrison
> Starring: Ice Cube, Ryan Destiny, Olunike Adeliyi
> Production companies: Michael De Luca Productions, Universal Pictures
“Flint Strong” is a biopic about Flint, Michigan, boxer Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, who became an Olympic boxing champion. Production on the film, starring Ice Cube, Ryan Destiny, and Olunike Adeliyi, has been postponed.
18. Jurassic World: Dominion
> Directed by: Colin Trevorrow
> Starring: Dichen Lachman, Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pratt
> Production companies: Amblin Entertainment, Legendary Entertainment, Perfect World Pictures
Production of the third installment of the Jurassic World franchise, starring Chris Pratt, has been halted. It was expected to be released June 11, 2021.
19. The Last Duel
> Directed by: Ridley Scott
> Starring: Jodie Comer, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon
> Production companies: Pearl Street Films, Scott Free Productions, Twentieth Century Fox
Filming in Ireland for “The Last Duel” was suspended. The period piece, directed by Oscar-nominated Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, was due for release in January 2021.
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20. The Little Mermaid
> Directed by: Rob Marshall
> Starring: Awkwafina, Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay
> Production companies: Lucamar Productions, Marc Platt Productions, Walt Disney Pictures
Filming for “The Little Mermaid,” a live-action version of the beloved Disney animated classic, was scheduled to begin in London in late March and has been postponed. The movie stars Halle Bailey in the title role and features Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem.
21. The Lovebirds
> Directed by: Michael Showalter
> Starring: Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, Anna Camp
> Production companies: Quinn’s House, 3 Arts Entertainment, Media Rights Capital (MRC)
The debut of “The Lovebirds,” a romantic comedy starring Issa Rae and Kamail Nanjiani, was due for an April 3 release but was postponed by Paramount. No new release date has been announced.
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22. The Man From Toronto
> Directed by: Patrick Hughes
> Starring: Woody Harrelson, Kevin Hart
> Production companies: Escape Artists, Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), Escape Artists
The action comedy about a mix-up between an assassin and a man from New York stars Woody Harrelson and Kevin Hart. The movie’s production was delayed by Sony because of the coronavirus pandemic. The movie remains scheduled for its Nov. 20 release.
23. The Matrix 4
> Directed by: Lana Wachowski
> Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jonathan Groff, Carrie-Anne Moss
> Production companies: NPV Entertainment, Silver Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures
Production of the fourth iteration of the action series that was filming in Berlin was halted on March 16 by Warner Bros. Keanu Reeves returns as Neo in “The Matrix 4,” which also stars Carrie-Anne Moss and Priyanka Chopra.
24. Military Wives
> Directed by: Peter Cattaneo
> Starring: Kristin Scott Thomas, Sharon Horgan, Jason Flemyng
> Production companies: 42, Ingenious Media, Koliko Films
The comedy-drama starring Kristin Scott Thomas about the wives of servicemen on duty in Afghanistan who form a choir and become media stars had been scheduled for a May 22 release but has been delayed.
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25. Mission: Impossible 7
> Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie
> Starring: Rebecca Ferguson, Tom Cruise, Vanessa Kirby
> Production companies: Bad Robot, Paramount Pictures, Skydance Media
The seventh installment of the Mission: Impossible series from Paramount Pictures starring Tom Cruise halted filming in Italy in late February. It was due to be released on July 23, 2021.
26. Mulan
> Directed by: Niki Caro
> Starring: Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Jet Li
> Production companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Jason T. Reed Productions, Good Fear Content
The live-action version of the Disney animated film about a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a warrior to rescue her dad was set to open in theaters on March 27. It is unclear when it will be released.
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27. New Mutants
> Directed by: Josh Boone
> Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Maisie Williams, Alice Braga
> Production companies: Marvel Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox
The X-Men spinoff, about five young people who while being held against their will discover extraordinary abilities, was set for an April 3 release. But Disney has delayed its debut.
28. The Nightingale
> Directed by: Mélanie Laurent
> Starring: Elle Fanning, Dakota Fanning
> Production companies: The Cantillon Company, TriStar Pictures
Filming in Budapest for “The Nightingale” was suspended by Sony. The movie stars Elle and Dakota Fanning as sisters living in France whose lives are changed by WWII.
29. Nightmare Alley
> Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
> Starring: Toni Collette, Cate Blanchett, Bradley Cooper
> Production companies: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Production of the remake of the 1947 film about a con man and psychiatrist who dupe people out of their money has been suspended. The film features Bradley Cooper, Toni Collette, Cate Blanchett, and Rooney Mara, and is directed by Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro.
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30. No Time to Die
> Directed by: Cary Joji Fukunaga
> Starring: Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig, Léa Seydoux
> Production companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Universal Pictures, Eon Productions
Daniel Craig returns for his final appearance as James Bond in “No Time to Die,” which also stars Ana de Armas and Léa Seydoux. MGM, Universal, and Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announced on Twitter on March 4 that the film’s release has been postponed until November 2020.
31. Official Competition
> Directed by: Mariano Cohn, Gaston Duprat
> Starring: Penélope Cruz, Antonio Banderas, Pilar Castro
> Production companies: Mediapro Studios, The MediaPro Studio
Spanish studio Mediapro suspended the production of the comedy, due out next year, about a rich businessman who hires a filmmaker to make a hit movie. The film stars Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas.
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32. The Personal History of David Copperfield
> Directed by: Armando Iannucci
> Starring: Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie, Tilda Swinton
> Production companies: Film 4, FilmNation Entertainment
A comedic-dramatic interpretation of the Charles Dickens novel starring Dev Patel, Hugh Lawrie, and Tilda Swinton was due for a May 8 release until Searchlight Studios delayed its debut.
33. Peter Pan & Wendy
> Directed by: David Lowery
> Starring: Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson
> Production companies: Balboa Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Walt Disney Pictures
“Peter Pan & Wendy” is a live-action reboot of J.M. Barrie’s story of the boy who wouldn’t grow up and brings three kids from London with him to Neverland island. The film, directed by David Lowery, was in pre-production and is delayed indefinitely.
34. Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
> Directed by: Will Gluck
> Starring: Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, Rose Byrne
> Production companies: 2.0 Entertainment, Animal Logic Entertainment, Animal Logic
The animation film is based on characters in Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit books and is voiced by Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Rose Byrne, among others. It was originally scheduled for a March release but will debut in August.
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35. The Prom
> Directed by: Ryan Murphy
> Starring: Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington
> Production companies: Netflix, Ryan Murphy Productions
This movie adaptation of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical boasts major talent, including Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep. Production has been halted, despite the movie reportedly being just a few days from wrapping.
36. Samaritan
> Directed by: Julius Avery
> Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Natacha Karam, Martin Starr
> Production companies: Balboa Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
MGM stopped filming for “Samaritan” in Atlanta in March. The action film starring Sylvester Stallone was due to be released in December.
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37. Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings
> Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton
> Starring: Awkwafina, Simu Liu, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung
> Production companies: Marvel Studios
Production of the Marvel Comics project starring Awkwafina — expected to be released in February of 2021 — was halted when director Destin Daniel Cretton announced he was being tested for the coronavirus. Cretton tested negative.
38. Shrine
> Directed by: Evan Spiliotopoulos
> Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Cary Elwes, William Sadler
> Production companies: Screen Gems, Ghost House Pictures
Screen Gems announced on March 14 that it has delayed production of the horror film “Shrine” for four weeks. The horror film, written and directed by Evan Spiliotopoulos and starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Cary Elwes, is about a journalist who tries to resurrect his career by writing stories about strange happenings in a small New England town.
39. Shrunk
> Directed by: Joe Johnston
> Starring: Josh Gad, Rick Moranis
> Production companies: Walt Disney Pictures
Rick Moranis, who starred in “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” in 1989, was set to help reboot the franchise with co-star Josh Gad until Disney halted pre-production because of the coronavirus concerns.
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40. Slay the Dragon
> Directed by: Chris Durrance, Barak Goodman
> Starring: Ari Berman, David Daley, Margaret Dickson
> Production companies: N/A
“Slay the Dragon,” a Magnolia Pictures documentary about gerrymandering, will be released April 3 instead of March 13. It will be released on video on demand and digital platforms instead of theaters.
41. The Truth
> Directed by: Hirokazu Koreeda
> Starring: Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, Ethan Hawke
> Production companies: 3B Productions, Bun-Buku, MI Movies
The March 20 domestic release date for the first movie Hirokazu Kore-eda has directed outside of Japan has been pushed to the summer. The film, which stars Catherine Deneuve as a diva actress, premiered at the Venice Film Festival this past August.
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42. The Woman in the Window
> Directed by: Joe Wright
> Starring: Amy Adams, Anthony Mackie, Jennifer Jason Leigh
> Production companies: 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, Fox 2000 Pictures, Scott Rudin Productions
The crime-drama starring Amy Adams about an agoraphobic loner living in New York who witnesses a violent crime was due for a May 15 release but was delayed by 20th Century Studios.
43. Uncharted
> Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
> Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Tom Holland, Antonio Banderas
> Production companies: Atlas Entertainment, Avi Arad Productions, LStar Capital
Sony has hit the brakes on pre-production of “Uncharted.” The movie is based on a PlayStation video game franchise — with the story acting as a prequel to the games — and will star Mark Wahlberg, Tom Holland, Antonio Banderas, and more.
44. Untitled Elvis Presley Project
> Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
> Starring: Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Rufus Sewell
> Production companies: Bazmark Films, The Jackal Group, Warner Bros.
Production of Baz Lurman’s Elvis Presley biopic in Australia is on hold after Tom Hanks, who is cast as Presley’s manager Colonel Tom Parker, and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for Covid-19. Both have since been released from the hospital to self-isolation.
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45. Untitled Home Alone Reboot
> Directed by: Dan Mazer
> Starring: Ellie Kemper, Rob Delaney, Archie Yates
> Production companies: Hutch Parker Entertainment
The Home Alone reboot starring Archie Yates — who recently appeared in the Oscar-winner “Jojo Rabbit” — has been put on hiatus.
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