[PHOTOS] 7 Upcoming Movies That Have Been Delayed In Malaysia Because Of COVID-19
Movie distributors cited fears of poor box office performances and the spread of the coronavirus for the delays.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 13 Mar 2020, 06:05 PM
After waiting over a year for the first wave of blockbuster movie releases in the school holiday month in March, we are sorry to be the bearer of bad news:
Many of the spring movie releases have been pushed back due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The COVID-19 outbreak has forced many major movie distributors to delay or cancel the upcoming movie releases at the theatres.
And this is not subjected to Malaysia alone. Many studios have announced a blanket postponement or cancellation of their movie premieres all around the world in fear that the releases would have poor box office results and become a contributing factor to the spread of the virus.
With that said, here are seven confirmed movies that have been cancelled from theatrical release in the coming months:
1. A Quiet Place Part II
Initial release date: 19 March 2020
In a statement to SAYS, United International Pictures Malaysia announced that their thriller blockbuster starring Emily Blunt will be postponed until an unspecified date, citing the pandemic and its effect on theatrical market for its delay.
2. Mulan
Initial release date: 26 March 2020
In an email, The Walt Disney Company Malaysia told SAYS that the movie will not be released later this month.
The company has also called a halt on all promotions related to the movie, adding that a new potential 2020 release date will be announced in the future.
3. No Time To Die
Initial release date: 9 April 2020
The latest instalment of the James Bond franchise is among the first movies that announced the release postponement.
The fourth Bond movie starring Daniel Craig was initially set to release in April but it has now been pushed back to 12 November 2020, premiering in the UK.
In a statement made available to SAYS, United international Pictures Malaysia said the local release date will be announced soon.
4. The New Mutants
Initial release date: 2 April 2020
Similar to Mulan, The Walt Disney Company Malaysia told SAYS that the latest spin-off movie of the X-Men franchise will be delayed and the new premiere date will be announced in the future.
According to Screenrant, this is the fourth time The New Mutants has been delayed. The movie is said to be a standalone movie not connected to any previous X-Men movies.
5. Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
Initial release date: 2 April 2020
In an email, Sony Pictures Entertainment Malaysia told SAYS that the studio's latest animated comedy, starring James Corden, will be pushed back by five months.
The new release date is 20 August 2020.
6. Antlers
Initial release date: 16 April 2020
The third movie Disney cancelled from its theatrical release is Antlers, a horror movie starring Keri Russell. The Walt Disney Company Malaysia did not mention when the movie will be released.
7. Fast & Furious 9
Initial release date: 21 May 2020
After three years since the last Fast movie, it looks like fans will have to wait almost another year for it. According to Variety, Fast & Furious 9 will be pushed back for 11 months, only hitting the big screen in April 2021.
In a statement, United International Pictures Malaysia told SAYS that the exact release date will be announced soon.
