While fans are dismayed about Halloween Kills being delayed to 2021, it actually allows the film to honor John Carpenter's original Halloween 2. Halloween Kills was of course originally planned for release on October 16, 2020, but Michael Myers' grand return had to be postponed due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. It remains to be seen whether the major theater chains will successfully reopen by October, but those involved with Halloween Kills clearly thought that even if that happens, most still won't feel comfortable going.
It's a sad reality, but it's just that, reality. In many parts of the U.S., Hollywood's primary market, cases of the Coronavirus are shooting through the roof, and movie theaters would be a likely breeding ground for further spread, at least that's what most believe. As much as fans want to see Michael Myers and Laurie Strode battle once again, their desire to do so might not outweigh worries that going to the theater with strangers could lead to them contracting a possibly deadly illness.
However, as an unintended consequence of Halloween Kills' delay to 2021, the sequel to Halloween 2018 is now lined up to honor and celebrate a big anniversary for the franchise, just as its predecessor did in 2018. Here's how.
Halloween Kills Already Honors John Carpenter’s Original Sequel
Halloween Kills is now set for release on October 15, 2021, almost an entire year later than originally planned. While that's frustrating for fans, it also now means the film will open a mere two weeks before the 30th anniversary of John Carpenter's original Halloween 2. Produced and written by Carpenter, Halloween 2 released on October 30, 1981. Before it was officially titled, Halloween Kills was being referred to as Halloween 2, so this sets up a notable parallel between the sequel to Halloween 1978 and the sequel to Halloween 2018.
Since Halloween 2018 was itself released near the 40th anniversary of Carpenter's 1978 classic, Halloween Kills releasing in 2021 sets the sequel up to celebrate the next corresponding milestone. What's more, Halloween Ends being delayed to October 2022 has it poised to do the same, releasing around the 30th anniversary of 1982's Halloween 3: Season of the Witch. That film is infamous for being the Halloween sequel without Michael Myers, and now Halloween Ends is poised to finally be a Halloween 3 with The Shape, since Rob Zombie never got to make his version of Halloween 3. Now fans just have to hope that these dates stick, and we don't have another Coronavirus outbreak again next year.
