The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak is not just a global health concern — it has also had an effect on Hollywood blockbusters like No Time To Die, Mission Impossible 7, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Declared by the World Health Organization to have a "very high" global risk, the coronavirus has already claimed 2,800 lives at the time of writing (via Newsweek), with outbreaks identified in 47 countries.
The virus has incited mass panic across the globe, with governments urging citizens to remain calm and keep up hygienic practices to avoid the risk of infection. Thus far in the United States, there are 74 confirmed or presumptive individuals who have contracted the highly-contagious virus (via CNN). The outbreak has resulted in a stock market dip, as well as rising fear among Americans. However, in addition to all of the risks to public health, the coronavirus has also had a sizable impact on Hollywood and the film industry at large.
Coronavirus COVID-19, which was first identified in China, has resulted in over 86,000+ cases globally, leading to travel bans and restrictions in and out of the originating country. Considering China's sizable influence in the film industry (especially the global box office), this has resulted in the production and release of several major films being affected, as well as the deaths of industry professionals.
AMC Closes 22 Theaters in Italy And Predicts Losses
After an estimated 600+ cases were identified in Italy and 17 deaths were reported, AMC made the decision to close 22 of its 47 theatres in Italy (via Deadline). AMC cited similar actions taken by local and national governments as to why they closed and later commented that they felt it may have been an overreaction, and plan to re-open the theatres next week. AMC also noted that because they don't have theatres in majorly-impacted countries like China, they predict minimal losses — maximizing at about $1 million.
Mission: Impossible 7 Halts Production In Italy
Christopher McQuarrie's upcoming film Mission: Impossible 7 halted production in Italy due to the coronavirus scare, which could result in a delay of the film's release date. Mission Impossible: 7 is one of two upcoming Mission: Impossible films helmed by McQuarrie, who also directed Rogue Nation and Fallout, the franchise's 5th and 6th entries. The film's crew was sent home and the shoot, which was planned to last for at least three weeks, has come to a complete halt as a result of local government regulations.
Thankfully, no cast or crew members are reported to have been infected, and the production will likely resume once other Venician health protocols have been lifted. Mission Impossible 7 is currently slated to be released June 23, 2021, but that date could change as a result of these delays.
China Closes More Than 70,000 Screens Nationwide
In response to the public health care, China has closed over 11,000 theatres across the country. Several major Chinese distributors also canceled the releases of their films, coinciding with the sudden closures in cinemas. Considering how massive China's role is in the international box office, this will likely be a costly decision for both China and the film industry as a whole — and one that isn't likely to disperse until quarantines across China are lifted.
Sonic The Hedgehog Postpones Chinese Release Date
One of the many films affected by the coronavirus, and the shuttering of Chinese theaters, is Sonic the Hedgehog. The film was released over Valentine's Day weekend in the United States and was also planned to have a Chinese release on February 28th. However, due to the quarantines in China, the film's release has been postponed with a new release date to be announced at a later time, according to a press release from Paramount's China office.
Among other reasons, the move is also likely due to China's massive box office power — Sonic the Hedgehog has already netted $203 million globally, but China would also provide a significant boost in profits upon release. For Chinese Sonic fans, it will likely be a waiting game to see when a new release date is announced.
Chinese Film Executive Chang Kai And Family Die in Wuhan
One of the many Chinese casualties of the Coronavirus was film executive and director Chang Kai, who passed away with his family in the province of Wuhan after a self-quarantine. The director, who was 55, chronicled the time before his death in an online post, which includes accounts of his mother, father, and sister's passings. The province of Wuhan has been on lockdown due to the number of cases identified, and it is unclear as to when the quarantine will be lifted.
Hong Kong Film Festival Postponed
One of the many film festivals impacted by the coronavirus in the 43rd annual Hong Kong International Film Festival, which was postponed due to the outbreak (via Variety). The delay was announced by the festival's organizers in mid February, and stated that the entire festival would be delayed until early august — at least four months after the initial date was scheduled in March. The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society also announced that the society's Cine Fan repertory program would be canceled entirely.
No Time to Die Cancels Chinese Premiere and Press Tour
One of the most highly-anticipated movies to be released this year is No Time To Die, Daniel Craig's final outing as the international man of mystery, James Bond. However, due to the quarantines and lockdowns across China, the Chinese leg of No Time To Die's press tour has been canceled. Additionally, the film's Chinese premiere has been canceled. The move will likely hurt the film at the box office in a big way — its predecessor Spectre netted $80+ million in China alone, so No Time to Die canceling the Chinese release could affect it in the same way.
SXSW, Berlin Film Festival, and More Take Precautions Against Virus
Going forward, film festivals and cons around the globe will be bracing for coronavirus and taking steps to ensure attendees are safe while attending. South By Southwest, which is currently underway, announced no plans for delays, but did note a "handful of minor cancellations" (via Deadline). The festival also urged attendees to practice maintaining hygiene standards in order to avoid the risk of contamination. According to organizers, over a hundred Chinese attendees have dropped out of the Berlin Film Festival, citing the coronavirus for their reason of non-attendance. Chinese films will likely be pulled from several other major festivals as Chinese lockdowns continue.
