No Time to Die's release date is expected to be delayed for a third time. The upcoming James Bond film was the first major studio blockbuster to shift release dates at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, initially moving from April 2020 to November 2020. It then moved again to April 2021 (where it's currently scheduled), when it became clear a fall release wouldn't be feasible. The pandemic remains ongoing, with new cases surging across the world. A majority of U.S. movie theaters remain closed, including those in key markets like New York and Los Angeles.
Heading into 2021, there was hope things would start to improve, especially after Wonder Woman 1984's opening weekend led to an increase in theater stock prices. However, with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout slower than expected and case numbers showing no signs of slowing down, the prevailing belief is multiple 2021 movies will see their release dates delayed again. The first domino fell when Morbius moved to October, and now No Time to Die is supposedly following suit.
According to Deadline, it's believed No Time to Die will be pushed back to some point in fall 2021. A new specific release date has not been set yet. It is worth mentioning this isn't official, but "several sources" have told the outlet another delay will happen. No Time to Die's "promotional partners" have also reportedly been informed of a possible delay.
This development indicates MGM remains committed to giving No Time to Die a traditional theatrical release, rather than pursuing an alternative model of distribution. Last year, there was talk of No Time to Die possibly going to a streaming service, but MGM wanted $600 million for the rights and no deal took place. The studio knows the film has tremendous box office potential, so they've opted to hold off until theaters are safer. Right now, it would not be a smart business decision to release a big-budget tentpole like No Time to Die only in theaters, as 65 percent of U.S. venues are still closed and the U.K. is in a new lockdown amidst the latest COVID-19 surge. Studios saw what happened with Tenet's release last year and took notice.
As for when No Time to Die will come out now, November has been the typical window for the James Bond franchise. However, this November sees high-profile projects like Eternals and Mission: Impossible 7 slated to release (for now, anyway). Barring any other changes to the movie calendar (which are always possible during the pandemic), No Time to Die could be better off finding a different slot in the fall where it won't face much competition. In all likelihood, MGM is weighing their options before coming out with an official announcement. Ideally, audiences will finally get to see No Time to Die this fall, but that's what was thought last year.
Source: Deadline
