Top Gun: Maverick, the upcoming sequel to 1986's Top Gun, has been delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Since March, virtually every movie scheduled for release has either been delayed or shifted to digital. Several have faced numerous delays, especially those set for release this summer. Many hoped theaters would be open at this point. However, with case numbers rising, films like Mulan and Tenet have been forced to abandon definitive release date plans for now. Both of those movies were set to release in August after delays earlier this year.
Unfortunately, even once theaters reopen, there are a limited number of viable release dates available, especially considering the backlog of films. This has forced some studios to delay movies far in advance, both out of an abundance of caution and to make way for other movies that need those dates. For example, earlier today, Disney announced it was delaying all upcoming Avatar sequels by one year, which will have an effect on its schedule through 2028. This means the movie industry will still be feeling the ramifications of the coronavirus nearly a decade later. Top Gun: Maverick's release date delay isn't quite that dramatic, but is still bad news for those eager to see the movie.
The sequel, which was already delayed once to December 23 of this year, will now debut July 2, 2021. It was delayed by Paramount alongside A Quiet Place Part II, Jackass, Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Under The Boardwalk, and The Tiger's Apprentice.
Paramount Pictures' Latest Coronavirus Movie Release Date Delays
- A QUIET PLACE PART II, previously September 4, 2020 (wide), is now April 23, 2021 (wide).
- TOP GUN MAVERICK, previously December 23, 2020 (wide), is now July 2, 2021 (wide).
- JACKASS, previously scheduled July 2, 2021 (wide), is now September 3, 2021 (wide).
- SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 is announced for April 8, 2022 (wide).
- UNDER THE BOARDWALK (previously UNTITLED PARAMOUNT ANIMATION) will open July 22, 2022 (wide).
- THE TIGER’S APPRENTICE, previously February 11, 2022 (wide), is now February 10, 2023 (wide).
This could be a smart move for the film, as it may be better suited for the summer box office season. However, movie fans will have to wait and see if Top Gun: Maverick is able to hold on to new release date (more than a full year after its original June 24, 2020 date) or if it will face another delay like so many other movies have this year.
In the summer, Top Gun: Maverick could potentially face stiff competition from similar action films. However, it does seem like a better fit for a release that time of year, as December is typically filled with movies positioned for awards season. In the summertime, however, fans turn out for fun sequels from established franchises. Top Gun: Maverick certainly qualifies in that regard. There are several films that may end up benefiting from the delays, and the Top Gun sequel may end up being one of them.
At this point, it's hard to know for sure what films Top Gun: Maverick will be up against in July 2021, as more release date changes are likely on the way. Once theaters finally reopen, studios should begin to stick with established release dates, helping the movie calendar come into focus. Hopefully, that will happen well before Top Gun: Maverick releases next year.
Source: Paramount