Peter Rabbit sequel joins No Time to Die in moving release dates over the coronavirus
After James Bond got things started, another movie is shifting release dates because of the new coronavirus.
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is being delayed several months due to concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to the The Hollywood Reporter. The family film starring James Corden and Domhnall Gleeson was originally set to open on March 27 in Europe before coming to the U.S. in April, but it's now been moved to Aug. 7. It will reportedly release on that day both in Europe and in the U.S.
This comes after the James Bond film No Time to Die became the first major studio film to shift its release date due to the coronavirus, as the movie was delayed from April all the way to November. Theaters in markets like China and Italy have closed due to the virus, and the Reporter writes that Sony decided to delay Peter Rabbit because it's "an internationally-driven title."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Analysts have been keeping a close eye on whether major blockbusters like Marvel's Black Widow and the newest Fast & Furious film might also be delayed over the coronavirus, not to mention Mulan, the Disney live-action remake that had been previously expected to perform well in China. Those movies remain on schedule for now, though, with Mulan set to release on March 27.
But Disney's Onward this past weekend had a somewhat muted box office debut, raising questions over whether coronavirus fears were already having an impact or whether audiences just weren't interested in Pixar's latest. That's up for debate, but CNN's Frank Pallotta recommends keeping a close on eye Mulan's performance in a few weeks, as this "could tell Hollywood a lot about how the summer movie season is going to go."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
3 tips to lower your household bills
The Explainer Prices on everything from eggs to auto insurance to rent have increased — but there are ways to make your bills more manageable
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
Crossword: November 11, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sudoku hard: November 11, 2024
The Week's daily hard sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published