In light of the current COVID-19 outbreak, the global release for the latest James Bond movie, No Time To Die, has been delayed until the end of November. The 25th instalment of the series was originally scheduled to premiere in April.
According to the announcement on the official Twitter account, MGM, Universal and Bond Producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have decided to postpone the movie after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace. The film will be released first in the UK on 12th November, followed by worldwide release including the US on 25th November.
A few days ago, a Bond fansite, MI-6 HQ, had urged for the film to be delayed until summer when experts believe that the epidemics to have peaked and to be under control. James Page, the co-founder of the site said “The health and well-being of fans around the world, and their families is more important. We have all waited over 4 years for this film. Another few months will not damage the quality of the film and only help the box-office for Daniel Craig’s final hurrah.”
During the Chinese New Year season, a number of movies have been postponed due to coronavirus fears but this appears to be the first major Hollywood movie to be delayed. With the ongoing situation, it is likely that more movie releases could be delayed and this might include Disney’s Mulan, Black Widow and F9 (Fast & Furious 9).
At the moment, there are over 95,430 COVID-19 cases worldwide with 3,286 deaths reported as of yesterday. In Malaysia, there are 55 confirmed cases and zero deaths so far.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia is advising Malaysians to defer travel plans to Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna in Italy, Hokkaido in Japan, and Tehran, Qom and Gilan in Iran.
