No Time To Die Delayed, Pop Culture Events Affected By Coronavirus

In a piece earlier this week, we had talked about how the coronavirus outbreak was causing havoc for the film industry and costing studios billions. Theaters are closed until further notice and studios are delaying films in several different countries. Now, with a better understanding of the magnitude of the severity of the situation studios and publishers are taking action to protect themselves and their valued properties.

The big news of the day is that the release of the upcoming James Bond film No Time to Die has been pushed back from April to November, according to a statement released on their official Twitter page. This is the first Hollywood tentpole to change its release schedule due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak — at least in the States.

The Cary Joji Fukunaga film that features Daniel Craig’s last showing as the famous 007 was supposed to open here in the US on April 10th after a March 31st world premiere in London. This decision comes as there is a cinema blackout in China as well as other countries where the coronavirus has become a bigger threat. If the film were to be released, they could face losing millions of dollars due to the fact that people can’t go to the movies. You can check out their statement below.

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MGM, Universal and Bond producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, announced today that after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of NO TIME TO DIE will be postponed until November 2020. pic.twitter.com/a9h1RP5OKd

— James Bond (@007) March 4, 2020

Also here in the U.S., the threat of coronavirus has picked up steam, especially in the northwest. The problem with that is that Emerald City Comic Con is scheduled to take place on March 12th through the 15th in Seattle, Washington. Seattle is in Kings county where they have recently as of yesterday confirmed their 27th case of COVID-19.

As of Sunday the owners and operators of the convention issued a statement via The Hollywood Reporter saying that the convention would go on as planned. They promise that there would be “enhanced cleaning and sanitation across the show”. Also stating that “As ECCC approaches we will be constantly reviewing our health protection activities, public health messaging, hygiene and medical control measures with the aim of strengthening our COVID-19 response further in line with up-to-date public health advice and guidance, including that of the CDC.”

A statement alone by ReedPop has not stopped a wave of cancelations of appearances. The most noticeable absence will be DC, who has not only canceled their ECCC appearance but all appearances in March. Some other publishers that have opted out are Dark Horse Comics and Penguin Random House. All of them state that the safety of their staff as their biggest concern.

As well as publishers, individual creators have also opted out of appearing at ECCC. Many have taken to their social media accounts to announce that they will not be attending the show this year. Some notable names are Steve Lieber, Jen Bartel, Jim Zub and Benjamin Percy to name a few. You can check out their posts below.

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Hey folks: I'm pulling out of ECCC. I love seeing you all, but cramming in to a big glass box with 100,000 other people just feels like a poor choice right now.

If you're picking up a commission for me at the show, I'll be in touch to arrange shipping.

— Steve Lieber (@steve_lieber) March 3, 2020

Regarding Emerald City Comic Con… 😣🙏🏼 #ECCC2020 #ECCC pic.twitter.com/Vs78b4bobz

— Jen Bartel (@heyjenbartel) March 3, 2020

After discussing the events happening in Washington State and the extensive travel @stacyking and I hope to be taking through the rest of 2020, we’ve decided we’re bowing out of #ECCC this year. My apologies.

Details here:https://t.co/8PItuVyi1r pic.twitter.com/iyBMxkLORx

— Jim Zub (@JimZub) March 3, 2020

I was really looking forward to hanging out with everyone at #ECCC in Seattle, but I’ve got a kid with high risk respiratory issues, so I won’t be able to make the trip. See you down the trail.

— Benjamin Percy (@Benjamin_Percy) March 3, 2020

It’s understandable that some people would just not be comfortable in an environment around thousands of people in the same area where there are so many cases of the coronavirus. I am surprised that ReedPop is still pushing to keep the show on track despite what is going on in the area. What will be interesting to see now going forward is if this will affect plans in April at other conventions like WonderCon in Anaheim, California. Also, will other films like F9 for example also delay their release? I would think they would as China is such an important market for them. We’ll keep everyone up to date as news of any changes is released.

D you feel these are the correct moves by films, publishers and talent? Or is this an over-reaction? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Source: THR, THR