As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to derail production schedules for both film and television projects across the board, we've just received word that Netflix's RESIDENT EVIL series has been banished to oblivion on account of not being able to make its June production start. To clarify, Constantin Film boss Martin Moszkowicz recently spoke with Deadline about the state of the film industry, and how both executives and government officials will need to work together if the damage that has already been done is to be repaired.
During their talks, Moszkowicz revealed that 30 Constantin television projects have been shut down, including Netflix's planned expansion of the Resident Evil franchise. He also confirmed that filming for MONSTER HUNTER, which stars Resident Evil film franchise alumna Milla Jovovich opposite Tony Jaa, has been completed. For the moment, MONSTER HUNTER is still dated for a global fall release.
While the term "shut down" is not a positive one, it's worth noting that Moszkowicz never said that any of the projects affected by the outbreak have been cancelled, they've simply been delayed for the time being.
Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, MONSTER HUNTER stars Milla Jovovich and Tony Jaa as, well … monster hunters. Based on the fan-favorite video game franchise, MONSTER HUNTER will find Jovovich's Artemis and Jaa's Hunter joining forces to help vanquish a horde of kaiju-sized beasts that are poised to invade Earth. Joining the aforementioned stars for the anticipated adaptation are stars Ron Perlman, T.I. Harris, Diego Boneta, Meagan Good and Josh Helman.
As I'd said, MONSTER HUNTER is still looking to make its September theatrical premiere, though I suppose that time will tell on that front. Here's hoping that we can get this pandemic under control sooner rather than later, and that production for so many stalled projects can resume post haste.