Last Updated on August 2, 2021
The coronavirus is impacting the release of another film. Following in the footsteps of the 007 film NO TIME TO DIE, which pushed its release date seven months of coronavirus concerns, Sony has announced that they are shifting the release of PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY by five months. The sequel was originally intended to open in the U.K. and other European territories on March 27 before hitting the U.S. on April 3.
PETER RABBIT 2 will now open on August 7 internationally with the U.S.release also slated for that date. The delay comes amid major theatrical market disruptions across European territories. On Monday, as part of a newly installed nationwide quarantine, Italy announced that all its cinemas were to be closed, with others closing down in countries including France and Slovakia. Cinemas across China, which is a huge marketplace for the global box office, have been closed for several weeks with no sign of them reopening anytime soon.
Much like NO TIME TO DIE, which has huge potential for global box office success if it's released when this pandemic hopefully subsides, it makes sense that Sony is pushing the sequel to a later date because it's another property that is lucratice overseas. Its 2018 predecessor grossed $351 million worldwide and $236 million of that came from overseas territories. The 007 move cost MGM anywhere between $30-50 million but they think the return later in the year will be worth it. No word as of yet how much of a financial hit, if any, will fall on PETER RABBIT 2 by moving its release date.
I get airing on the side of caution about this stuff but it's crazy how much all of this has impacted the industry. From SXSW being canceled to Coachella & Stagecoach likely moving to October with more cancellations or postponements likely to come, this is definitely something I feel like I haven't experienced in my lifetime and I can't tell how serious to take it or how much of it is media hype. Either way, I don't see this easing up anytime soon so I expect to hear more industry changes in the weeks ahead.This sequel also features a stacked cast of vocal and live-action talent including James Corden, Margot Robbie, Domhnall Gleeson, David Oyelowo, Rose Byrne & Elizabeth Debicki & in order to ensure their global promotion for the film, I'm sure the studio wants to make sure it's safe before sending any of the talent out to market the film.
Do YOU agree with Sony's decision to move PETER RABBIT 2?
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