Fans all over the world have their hopes set on seeing the latest installment of the popular “Fast & Furious” franchise. However, it seems like concerts are not the only ones getting the delay.
Due to the continuous rising of the widespread coronavirus outbreak, “Fast & Furious 9” is the latest Hollywood production to be delayed—but this may be the longest, as the film has been put on hold for an entire year.
The 9th chapter in the long-running “Fast & Furious” saga was slated to hit theaters on May 22nd of this year, however that release date is officially a thing of the past thanks to the increasing concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.
The company behind the “Fast & Furious” franchise, Universal Studios, made the tough decision because of the impact that the coronavirus is having on the global economy and the film distribution landscape worldwide.
Vin Diesel made the announcement via social media, writing:
“We feel all the love and the anticipation you have for the next chapter in our saga. That’s why it’s especially tough to let you know that we have to move the release date of the film. It’s become clear that it won’t be possible for all of our fans around the world to see the film this May. While we know there is disappointment in having to wait a little while longer, this move is made with the safety of everyone as our foremost consideration.”
Similarly, several other highly-anticipated movie releases have also moved their release dates due to the virus, including “A Quiet Place Part II” and the latest James Bond film “No Time to Die”—which moved from April of this year to November.
Currently, movie theaters in Italy, South Korea, and China still remain closed, as those areas were hit hardest by the coronavirus. “Fast & Furious 9” will now open globally in April 2021 and in the U.S. on April 2, 2021.
