Universal Studios has pushed back the theatrical release date for Fast & Furious 9 to early next year, according to a statement released via the official Twitter account for the upcoming movie.
The announcement comes after Paramount and director John Krasinski confirmed that they were also delaying the release date for A Quiet Place Part II.
What is the new release date for Fast & Furious 9?
Fast & Furious 9, the next installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, will now open in theaters across the world in 2021.
According to the statement released through the official Twitter account for the Fast & Furious 9, the movie will premiere in U.S. theaters on April 2, 2021.
April 2021 was originally the date reserved for the release of Fast & Furious 10.
“We are moving the global release date to April 2021, with North America opening on April 2. 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.”
#F9 pic.twitter.com/agQAFNLm9w
— #F9 (@TheFastSaga) March 12, 2020
The release date was pushed back due to the coronavirus spread
Although the statement did not mention the reason for the postponement, multiple news sources are reporting that the premiere date for Fast & Furious 9 was pushed back in response to the spreading coronavirus infection.
The global spread of coronavirus is having a disruptive effect on global markets and the global economy.
The continuing spread of the infection and increasing numbers of confirmed cases has led to lockdowns in countries, such as China, South Korea, and Italy.
Governments across the globe, including the U.S., have announced measures to curb the spread of the infection. Such measures include restrictions on large gatherings, such as concerts and festivals.
The restrictions are hurting the entertainment industry.
The decision to postpone the theatrical release date for Fast & Furious 9 anticipates that further spread of coronavirus will lead to further restrictions that will hamper the distribution of the movie originally scheduled for theatrical release on May 22, 2020.
Other movies that have also been moved include MGM’s upcoming James Bond movie No Time to Die, Paramount’s The Lovebirds, Blue Story, and Sony’s Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway.
Fast & Furious 9 cast
Fast & Furious 9, simply titled F9, is the sequel to The Fate of the Furious (2017). The movie, written by Daniel Casey and directed by Justin Lin, stars Vin Diesel as Dom Toretto.
Other cast members include Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz, Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce, Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto (Dom’s sister), Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce, and Ludacris as Tej Parker.
New cast members will include John Cena as Jakob Toretto, Dom’s brother. Also returning after a multi-film absence is Sung Kang as Han Lue.
Monsters & Critics reported in January that series star Dwayne Johnson, who first appeared as Luke Hobbs in Fast Five (2011), will not return in the upcoming installment of the franchise.
Fast & Furious 9 trailer
Universal Studio released a teaser trailer for the upcoming movie on January 28, 2020.