‘No Time to Die’ delayed over coronavirus fears
The makers of the new James Bond movie due for global release in April said it would be delayed until November amid fears over the new coronavirus outbreak.
The film, No Time to Die, had been set to have its premiere in London on March 31, before its rollout world wide next month.
“MGM, Universal and Bond producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announced today [Wednesday] that, after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of No Time to Die will be postponed until November,” a tweet from the official 007 Twitter account said.
“The film will be released in the UK on November 12 with worldwide release dates to follow, including the US launch on November 25.”
The postponement of the latest chapter in the legendary franchise came as concern over the Covid-19 epidemic continued to mount globally.
The virus has since infected more than 93,000 people worldwide and killed more than 3,200, mainly in China, with numerous countries now struggling to contain its spread.
Some have begun to cancel events like football matches, carnivals, concerts and commercial gatherings such as the Geneva International Motor Show.
Organisers of the London Book Fair, one of the largest book-publishing trade fairs in the world which was due to take place from March 10-12, said it had scrapped this year’s event.
Britain had confirmed 85 Covid-19 cases as of Wednesday, but no deaths.
The government has not ordered the cancellation of events, but said it may be required to take such action if the virus continues to spread.
No Time to Die, the 25th instalment of the fictional British spy saga, sees Bond drawn out of retirement in Jamaica by his old friend and CIA agent Felix Leiter.
It is expected to be actor Daniel Craig’s last outing as 007, after starring in four previous films.