Breaking: Disney Delays 'Star Wars' and 'Avatar' Films, and Pulls 'Mulan' from Release Schedule

The movie industry has seen significant changes this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We keep on hearing news of high profile films getting delayed time and time again for the safety of the people who make them and the people who want to watch them. It has been affecting brands big and small, to the point where it is no longer surprising to hear about a film getting delayed.

As was to be expected, circumstances pertaining to the pandemic have affected Disney’s movie release schedule in major ways once again. Previously, Avatar 2 and the next Star Wars film were set for releases in December of 2021 and 2022, respectively. The plan was for releases from the two franchises to come out every other year so that they could alternate with each other at least until 2027. Now, the releases have been pushed back a year, meaning that Avatar 2 is slated for December 2022, and the next Star Wars film, whatever it may be, is slated for December 2023.

While Avatar 2 has been pushed back over the years due to all the work that went into it, this is the only time that its delay has been the result of the pandemic. While there are still fans of his 2009 film, a lot of hype needs to be built up again to get people interested in the sequels, and the delay certainly exacerbates things. James Cameron had the following to say on the matter:

"Prior to the COVID-19, everything was on track to bring you the first sequel in December of 2021. Unfortunately, due to the impact that the pandemic has had on our schedule it is no longer possible for us to make that date. There is no one more disappointed about this delay than me."

Additionally, Disney’s live-action remake of Mulan has been pulled from their release calendar. Originally, it was supposed to come out in March, but the pandemic caused it to be delayed to July and then, more recently, August 21. Now, we are not sure what new release date it may be given, as Disney has not yet announced it. Unlike the Stone Dragon from the animated film, nothing is set in stone. A Walt Disney spokesperson provided the following statement:

"Over the last few months, it's became clear that nothing can be set in stone when it comes to how we release films during this global health crisis, and today that means pausing our release plans for Mulan as we assess how we can most effectively bring this film to audiences around the world.”

AMC Theatres, the world’s biggest movie theater chain, had previously post-poned the reopening of their locations to mid-late August. They were depending on the releases of Mulan and the Christopher Nolan film Tenet around that time. However, both have been postponed indefinitely, which means that theaters may need to wait a bit longer to have a blockbuster movie that may encourage viewers to attend screenings. According to today’s virtual Comic-Con panel about The New Mutants, a horror movie based on characters from Marvel Comics, the repeatedly delayed film is still on track for an August 28 release, though those behind the production have their fingers crossed. Currently, A Quiet Place Part II is slated for September 4.

While it is a certainty that frustration among movie buffs persists, we must remember that the changes that are being made need to accommodate the safety of the people. Movies are our form of escapism. There are still some challenges to conquer, but it may at least be reassuring to know that the films we await are still intended for release.

Written By Steven Shinder

Syndicated From Culture Slate