The release of the new film in the Fast & Furious series, F9, has been delayed by Universal Pictures due to the coronavirus. The studio released the following statement:
To our family of Fast fans everwhere,
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 this film this May.
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.
Moving will allow our global family to experience our new chapter together. We’ll see you next spring.
Much love,
Your Fast Family.
Variety reports theaters in Italy, South Korea, and China are closed. As the virus continues to spread across the U.S., the belief is American theaters will soon close as well. The film was slated to launch on May 22 in America, but internationally in April.
“We feel all the love and the anticipation you have for the next chapter in our saga,” film star Vin Diesel wrote online. “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,” Diesel added.
Additional films delayed include A Quiet Place 2 and The Lovebirds.
