MGM, Universal and Bond producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, announced today that after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of NO TIME TO DIE will be postponed until November 2020. pic.twitter.com/a9h1RP5OKd
— James Bond (@007) March 4, 2020
The next 007 film starring Daniel Craig has been delayed worldwide due to concerns with coronavirus (COVID-19), pushing the original release date from April to November in North America.
In a tweet from the movie’s account, producers and Metro Goldwyn Mayer announced the decision was made “after careful consideration and thorough evaluation” while looking at theatre releases worldwide.
According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, the new release date also coincides with Thanksgiving and sticks to a common November window for Bond films.
Publicity tours were also cancelled by crews planning to visit China, South Korea and Japan.
Hong Kong audiences will still get to see No Time to Die on April 30, days after the original release date.
On Monday, James Bond community group MI6 HQ published a letter to EON, MGM and Universal about postponing the film and stated “it is time to put public health above marketing release schedules and the cost of canceling publicity events.”
The group added its North American release dates could also impact the movie’s box office from “a significant chance that cinemas will be closed, or their attendance severely reduced,” in April.
Consideration also went towards the London’s world premiere at the end of March, which was also postponed.
No Time to Die releases in the U.S. on November 25 with other “worldwide release dates to follow.”