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    Fast and Furious film, “Mulan” postponed due to virus

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments1562 Views
    In this Jan. 31, 2020 file photo, actor Vin Diesel holds up nine fingers as he attends the the Road to "Fast & Furious 9" Concert in Miami, Fla. Universal Pictures is moving back the release of the ninth Fast and Furious film by a year amid the coronavirus outbreak. The studio on Thursday said that “F9” will open on April 2, 2021. It had been previously scheduled to open on May 22, 2020. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus, but for some, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (Photo by Scott Roth/Invision/AP, File)

    By Lindsey Bahr, Film Writer

    LOS ANGELES (AP) --

    The Walt Disney Co. officially postponed the theatrical release of "Mulan," while Universal Pictures moved back the release of the ninth Fast and Furious film by a year amid the coronavirus outbreak. "Mulan" was set to come out at the end of the month and "F9" had been scheduled for the end of May.

    Disney also said Thursday that it is postponing the releases of "The New Mutants" and "Antlers" as well, citing an "abundance of caution." The studio will announce new dates for a 2020 release later. 

    Earlier on Thursday, Universal Pictures decided that the Fast and Furious sequel "F9" will now open next year, on April 2, 2021. 

    The Fast and Furious movies are always big earners at the domestic and international box office and the absence of "F9" will impact the 2020 box office in a major way. The past two films have made over $1 billion.

    "F9" is the first major summer movie to be delayed because of the outbreak. Other major movies that are still slated for release in the critical summer months include Warner Bros.' "Wonder Woman 1984," on June 5, Paramount's "Top Gun: Maverick," on June 24, and Disney's "Jungle Cruise," on July 24. 

    Thursday also saw the postponement of Paramount's "A Quiet Place Part II," in addition to "The Lovebirds." The delays came after concerns about the virus and public safety prompted studios to postpone the releases of the James Bond film " No Time to Die " and " Peter Rabbit 2. " 

    The Walt Disney Co. has not yet announced any changes to its plans to release Marvel's "Black Widow" on April 24. 

    For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. 

    Tags:coronavirusMulanThe Walt Disney Co.Universal Pictures



    India’s legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal dies at age 90

    Tuesday, December 24, 2024
    Indian film directors Shyam Benegal, right, is seen during a discussion on Indian Cinema in Hyderabad, India, Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A, File)

    Shyam Benegal, a renowned Indian filmmaker known for pioneering a new wave cinema movement that tackled social issues in the 1970s, has died after suffering from chronic kidney disease. He was 90.

    His contribution to cinema was recognized as a director, editor and screenwriter. He was also credited with a new genre of filmmaking.

    Benegal passed away on Monday at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital, and his cremation will take place on Tuesday, the Press Trust of India news agency reported, citing his daughter Piya.

    "Benegal had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That's the reason for his death," Piya said.

    Many paid tribute to the legendary filmmaker on social media platform X.

    Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt wrote that Benegal told stories without pretense. "They were raw and real, about the struggles of ordinary people. His films had craft and conviction."

    "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shyam Benegal, whose storytelling had a profound impact on Indian cinema. His works will continue to be admired by people from different walks of life," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.

    He was a mentor to top Indian actors, including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Om Puri who made their mark in Bollywood's popular cinema as well.

    "I have lost my foster father, a man to whom I owe more than I can say," posted Naseeruddin Shah.

    "Shyam Benegal was not just a legend; he was a visionary who redefined storytelling and inspired generations," said actor Manoj Bajpayee.

    Benegal came into the limelight in the 1970s, with a series of films that challenged mainstream Bollywood. His films Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977)... Read More

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