Trying To Outrun The Virus

 Studios Run To Push Tentpoles Into 2021 and Beyond

As the months have rolled-by we have seen one after another blockbuster kicked down the road - as again and again the studios re-scheduled release dates. Setting of a domino effect the rescheduling has caused havoc. 

When the Bond sequel was moved to 2021 that triggered 'Wonder Woman' to move to Christmas and caused 'Batman' to be bumped into 2022! After the poor gate for 'Tenet' the studios really became gun-shy. There is also the looming problem with production - there isn't any going on!  To play it safe and have some marquee headliners for 2011/22 the studios are playing it safe and holding tentpoles in reserve. 

At the moment there seems to be reluctance on the part of moviegoers to 'go to the movies'. One because of the virus and two, there are no great movies to watch. Both the U.S. and Europe, as well as, Asia face the same dilemma. When these movies will appear on screen is anybody's guess. 

When the cinema returns to normal is anybody's guess. However, finding the perfect release date for a $150m film is not in the cards at the moment, as the pandemic isn't going to just disappear on Jan. 1st.

For movie theaters the release delays has literally killed their enthusiasm as the welcome mat for patrons have been removed time-after-time.  Without tentpoles to screen and without the NYC, LA, and San Fran markets closed it is unlikely the studios will premier a blockbuster before Christmas.

There is only so much cinemas (particularly independents)  can take before they cave under financial strain with no product to screen, and those are the ones that can open.