Studios behind Bond decide this is no time to die, and postpone release until November
Andrew McUtchenWhat was last week a meme is now no joke. The next Bond film has been postponed from April to November, because, as the saying goes, this is no time to die. Other London events — such as the London Book Fair, which attracts 25,000 attendees — have also been axed amid Coronavirus fears.
Pundits associated with two James Bond fan sites — MI6-hq and The James Bond Dossier — wrote an open letter to the studios behind the film, urging them to follow global shutdowns and put safety first.
The letter points out some interesting facts. It says: “China and Japan have closed theatres for weeks. The Chinese box office in January and February 2019 combined to $1.5b USD. The same period this year has netted just $3.9m — a 99.7% drop.”
They go on to point out that the Royal Albert Hall venue for the London launch exceeds the 5000 people limit imposed by other affected countries, and poses a risk. “Just one person, who may not even show symptoms, could infect the rest of the audience.” When the world’s biggest Bond geeks are asking for a film to be delayed, you know things are real.
The official James Bond Twitter account responded shortly after with this: “After careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of NO TIME TO DIE will be postponed until November 2020.” It made no specific reference to the virus.
The post said the film would be released in the UK on November 12, my birthday, an excellent choice, and worldwide, including the US on November 25. On the watch front this will give buyers of either the latest James Bond Limited Editions more time than ever before to wonder what role their watches will play in the movie, when it eventually drops. Does it contain grappling hooks? Anti-shark laser beams? A QR code reader? A toilet paper dispenser (joke for Australians only)? Six months until we find out.
