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Disney Postpones Three Movies Releases Due To Coronavirus

Disney Postpones Three Movies Releases Due To Coronavirus

It includes the upcoming live-action remake of 'Mulan'.

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara Sheppard

Disney is postponing the release of three of its upcoming titles as an "abundance of caution" in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

This included the highly anticipated live-action Mulan remake, which was scheduled for release on 27th March, as well as The New Mutants and Antlers, which were planned for April 3 and April 17 respectively.

Disney said in a statement: "As you know this has been a rapidly evolving situation and we wanted to make you aware that we are postponing the releases of Mulan, The New Mutants and Antlers out of an abundance of caution.

"We truly believe in the moviegoing experience, and we are looking at new potential 2020 release dates to be announced at a later date."



The world premiere for Mulan took place on Monday night (9th March) in Los Angeles and received high praise from critics.

Its director Nick Caro said of the news on social media: "Our hearts are with everyone the world over who is affected by this virus, and we hope that Mulan's fighting spirit will continue to inspire those who are working so hard to keep us all safe."

The New Mutants is an upcoming superhero horror film based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name; while Antlers is an upcoming sci-fi horror based on Nick Antosca's short story 'The Quiet Boy'.

The three films follow the lead of others including Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, No Time to Die and A Quiet Place 2.

Peter Rabbit 2, the sequel to the highly successful 2018 live-action, was postponed by Sony in light of it being "an internationally-driven title", according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The 'Peter Rabbit' sequel has also been postponed due to the virus (
Sony)

It comes after Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte's decision on Monday to put his country on lockdown to combat the virus, which registers the second largest number of cases outside of China.

As part of the quarantine, all of the country's cinemas have closed, along with 40 picturehouses in France and more in many other countries.

Yesterday, Boris Johnson announced the UK is now entering the 'delay' phase of its four-fold plan to tackle the virus, which has officially been classed a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.

Coronavirus has officially been classed a pandemic (
PA)

This means the government is now introducing social restriction measures to slow the spread of the virus, such as staying in for seven days if you have a persistent cough, and advising elderly people to avoid cruise ships.

Disney's rescheduled movie releases comes as the entertainment giant announces that it will be closing a number of its theme parks as a result of virus also.

Disney is also closing its theme parks and cruise liners as a precaution (
PA)

Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort are set to close their doors this weekend as a result of the spread, plus the Disney Cruise Line will suspend all new departures beginning Saturday, too.

As of Friday 13th March, there are a reported 135,866 cases of Covid-19 worldwide, including 590 UK cases.

Featured Image Credit: Disney

Topics: Disney, TV News, TV Entertainment, Mulan