Lionsgate Delays Releases Of ‘Antebellum,’ ‘Run’ And ‘Spiral’ Amidst Coronavirus Concerns
Lionsgateis the latest studio to delay its major releases in the wake of the escalating coronavirus pandemic. Lionsgate has postponed the releases of its upcoming moviesAntebellum, Run,andSpiral, all of which were set to hit theaters in late April and May. Their release dates have been postponed indefinitely.Antebellum,Run,andSpiralare the latest major releases to be postponed indefinitely as Lionsgate joins the Hollywood studios attempting to curb the spread of coronavirus, aka COVID-19.Antebellumwas set to open on April 24, whileRunandSpiralwere slated for May 8 and May 15, respectively. None of the films have received a new release date.
“With theaters across the country closed, Lionsgate will be postponing the releases of ANTEBELLUM, RUN and SPIRAL,” the studio posted on Instagram. “We can’t wait to share these films with the world when this challenging moment is behind us.”
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AntebellumandSpiralwere especially anticipated, with the former a thriller starringJanelle Monaeas an author who finds herself stumbling through time, and the latter promising an exciting new revival of theSawfranchise withChris Rockplaying against type in the lead role. While it’s uncertain when we’ll see either of these films, since they both hail from the horror — or horror-adjacent — genre, they may do well in the fall (if the virus has dissipated by then).
Lionsgate’s announcement comes on the heels of the Centers for Disease Control issuing a recommendation against gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks, which would severely impact movie theaters. Multiple states have already closed multiplexes, while the country’s largest movie theater chain, AMC Theatres, has closed all its locations.
Antebellum, Run, andSpiralare just the latest of many major releases to be delayed as the coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak has grown into a global pandemic. MGM’sNo Time to Diegot ahead of the curve by postponing its release to November, withF9,A Quiet Place Part II,Disney’sMulan, Marvel’sBlack Widow, andmore followingin its footsteps.
