When the COVID-19 pandemic began to gain traction, it could not have come at a worse time for the movie industry. Movie lovers around the world had their hearts set to see some of the biggest movies for this year, but unfortunately many of these films were not allowed to be released in theaters. Many movies were also faced with filming delays, pushing back release dates.
Some notable movies that have had production halted are Mission: Impossible 7, Elvis, Jurassic World: Dominion, and Avatar. These movies were not completed before quarantine but will most likely still see push backs on previously announced release dates. Some movies, such as the much anticipated James Bond film, No Time to Die, and the Tom Cruise film, Top Gun: Maverick had only suffered release date changes.
However, after months of delays, some films are once again starting to be produced. Starting in early summer, production companies installed new safety measures on their sets.
One of the films most impacted was Mission: Impossible 7. According to Variety, the Tom Cruise lead franchise had been planning to film in Venice, Italy when COVID-19 hit the area. The film has since resumed production starting back in September and is expected to finish filming in April or May of 2021, according to first assistant director Tommy Gormley when he spoke with BBC Radio 4’s Today show.
However, according to Forbes, the film was allowed to film in Norway without following the country’s ten day quarantine. Instead, the crew had regular COVID-19 tests and practiced social distancing.
While it is uplifting to see films starting to be filmed once again, it is concerning to see some of the film crews not having to partake in measures to fight off the global pandemic. Celebrities can be some of the most influential people if they use their platforms wisely. By being able to go past the country’s quarantine rule, this may lead some to believe that the pandemic is slowing down. While cases have dropped, it is still important to practice social distancing and other preventative measures.
Another film that had been halted was Elvis, a biopic starring Tom Hanks and Austin Butler. According to PEOPLE, production of the film was stopped in March when Tom Hanks and his wife tested positive for the virus. Filming was said to restart in September, but no information about how the set will accommodate for the virus was released.
Seeing these films start to begin production once again has given people a sense of normalcy in these trying times. With movies being filmed, there is hope once again that people will be able to go out with friends and family to see their favorite stars on the big screen.
While the public will have to wait a bit longer then expected to see movies on the big screen, it will be well worth the wait.
