Editorial Staff
The unforeseen Coronavirus outbreak of first quarter really messed with the roll-out plans for many major studio releases. With theaters forced to suddenly close up shop, and only the odd Drive-In allowed to operate (largely in North America), most of the major labels have had to sacrifice their ambitious big-screen plans for at least one or two titles, in favor of a premium VOD release. From “Trolls : World Tour” to “Scoob”, “Artemis Fowl”, “The King of Staten Island” and more recently, “Greyhound” starring Tom Hanks, we at home have been spoilt with early releases – almost a ‘thank you’ for putting up with the lockdown.
Though theaters are preparing to re-open in most countries, studios aren’t convinced that audiences are going to flock back into a crowded auditorium to watch a movie – particuarly with the virus still kicking about and self-distancing rules here to stay for the foreseeable future. As such, expect quite a few more titles to skip theaters and go direct to iTunes before the year is out.
Next? a couple of brand-new horror releases could soon be viewable from the couch.
With the release of May’s “Candyman” reboot being pushed back due to C19, and obviously, no guarantee that audiences will show up when this one eventually does open (it’s due to hit theaters in September), it’ll be no surprise to soon hear that the highly-anticipated horror revamp goes the direct-to-digital route.
Actor Tony Todd, who is rumored to be reprising his role as the OG Candyman in the film, arched eyebrows when he seemingly confirmed that the film will hit VOD the same day as it’s proposed theatrical release.
I wish they’d day-and-date this, I want to see/support it, but there’s no way I’m sitting a theater any time this year.
— Justin Yandell (@ShotgunZen) June 5, 2020
Yep, definitely sounds on the money. Win-win for everyone.
Directed by Nia DaCosta, and produced by Jordan Peele, “Candyman” serves as part sequel-part reboot to the original Clive Barker horror classic.
Meanwhile, Blumhouse’s latest has officially changed it’s release plans.
Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions have announced that the psychological thriller “You Should Have Left” starring Kevin Bacon will skip theaters and go direct to digital on June 19.
Also starring Amanda Seyfried, the horror film tells of a a screenwriter who travels to a secluded cabin in the Alps to write the sequel to his hit movie, but a severe case of writer’s block sends him spiraling into a mental breakdown.
David Koepp directed the film, based on Daniel Kehlmann’s novel of the same name.
It was announced today that U.S movie theaters have been given the go-ahead to open as soon as Friday. It’s unknown yet which of the major chains will take up the offer but for those that do, there’s some new guidelines (via Deadline) :
- limiting the number of attendees in the theater to 25% or 100, whichever is fewer.
- implementing a reservation system so that moviegoers and arrive at staggered times
- Patrons should wear face masks when not eating or drinking.
- Ushers should assist with social distancing and directing entrance and exit traffic.
- Consider using disposable or washable seat covers on porous surfaces that are difficult to clean.
- Reconfigure parking lots to limit congregation points and ensure proper spacing (closing every other space).
If theaters do re-open there’s the small issue of… what to show? With next to no new movies due to be released until July (Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” is still set for July 17 – industry insiders say that’ll change), will theaters simply go the route of drive-ins and show recently-released fare (though films now widely available on VOD) like “Sonic the Hedgehog”, “The Invisible Man” and “Scoob”, while mixing it up with a slew of retro classics like “Back to the Future”, “Ferris Bueller” and “Mad Max”? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
