No Time To Die featuring James Bond is expected to be postponed for the third time in the months following the pandemic. James Bond’s upcoming film was the first major blockbuster studio to change the release dates during the early coronavirus outbreak months, which was postponed from April 2020 to November 2020.
It then moved to April 2021 (where it is currently planned), when it became clear that a fall release would not be possible. The COVID pandemic continues, with new cases increasing worldwide. Most US theaters remain closed, including those in major markets such as New York and Los Angeles.
Why Is The Release Of ‘No Time To Die’ Being Delayed?
By 2021, it was hoped that things would start to improve, especially after the 1984 Wonder Woman opening which led to an evident surge in theater stock prices. However, with the dispatch of the COVID-19 vaccine slower than expected and the case numbers showing no signs of declining, it is a common belief that many 2021 movies will see their release dates delayed again. The first domino fell when Morbius moved in October, and now there is a high chance that No Time To Die will follow suit.
According to Deadline, it’s believed No Time to Die will be pushed back to some point in fall 2021. A new specific release date has not been set yet. It is worth mentioning this isn’t official, but “several sources” have told the outlet another delay will happen. No Time to Die’s “promotional partners” have also reportedly been informed of a possible delay.
Will No Time To Die Release Only In Theatres?
These developments show that MGM remains committed to granting No Time To Die a conventional theatre release, rather than pursuing an alternative distribution. Last year, there was talk of No Time to Die which could go to a streaming service to make for the delayed release, but MGM is demanding $ 600 million in rights and no agreement has been reached. The studio knows that the film has great power in the box office, so they chose to hold it until the ambience of theatres are safe and the crowd comes back.
Right now, it would not be a smart business decision to release a big-budget tentpole like No Time to Die only in theaters, as 65 percent of U.S. venues are still closed and the U.K. is in a new lockdown amidst the latest COVID-19 surge. Studios saw what happened with Tenet’s release last year and took notice.
When Will No Time To Die Be Released?
The James Bond franchise has been eyeing November as the most feasible or typical time period for the release of No Time To Die movie. However, this November will be seeing high-level projects such as Eternals and Mission: Impossible 7 are also set to be released (as of now, however). To prevent any other changes to the movie calendar (which always occur during the pandemic), No Time to Die could be better off finding a different slot in the fall where it won’t face much competition.
Most likely, MGM is considering all of its options on the table before coming out with an official announcement. All things right, the audience will finally see the James Bond thriller No Time to Die this Fall, but that is what was thought last year.
