As we begin to enter the phase where studios plan out their film schedules for the rest of 2020 and into 2021, one date was sticking out like a sore thumb—Christmas 2020. In a rare year where there are no franchise films during the holiday season, from 2021 until the end of time there’s a new “Star Wars” or “Avatar” film coming each Christmas, it seemed like December 2020 was primed for being a primo spot for a summer film facing delay. Well, that appears to be the case, as Paramount has adjusted its slate for the rest of the year, putting Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun: Maverick” in that Christmas slot.
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According to Deadline, “Top Gun: Maverick” is the latest summer film to get delayed due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. However, instead of looking to spring/summer 2021, as is the case with Sony, Universal, and other studios, Paramount is pushing ‘Maverick’ from June 24 to December 23, right in the heart of Christmas. As of now, it appears that the main competition for the ‘Top Gun’ sequel will be on December 18, with “Dune” hitting theaters. In addition, there are non-action films such as “Coming 2 America” and “West Side Story” both scheduled for that date.
Other Paramount delays, including “A Quiet Place II” and “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run,” have also been announced. Instead of its March date, “A Quiet Place II” is now back on the schedule for a September 4 release. And in the case of ‘SpongeBob,’ the film is moving from its May 22 date to July 31. Of course, that latter announcement could again change if the pandemic isn’t under control before then.
The departure of “Top Gun: Maverick” from the summer movie season is the latest nail in the coffin of the year’s prime release period. Basically, all that’s left is Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” and it’s pretty likely that film will move, as well.
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As has been teased quite a bit in reports, and with how China is handling theatrical reopening, it appears that once cinemas in the US reopen, they’ll likely be filled with previously-run films that will hopefully bolster back the revenue stream and slowly introduce film fans back into the routine of going to the cinema. So, even if theaters reopen by June, it’s likely going to be at least a month or two before things get back to relative “normal.”
