Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious 9 has followed in the footsteps of No Time To Die, Peter Rabbit and A Quiet Place Part II by pushing back its release due to the global coronavirus pandemic, with Vin Diesel revealing on social media that the sequel will now open almost a year later than planned in April 2021.
“We feel all the love and the anticipation you have for the next chapter in our saga,” said Diesel. “That’s why it’s especially tough to let you know that we have to move the release date of the film. It’s become clear that it won’t be possible for all of our fans around the world to see the film this May. While we know there is disappointment in having to wait a little while longer, this move is made with the safety of everyone as our foremost consideration.”
Fast & Furious 9 was initially set for release in the U.S. on May 22nd 2020 and will now open on April 2nd 2021. The action blockbuster would likely have been one of the biggest movie releases of the year, but theaters in China, South Korea and Italy are already closed and many other countries are introducing measures to respond to the outbreak, we can surely expect more of the year’s big hitters to follow suit in the coming days and weeks.
Fast & Furious 9 sees Justin Lin directing series veterans Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Charlize Theron and Helen Mirren, along with franchise newcomers John Cena (Bumblebee), Finn Cole (Peaky Blinders), Anna Sawai (Ninja Assassin), Vinnie Bennett (Ghost in the Shell), Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy), Cardi B (Hustlers), MMA fighter Francis Ngannou, and singer Ozuna.
