Anna Daniels
Fast 9 has delayed its release out of concern for the coronavirus. It follows the lead of No Time to Die, My Spy and A Quiet Place Part II in postponing the release until such time as it becomes safer for public gatherings. However, Fast 9 has marked the longest delay so far.
The James Bond film delayed its release from April to November. My Spy delayed only one month and A Quiet Place Part II has not announced a new release date. Fast 9 was originally scheduled for release May 22. Now it will open 11 monts lather on April 2, 2021. Universal sent a message to press on behalf of the Fast family.
‘Fast 9’ is still about family and so is the delay
The Fast and the Furious series are action movies about racing cars, but the theme of them all is family. Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) created a family of racers from diverse walks of life. He’s added to the family in each sequel, and even turned opponents into family. So when it becomes unsafe for families to go to the movies, they listen.
“To our family of Fast fans everywhere, we feel all the love and the anticipation you have for the next chapter in our saga,” the message reads, “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.”
Fast 9 will introduce John Cena as Jakob Toretto. Charlize Theron returns as Fate of the Furious villain Cipher and the ninth film also promises the return of Han (Sung Kang). Han died in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift but returned in the fourth, fifth and sixth films, set before he went to Japan. Fans eagerly await the explanation of his resurrection, since the footage of him trapped in an exploding car featured prominently in the third and sixth films.
‘Fast 9’ will now take the ‘Fast 10’ spot
They already had the April release date scheduled for the 10th film before the coronavirus outbreak began. Now that leaves the 10th film postponed, though if shooting continues on schedule it could presumably open closer to Fast 9.
“We are moving the global release date to April 2021, with North America opening on April 2,” the message continued. “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.”
This was a worldwide decision
While American events like South by Southwest, Coachella, PaleyFest and the NBA season have recently cancelled or postponed, Universal’s decision with Fast 9 is a global one. The Fast and the Furious films are tentpole blockbusters that open simultaneously everywhere. So with Asia, Europe, Australia and other countries dealing with the spread of coronavirus, Fast 9 decided to hit the brakes.
“Moving will allow our global family to experience our new chapter together. We’ll see you next spring.
Much love,
Your Fast Family”
Fast 9 press release
Written by: Cheat
