The production of Reagan, a biopic about the 40th President of the United States starring Dennis Quaid as the President, halted filming in Oklahoma after an outbreak of coronavirus among crew members. The film is directed by Sean McNamara, best known for directing Soul Surfer and many Disney movies, including Even Stevens Movie and The Suite Life Movie. The biopic also cast Penelope Ann Miller as First Lady Nancy Reagan.
The biopic follows the life of Ronald Reagan from his childhood to his time at the oval office.
According to Deadline, The Oklahoma State Department of Health is reporting that cases of COVID-19 are spiking across the state with 1,628 new coronavirus cases yesterday and is the most reported in a single day for cases in that state and is the highest-ever 7-day average of new cases at 1,235.
“We have had some positive tests from members of our crew, so out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to pause production until we get the go-ahead to return to work from our medical team,” McNamara told Deadline. “The health and safety of our team is my greatest concern.”
The biopic has been in production for several years now, so the setback is not new for the crew and cast.