The coronavirus pandemic remains rampant across the nation. Paramount is further delaying the release dates of high profile titles A Quiet Place Part II and Top Gun: Maverick.
On Thursday, John Krasinski and Emily Blunt’s A Quiet Place Part II was set to release in theaters on September 6, 2020. The horror sequel is now headed for April 23, 2021.
Likewise, Top Gun: Maverick, a sequel to Tom Cruise’s 1986 hit classic, will now hit theaters on July 2, 2021, nearly six months after its original date of December 23, 2020.
This marks the second time that both films have been pushed back because of theater closures and production delays caused by the pandemic. A Quiet Place Part II was originally scheduled to open back in March 20, but the studio moved it to Sept. 4, thinking that U.S. cinemas would resume operations before then. Recently, AMC Theatres, the country’s biggest theater chain, pushed back its reopening plans again to the end of August.
Paramount president of domestic distribution Chris Aronson and president of international theatrical distribution Mark Viane both said in a statement in response to the recent delays:
“We truly believe that there is no movie-viewing experience like the one enjoyed in theatres. We are committed to the theatrical experience and our exhibition partners, and want to stress that we are confident that, when the time comes, audiences everywhere will once again enjoy the singular joy of seeing Paramount films on the big screen.”
Skydance’s long-awaited Top Gun sequel will have Cruise reprising the role alongside franchise newcomers Glen Powell and Miles Teller.
Krasinski wrote and directed A Quiet Place II, which stars original cast members Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe and will be joined by Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou. The first A Quiet Place was a huge hit back in 2018, earning $340 million globally.
Paramount is also changing up the release calendar for its other movies, including:
Jackass, previously scheduled July 2, 2021, is now September 3, 2021.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is announced for April 8, 2022.
Under the Boardwalk for July 22, 2022.
The Tiger’s Apprentice, previously set for February 11, 2022, is now February 10, 2023.