'The Batman' may see delay in hitting theaters as coronavirus outbreak casts doubt on production start dates
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the entertainment industry to a screeching halt. Almost every blockbuster film and TV shows have been forced to reschedule release dates and delay production. One of the many films that was part of the list was Matt Reeves' 'The Batman' starring Robert Pattinson as the newest Dark Knight. The director took to Twitter to announce the bad news of production being officially shut due to the coronavirus concerns.
A Variety report recently said the film was nearly seven weeks into production and this delay may mean the release date can be pushed much farther. The site also reported that studios won’t be able to resume production until local governments lift the bans on gatherings of more than 10 people.
It also hints that other major upcoming releases, 'The Matrix' and 'Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings' will see a delay. In related news, Tom Cruise-starrer, 'Mission: Impossible 7', was about to get the camera rolling in Venice, but filming was pushed back after Italy was hit hard by the coronavirus.
As for 'The Batman', the original release date was June 25, 2021. However, it shouldn't come as a surprise if DC's next big outing will see a significant delay. Earlier, when it was initially announced that the film would be on a two-week hiatus, WB issued a statement that said: "Warner Bros. Pictures feature production of The Batman will hiatus filming for two weeks beginning today. The studio will continue to monitor the situation closely." This announcement came in after it was revealed that the production of the film was moving from London to Liverpool.
Last month, Reeves surprised fans by sharing the first-ever look of actor Robert Pattinson in the Batsuit. The director shared the actor's camera test where Pattinson looks stunning in the night crusader's outfit complete with the Batman logo.
'The Batman' also stars Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Paul Dano as Edward Nygma/The Riddler, Colin Farrell as Oswalt Cobblepott/The Penguin, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and John Turturro as Carmine Falcone. Newcomer Jayme Lawson has been cast in a currently-unknown role.