Peter Rabbit 2 becomes the latest Hollywood movie to be postponed by coronavirus as its release is pushed back from March until August
- Movie was due to be released across Europe on March 27 and in US on April 3
- But Sony Pictures says the release date has now been pushed back to August 7
- Stars included Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne and the voice of James Corden
- It comes amid spread of coronavirus which has killed 4,000 people globally
Families told of their disappointment today after Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway was put back by more than four months due to the escalating coronavirus crisis.
The movie, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne and the voice of James Corden, was due to be released across Europe on March 27 and in the US on April 3.
However, Sony Pictures announced today that the release date had been pushed back to August 7 amid the spread of the infection which has killed 4,000 people.
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway had been due to come out in Britain on March 27 in time for Easter
Mother Danielle Kirk tweeted: ‘Just seen they’ve moved the release date for Peter Rabbit 2, my kids gonna be f***ing furious – you monsters.’
Twitter user Daisy added: ‘Actually so annoyed Peter Rabbit 2 has been delayed until August. Was so excited to watch it at the end of this month.’
And Michelle from Basildon, Essex, tweeted Cineworld to say: ‘I just read that Peter Rabbit 2 won’t be released until August now due to the coronavirus. Is this correct? I already have tickets booked for it. My daughter is looking forward to it.’
Meanwhile US-based film critic Mike McGranaghan said: ‘This doesn’t bode well for the summer blockbusters. If freaking Peter Rabbit 2 is getting postponed because of coronavirus fears, can Black Widow and other high profile films be far behind?’
It comes a week after the biggest film release of next month, the new James Bond film No Time to Die, was postponed from early April to November.
Much of that film’s early promotion had already begun, with star Daniel Craig hosting ‘Saturday Night Live’ and the release of Billie Eilish’s theme song.
Cinemas have been closed in China for several weeks, while Italy shut all its venues yesterday amid social distancing measures to help prevent the virus spreading.
Since coronavirus first emerged in late December 2019, more than 115,124 cases have been recorded in 105 countries and territories, killing 4,067 people.
The film Peter Rabbit 2 features Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne and the voice of James Corden
More than 15,000 cases have been counted in Europe, although the worst affected country is mainland China, which has had 80,754 cases, including 3,136 deaths.
Italy is in second place with 9,172 cases and 463 deaths, followed by South Korea with 7,513 cases and 54 deaths, and Iran with 8,042 cases and 291 deaths.
The previous Peter Rabbit film released in February 2018 was one of that year’s top animated releases, grossing £269million worldwide.
A trailer for the new movie directed by Will Gluck showed Corden’s lovable rogue hops away from his beloved garden to have daredevil adventures in the big city.