Lionsgate has pulled the release of Janelle Monáe’s Antebellum and their Saw reboot starring Chris Rock and Samuel Jackson. The decision comes amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic. On a global scale, Global Health Strategies has reported over 186,000 confirmed cases and over 7,500 deaths from the virus. In the realm of entertainment, Kevin Durant and Idris Elba has joined the growing list of entertainers who have tested positive.
By pulling the releases of both films, Lionsgate has added Antebellum and Saw to the long list of films who have delayed release dates. A Quiet Place II and Black Widow have been pushed back indefinitely. Meanwhile, F9 and No Time To Die have been pushed back more than six months.
Lionsgate has not provided a projected release date for either film. During a White House briefing Monday, officials indicated that this pandemic could have lasting effects into July or August. Until then, movie theaters in major markets like New York and Los Angeles will likely remain closed.