Sony Pictures has announced that it will delay the release of Venom: Let There Be Carnage due to the spread of COVID-19 across the country. The film was originally set to be released on September 24 and will be released on October 15 instead.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage is the first major film from Sony Pictures to have its release date delayed due to the recent surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases across the country. Thus far, the U.S. has reported more than 1.5 million new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in August, three times more than countries like Iran and India. Moreover, the nation is recording approximately 135,000 new cases of the virus per day. These recent surges have caused many to be concerned heading into September.
As it pertains to the movie industry, movie studios are also concerned. This week, the National Research Group found that 67% of moviegoers say they’re “very or somewhat comfortable” visiting their local movie theater. This is a 3% drop from last week and a 14% drop from this time in July.
When it is safe for moviegoers to return to the theaters, Venom: Let There Be Carnage will be a big hit. The original brought in more than $850 million and Sony Pictures expects the sequel to top it. Beginning October 15, we’ll see if they’re correct.
