Daniel Craig’s fifth and final James Bond movie has been through several release dates already. Originally, No Time To Die was set to release in November 2019, then February 2020 and finally this April. However, the coronavirus pandemic saw the film pushed back months to November this year.
Yet with cases of the virus rising in the US, a further delay – presumably into 2021 – is now allegedly expected.
According to The Sun’s LA source: “There are very secret discussions moving forward about what to do.”
The insider pointed out how Craig’s Bond movies have been great financially and at the end of the day, it’s the movie business, so decisions for the best possible box office have to be made.
Allegedly, if No Time To Die made less than half a billion it will “be deemed a disaster” by the studios involved.
READ MORE: James Bond: No Time to Die will bring back a key part of classic films
Spectre made over $880 million at the global box office and 50th anniversary Bond movie Skyfall was the first 007 film to make over $1 billion.
No doubt MGM and EON productions (as well as distributors Universal Artists and Universal Pictures) will be hoping for another billion-dollar movie in No Time To Die.
Bond news site MI6 HQ have pointed out how Universal have already pushed slasher movie Halloween Kills a whole year from October 16 this year to October 2021.
And with No Time To Die having the same distributor and being set for release just three weeks after the horror sequel was set to hit cinemas, it wouldn’t be surprising if Bond 25 is moved to 2021 too.
In response, the cinema chains replied with savage open letters informing Universal they would not screen their movies if they stuck to this plan.
However, AMC theatres, which owns Odeon, stated in their quarterly earnings: “While we are in active dialogue with Universal, no movies made by Universal Studios are currently on our docket.”
While according to Film Stories, AMC CEO Adam Aron said last month: “Relations are warm with Universal”
“They have always been warm, and I’m using that as a good word.”
He added: “There’s nothing personal about this issue with Universal.
“I have great respect for Universal’s executives.
“It’s just an issue about money. We are in active dialogue with Universal.”
No Time To Die is currently set for UK release on November 12, 2020.
