No one can deny the world is no longer the same as it once was. The Coronavirus pandemic has affected the globe on a number of levels. Of paramount concern is to ensure the continued health of the global citizenry. To do so, however, will require change from everyone. The world of entertainment being no exception. Many have heeded the call. Here’s a handy list of all the cancellations and postponements so far. Because sometimes – the show must not go on.
Festivals
SXSW
Perhaps the first in the festival circuit to make the brave call. SXSW cancelled its 2020 activities well over a week ago. The first time in over 34 years that the Austin, Texas based festival which brings together the worlds of music, tech, film and much more will not take place.
Coachella
Set to take place in April, the organizers decided to delay rather than cancel the yearly festival in the Coachella Valley. This year’s festival will now take place in October of 2020.
Tribeca Film Festival
This event perhaps more than any other recognizes the importance of community in a time of crisis. The Tribeca Film Festival was born as a result of the events of 9/11 to revitalize downtown New York City. This year, the fest was scheduled to run April 15th through the 26th . However, a statement on the Tribeca site notes that organizers made their “difficult decision” on Thursday after Governor Andrew Cuomo banned events of 500 people or more across the state.
Movies
The world of film has also felt the brunt of the pandemic. The coronavirus has struck its community with notables such as Tom Hanks and Idris Elba becoming infected. Further, this past weekend box office tallies were the lowest they have been in over two decades. Aside from social distancing measures enacted at various cinema houses, several major films set for release have been delayed. While those in production have been halted. Here is the current slate of changes.
No Time to Die
The James Bond franchise was the first to announce its delayed opening. Several weeks ago, when the pandemic was still not at the forefront of people’s minds, the studio made the decision to postpone the premiere. Daniel Craig’s last outing as 007 was set to release in April. It has since been pushed back to November of 2020.
A Quiet Place Part II
The sequel to the 2019 sleeper hit was set to open on March 20th. However, given the current state of affairs. A the premiere of A Quiet Place Part II has been indefinitely postponed.
Fast & Furious 9
Talk about delays. Vin Diesel and company were not taking any chances with their juggernaut franchise. Not a surprise given the global nature of the films, they aren’t just mega hits in the US, but have a global following. F9 has been pushed back to 2021.
The Batman
The current pandemic has not only effected films set to be released, but those currently in production. Most notable, Matt Reeves The Batman. Currently in production in Ireland, it was recently announced production will come to a halt for a full two weeks.
Aside from the aforementioned tentpoles coming to standstill, the Great White Way has also shuttered, Broadway shows are postponed indefinitely. As have many television productions, or alternatively choosing to continue without a live audience.
Sports
Basketball
NBA
After Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 the NBA took no chances. Effective immediately, the remainder of the team and league were to be tested. However, the league took even greater precautions and suspended the season. When they will resume play has yet to be determined.
NCAA
The NCAA took a more flexible approach. With their signature tournament March Madness set to take place, they took the position of altering play by conducting games without fans in attendance. However, given the widespread nature of the current pandemic, reassessment of that position was in order. March Madness has since been cancelled.
Baseball
Major League Baseball has officially suspended spring training and delayed the opening of its season for two weeks. In an official statement, MLB stated “Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, employees and fans, MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts.”
However, as of March 17th, the MLB family has collectively agreed to donate $1 million dollars to staffs of each team effected by the coronavirus pandemic. Showing these moments can bring out the best in us.
Futbol/Soccer
Premiere League Soccer has also been put on hold by the coronavirus. They are expected to resume play on April 4th with franchise players such as Cristiano Ronaldo under self-quarantine, and many others with status unknown, many are uncertain that is a realistic timetable.
The hope is that normalcy will soon return. However, in a post coronavirus world, audiences should be prepared for unprecedented events. For example, a World Series played near Thanksgiving. An NBA Finals in the fall or a summer movie slate a bit on the anemic side, given the stoppage of various productions. But if it ensures the health and safety of the world, it sounds like a small sacrifice to make.