Fast 9 pushes back its theatrical release date by a year

Universal Studios has decided to push back the release “Fast & Furious” franchise, film Fast 9 by a year.

“Fast 9” will now be released globally in April 2021 and in the U.S. on April 2. Reportedly, Universal already had the date of April 2, 2021, set for “Fast and Furious 10.”

Fast 9 was earlier slated to open on May 22.

The decision has been made in the wake of the impact that the fast-moving coronavirus is having on the global economy and the distribution landscape.

“We feel all the love and the anticipation you have for the next chapter in our saga,” franchise star Vin Diesel said in a statement.

“That’s why it’s especially tough to let you know that we have to move the release date of the film. It’s become clear that it won’t be possible for all of our fans around the world to see the film this May”.

“While we know there is disappointment in having to wait a little while longer, this move is made with the safety of everyone as our foremost consideration”, he further added.

“Fast & Furious” sequels tend to be among the year’s highest-grossing movies, “Furious 7” and “The Fate of the Furious” both earned over $1 billion worldwide and nearly $400 million in China.

But for as now the cinemas are closed in China, Italy, and South Korea, where the virus has hit hardest.