How the Coronavirus Pandemic Is Shutting Down Hollywood and Beyond

The coronavirus has been detected in over 100 countries, affecting most industries. Hollywood, the sports industry, and Broadway have made some of the most dramatic decisions to date in an effort to encourage social distancing.

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Howie Mandel arriving for “America’s Got Talent” in Los Angeles

According to Deadline, late-night shows including “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” and “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” will be taping without in-studio audiences starting Monday.

Several major movies, including “A Quiet Place: Part II” and “Fast and Furious 9,” have pushed back their release dates due to the outbreak.

On Thursday, Paramount Pictures said, “After much consideration, and in light of the ongoing and developing situation concerning coronavirus and restrictions on global travel and public gatherings, Paramount Pictures will be moving the worldwide release of ‘A Quiet Place Part II.’ We believe in and support the theatrical experience, and we look forward to bringing this film to audiences this year once we have a better understanding of the impact of this pandemic on the global theatrical marketplace.”

“A Quiet Place: Part II” director John Krasinski added, “One of the things I’m most proud of is that people have said our movie is one you have to see all together. Well due to the ever-changing circumstances of what’s going on in the world around us, now is clearly not the right time to do that. As insanely excited as we are for all of you to see this movie… I’m gonna wait to release the film till we CAN all see it together! So here’s to our group movie date! See you soon!”

Earlier this month, the new James Bond movie “No Time to Die” was the first Hollywood film to shift its release due to the virus, moving from April to November.

Last month, production on Tom Cruise’s upcoming “Mission: Impossible” movie was delayed in Italy, which has been hit hard by the coronavirus. Paramount Studios said at the time, “Out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of our cast and crew, and efforts of the local Venetian government to halt public gatherings in response to the threat of coronavirus, we are altering the production plan for our three-week shoot in Venice, the scheduled first leg of an extensive production for ‘Mission: Impossible 7.’”

Since then, production on many shows and movies has also been shut down, including Ryan Murphy’s “The Prom,” “Riverdale,” and “The Morning Show.”

On Wednesday, it was learned that Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson had tested positive for the coronavirus while in Australia, where Hanks was in preproduction on Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Elvis Presley biopic. The movie’s studio, Warner Bros., told Deadline it was “working closely with the appropriate Australian health agencies to identify and contact anyone who may have come in direct contact with the individual,” referring to Hanks.

Other big names, like Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell, and Howie Mandel, are taking preventive measures, wearing masks and protective suits while stepping out.

The NBA temporarily suspended the rest of the season after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert reportedly tested positive for the virus.

While Gobert hasn’t commented on the reports, his teammate Donovan Mitchell has confirmed his own positive test. He wrote on Instagram, “Thanks to everyone who has been reaching out since hearing the news about my positive test. We are all learning more about the seriousness of this situation and hopefully people can continue to educate themselves and realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the well being of those around them. I appreciate the authorities in Oklahoma who were helpful with the testing process and everyone from the @utahjazz who have been so supportive. I am going to keep following the advice of our medical staff and hope that we can all come together and be there for each other and our neighbors who need our help❤️🕷.”

The NHL is also suspending its season because of the coronavirus. The league wrote in a statement, “The NHL has been attempting to follow the mandates of health experts and local authorities, while preparing for any possible developments without taking premature or unnecessary measures. However, following last night’s news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus — and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time.”

“We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to take all reasonable precautions — including by self-quarantine, where appropriate. Our goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate and prudent, so that we will be able to complete the season and award the Stanley Cup. Until then, we thank NHL fans for your patience and hope you stay healthy,” the statement continued.

Along with delaying Opening Day, the MLB has canceled spring training games. The league said, “MLB and the clubs have been preparing a variety of contingency plans regarding the 2020 regular season schedule. MLB will announce the effects on the schedule at an appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant, with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible.”

Many other sports events have been canceled over the past few weeks, including Indian Wells.

A few days ago, it was announced that Coachella would be moved from April to October. The announcement came just a week after SXSW was canceled outright.

On Thursday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for all performances at Broadway theaters to halt temporarily. Other major attractions in the city, including Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Carnegie Hall have already shuttered.



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