Venom: Let There Be Carnage is the latest film to fall prey to further pandemic-induced delays, as the Delta variant of COVID-19 remains a cause for concern.
Sony Pictures has made the decision to postpone the movie’s premiere yet again, with the studio hopeful it can finally hit theatres on October 15, instead of September 24. Of course, this means that we Aussies will also have to wait a little longer to catch the symbiote sequel.
The unfortunate turn of events comes as COVID case numbers rise in the US, leading to cinema patrons feeling hesitant to watch movies in the theatre. According to a recent survey conducted by the National Research Group, 67% of moviegoers say they’re “very or somewhat comfortable” visiting their local multiplex — which is a dip of 3% compared to last week, and down 14% from one month ago.
The latest instalment in the franchise features Tom Hardy as the title superhero once more with the film taking place over a year after the events of 2018’s Venom, and sees investigative journalist Eddie Brock (Hardy) struggle to adjust to life as the host of the alien symbiote Venom, which grants him super-human abilities in order to be a lethal vigilante.
Brock attempts to reignite his career by interviewing serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), who becomes the host of the symbiote Carnage and escapes prison after a failed execution.
This latest delay marks the third time the movie’s release has been pushed after it was originally slated for an October 2020 release, before being bumped to June 2021 because of COVID-19 concerns, then to September. Sony is so far committed to keeping a theatrical release for the film, rather than releasing it on Disney+.
The first Venom film was a box office success, becoming the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2018 with over $856 million worldwide.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage also stars Reid Scott, Peggy Lu, Michelle Williams and Naomie Harris and was directed by Andy Serkis.
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