MGM Studios announced the third delay of Daniel Craig’s final appearance as Bond today, via the film’s website.
Daniel Craig as James Bond and Ana de Armas as Paloma in the new Bond film No Time To Die.
No Time To Die was initially scheduled for release in April 2020, but will now arrive on 8 October 2021 – over a year later than expected. The announcement comes as a result of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions around the world.
The film was the first significant hit to the entertainment industry by the coronavirus pandemic, following the first delay of release to November 2020. This was then extended to April 2021 as restrictions continued globally.
The Bond film is thought to be a crucial step to cinemas recovering from the coronavirus pandemic, as blockbusters like No Time To Die are expected to attract large audiences. However, major Hollywood studios are determined to avoid box office doom in the current climate, while many cinemas remain closed worldwide.
Though the film has been highly anticipated, Bond super-fan Luke Arnold thinks studios made the right choice when it comes to celebrating the franchise.
“It wouldn’t be possible to have a premier and we need that as a big thank you and farewell to Mr. Craig,” He says.
Recognising the importance of prioritising audience’s health, Luke says: “I personally wouldn’t have felt comfortable going to the cinema in April, even for Bond, so I get the need to not only keep people safe but also to think of finances and the money invested to make the movie.”
Many fans are expressing disappointment online, following almost a year of entertainment delays.
However, Luke is keen to encourage fellow Bond fans to consider the wider context of delays, saying: “I think if anyone’s a true die-hard fan they will understand and wait. People’s lives and well-being are far more important at this time.”
Despite parts of the world experiencing fewer or no restrictions, studios are keen for a synchronised release. This will allow fans worldwide to watch at the same time.
No Time To Die is not the only film impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Further delays were announced from Sony today, including Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway which has been rescheduled from April to June.