I don't know about you, but I can't get Queen's classic track "Another One Bites the Dust" out of my head whenever I hear about another film being postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Unfortunately, Universal and Illumination have announced that they'll be postponing the release of MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU on account of the COVID-19 outbreak. The family-friendly animation, starring the pill-shaped mischief makers of DESPICABLE ME fame, was expected to invade theaters on July 3rd, but alas, a new launch date for the film has yet to be determined.
“In response to the severity of the situation in France, we are temporarily closing our Illumination Mac Guff studio in Paris. With this decision we are abiding by the French Government’s guidelines and doing everything possible to slow the spread of the virus as we care for our artists and their families,” Chris Meledandri, founder and CEO of Illumination, said in a statement. “This means we will be unable to finish ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ in time for our planned global releases in late June and early July. While we all grapple with the enormity of this crisis, we must put the safety and protection of our employees above all. We look forward to finding a new release date for the return of Gru and the Minions.”
While some folks are likely to care less about the delay, I'll posit that those with young ones to entertain during this global crisis are more than a little bummer out. I think it's also worth mentioning that MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU has an astonishingly impressive cast, of which includes Steve Carell as Gru; Alan Arkin as Wild Knuckles; Jean-Claude Van Damme, yes, Jean-Claude Van Damme as Jean Clawed; Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck; Michelle Yeoh as Master Chow; Julie Andrews as Marlena Gru; the Dolph Lundgren as Svengeance; Taraji P. Henson as Belle Bottom; Danny Trejo as Stronghold; and Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario!
Personally, I'm a big fan of the DESPICABLE ME series. While the Minions might not be my favorite aspect of the franchise, I think it's a real shame that the film won't make its Fourth of July weekend launch. After all, laughter is some of the best medicine there is, and during these trying times, an overdoes of chuckles sounds like it's just what the doctor would order.
We'll be sure to keep you updated on when MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU can be expected to hit theaters as details develop. In the meantime, stay healty, stay safe, and stay inside.