Paramount has announced that both MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7 and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 8 are having their release dates pushed back. The seventh film in the superspy franchise led by Tom Cruise was originally due in theaters on July 21, 2021, but is now slated for a November 19, 2021 theatrical premiere. With regard to the eighth entry, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 8 will move from its intended August 5, 2022 date to November 4, 2022.
I'll give you one guess as to why both films are being made to move from their original dates of release. Go ahead, guess. If you said the delay is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, give yourself a gold star!
Like so many other films that were currently in production when the COVID-19 pandemic kicked into high gear, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7 had to stop shooting in Italy due to coronavirus-related health concerns and safety measures.
Directed and written by Christopher McQuarrie, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7 stars franchise alums Tom Cruise, Vanessa Kirby, Rebecca Ferguson and Simon Pegg, with actors Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, Shea Whigham and Nicholas Hoult also joining the fray.
In addition to moving both Mission: Impossible sequels back a scosche, Paramount announced new release dates for several of the studio's upcoming films, such as Chris Pratt's THE TOMORROW WORLD, which is now new for a July 23, 2021 debut. Additionally, the animated adventure PAW PATROL will now pad into theaters on August 20, 2021. Furthermore, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is now looking to slay monsters in theaters on May 27, 2022, while SPELL, Paramount's upcoming horror movie, has been stricken from the studio's release calendar.
Pour one out for the 2020 theatrical release date calendar, y'all, because until it's safe to return to theaters, it looks as if every project slated for the next little while is bound to be reset for another time down the line. Is this all very frustrating? Absolutely. However, seeing as the health and safety of our world and its people is the most important thing we have going, it's best to remain patient and wait for better days. Stay safe out there, folks.