The release of F9 has been pushed back a year due to coronavirus fears

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Audiences were revving up to enjoy F9, the ninth installment of the FAST & FURIOUS saga, in theaters on May 22nd, but as we've seen, the spread of coronavirus is impacting just about every aspect of our lives. More than a few films have pushed their release dates back in recent days, and Universal Pictures announced this morning that F9 will be no exception as its release date will be pushed back until next year.

Here's the statement:

To our family of Fast fans everywhere, We feel all the love and the anticipation you have for the next chapter in our saga. That’s why it’s especially tough to let you know that we have to move the release date of the film. It’s become clear that it won’t be possible for all of our fans around the world to see the film this May. We are moving the global release date to April 2021, with North America opening on April 2. While we know there is disappointment in having to wait a little while longer, this move is made with the safety of everyone as our foremost consideration. Moving will allow our global family to experience our new chapter together. We’ll see you next spring. Much love, Your Fast Family

As theaters have remained closed in several nations across the globe, notably Italy and China, it's perfectly understandable why so many films are being pushed back. In fact, there's been an ongoing debate on whether theaters in America should follow suit, particularly as music and film festivals have already been cancelled.

Several days ago at the premiere of BLOODSHOT, Vin Diesel teased to Entertainment Tonight that F9 will feature a top-secret cameo of someone who Diesel really wanted to join the FAST & FURIOUS franchise. Calling the cameo a "big surprise," Diesel added, "It's a testament to all the work that everyone has done and it's a testament to the integrity, and it's so awesome."

The official synopsis for F9:

Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian, but they know that danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. This time, that threat will force Dom to confront the sins of his past if he’s going to save those he loves most. His crew joins together to stop a world-shattering plot led by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered: a man who also happens to be Dom’s forsaken brother, Jakob (John Cena). F9 sees the return of Justin Lin as director, who helmed the third, fourth, fifth and sixth chapters of the series when it transformed into a global blockbuster. The action hurtles around the globe—from London to Tokyo, from Central America to Edinburgh, and from a secret bunker in Azerbaijan to the teeming streets of Tblisi. Along the way, old friends will be resurrected, old foes will return, history will be rewritten, and the true meaning of family will be tested like never before.

F9 will hit theaters on April 2, 2021.