Coronavirus Concerns Halt Filming Of Mission: Impossible 7
Going to the movies is meant to be an escape from the troubles of the world. Sadly at the moment, the movies themselves can’t quite get away from the headlines. According to Deadline, production of Mission: Impossible 7 has been suspended in Italy over concerns regarding the coronavirus.
The film was set to begin three weeks of filming in and around Venice. Mission: Impossible films typically globe trot, putting this particular production in a bind as worries over the spread of the virus have created some havoc internationally, particularly in Italy, the source of an a new cluster of cases.
Paramount released an official statement today regarding the move:
Out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of our cast and crew, and efforts of the local Venetian government to halt public gatherings in response to the threat of coronavirus, we are altering the production plan for our three week shoot in Venice, the scheduled first leg of an extensive production for Mission: Impossible 7. During this hiatus we want to be mindful of the concerns of the crew and are allowing them to return home until production starts. We will continue to monitor this situation, and work alongside health and government officials as it evolves.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only aspect of the movie industry impacted by this virus. Deadline also reports the release of the new Sonic the Hedgehog film in China has been delayed due to fears about the spreading disease.
Once again written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film is the first of two back-to-back sequels that will star franchise lead Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. Along for the ride are series regulars Rebecca Ferguson and Simon Pegg. Enlisting for action are Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff and Nicolas Hoult. Returning for more scene chewing is Henry Czerny as the original film’s antagonist, Kitteridge.
Darby Harn is a contributor for Screenrant, CBR.com, Star Wars News Net, and Movie News Net. He is the author of the sci-fi superhero novel EVER THE HERO. His short fiction appears in Strange Horizons, Interzone, Shimmer, and other venues.
