Stranger Things Production Shut Down for Two Weeks Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Netflix has announced that it's temporarily shutting down production for its original movies and shows to reduce the spread of coronavirus. All of the streaming giant's scripted television and film projects in the United States and Canada will go on hiatus for two weeks. Included in these productions is Stranger Things, which was in the midst of filming its fourth season. The Warner Bros. Television Group released a statement regarding the situation:
"With the rapidly changing events related to COVID-19, and out of an abundance of caution, Warner Bros. Television Group is halting production on some of our 70-plus series and pilots currently filming or about to begin. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on any of our productions, but the health and safety of our employees, casts and crews remains our top priority. During this time, we will continue to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control as well as local officials and public health professionals in each city where our productions are based.”
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-delayed-movie-due-to-coronavirus-so-far&captions=true"] Warner Bros. TV is far from the only studio putting a halt to production as all NBC, Amazon, FX, and Apple TV+ series are taking a break from filming as well. AMC has also stopped production on Fear the Walking Dead Season 6, until at least the week of April 13, while pre-production on Season 11 of The Walking Dead has also been delayed for a month, although the writers' room is still active and working on scripts. Meanwhile, here's a quick look at everything we know about Stranger Things: Season 4. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/07/06/what-will-happen-in-stranger-things-season-4"] Keep it locked into IGN for all the latest news from the entertainment world regarding COVID-19. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

AMC Theaters to Close All Cinemas for Up to 3 Months

UPDATE: AMC Theaters, America's largest movie cinema chain, will close its nearly 700 locations across the United States for at least six to twelve weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic, the company announced Monday. AMC's announcement comes on the heels of Regal Cinemas' earlier announcement that it was also closing down temporarily to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Other theater chains who suspended operation Monday include the Landmark, Harkins Theaters, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Showcase Cinemas, and Bow Tie Cinemas Our earlier report follows. [poilib element="accentDivider"] In an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, AMC Theaters announced that it's reducing capacity in each of its auditoriums by at least 50%, from Saturday, March 14 through April 30. AMC will cap ticket sales for each showtime in each of its theatre’s auditoriums to half of the normal capacity. In auditoriums with more than 500 seats, AMC will further cap ticket sales to a maximum of 250. Per Deadline, AMC is the first theater chain to address the COVID-19 pandemic and, as the largest theater chain in the country, is also actively complying with "all local authorities’ directives on social gathering and is further reducing the availability of tickets to comply with any current or future federal, state or local governmental order." Each theaters' health and safety cleaning protocols have also been enhanced “to ensure that at least once per hour within an AMC building, the theatre team is cleaning high touch point areas, including kiosks, counter tops, restroom areas, glass, handrails and doorknobs.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-delayed-movie-due-to-coronavirus-so-far&captions=true"] Meanwhile, a handful of movies have had their releases delayed, including F9, No time to Die, Mulan, and more. Furthermore, many TV and film productions have been shut down due to concerns over coronavirus. To see our running list of shows and movies that have been halted, click here. For more on this rapidly evolving situation, check out what a major movie studio executive told IGN about what to expect next for movies in 2020... [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/13/how-coronavirus-delays-are-impacting-2020-movies-ign-now"] Keep it locked into IGN for all the latest news from the entertainment world regarding COVID-19. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Fowler is a writer for IGN and a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow him on Twitter at @TheMattFowler and Facebook at Facebook.com/MattBFowler.

Jurassic World: Dominion Production Halted Due to Coronavirus

Universal Pictures halted production on Jurassic World: Dominion on Friday due to the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). Jurassic World: Dominion, the third entry in the new trilogy that continues the saga of 1993's Jurassic Park, had been filming in London since February. According to Variety, the shoot has been delayed indefinitely and it's not clear at this time if the film's June 2021 will also be affected. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-delayed-movie-due-to-coronavirus-so-far&captions=true"] The movie -- directed and co-written by Colin Trevorrow -- unites the casts of the Jurassic World and Jurassic Park films, including Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Omar Sy, Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. Universal also stopped production on two other live-action films, the Ice Cube sports film Flint Strong and the Billy Eichner film formerly known as Bros. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/13/how-coronavirus-delays-are-impacting-2020-movies-ign-now"] For more of our coverage on how Hollywood is responding to COVID-19, here's a rundown of every film release and production that has been delayed, discover what a high-ranking studio exec and box office analysts said about its potential impact on the industry, and find out if medical experts think postponing a film's release will make a difference.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Now Available for Purchase Digitally

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the complete 9-film Skywalker Saga are both now available for purchase on digital platforms, and they arrive four days early. While it hasn't been officially announced, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and The Skywalker Saga collection can now be purchased on such digital platforms as FandangoNOW, Vudu, and iTunes. This surprise from that galaxy far, far away arrives shortly after the news that Disney will also be making Frozen 2 available on Disney+ three months early on Sunday, March 15, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be the cause for this early release as well. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/18/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-review"] COVID-19, besides the obvious threat to the human race, has impacted many in the entertainment industry and their fans. Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure have been closed through the end of the month, the NBA, NHL, MLB, and more have postponed their seasons, and much more. The Rise of Skywalker was originally set to be released digitally on March 17 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, and DVD on March 31. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was released in theaters in late 2019 and earned $1.074 billion at the global box office. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-delayed-movie-due-to-coronavirus-so-far&captions=true"] In our review of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, we said that it is "an entertaining but deeply flawed final chapter that ultimately plays it too safe." The Rise of Skywalker and Frozen 2 releasing early will hopefully help deal with the many other delays affecting the film and TV industry, including Mulan, Fast 9, and more. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

You Can Watch Frozen 2 Now on Disney+

Update: It appears Frozen 2 is available a day early as it's now on Disney+, on Saturday, March 14. Original Story: The Walt Disney Company has announced that it will be making Frozen 2 available on Disney+ three months early for "families during these challenging times." Frozen 2 will be officially become available in the U.S. beginning Sunday, March 15, and will be available in Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand on Tuesday, March 17. This welcome surprise arrives amidst the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic that is impacting the world, an event that has even forced Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure to close through the end of the month. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/21/frozen-2-review"] “‘Frozen 2’ has captivated audiences around the world through its powerful themes of perseverance and the importance of family, messages that are incredibly relevant during this time, and we are pleased to be able to share this heartwarming story early with our Disney+ subscribers to enjoy at home on any device,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. Frozen 2 was made available digitally on February 11 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, and DVD on February 25. It was set to be released on Disney+ on June 26 before Disney made this move. Frozen 2, which is the highest-grossing animated film ever at $1.4 billion, was also the sixth Disney film to cross the billion dollar milestone. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-delayed-movie-due-to-coronavirus-so-far&captions=true"] In our review of Frozen 2, we said it "is nothing if not ambitious, and like any big undertaking, that ambition comes with flaws. The beautiful world of Arendelle and beyond is a total joy to explore but a confusing subplot that can't quite commit to its radical intentions takes away from the power and the message of the film." This is much needed good news amidst all the other delays and cancellations that are affecting the film and TV industry. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

What Are the Best Game Publishers?

Welcome back to Game Scoop!, IGN's weekly video game talk show. This week we're discussing E3's cancellation, the best game publishers, final bosses, and more. Watch the video above or hit the link below to your favorite podcast service. Listen on: Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Stitcher

Cinema Chains Across Europe Shut Down Due to Coronavirus

Update: According to Variety, the French government has now decided to close all movie theaters, restaurants, and stores in order to stem the spread of COVID-19. The decision comes after the French government recently banned public gatherings of more than 100 people. The new restrictions were announced by Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and will take effect at midnight local time for an indefinite length of time. Though the announcement says stores will close, high-priority establishments like pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, and newspaper stands will remain open. Phillippe said the decision was made after consultations with medical professionals who specialize in the treatment of COVID-19/coronavirus. Original story as follows: Several cinema chains across Europe are closing their doors for the time being as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. According to The Hollywood Reporter, some of Spain's largest theater chains such as Cinesa, Golem, Kinépolis, and Yelmo shut down Friday, March 13, after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a state of emergency for Spain as a result of COVID-19. Spain has more than 4200 confirmed cases with 120 deaths as of Friday. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-delayed-movie-due-to-coronavirus-so-far&captions=true"] The French government tightened event regulations Friday with a ban on all gatherings of more than 100 people. The French Cinemas Association said theaters will remain open but viewings will not exceed 100 people, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Italy's government enacted similar measures before the country's quarantine was put into place. The country's box office numbers saw a decrease of more than 60% as a result. Germany's government has not enacted a country-wide policy like France at this time but some of its individual municipalities have shut down their respective theaters. This includes places like Bielefeld, Bonn, Kassel, and Stuttgart. European countries that have shut down theaters country-wide include Italy and Poland for now. Those theaters have been shut down for at least two weeks, according to THR. Denmark, Norway and Greece have followed suit and shut down their theaters for two weeks as well. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/13/how-coronavirus-delays-are-impacting-2020-movies-ign-now"] The European box office is expected to take a hit with theaters closing en masse like this due to COVID-19. Elsewhere, movies like Mulan and The New Mutants have been delayed as a result of the crisis. No Time to Die was also delayed. The movie industry isn't the only entertainment industry affected by the virus. Theme parks like DisneylandDisney World, Disneyland Paris and Universal Studios Hollywood have closed its gates for now and one of the world's largest gaming conferences, E3, was cancelled too. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes

Little Mermaid, Home Alone Reboots Join Movie Productions Halted

Disney has announced it's suspending production on multiple live-action films including The Little Mermaid, Home Alone, Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, The Last Duel, Nightmare Alley, Peter Pan & Wendy, and Shrunk. A Disney spokesperson told Deadline these production delays are precautionary, and there haven't been any confirmed cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 on the productions prompting the shutdowns. The statement reads: "While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our productions, after considering the current environment and the best interests of our cast and crew, we have made the decision to pause production on some of our live-action films for a short time. We will continue to assess the situation and restart as soon as feasible." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-upcoming-disney-live-action-remake&captions=true"] This news comes on the heels of Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Seven Rings pausing first unit production in London as its director, Destin Daniel Cretton, is self-isolating pending the results of a test for COVID-19. Disney announced casting for The Little Mermaid live-action remake last year, with Halle Bailey as Ariel. Others cast in the film include Awkwafina, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, Jacob Tremblay, Daveed Diggs, and Jonah Hauer-King. The live-action remake will be directed by Rob Marshall, who previously directed Mary Poppins Returns. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/01/24/bambi-remake-in-the-works-at-disney-ign-news"] Meanwhile, the Home Alone reboot directed by Dan Mazer, cast Rob Delaney and Ellie Kemper in February for unconfirmed roles. Also, the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids reboot, Shrunk, has Rick Moranis out of retirement since 1997. The original director for Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Joe Johnston, is returning for the sequel as well. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jeffrey Lerman is a Freelance News Writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @Snakester95.

The Flash Stops Production Amid COVID-19 Concerns

All filming and production for CW's The Flash has come to a stop amid coronavirus concerns, according to shows Unit Manager Brent Crowell. Confirmed by Deadline, all cast and crew involved in The Flash were told not to return to work effective today, March 13. Additionally, there was no time frame given for when production would begin again. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=crisis-on-infinite-earths-every-cameo-in-the-crossover&captions=true"] At the time of writing, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the series cast and crew. This is likely just a precautionary measure as health officials have advised against large gatherings. It remains to be seen how the halt in production will affect the airing of upcoming episodes of The Flash, as there are likely a few episodes already completed. The CW's Riverdale was the first show to stop production after a crew member came into contact with a non-crew member that tested positive for the coronavirus. Further, TVLine reports that the production of Lucifer has also come to a halt. It remains to be seen if other CW shows like Supergirl, DC Legends of Tomorrow, and Batwoman will follow suit and temporarily shut down production. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/13/how-coronavirus-delays-are-impacting-2020-movies-ign-now"] The ripple effects of delays and production shutdowns aren't limited to just the TV industry, as Marvel's Shang-Chi shut down first unit production in London and Falcon and the Winter Soldier has pressed pause in Prague. Additionally, concern has extended far beyond the entertainment industry, as the NBA announced that the remainder of the regular season has been suspended after a player tested positive for COVID-19. Further, in a rare move, Disneyland (Anaheim and Paris) and Disney World have both closed their doors. While we wait to learn more about the remainder The Flash Season 6, be sure to check out our Episode 14 review. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Andrew Smith is a freelance contributor with IGN. Follow him on Twitter @_andrewtsmith.