In the wake of coronavirus (COVID-19), Europe's cinemas have seen mass closings that could make a major impact on the box office.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the European box office is set to suffer a major blow, as theaters across Spain, Denmark, Norway, Greece, Italy and Poland completely close down for at least two weeks. Germany has also started shutting down theaters in major cities, with more expected to follow. Additionally, France has put restrictions in place; while theaters remain open, gatherings of over 100 people are forbidden, which means theaters will see ramifications from that as well.
Though they have not yet done so, Sweden, Finland and Belgium will likely make similar moves in the near future. Romania and Ireland have also placed restrictions on gatherings and, thereby, movie-going audiences. However, like many US theaters, UK theaters remain open for now.
"This is crazy and unprecedented, the impact is obviously going to be immense," a box office analyst told THR, adding, "A big question will be how long this lasts and if, afterwards, the pent-up demand for movies can make up for lost revenue now."
In light of the coronavirus outbreak, Disney's Mulan and The New Mutants have been pulled from the studio's release schedule. Universal pushed James Bond film No Time to Die from April to November. Sony also bounced Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway from April to August. Tom Hanks' latest film shut down when he, his wife and some of the crew tested positive for coronavirus. Universal announced F9 will now release next year instead of this May, while A Quiet Place Part 2 was also pulled.