The announcement comes following the news that Christopher Nolan's `Tenet` has been taken off release calendars, though its still expected to launch in 2020. Since many theater chains had hoped to peg their reopening dates to `Tenet's` release, the move caused exhibitors to shift their plans.
Already, AMC Theatres - the country's biggest cinema chain - has delayed plans to reopen, and now plans to resume business in mid to late August. Rival circuits like Regal and Cinemark could follow suit, especially if Disney's `Mulan` moves off its Aug 21 release date.
Given the surge in cases of coronavirus, it's unclear when theaters across the United States will be able to reopen to a significant degree. There's still no sign when New York City and Los Angeles, the two biggest moviegoing markets in the country, will have permission to restart operations.
`Bill & Ted 3,` which was originally set to open on Aug. 21, is the latest movie to skip a traditional theatrical release amid the pandemic. Other movies, such as Andy Samberg's `Palm Springs,` Judd Apatow's `The King of Staten Island,` the third `SpongeBob` entry and Disney's `Artemis Fowl,` have modified plans and launched in homes at a time when most movie theaters are closed and people are still staying at home.
Orion Pictures, the studio releasing the film, also showcased a new trailer on Thursday ahead of Comic-Con at Home. The cast will participate in a panel, hosted by Kevin Smith, on July 25.
