Sony delays Marvel film ‘Morbius’ to April as Omicron surges

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Jared Leto

Jared Leto poses for a picture as he arrives for the premiere of the film “House of Gucci” in Los Angeles, California, Nov. 18, 2021. Image: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

LOS ANGELES—Sony Corporation’s movie studio is moving the January release of Marvel superhero movie “Morbius” to April 1, the studio said in a statement on Monday, Jan. 3.

The film starring actor Jared Leto in the title role has been postponed several times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its most recent planned release date was Jan. 28.

For movie theater operators, the delay is a setback as they try to rebound from extended closures during the COVID-19 crisis.

Chains including AMC Entertainment, Cinemark Holdings Inc. and Cineworld Group have been celebrating blockbuster ticket sales for Sony’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” While “No Way Home” is still playing in cinemas, operators have few other big titles on their schedule until spring.

The rapidly spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19 has raised new concern about whether audiences will feel comfortable heading to theaters during the pandemic. DC

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