Due to COVID-19, many production studios closed and many actors were forced to take a break from filming. Because numerous filming sites and movie theaters around the country are still closed due to pandemic fears, the release dates of many movies and TV shows have been pushed back. Producers are using this time to hold virtual auditions, perfect scripts, and come up with creative ideas to film during the pandemic.

According to the Los Angeles Times, “many film producers have had to cut the crew down more than 20% and hire stunt kissers that have been quarantining together.” COVID-19 has caused lots of confusion and discouragement within the movie industry.

While some studios are allowed to continue filming, they have had to enforce safer protocols, such as washing hands and equipment, limiting hours of filming, assigning different areas designated for certain crew members, always wearing masks and face shields, and enforcing required testing.

Many movies have either been pushed back release dates or have premiered on different streaming platforms instead of theaters, such as Disney+, HBOMax, Netflix, Hulu, Google TV and more.

Warner Bros. is finally releasing Wonder Woman 1984 in theaters on Christmas Day. The film will also be available for one month on WarnerMedia’s HBOMax at no additional cost other than subscribers’ regular $14.99 cost per month.

The movie Trolls World Tour premiered on April 10 exclusively on-demand instead of in theaters due to COVID-19 regulations and safety procedures. If you want to know more about what movies have hit streaming and on-demand sites, click the link provided: All the Movies Hitting Streaming and On-Demand Early: Wonder Woman: 1984, Mulan, and More.

Another known movie that has been placed on a streaming platform instead of being released in theaters is the live-action Mulan. Mulan was initially set to premiere last March but instead was released on Disney+ Sept. 4 with a premium access cost of $29.99.

Although streaming sites have had their profits increase in numbers due to the lack of theater releases, many big theater companies such as Cinemark, AMC, and Studio Movie Grill have been told that it would be in their best interest to “consider finally striking a deal with Netflix, Amazon and other [streaming video on demand] SVOD services as a lifeline to get more product on movie screens,” MoffettNathanson’s Robert Fishman wrote in a report.

Theaters may not be able to make deals with streaming services but many are doing their best to stay open and bring in money. Cinemark is now playing “Comeback Classics” in hopes of staying open through the pandemic. These are older, popular movies that can be viewed for a low price and concessions are being offered at reduced rates.

If you and your family are trying to get out of the house to watch a movie, there are options with social distancing in theaters and drive-in theaters are even gaining popularity again.