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'Matrix 4', 'The Batman' and more shut down filming amid coronavirus outbreak

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A man dressed as Batman during filming at the Glasgow Necropolis cemetery for a new movie for the surperhero franchise.
A man dressed as Batman during filming at the Glasgow Necropolis cemetery for a new movie for the surperhero franchise.

Hollywood is doing its part to help curb the spread of the coronavirus by shutting down the production of movies.

The upcoming seventh instalment of the Mission Impossible was one of the first projects to halt production in February.

Tom Cruise had to leave the Mission: Impossible 7 set in Venice, Italy after the area was deemed a high-risk zone for the virus.

Other upcoming blockbusters who have followed suit include: Matrix 4, Fantastic Beasts 3, Uncharted, Vengeance, The Little Mermaid, Jurassic World: Dominion, The Man from Toronto, Shang-Chi, The Batman, The Last Duel, and the Untitled Elvis Project by Baz Lurhmann, reports Variety.

Production breaks range from two to six weeks. 

Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton disclosed that he wasn't feeling well and was told to isolate while waiting for his Covid-19 test results.

SEE A POST HERE:

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Last Friday, I decided to be tested for the Corona virus. I was working in close proximity with some people who had potentially been exposed, and because Nik and I have a newborn at home, I wanted to be as safe as possible. During my weekend of isolation away from my family, I had a lot of time to ponder this interesting moment in history that our second child was born into, a time full of opinions and division, where scientific truths are debated and brushed off as political spins. But in the midst of this storm, while staring up at a spot on my hotel ceiling that I swear looked exactly like a bunny, I could see something really quite beautiful happening. People all around the world are beginning to realize how connected we are, how vulnerable we are, how much we need each other to survive. I am happy to say that my test came back negative, but I will continue to be even more careful in the days ahead. Because if you believe in good science, and I do, we still have a mountain to climb together. No matter what you believe or how serious you think this problem is, please err on the side of safety and concern for those more vulnerable than you, and remember that having no symptoms doesn’t mean you’re not a carrier. Please stay hopeful, please stay humble, please stay home. Social distancing is an act of love for yourself, your family, and for every person on this planet. Sending all of you our love from Sydney, Australia.

A post shared by Destin Cretton (@destindaniel) on


Tom Hanks who is working on the Elvis biopic tested positive for the coronavirus last week. Director Baz Lurhmann has quarantined himself and his family as a precautionary measure after coming into contact with Tom. 

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's Netflix action film Red Notice has also halted production for two weeks.

The Baywatch actor shared a video on Instagram in which he is addressing the crew about the shutdown.

"We really appreciate your hard work and your patience at this time, but my number one goal, and it's our number one goal is to get everyone home to their families, because that's where we need to be right now is home taking care of our families and making sure they are being supported and taken care of and protected.

He added: "We love what we do, and we are very blessed and lucky by this is the kind of stuff that can wait.

SEE THE FULL POST HERE:

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We are pressing pause on our @netflix production of RED NOTICE effective this Monday for the next two weeks. It’s my privilege to speak eye to eye with our entire crew to help give a little clarity and guidance, as the most important thing right now is for us to get everyone home to their concerned families. Gotta protect our babies, spouses, loved ones and elderly. We’ll continue to monitor and assess this situation closely to make the best decisions for our families first and then our businesses. We’re a resilient nation who ultimately, will always rise to the occasion to be accountable and work together to overcome whatever hardship lies in front of us. Our country will do its job, as the rest of the world will do theirs. Everyone please stay healthy, vigilant, safe and let’s protect one another. We’re all in this - together. DJ @sevenbucksprod @flynnpictureco @Netflix

A post shared by therock (@therock) on

Film studios have also pushed back the release of major blockbusters such as No Time To Die, A Quiet Place, Mulan, Peter Rabbit 2, The Fast and the Furious 9, The Secret Garden, The New Mutants, and Antlers.

HOW WILL SA BE AFFECTED?

During his address on Sunday President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country will impose a travel ban on foreign nationals  from Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China.

According to The Hollywood Reporter these restrictions will have major impact on the film and television industry in South Africa as many international productions film here. 

"Tomb Raider 2 was expected to begin production in the region later this year," reports the publication. 

Covid-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation last week.

At present, over 180 000 people have tested positive for the virus, while 62 cases have been reported in South Africa.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus and the cinema: How local theatres are taking precautions

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