Lionsgate Pulls ‘Spiral’ and ‘Antebellum’ From Release Schedule

Spiral and Antebellum delayed by Lionsgate amid coronavirus crisis. (Credit: Lionsgate)

The Chris Rock-led Saw reboot Spiral, Janelle Monáe’s horror drama Antebellum, and Sarah Paulson’s Run are the latest films to be pulled from their scheduled release dates because of the coronavirus.

Lionsgate made the announcement Tuesday, saying the three films would be rescheduled at a later time.

Related Story: Janelle Monáe Torches the South in ‘Antebellum’ Trailer (Video)

Antebellum was set to debut on April 24. The film stars Monáe as a modern-day writer mysteriously transported back to the slavery era in the Southern United States. The plot description says she “finds herself trapped in a nightmarish retread of the country’s original sin.” The cast includes Marque Richardson II, Eric Lange, Jack Huston, Kiersey Clemons, Tongayi Chirisa, Gabourey Sidibe, Rob Aramayo, Lily Cowles, and Jena Malone.

Spiral had been slated to arrive in theaters on May 15. The film stars Rock as brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks, Max Minghella as his rookie partner, and Samuel L. Jackson as a veteran investigator looking into sadistic crimes. It’s produced by the original Saw team of Mark Burg and Oren Koules, and directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. Rock serves as executive producer.

Related Story: ‘Spiral’ Trailer – Sh-t Goes Sideways in Chris Rock’s ‘Saw’ Reboot

Run (Credit: Lionsgate)
“Run” (Credit: Lionsgate)

Run, a horror-thriller featuring award-winning actress Sarah Paulson, had been scheduled to open May 8. The film centers on a homeschooled teenager who begins to suspect her mother is keeping a scary secret from her.

Among other movies that have been affected by the global pandemic is Universal’s Fast & Furious 9. The action saga had originally been scheduled to hit theaters over the Memorial Day weekend, but is now being moved to April 2021.

The Lovebirds, a romantic comedy starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, was delayed by Paramount Pictures. The film had initially been set to arrive on April 3. No new release date was announced.

Also affected, Paramount’s horror sequel A Quiet Place Part II, which was supposed to open this month. The studio said it will announce a new release date “once we have a better understanding of the impact of this pandemic on the global theatrical marketplace.”

MGM’s 25th James Bond film, No Time to Die, was also moved from its scheduled release date.