New ‘Mission: Impossible’ Movie Put on Hold Due to Coronavirus

The production of the seventh of the Mission: Impossible movies has come to a halt due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

The new movie was scheduled for three weeks of filming in Venice, but after more than 200 people have tested positive for the virus in Italy, filming was stopped.

“Out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of our cast and crew, and efforts of the local Venetian government to halt public gatherings in response to the threat of coronavirus, we are altering the production plan for our three-week shoot in Venice, the scheduled first leg of an extensive production for ‘Mission: Impossible 7,'” Paramount Studios explained.

Quite a few movies have been affected by the rise of concern for the coronavirus lately. The Chinese release of Sonic the Hedgehog was postponed as most movie theatres have closed due to the outbreak. The new James Bond movie had a planned premiere and promotional tour in Beijing which was also canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Aside from delays for movies, the outbreak of the coronavirus has also affected commerce and trade globally. Coffee trade, with a majority of sales at a commodity price of around $1/lb, has felt the effects of the coronavirus. Stocks and sales values have plunged since the start of the year.

Companies that ship goods from China to anywhere else on the globe are cutting numbers of sea vessels, which means fewer products and ultimately fewer sales. Online sales for products like disinfectant, hair care, air purifiers, and disposable masks have skyrocketed in China as consumers are staying indoors. While the disinfectant and masks make sense, the hair care products may seem a little out of place. But 88% of women say their hair has a direct effect on their confidence, so the purchases of hair care products are still necessary.

With the coronavirus spreading rapidly, many are looking for ways to protect themselves from the virus. Basic protective measures include washing your hands frequently to prevent the spread of any germs, maintaining a distance of at least three feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing, and seeking medical attention if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. While there is not yet a vaccine for the coronavirus, the CDC recommends seasonal flu vaccination for everyone six months and older.

While concerns for the spread of coronavirus are the number one priority, many hope that the production for the new Mission: Impossible will be able to start soon, whether this takes place in scenic Italy or another destination. The film was originally scheduled to release in July of 2021 with another set for release in 2022. There is no word yet from Paramount Studios whether the release date will be changed due to this delay in production.