Top Gun: Maverick, the upcoming sequel to 1986's Top Gun, has been delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Since March, virtually every movie scheduled for release has either been delayed or shifted to digital. Several have faced numerous delays, especially those set for release this summer. Many hoped theaters would be open at this point. However, with case numbers rising, films like Mulan and Tenet have been forced to abandon definitive release date plans for now. Both of those movies were set to release in August after delays earlier this year.

Unfortunately, even once theaters reopen, there are a limited number of viable release dates available, especially considering the backlog of films. This has forced some studios to delay movies far in advance, both out of an abundance of caution and to make way for other movies that need those dates. For example, earlier today, Disney announced it was delaying all upcoming Avatar sequels by one year, which will have an effect on its schedule through 2028. This means the movie industry will still be feeling the ramifications of the coronavirus nearly a decade later. Top Gun: Maverick's release date delay isn't quite that dramatic, but is still bad news for those eager to see the movie.

Per Deadline, the sequel, which was originally set for December 23 of this year, will now debut July 2, 2021. This could be a smart move for the film, as it may be better suited for the summer box office season. However, fans will have to wait and see if Top Gun: Maverick is able to hold on to that release date or if it will face another delay like so many other movies this year.


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