The coronavirus isn’t going anywhere, but major theater chains remain committed to re-opening their doors this Friday and belatedly launching the summer blockbuster season with 20th Century Studios’ The New Mutants. Normally, this is the time when early reviews of the film would start showing up online. But since these are not normal times, critics aren’t rushing to attend advance screenings. In fact, there aren’t any.
Since Disney didn’t offer special screenings or review links (as it has with Disney+ releases), the only way to get a glimpse at The New Mutants is in theaters. IndieWire shared that it is joining other outlets like The A.V. Club, The Boston Globe, and RogerEbert.com in turning down the chance to review the movie this week. And there are no public screenings of The New Mutants in markets like New York and Los Angeles where theaters are still closed. The release comes at a time when social distancing is still encouraged to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which has killed nearly 180,000 Americans since February.
RELATED: The New Mutants Latest TV Spot Showcases Their Mutant Powers
The A.V. Club’s A.A. Dowd even published an essay today explaining the website’s decision. His post also referenced an interview with two scientific experts that The A.V. Club published last week. Both experts agreed that going to the movies right now just isn’t worth the risk to anyone’s health. Even a few filmmakers, like Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson, are advising against visiting theaters at this time.
Don’t go see Tenet or any other movie in a theater. There, I said it.
— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) August 22, 2020
Regardless, critics overseas (where the virus is more under control) are having better luck. Reviewers in other countries have recently begun sharing their thoughts on Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. That did screen in advance overseas, and notices have been mostly positive.
With only two days to go until Thursday night showings, it remains to be seen how The New Mutants will perform at the box office this weekend.
What do you make of critics’ decision to hold off on reviewing The New Mutants? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: New Mutants Epic Collection: The Demon Bear Saga
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program also provides a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
