[Updated March 16:Thankfully, director Destin Daniel Cretton has tested negative for the coronavirus, but this past week still had a powerful impact on him. We’ve added his latest Instagram post to the bottom of this story, and it stresses the importance of social distancing at this time, so please read it. Our original story is below.]
Marvel Studios has decided to temporarily halt first-unit production onShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsas directorDestin Daniel Crettonawaits the results of a coronavirus test, according tothe Hollywood Reporter.
The comic book movie is currently shooting in Australia, and while Cretton hasn’t shown any symptoms, he decided to get tested for COVID-19 because he has a newborn baby. Rather than continue working with the first-unit while he awaits the result, he decided to self-isolate per his doctor’s recommendation – a movie that Marvel whole-heartedly supported.
Disney and Marvel sent a note to the film’s crew that was obtained by THR:
As many of you know, Destin, our director, has a new born baby. He wanted to exercise additional caution given the current environment and decided to get tested for Covid-19 today. He is currently self-isolating under the recommendation of his doctor. While he waits for the results of the test, we are suspending 1st unit production in an abundance of caution until he gets the results this coming week. Second unit and off production will continue as normal. We will reach out to everyone by Tuesday for the latest update.
This is an unprecedented time. We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we work through this.
Second-unit filming onShang-Chiis expected to continue as planned, so the film isn’t shutting down, per se. It’s also not the only movie shooting in Australia to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, as Warner Bros. halted pre-production on its untitledElvis Presleybiopic after starTom Hanksand his wifeRita Wilsontested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Shang-ChistarsSimu Liuas the titular martial arts master, and is slated for release on Jun 06, 2025. Cretton previously directed the indie sensationShort Term 12before re-teaming withBrie Larsonon a pair of studio dramas –The Glass CastleandJust Mercy. He also serves as an executive producer onMichael Mann’s upcoming HBO Max seriesTokyo VicestarringAnsel Elgort.
We here at Collider will be holding out hope that Cretton’s test comes back negative, though if, God forbid, it does not, it’s important to keep in mind that many people who become afflicted with the coronavirus are expected to make a full recovery. For the latest update from Hanks and Wilson,click here.
