Variety has shared some details about what's happening in Hollywood right now as production get put on hold as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The trade notes that most studios have started letting talent know that they're not expecting work to resume until mid-May...at the soonest!
When the various shutdowns were first announced, the hope was that work would start back up in early April, but even May is somewhat optimistic in many parts of the world right now.
One source tells the trade that the films likely to resume production soon are those in the US. They add that, "the expectation is that in-demand stars such as Chris Pratt in 'Jurassic World: Dominion' or Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds in 'Red Notice' will be able to convince forthcoming productions to move their start dates further into the future so they can finish shooting."
However, actors in supporting roles who have larger parts in various other upcoming productions are likely going to be forced to drop out, and "insiders say studio executives are already checking in on the availability of other actors who can serve as possible replacements."
So, chaos is definitely taking hold, but one of the biggest upcoming movies in pre-production that has yet to move start dates is
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Work is taking place remotely, and the plan right now is for shooting to begin in June as originally planned.
Mission: Impossible 7 was supposed to start shooting in Venice soon, and with much of the film reportedly set in Italy, production moving elsewhere is easier said than done.
The Matrix 4, meanwhile, is unable to move to Berlin after work in San Francisco wrapped, while
The Batman is on hold after seven weeks of shooting. Unfortunately,
"There’s an outside chance these films might even make their original release dates, although it is more likely they will be moved back"
With that in mind, it's probably a good job that so many movies are being delayed right now, as the wait for those we were expecting in the first half of 2021 will now be that little bit longer.