On Friday, Jungle Cruise was among the movies delayed by Disney in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the film's star Dwayne Johnson has shared his thoughts on the year-long delay in an Instagram Live Q&A with his followers.
"This summer we had a very big movie, a highly anticipated movie," the muscle-bound actor started. "We were very excited about it...I know you guys were excited about it too. A lot of you are wondering what's going to happen considering the pandemic we are dealing with around the world...We are officially pushing Jungle Cruise by a year. So, Summer 2021."
Confirming that there were "a lot of conversations" between those working on the film, it sounds like Jungle Cruise's delay was ultimately a joint decision which everyone agreed on.
"We had some tremendous conversations with ourself, Seven Bucks, Disney leadership team, about making sure that the Disney theme parks are fully operational, the Disney cruise lines are fully operational, functional, sailing the oceans -- delivering the joy to the families all around the world as they love doing," Johnson explained.
"But more importantly than that, it was very important that everyone had emotional confidence. Not only here in the states, in America, but also around the world. And that emotional confidence allows us to get our kids back to school...It allows us to get back to work...it allows our Disney employees, our Disney team members to get back to work, as well, and spread that joy and happiness as they love doing and they're so proud to do."
Releasing a film about this theme park ride wouldn't have been a good look for Disney when the Parks are all closed and employees are unable to work. It was never going to be released in July thanks to the current climate, though, so this delay of a year is perhaps for the best.
Johnson concluded his video by thanking fans and telling the to stay safe in these uncertain times.
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