While much of MGM’s attention has been focused on what to do with No Time to Die, like the possibility of moving it to streaming, they have other big titles that are in flux due to COVID-19. And now we know that two of those films, the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, and video game sequel Tomb Raider 2, are seeing big changes to their 2021 release dates.
The Aretha Franklin biopic Respect starring Jennifer Hudson has moved from January 15th 2021 to August 13th. The seven-month delay could, and I stress COULD, make it an Oscar contender depending on reaction to the drama. Liesl Tommy directs, with Hudson the personally-approved choice to play the Queen of Soul. Others in the cast include Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Mary J. Blige, Marc Maron, and Titus Burgess.
Also getting shifted is the Tomb Raider sequel, with Alicia Vikander returning as video game character Lara Croft. The film has been pulled from its March 19th date and is off the schedule for now. Ben Wheatley (Rebecca) was the surprising choice to direct, but with this delay it’ll be interesting to see if he sticks around.
