Studios Keeping An Eye On Coronavirus’ Possible Impact On Comic-Con 2020

San Diego Comic-Con Coronavirus Comic-Con at Home

San Diego Comic-Con organizers and Hollywood studios are monitoring the coronavirus outbreak to determine how it could impact the annual event.

TVLine reports that it has spoken with executives from multiple Hollywood studios that showcase their projects at San Diego Comic-Con, who have confirmed they are closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak. While a final decision likely won’t be made until spring, the outlet reports that the studios are not ruling out the possibility of withdrawing from Comic-Con 2020.

As of February 25, the coronavirus has spread throughout China and to 31 additional countries or territories. At this time, there have more than 80,000 reported coronavirus cases and nearly  3,000 deaths caused by the COVID-19 disease.

On Tuesday, the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases stated that the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. is a question of “when” and not “if.” In a statement to TVLine, an unnamed executive at a major studio confirmed they waiting before making a decision regarding a Comic-Con appearance:

“There’s obviously concern. For now we’re taking a wait-and-see approach.”

A second studio executive reportedly stated that it was “too soon” to speculate about a change to its Comic-Con 2020 plans considering the event is still five months away. Another executive agreed with that sentiment but added that “It’d be irresponsible for us to not be thinking about it. But it’s too soon to press the panic button.”

A spokesperson for Comic-Con made the following statement to TVLine:

“[The organization] is working with local officials as it pertains to the COVID-19 situation and continues to monitor developments closely.”

A spokesperson for the San Diego Tourism Authority told the outlet the following:

“There are still too many unknown factors with coronavirus to determine how/if it will affect visitation.”

San Diego Comic-Con 2020 is currently scheduled to be held from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26. Stay tuned to Heroic Hollywood for the latest news on the coronavirus’s potential impact on Comic-Con.

Source: TVLine

Sebastian Peris

Sebastian Peris

Canadian film buff, political junkie, comic book geek, and board game enthusiast.