‘Jurassic World’ filming halted after positive coronavirus tests
The postponement marks the second significant film shoot to be affected by COVID-19
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The coronavirus pandemic dealt another crushing blow to the film industry – this time upending production of the latest installment of the “Jurassic World” franchise.
The shooting of “Jurassic World: Dominion” at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom was suspended for two weeks on Wednesday after tests for coronavirus came back positive.
“Woke up to the news we had a few positive Coronavirus tests on Jurassic World: Dominion,” director Colin Trevorrow tweeted on Wednesday. “All tested negative shortly after, but due to our safety protocols we’re going to pause for two weeks. Back soon.”
A spokesperson for Universal Pictures said they were informed of the positive tests Tuesday evening and that all tested negative Wednesday morning.
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“The safety and well-being of our entire cast and crew is paramount,” the spokesperson added. “Those who initially tested positive are currently self-isolating, as are those who they have come into contact with.”
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On Tuesday, Universal said that the release of “Jurassic World: Dominion” was being delayed a year to June 2022.
The franchise starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard was one of the first major Hollywood productions to restart after pandemic-related shutdowns.
The New York Times in August wrote about the enhanced safety protocols on the set and a few crewmember cases in Britain and in Malta over the summer.
This image released by Universal Pictures shows a scene from the upcoming 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.' (Universal Pictures via AP)
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It's the second significant shoot to be affected by COVID-19. Last month the U.K. shoot on “The Batman,” a Warner Bros. film, also halted production because of a positive case.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.