UK film fans surprised by shock delay to much anticipated 'The Green Knight'
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Watch: Trailer for The Green Knight, starring Dev Patel
Highly anticipated fantasy movie The Green Knight has had its UK cinema release shelved, just two weeks before it was due to hit screens — and people are not happy about it.
Dev Patel stars in the medieval epic, which is based on the fantasy poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and is directed by Pete's Dragon filmmaker David Lowery.
Read more: Dev Patel teases The Green Knight and praises Skins buddies
Film critic Robbie Collin tweeted on Thursday that he had heard the release was being cancelled, with subsequent reports in Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter echoing his words.
The reports suggest that the movie's release has been scuppered by the surge in cases of COVID-19 in the UK, despite the government's decision to remove restrictions on social contact — including for cinemas.
British distribution is being handled by Entertainment Film Distribution (EFD), which is yet to comment on the speculation.
Apparently The Green Knight’s UK release has been pulled. pic.twitter.com/FuvbzaTtCa
— Robbie Collin (@robbiereviews) July 22, 2021
The decision to cancel the movie's theatrical run just days before its 6 August release date led to an outpouring of surprise on social media.
Excited critical responses to the film have been emerging from the USA, where The Green Knight is still set to meet its planned 30 July release date via domestic distributor A24.
Read more: Most exciting movies coming to UK cinemas in 2021
Many British fans expressed concerns that other upcoming movies could see their releases cancelled due to the surge in cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Others said they would "happily pay to see" The Green Knight on a streaming platform if it were made available.
The Green Knight UK release has been pulled. I don't think I can cope if they do the same to Candyman pic.twitter.com/eb3XvZ3NEy
— Tom (@TheWellDrinker) July 22, 2021
The Green Knight and The Duke have had their UK cinema releases wiped off the calendar, for now at least. Speculation that this means the UK is headed back to lockdown is probably a bit optimistic. We're being governed by pigs. Pigs who want to see the money mills turning.
— Fred Connelly (@brendonconnelly) July 22, 2021
Gutted that The Green Knight has been pulled from the UK release calendar due to the rise in cases and lockdown fears. I get it. But it still stinks.
— A Lohan (@thereisnomap) July 23, 2021
Really disappointed The Green Knight has been pulled from release in the UK again. Hopefully it’ll be available on a streaming platform. It’s a film I’d happily pay to see.
— Forever Forward (@TheSpeedForce) July 22, 2021
As well as Patel in the lead role as Sir Gawain, the movie's cast includes Alicia Vikander, Barry Keoghan, Sean Harris and Joel Edgerton.
Slate critic Karen Han was among those to praise the film on social media, calling it "absolutely gorgeous", while The AV Club's Katie Rife said there is "much to feast on" for lovers of Arthurian legend and medieval tales.
EFD has been contacted for comment.
Watch: An oral history of The Green Knight
