Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several studios have been faced with the tough decision of whether or not to proceed with the release of their 2021 scheduled projects. With major titles such as Disney's Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon proving that the straight-to-streaming option is not the most favorable in terms of profitability, it seems that holding off on a theatrical release may be the lesser evil. One of the latest films to have its release date pushed back is Sony Pictures' Venom: Let There Be Carnage

The highly-anticipated sequel to the 2018 blockbuster hit will be delayed a full week, from September 17 to September 24, with a theatrical release still in mind. Considering the fact that the first Venom film went on to make a whopping $855.1 million at the box office, it's understandable that Sony would prefer to release the film when theatres are as packed as possible.

RELATED: Here's Why Venom is Trending on Twitter

This means that the film will now open alongside the Sopranos prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark, as well as the film adaptation of the award-winning Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen. The new release date also ensures that the film does not coincide with other big releases such as James Gunn's The Suicide Squad (Aug. 6) and Denis Villeneuve's Dune (Oct. 1)

Currently, movie theatres across the U.S. are starting to ease restrictions. In New York and Los Angeles, which are two of America's biggest film markets, some theaters have already entered their reopening phases, starting at 25% capacity and slowly approaching 50% capacity. By the time the Venom sequel is released, more people will have received the vaccine, and thus there will be a higher chance for theaters to operate at higher capacities.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage will have Tom Hardy reprise his role as the titular anti-hero. Joining him in the cast is Woody Harrelson as Carnage, Michelle Williams as Anne Weying, Naomie Harris as the villainous Shriek, and Reid Scott as Dan Lewis.

At this point in time, not much has been revealed of the film's plot. Marketing for the film has been rather scarce as of late, and there hasn't been any news of the trailer dropping either. Still, director Andy Serkis assures fans that everything will be revealed in the next few months and that the wait will be well worth it. Venom: Let There Be Carnage will still be available in multiple formats, including 3D and IMAX.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage is now set to release on September 24.

MORE: Fan-Made Pokemon Card Combines Charizard and Venom

Source: Variety