‘Clifford The Big Red Dog’ Has Been Pulled From The Theatrical Release Schedule Due To Delta Variant Concerns

In what may be a harbinger of things to come, Paramount has suddenly pulled one of its biggest fall releases — Clifford the Big Red Dog, the live-action take on the beloved children’s series — from its theatrical release schedule. The film was due on September 17. But as per Deadline, the studio has yanked it, over concerns about the surging COVID cases brought about by the Delta variant.

Despite fears, voiced by the CDC and Dr. Anthony Fauci, that the country’s battle with the pandemic is taking a turn for the worse, Paramount isn’t looking to scotch the movie’s theatrical release entirely. (And there’s no word of any similar plans with their other big movies, including the already delayed Top Gun: Maverick.) They aren’t looking to dump it on their new streamer, Paramount+. Instead, they’re looking for a new release date. Still, it’s the first movie to get delayed due to the new, evolved strain of the disease that has already done a number on the planet.

The Clifford movie has come under considerable social media scorn, with many mocking the curious design of its giant CGi mutt. But according to Deadline, it’s been tracking very well, and the belief is it could be a big bread winner, at least once parents feel safe taking their brood to movie theaters.