Even Disney Isn't Sure When Marvel Movie Filming Will Resume

During their quarterly earnings call, the Walt Disney Company provided some insight into how the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is impacting the company. In addition to productions being halted and release dates shifting, the company projects losses of over $1 billion, due largely to theme parks closing around the world.

The company is currently deciding how it will move forward once the pandemic comes to an end. Already, a reopening date for Shanghai Disneyland has been set for May 11, providing a light at the end of the tunnel for at least one of the 6 global theme parks.. What's less clear is when film productions--including upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe movies--will resume.

When asked by a shareholder when big-budget films like the Marvel movies could safely resume filming, Disney CEO Bob Chapek admitted there are "no projections of exactly when we can do that."

Chapek noted that when production does finally resume on the studio's films, Disney will look to its theme parks as a model. "In terms of large scale productions, we're going to go through the same process as we do our theme parks," he said.

While he didn't specify what that process would entail, the announcement of Shanghai Disneyland reopening came with a set of guidelines that would be adhered to as crowds are once again allowed in. You can see those below.

• Limited and pulsed attendance with an advanced reservation and entry system: Guests are required to purchase admission tickets valid on a selected date only and Annual Pass holders must make a reservation prior to arrival.
• Controlled guest density: Capacity will be recommended and managed in queues, restaurants, ride vehicles and other facilities. Queues will be structured and ride vehicles will be loaded to promote social distancing.
• Implementing required government health and prevention procedures: This includes temperature screening and the use of the government-issued Shanghai Health QR code, a contact tracing and early detection system used in China. Additionally, guests must wear a mask during their visit, except when dining.
• Increased sanitization and disinfection measures: Hand sanitizers will be available at queue entries and attraction exits. High-touch locations, such as ride vehicles, handlebars, queue railings and turnstiles will have increased sanitization.
• Training for cast members: Cast members will receive training on procedures with an emphasis on contactless guest interaction, cleaning and social distancing and will receive additional protective equipment including masks.

While some of Disney's parks guidelines may not translate perfectly to film productions, requiring face masks for cast and crew not appearing on camera and enforcing social distancing rules certainly seem within reason.

As it stands, two upcoming MCU movies have wrapped production--Black Widow and Eternals. Meanwhile, filming on the Disney+ original shows WandaVision and Loki, as well as Falcon and the Winter Soldier was halted at the start of the pandemic. There's a long list of other announced movies that have yet to begin filming, including upcoming films starring sequels to Thor, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Doctor Strange.

Already, Disney has pushed back the release dates of several movies, including a number of Marvel titles. You can take a look at our guide to Disney's new release dates here.