One of the most high-profile casualties of the coronavirus outbreak is a major event planned by the Princess Grace Foundation (USA), due to take place in Monaco on April 6 and 7.

The Bond-themed fundraiser was to raise funds for the work of the Foundation in supporting emerging artists in the US, while also honouring the late Sir Roger Moore, who played 007 in seven films, from 1973 until 1985. However, the Foundation’s plans were derailed following the announcement by MGM, Universal and Bond producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, “that after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of No Time to Die will be postponed until November 2020.”

In a statement to Monaco Daily News, the Foundation’s CEO, Brisa Trinchero said: “Due to the postponement of the launch of No Time To Die, we are unable to proceed with our Monaco Premiere. We are working closely with the Bond Executives and the Principality to reschedule this exciting event when the film is released in the Fall.”

Publicity for the now-delayed event

The Foundation had worked in collaboration with the Casino of Monte-Carlo, the Grimaldi Forum and several of Monaco’s top hotels to offer an inclusive and authentic ‘Bond experience.’

A Bond fan blog, MI-6 HQ, had called for the postponement: ““No Time for Indecision – The health and well-being of fans around the world, and their families, is more important,” the site wrote, adding that going forward with an April release could be disastrous for box office performance.

The Bond franchise is one of the entertainment world’s most lucrative, with 2015’s Spectre bringing in $880 million at the box office worldwide, while Skyfall in 2012 grossed more than $1 billion globally.

Related story: https://news.mc/2020/03/04/coronavirus-pupil-prank-or-parental-protest/