The latest Neon Genesis Evangelion movie Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.

According to the official Twitter for the Evangelion franchise, the latest movie installment in the series will be postponed. The official statement reads as follows.

“First of all, we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to all of the victims of this new type of coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Regarding the ‘Shin Evangelion Theater Version’ that was scheduled to be released on Saturday, June 27, 2020, due to the unprecedented situation in Japan and overseas due to the expansion of new coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) As a result of careful examination, we decided to postpone the release date.

We have made every effort to deliver the work as scheduled to everyone who is looking forward to it, and we deeply apologize for making such a report.

As for the future release schedule, as soon as it is decided, we will inform you immediately on the ‘Evangelion’ official website and official SNS.

The reserved Mubichike card with goods can be used even after the postponement.
For details on how to pick up the items, please check each sales page where you made a reservation.

We hope that everyone around the world can enjoy the movie with peace of mind, and we will work to create interesting animated films for everyone in the world.
We appreciate your understanding.”

Translation: Google Translate

In addition, Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno apologized for the delay in a handwritten letter that has been posted, and translated, on the website.

“To all who were suffered from the recent Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19),
Please let me express my deepest sympathy.

Also, to all the medical staff and related persons who are still working on this case,
I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude and respect.

I feel so sorry to keep you waiting more for our new film due to unprecedented
situation, even I know well you already have waited for almost 8 years,.

I will keep my best with our indomitable spirits together with all of you,
even while we are seeing the toughest situation all over the world.

Thank you very much for your continuous support.

Hideaki Anno
Screenplay and General Director
April 17th, 2020”

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic (also known as COVID-19 officially, or Chinese Flu to others) has affected many worldwide, from businesses to public gatherings and events. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].

This includes the postponement of GDC, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, along with the cancellation of E3 2020 (including digital events), the physical event for Gamescom 2020, and Comiket 98.

We also recently reported on an employee at Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Tokyo offices contracted the virus, along with voice actor Rick May (Soldier in Team Fortress 2, Peppy Hare and Andross in Star Fox 64) passing away due to the virus. SiliconEra also reports a member of Capcom in Osaka also contracted the virus.

The Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering are mapping the virus’ spread [1, 2]. As of this time of writing, there have been over 2.416 million total confirmed cases worldwide, and over 1.619 million active cases. There have been over 165,000 deaths, however over 632,000 people have made a “total recovery.”

Japan have had over 10,797 cases (9,402 active cases), 236 deaths, and 1,159 recoveries.