Director Christopher Nolan has long been an outspoken advocate for all films, its culture, and also the future of his upcoming new film Tenet. Nolan has steadfastly been pushing for Tenet to be released in theaters this summer and to be viewed by audiences first on the big screen, but the realities of COVID-19 have possibly pushed this release date further back and into the realm of wishful thinking. Although August 12 is still the current, expected, release date, Vulture is now reporting there is growing skepticism Tenet will be released this summer at all.

　　Citing a report from movie-industry analyst Eric Handler, Vulture is speculating that what could do Tenet in is a lack of theaters able to stay open amidst doubts over safety to see movies out in public--and the movie being pulled can only harm theaters further. An anonymous high-ranking executive told Vulture, "The theaters are going to lose the biggest if Tenet doesn't come out next month… They're going to spend $100 million on face masks and [disinfection] sprays. Then the theaters aren't going to open in August? They're most at risk."

　　Further fanning the flames of uncertainty is the fact that industry pundits like Richard Rushfield, who runs the popular entertainment newsletter The Ankler, aren't sure if movie theaters are even able to deliver pre-COVID audience numbers right now. "Between now and the end of the year, 50 percent loss is probably the best-case scenario." Rushfield told Vulture. He estimated that 80 percent is a more likely, realistic number to expect.

　　Tenet was originally planned for release in theaters July 17, then July 31, and recently shifted to August 12. The movie, which was written and directed by Nolan, stars Robert Pattinson, John David Washington, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Martin Donovan, Kenneth Branagh, and Elizabeth Debicki, and Michael Caine. Despite all the attention the movie has garnered, and even a trailer being released, not much about its story or plot is yet known.

　　David Wolinsky on Google+