The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak continues to have effects across the world, and the television industry is no exception. Yesterday we learned Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show” has temporarily shut down production as a result of coronavirus concerns.
Now we’ve heard of another Another Apple TV+ production that has gone on a coronavirus-related hiatus. Foundation – Apple’s upcoming science fiction series starring Lee Pace and Jared Harris – has shut down production. The series was being filmed in Ireland, which has seen 70 COVID-19 cases so far.
Deadline reports the production shutdown decision follows an announcement by Irish Prime Minister An Taoiseach about the country’s COVID-19 restrictive measures, which include the canceling of any indoor mass gatherings of 100 people or more and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people.
“Skydance, along with Apple, have made the decision to temporarily suspend filming on Foundation, the styudio said in a statement to Deadline Thursday night. “The health and safety of our cast and crew is our top priority and we are closely monitoring the situation.”
Statistical modeling puts Ireland on track for an outbreak similar to that faced by Italy, assuming the outbreak there follows what has been worldwide trends. In related news, an Apple employee at Apple’s Cork, Ireland campus tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday.
Othe TV and movie productions are facing similar shutdowns. “NeXt,” a Fox TV show, and “Riverdale,” a CW show, both have crew members who have come down with coronavirus.
Actor and American treasure Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have both come down with the virus while in Australia. Hanks and Wilson were visiting Australia’s Gold Coast for the pre-production of Baz Luhrmann‘s untitled Elvis Presley biopic, in which he plays the music icon’s longtime manager Colonel Tom Parker.