Fans of Marvel Comics’ living vampire are going to start gnashing their teeth (fangs?) pretty soon in frustration–the debut of Morbius from Sony Pictures has been delayed…again.
The eagerly awaited horror film–adapted from the comic book character who debuted as a villain back in 1971 in The Amazing Spider–Man No. 101— will now premiere Jan. 28, 2022, as reported by comicbook.com, having been pushed back one week in the schedule.
But that hardly reflects the ping pong-like movements of this movie over the last nine months. Morbius originally was scheduled to hit theaters way back on July 10, 2020, but was bumped to July 31 and then all the way to March 19 of this year. Wait–there’s more. Then the film was shoved back to October 8 of this year and then to its most recent landing spot of Jan. 21, 2022. Everybody follow that?
Morbius–which stars Oscar winner Jared Leto in the title role–follows the supernatural trials and tribulations of Dr. Michael Morbius. The good doctor, as explained in the official synopsis, is “dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and is determined to save others from suffering his fate.”
To this end, Morbius “attempts a desperate gamble. What at first appears to be a radical success soon reveals itself to be a remedy potentially worse than the disease.” Specifically, Morbius is transformed into a “living vampire,” with the powers and insatiable thirst that comes with that curse.
Leto stars alongside Tyrese Gibson, Al Madrigal, Jared Harris, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona and Michael Keaton (who reprises his role as The Vulture from the Spider–Man franchise).
Leto, in discussing the demanding role, said he is “excited” about this film. “It should be a big, fun popcorn movie,” he said. “I get to play these different characters in this ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ story that’s just big and fun and scary.”
Morbius–based on the Marvel character created by editor/writer Roy Thomas and artist Gil Kane–is directed by Daniel Espinosa from a screenplay by Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway.
Keep reading Horror News Network for the latest on the fate of Morbius.
