The recent bombing at Manchester Arena that killed 22 and wounded dozens more has unleashed some major repercussions for entertainment both in and out of the UK. After the carnage of her mainly youngish crowd of concertgoers, American singer Ariana Grande has decided to cut her would-have been world tour short out of concern for the victims. Meanwhile, worried fans of Justin Bieber are calling for him to cancel his upcoming concert at Hyde Park in London, on July 2. But much earlier than that, it has been decided by Warner Brothers that the situation in the country is too fragile to go ahead with their premiere event for the “Wonder Woman” film, and have thus cancelled it.
Situation solidarity
Warner Bros. spokesman Jack Horner issued a statement shortly a few days after the bombing last May 22, extending the studio’s condolences to the casualties. They then noted that the scheduled date for the London premiere of “Wonder Woman” on May 31 has become rather sensitive given the times. “In light of the current situation, we will not be proceeding with our plans for the Wonder Woman premiere and junket activities in London,” Horner said in the statement.
The bomb that exploded in Manchester Arena’s foyer took the lives of some very young victims, including Saffie Rose Roussos, a girl aged only eight. Also among the dead and wounded have been scores of parents who were merely picking up the youths at the end of Ariana Grande’s concert.
Prime Minister Theresa May had to raise the UK’s terror threat level to “critical” following the incident, the first time it had been raised this high since 2007. British military forces numbering up to a thousand had to be mobilized to safeguard landmarks, airports and transport hubs as well as large concert venues.
Woman power
“Wonder Woman” UK premier cancellation was a blow to the hype being built up for Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment’s film featuring the world’s most iconic female superhero. The movie stars Gal Gadot as the titular Amazon super-heroine, with Chris Pine as her soldier and spy boyfriend Steve Trevor, in an origin story set in the backdrop of World War I.
It has made an impressive rep due to being the first superhero film with a female protagonist that is also directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins. It has already premiered in Shanghai since May 15 and will premiere in the US and the world in Los Angeles on June 2.
