LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The release of the much anticipated movie sequel to “Top Gun” has been moved to December, Paramount Pictures said on Thursday.

“Top Gun: Maverick,” starring Tom Cruise, was originally scheduled to open in movie theaters worldwide on June 24.

It was the latest in a series of blockbuster movies that have been delayed because of the coronavirus epidemic that has closed movie theaters in the United States, and much of Europe and Asia.