'Halloween Kills' has been delayed by one year.

The upcoming slasher film was supposed to be released in October this year, but due to ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, franchise creator John Carpenter and director David Gordon Green have announced they are pushing back its release until October 2021.

In a message posted to Carpenter's Twitter account, the pair said: ''We write this to you heartbroken over the fact that the delay of our film is even a discussion, but if there's one thing that a career in the film industry has prepared us for, it is the unexpected. Over the past few weeks, our film family has looked at the forecast of theatrical exhibition with obvious concern. We have discussed and struggled with how best to present 'Halloween Kills' to the loyal fans around the world, as well as the new audience we hope to invite to this experience.

''It was a wild production. We lined up a cast of legacy characters like Laurie and Tommy, Lindsey, Lonnie, Marion, Brackett and The Shape, then alongside some new faces, we aggressively made the second chapter of our 'Halloween' trilogy. It unfolded into an experience that was a creative playground and we feel confident that our misfit pleasures will be seen as an unexpected entry into this franchise.''

Carpenter and Green say the delay will combat the ''compromised theatrical experience'' that has been in place since cinema screens reopened, and have promised a special IMAX presentation of the movie to make up for the delay.

They added: ''If we release it in October of this year as planned, we have to face the reality that the film would be consumed in a compromised theatrical experience. After weighing our options, we have chosen to push the film's theatrical release by one year.

''On top of a traditional release, Universal has agreed to an IMAX presentation of the film in October 2021. We are sound mixing with one of the greatest design teams that can slash, scream and creep their way under your skin. We're going to have time to complete the film with the quality that fans deserve. And preparation on 'Halloween Ends' has begun as well.

''It is an honour to be working with these characters and spending time in Haddonfield. We look forward to sharing our next chapters with you.''