'The Harder They Fall': Netflix pauses production of Idris Elba movie following positive Covid-19 test

No members of the Western movie's primary cast have tested positive for the coronavirus

Production of Idris Elba movie 'The Harder They Fall' has been paused following a positive Covid-19 test. AP

Shooting of Netflix's The Harder They Fall paused on Thursday, after a member of the production team tested positive for Covid-19.

Hollywood magazine and website Variety confirmed that production has been paused due to the coronavirus, adding that "no members of the primary cast tested positive." The publication also stated that it was "unclear if the cast or crew member who tested positive was symptomatic".

Directed by Jeymes Samuel, The Harder They Fall is an all-black Western film, which has been shooting for around five weeks in New Mexico, USA.

The film stars Idris Elba, Regina King and Jonathan Majors, and it is being produced by rapper Jay-Z, who is to write and produce original music for the project.

Netflix has not commented on the production setback.

The film, announced in November 2019, tells the story of outlaw Nat Love (Majors) who reunites with his gang to track down the man (Elba) who killed his parents two decades ago when he is released from prison.

In March, Elba was one of the first high-profile celebrities to speak out about testing positive for Covid-19. With his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, he quarantined in New Mexico.

At the time, he said he suffered "mild symptoms". He tweeted a video confirming the news, saying: "This morning I tested positive for Covid-19. I feel OK – I have no symptoms so far – but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I'm doing."