This is very unexpected and disappointing news: IGN is reporting that Paramount will no longer release “The Little Prince” in the United States, which was expected to get released next Friday, March 18.

Paramount Pictures has confirmed to IGN that they will no longer release The Little Prince, which was set to open in theaters next Friday, March 18. The studio didn’t provide a reason for why they opted to drop the film so close to opening day.

Mark Osborne directed the movie, which is based on the classic tale published in 1943. The Little Prince’s voice cast includes Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, Paul Rudd, Marion Cotillard and Benicio Del Toro.

Director Mark Osborne released the following statement (via his official twitter account):

“Many thanks to everyone for the outpouring of love and support in these strange times. As it turns out, the much anticipated U.S. release of this special and unique film will have to be anticipated just a little bit more. All I can say is ‘The Little Prince’ will in fact be released by another distributor later this year. Until then, head to Canada! The film opens there in wide release this weekend!”

The movie won the César Award (French equivalent of the Academy Awards) for Best Animated Film last month and already hit the $100 million mark in the international box office.