Movie aficionados may be itching to return to the theater, but they’ll have to wait a little longer despite COVID-19 restrictions lifting early in certain states. In a statement released yesterday, AMC revealed that it wouldn’t be opening its doors until a steady stream of theatrical blockbusters could be shown.
The Hollywood Reporter points out that the first of these is Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, which opens on July 17, followed by Mulan a week later on July 24. This suggests that theaters won’t be back in business until the summertime, at earliest.
“As we plan our reopening, the health and safety of our guests and associates is our absolute highest priority,” said AMC. “To be able to open, we also need a line of sight into a regular schedule of new theatrical blockbusters that get people truly excited about returning to their favorite movie theaters. Those blockbusters are scheduled to return this summer, beginning with Warner Brothers’ Tenet and Disney’s Mulan, with many more major titles scheduled immediately thereafter.”
“While we expect to open our theaters in the weeks ahead of these new blockbusters, utilizing creative programming of immensely popular previously released films, we would be wise to do so only directly in advance of the release of major new movie titles. AMC is currently working through every detail required to successfully showcase these exciting new releases in an environment that’s safe and welcoming for moviegoers, and we will share those details as we get closer to the dates when our theaters will reopen.”
Entertainment content provider Fathom Events will presumably be providing the “creative programming” that AMC mentions, which might comprise classic movies (Mel Gibson’s Braveheart was screened in March for its 25th Anniversary), Broadway shows, Metropolitan Opera performances, live concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, and/or original content.