Weeks ago, when the proverbial COVID-19 shit first hit the worldwide fan (and well before the US President suggested citizens inject poison to kill the virus), cinemas all around the world quickly closed, with the world’s largest chain, AMC Theatres, shutting down its thousands of screens. At the time, back in March, it was thought that maybe this would last only four to six weeks. But definitely wouldn’t last longer than 12 weeks. Well, about that…
Now, according to a new statement released by AMC (via THR), the cinema chain isn’t even considering reopening its business until the company knows that studios plan on releasing major blockbusters. And if the current schedule holds, that would be around the beginning of July, just before Warner Bros. releases Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.” (Roughly 16 weeks after AMC first shut its doors, by the way.)
“As we plan our reopening, the health and safety of our guests and associates is our absolute highest priority,” said AMC in a statement. “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 theatres. 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.”
The statement continued, “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.”
Of course, this isn’t altogether shocking. Cinemark already came forward with a similar plan. However, the reason AMC is discussing it now is because states around the US are beginning the early phases of reopening non-essential businesses, including movie theaters. That being said, AMC wants the public to know that the cinema chain isn’t going to rush things.
Also, by not giving an exact date for reopening, AMC allows itself a bit of wiggle room if WB decides to push “Tenet” or Disney decides to push “Mulan.” if that’s the case, we likely won’t see new major studio films until August, which could throw this entire plan out the window. But, for now at least, it appear that AMC is eyeing that July start date. And yes, the fate of the theatrical experience falls in the lap of Christopher Nolan. How fitting.