Coronavirus: Regal Cinemas, AMC Theatres push reopening dates as movie releases stall

The nation’s two largest movie theater chains have announced new reopening dates, citing ongoing distribution delays caused by the lingering novel coronavirus pandemic.

According to Variety, Regal Cinemas plans to reopen all of its U.S. theaters on July 31, three weeks later than originally announced, while AMC Theatres has pushed its reopening date for 450 of its 600 locations to July 30. AMC, the nation’s largest movie theater chain, plans to open its remaining 150 locations by early August.

With the number of COVID-19 infections reported nationwide skyrocketing in recent weeks, however, film studios have already postponed release dates for several high-profile projects, including Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi thriller “Tenet” and Disney’s live-action “Mulan,” Syracuse.com reported.

The release of “Tenet” was pushed to Aug. 12 from July 31, while “Mulan” won’t hit the screen until Aug. 21 instead of July 24.

Meanwhile, Russell Crowe’s “Unhinged” will now open July 31, “Bill and Ted Face the Music” will open Aug. 28 and “Wonder Woman 1984” will open Oct. 2, Syracuse.com reported.

The delays could be extended further into fall, however, considering major markets such as Los Angeles and New York City, which traditionally account for a substantial percentage of box office revenue, have not yet allowed theaters to reopen to the public amid the pandemic, Variety reported.


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