AMC pushes phased theater reopening back to August

As movie studios delay their summer blockbusters indefinitely, AMC Theatres has pushed its phased reopening from July to August.

It’s no secret the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis has decimated the spring and summer blockbuster seasons, and the film industry doesn’t look likely to make a comeback anytime soon. As Warner Bros. and Disney push back their upcoming films indefinitely, AMC Theatres has changed the date of its phased reopening once again.

AMC had originally planned to begin its reopening on July 15, with all of its theaters being operational by July 24. The date was then moved to July 30, but now the theater chain isn’t planning to start its reopening until “mid to late August” due to the lack of films being released.

“This new timing reflects currently expected release dates for much anticipated blockbusters like Warner Bros.’ Tenet and Disney’s Mulan, as well as release dates for several other new movies coming to AMC’s big screens,” the company said in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.

With that in mind, the mid to late August opening likely banks on The New Mutants arriving in theaters on August 28. From the upbeat attitude of the film’s Comic-Con@Home panel, it didn’t seem like the movie would be delayed again — but as the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States continues to evolve, anything’s possible.

As the biggest theater chain, AMC may set the stage for Cinemark and Cineworld to make similar moves, though neither company has announced changes to their reopening plans just yet. At this point, many are anticipating it being a long time before we see movies in theaters again — particularly if studios keep waiting to release their most-anticipated hits.

When do you think movie theaters will return to business as usual? Share your theories in the comments below!