Christopher Nolan’s thriller ‘Tenet’ is slated for July release
NEW YORK: Ater three months of near total blackout of cinemas nationwide, movie theatres are preparing to reopen — even if it means only a few titles on the marquee and showings limited to as litle as 25 per cent capacity.
AMC Theaters, the world’s largest theatre operator, said last week that it expects to have 97-98 per cent of its theatres worldwide reopened by mid-july. The National Association of Theater Owners, the trade group that represents exhibitors, expects some 90-95 per cent of cinemas around the world will be opened by mid-july.
A lot is still “fluid,” as AMC Entertainment’s chief executive, Adam Aron, said in a call recently with investors. But provided flare ups of the coronavirus don’t unmake plans, the industry is gearing up for a dramatic resumption of widespread business just in time for Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.” The Warner Bros. thriller, the latest from arguably Hollywood’s most passionate defender of the big-screen experience, is slated for release on July 17.
Warner Bros. didn’t comment, and the most recent trailer for “Tenet” was notably vague on its release date. But theater owners are cautiously optimistic that “Tenet” will hold where it is. Aron said that AMC’S conversations as recent as Monday with Warner Bros. and Disney, which has “Mulan” slated for July 24, have been reassuring.
The larger question might be whether moviegoers feel safe returning to theatres. Health officials have warned that large indoor gatherings are risky. Broadway theatres will remain dark through at least early September. It will be up to movie theatre operators to convince moviegoers that it’s safe to once again sit in the dark among strangers.
Only recently have state guidelines allowed the reopening of theatres in California (including in the country’s top market, Los Angeles, where local officials have yet to agree). In New York City, open cinemas come in phase four of its reopening schedule; it began phase one only on Monday. Aron granted New York theatres, which constitute the second largest market, may not open in time for “Tenet.”
Theatres have slowly been reopening in other areas of the country, while a renaissance of driveins has flourished. Cinemark, which operates about 6,000 US screens has said it will begin reopening in late June and fully reopen by July 10. Cineworld, which owns Regal Cinemas, the world’s second-largest chain, is also tracking for a July reopening.
But AMC’S announcement last week signalled the most ambitious and widespread plan for a resumption of business.
“Ater a period of time where billions of people have endured confinement and limited social interaction, we believe that there will be a significant pent-up demand to get back out in the world,” said Aron. “Having said that, we’re under no illusions. The waters will be choppy. There may be unforeseen tosses and turns to be navigated through. And full recovery may take quite a while.”
AMC, like other chains, expects to limit audience sizes to facilitate social distancing, including keeping cinemas 25-50 per cent full and blocking out seats. Cinemas will be regularly cleaned. Ordering concessions will be possible from an app. As a kind of test case, AMC has already opened 10 theatres in Europe. Three theatres in Norway sold 83 per cent of available tickets, said Aron.
Although 25 per cent capacity may sound like an untenable business model, Aron said movie theatres are usually part-empty, calling them — unlike typically sold-out Broadway theaters — “a church built for Easter Sunday.” He was optimistic box-office returns wouldn’t be badly jeopardized, especially since 12-20 screen multiplexes will likely be showing only a handful of films. With so many working from home due to the pandemic, moviegoing may also not be as focused on Friday and Saturday.
Before “Tenet” arrives, theatres will play — just as those that are currently open are showing — recent and classic catalogue offerings. The Russell Crowe thriller “Unhinged,” from Solstice Studios, is also set for July 1. Shortly ater AMC’S announcement, Sony Pictures said it will roll out the romantic comedy “The Broken Hearts Gallery” on July 10, only in theatres.