It was particularly challenging during the summer for the movie industry. As more and more film studios pushed back release dates or opted to release films on streaming platforms, the theater chain industry saw a 99 percent decline in revenue.
Despite this, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major comeback for drive-in movie theaters. Since the pandemic began, about 300 drive-ins have been in operation in the U.S. Now, AMC theaters wants a piece of the pie and is willing to tangle with COVID-19 as the movie chain plans to open 100 locations on Thursday.
AMC intends to have more than 400 locations open by September, just in time for the big Christopher Nolan film Tenet, distributed by Warner Bros. Following in AMC’s footsteps, Regal will rollout an opening of its theaters starting this Friday. The final big movie theater chain to open will be Cinemark, using a similar rollout plan as Regal.
The theater chains are betting on major films, such as Wonder Woman 1984, Candyman, West Side Story and Coming 2 America, to entice moviegoers.
To help ease the anxiety of customers potentially contracting the virus, AMC, Regal and Cinemark plan to implement safety and sanitation protocols to ensure that ticket purchasers feel safe going to the movies. For instance, moviegoers will be required to wear face masks and follow social distancing rules.
However, with the onslaught of rebellious U.S. citizens wanting to enjoy the amenities of public establishments but not wanting to follow these safety protocols, it’s not difficult to foresee more videos going viral on social media of “Karens” and other overzealous patrons produced by the pandemic and social upheaval causing scenes made for Hollywood at the movie theaters.
