The show is about to go on.
Despite facing over $2 billion dollars in debt and still navigating possible bankruptcy, AMC Theatres has officially announced plans to reopen all of its multiplexes nationwide by July. (An official date was not given, but mid-July would likely be the latest.)
With competitor Cinemark already in full-swing with its re-open strategy (to be completed by July 1) and in stable financial position, AMC Entertainment had to put up or shut up by either opening up or shutting down. They decided to do the former, even with the tenuous nature of their corporate balance sheet.
CEO Adam Aron said in a statement:
- “We are confident we are taking the necessary steps on a broad array of fronts to ensure AMC’s future success as we navigate these turbulent and uncertain times. In the end, AMC will both succeed and prosper.”
The first national release currently scheduled is Lionsgate’s indie thriller Unhinged, starring Russell Crowe, set for July 1. The first big summer blockbuster release, however, is Christopher Nolan‘s Tenet on July 17.
If AMC misses the Unhinged window I doubt they’ll lose any sleep, but Tenet is definitely the make-or-break goal, with Disney’s Mulan following a week later on July 24. WB’s Wonder Woman 1984 is set for August 12 and Orion’s Bill & Ted Face The Music is slated for August 21.