Just as it appeared industry-wide shutdowns necessitated by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic were beginning to ease, AMC Theatres has announced that plans to reopen its venues in the United States have been delayed.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that AMC intended to open the majority of its U.S. theaters by the end of July, with the remainder reopening over the course of the following month as restrictions continue to be eased in several states. The theater chain has now delayed the reopening to mid-to-late August instead. Elsewhere, AMC has already reopened approximately a third of its venues.
In a statement, AMC explained, "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."
Tenet, the tentpole film from director Christopher Nolan, was removed from Warner Bros.'s schedule this week and does not have a set release date. The live-action remake of Mulan, initially set for March, is now slated for an August 21 release.
Analysts have called for theater chains to reopen by degrees where feasible. Eric Wold of B. Riley FBR stated, "We are less certain that studios will wait for the perfect date to release their films — as that perfect date may never arrive."