After we learned last week that AMC may be closing its doors due to lack of income from COVID-19 related closures, now it looks like the chain is working to stay in business and open locations around the world in July. Their 1,000 theaters closed up shop on March 17, and now the company expects to “to be fully open globally in July,” subject to state and local law.
This is the first chain to officially make a statement about reopening their physical locations. AMC definitely needs the business, as they reported a $2.17 billion loss in the first quarter. They have also had to negotiate with landlords and other suppliers to cut costs while doors remained closed.
If the theaters do go ahead with the launch in July, they will have to reassure guests that it is safe to do so with distancing guidelines and amped up cleaning procedures, assisted by new partner Clorox. They are hoping that Tenet, scheduled for July 17, will be just the thing to bring in a crowd, followed by Disney’s Mulan on July 24 and Wonder Woman 1984 on August 12.
Tenet is only tentatively holding onto that release date, which most theaters are relying on to determine an opening date. AMC acknowledges that “many things can change between now and July,” but nonetheless they are keeping their head in the game to determine the best course of action for reopening as soon as they can.