This week Texas movie theaters are making the move to open. Though the big chains such as AMC, Regal, and Cinemark are not yet eyeing an opening date, some of the independent theaters are set to reopen their door this Friday. Star Cinema Grill, EVO Entertainment, and Santikos Entertainment are among those to start screening again, with reduced capacity of about 25% and amped up sanitation plans, according to ABC13. Notably, Alamo Drafthouse is not on the list of theaters in Texas to reopen just yet.
Today it was announced that Montana theaters may also open to guests starting on May 15. No word is in yet on exactly what theaters will be jumping at the opportunity to resume operations, but it looks like no big chains will be opening there either.
Georgia was given the green light for theaters to open for business at the end of April, but has not seen the opening of any theaters yet as companies including Georgia Theater Company are waiting until it is safer for employees and guests.
Cinemark is eyeing a summer reopening, likely to correspond with Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, which is holding strong to its July 17th release date. AMC and Regal are also still up in the air, but are likely to follow a similar plan to wait until a big enough title releases to make opening worth it.
So far drive-in movie theaters have been the only viable option, as moviegoers remain in the safety of their own vehicles. More drive ins announced this week that they will be resuming screenings. Tribeca is also planning a summer movie series at drive ins, which they announced yesterday will be beginning on June 25th.
Many states are beginning a reopening process even as the coronavirus death toll holds strong, and may even increase according to White House studies. The entire film production and distribution circuit has been put entirely on hold for the safety of those involved, so it may be too soon to say when moviegoers might be able to see any new content in theaters for the time being.