AMC plans to reopen US theaters in August

AMC Theaters are scheduled to reopen across the United States in August, according to a news release from the company. While an exact date was not provided, the statement estimates that theaters will open in “mid-to-late August.”

The statement also notes that this timing reflects the expected release dates for big blockbuster titles like Christopher Nolan’s Tenet and Disney’s next live action remake, Mulan.

AMC, and other theater chains, closed down during the coronavirus pandemic in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19. In March, AMC originally planned to close for six to 12 weeks. It’s a precarious time for the business, as the extended lockdowns mean businesses are bleeding money.

With theater chains closed and COVID-19 lockdowns prevalent throughout most of the U.S., big movies like Tenet have been delayed repeatedly. However, the studios are not prepared or willing to launch these titles on streaming services. Now, with chains starting to re-open, it’s possible that we’ll be able to return to theaters to see new releases on the big screen.

Visiting the theater will still be quite different in a post-COVID era. There are safety guidelines, which include wearing masks inside theaters, and social distancing by sitting further away from fellow patrons. Theater chains will need to grapple with enforcing these standards as they begin to re-open.