AMC Theatres is delaying its planned reopening date again amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in dozens of states.
The movie theater chain said Thursday that it is now planning to reopen its U.S. locations in “mid to late August.”
The company had previously set its reopening date for July 15 and then delayed it to July 30.
But sharp increases in COVID-19 cases in states such as Texas, Florida and Arizona, coupled with Hollywood delaying film releases, have combined to make a swift return to indoor moving showings implausible.
“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,” AMC said in a statement.
In foreign countries, about one-third of AMC’s locations are open and “operating normally,” the company said.
The delayed reopening comes as AMC continues to navigate the financial disruption stemming from the coronavirus crisis.
The company warned in June that it might not survive but reached a deal with lenders in June to reduce its debts by $460 million to $630 million. It also secured an additional $300 million in new borrowing.
During the pandemic, movie theaters in most states have been forced to close due to social distancing requirements. AMC has announced that when its theaters reopen, customers will be required to wear masks, reversing an earlier decision to make them optional.
