Along with NBCUniversal releasing their films via on-demand, Regal Cinemas, the second-largest movie chain in the U.S., will be shutting down all of its locations until further notice because of the coronavirus pandemic. The news comes as the White House guidance was given for Americans to avoid social gatherings of more than ten people. As first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, it is expected that all, cinemas in the U.S. will follow suit and close up shop.
In a statement on Monday, Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger stated, “Any time, at any Regal, it’s our goal to provide a safe and healthy environment for our employees and guests. At this time, we have made the difficult decision to close our theaters. We value our movie-loving customers and have no doubt we will be serving them again as soon as possible with a full slate of Hollywood blockbusters.”
AMC Theatres, the largest theatrical exhibition company in the U.S. announced that effective today, March 17, all 630 AMC locations in the country will close for at least six to 12 weeks, in compliance with the previously stated local, state and federal directives, and as a precaution to help ensure the health and safety of moviegoers and their theatre staff.
AMC CEO and President Adam Aron said: “We are ever so disappointed for our moviegoing guests and for our employee teams that the new CDC guidelines that Americans should not gather in groups larger than 10 people make it impossible to open our theatres. Still, the health and wellbeing of AMC guests and employees, and of all Americans, takes precedence above all else. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and look forward to the day we can again delight moviegoers nationwide by reopening AMC movie theatres in accordance with guidance from the CDC and local health authorities.”
