AMC Theaters not opening at least until July

As some states are already starting to reopen their businesses after being shut down due to the coronavirus, AMC Theaters say it will keep its 630-plus U.S. locations closed until some new summer blockbusters come to the theaters.

“As we plan our reopening, the health and safety of our guests and associates is our absolute highest priority. To be able to open, we also need a line of sight into a regular schedule of new theatrical blockbusters that get people truly excited about returning to their favorite movie theaters. Those blockbusters are scheduled to return this summer, beginning with Warner Brothers’ “Tenet” and Disney’s “Mulan,” with many more major titles scheduled immediately thereafter,” AMC said in a statement.

“While we expect to open our theaters in the weeks ahead of these new blockbusters, utilizing creative programming of immensely popular previously released films, we would be wise to do so only directly in advance of the release of major new movie titles,” the statement continued. “AMC is currently working through every detail required to successfully showcase these exciting new releases in an environment that’s safe and welcoming for moviegoers, and we will share those details as we get closer to the dates when our theaters will reopen.”

Cinemark Theaters CEO Mark Zoradi has indicated his chain, the third largest in the country after AMC and Regal Cinemas, won’t open until summer as well.

Regal Cinemas has not commented.