Major exhibition chain Cineworld has delayed the reopening date for its UK and Ireland venues and for its Regal Cinemas sites in the US until July 31 following changes to the release calendar.
The company had scheduled to reopen its venues in the territories on July 10. However, since that announcement the release of Christopher Nolan’s Tenet has been delayed for a second time, moving from July 31 to August 12.
Disney then followed suit, postponing the release of Mulan from July 24 to August 21.
Cineworld’s new date is “subject to final confirmation” and may change.
It began reopening its venues in other markets from June 16, and said it will continue to do that ”subject to final clarifications and confirmation in relation to various government COVID-19 restrictions.”
A statement from Cineworld read: “In line with recent changes to upcoming film release dates, we have made the decision to move our re-opening date to 31st July. We hope that we will be able to reopen the doors of all Cineworld cinemas across the UK and Ireland at that time, subject to UK government restrictions. With the ongoing pandemic, this new date remains subject to final confirmation.
“We know how much you’ve been missing the cinema and we are excited to welcome you back to Cineworld soon! With great films ahead, including Mulan, Tenet, A Quiet Place Part II, Wonder Woman 1984 and many more, we can’t wait to be back.”
The statement also outlined Cineworld’s previously-announced Covid-19 safety measures, including social distancing in all areas of the cinema, plastic screens at tills, and specific training and PPE for all employees.
UK indoor cinemas are allowed to reopen from July 4. However, some have said they will not be able to do so due to the time needed to become safe for customers; while the lack of new titles for exhibitors to play is also an issue.
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