Despite movie theaters getting approval to reopen in Massachusetts, many not opening right away

While Massachusetts movie theaters received the go ahead to reopen in a limited capacity, many are choosing to wait it out.

Most movie theaters have been closed since the middle of March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While some locations in Massachusetts were scheduled to open shortly, several have pushed back opening dates to the end of July to coincide with new movie releases.

AMC Theatres announced a new U.S. reopening date of July 30th, when it will resume operations of 450 U.S. theatres as part of a phased plan that is expected to bring the 600-plus U.S. theatre circuit essentially to full operation by early August. The company had initially planned to open theaters on July 15th.

The new reopening date aligns with updated release timing for major theatrical blockbusters Warner Bros’ TENET (August 12) and Disney’s MULAN (August 21). AMC is also excited to offer movie-goers a broad selection of other new releases in July and August, including Solstice’s action thriller UNHINGED (July 31), Sony’s romantic comedy THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY (August 7), A24’s psychological horror film SAINT MAUD, Disney/Marvel’s action fantasy film NEW MUTANTS (August 28), Picturehouse’s inspirational drama FATIMA (August 28), Orion’s comedy BILL AND TED FACE THE MUSIC (August 28), and others. Additionally, Warner Bros. will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Christopher Nolan’s INCEPTION with a re-release on July 31st. Once the U.S. reopening commences, AMC will have theatres open in all 15 countries in which AMC operates. Theatres in all 14 countries AMC serves in Europe and the Middle East either opened in June or are planned to open in July as well. Barring further complications from the coronavirus outbreak, AMC expects to be open at essentially its full complement of approximately 1,000 theatres globally by early August.

AMC has a location at the Dartmouth Mall.

Adam Aron, CEO & President, AMC Theatres said, “We continue to devote extraordinary resources into our plan to operate our theatres with a hyper commitment to the safety and health of our guests and associates, notably in the United States through our new AMC Safe & Clean initiative. Our theatre general managers across the U.S. started working full time again today and are back in their theatres gearing up to get their buildings fully ready just a few weeks from now for moviegoers. That happy day, when we can welcome guests back into most of our U.S. theatres, will be Thursday, July 30.”

Regal announced plans for the reopening of theatres to be pushed back from July 10th to July 31st. Reopening plans include a wide range of new health and safety measures based on guidelines provided from the CDC and other public health organizations. The plan also includes safety measures based on feedback received from employees and moviegoers they have deemed most important for their return. Regal will also provide new contactless payment options and innovative sanitizing methods.

Regal has a location in Swansea.

Showcase Cinemas, who has locations in Seekonk, North Attleboro, and Foxboro, have no set date to reopen in Massachusetts, however, their Warwick location opened back up on Friday.

It is also unclear when Picture Show at SouthCoast Marketplace reopens.

Once the theaters open back up for business, state safety and capacity protocols will need to be followed to remain in operation.