Most California Movie Theaters Won't Open This Friday - Find Out Why

The California Department of Public Health declared that the state’s movie theaters can reopen as of this Friday (June 12) amid the pandemic – but don’t expect many of them to do so.

“We’re hearing that many notable chains won’t. That said, we understand that some independently owned cinemas could throw their doors open again,” Deadline reported on Tuesday (June 9).

There are plenty of reasons that the theaters aren’t prepared to open just yet, according to the report.

“Some of the prime reasons to remain shuttered include lack of marquee fare, which doesn’t ramp up until Solstice Studios’ Russell Crowe movie Unhinged on July 1 followed by Warner Bros’ $200M Christopher Nolan movie Tenet on July 17. But movie theaters also need time to prep — i.e., restock concessions and bulk up on safety supplies like face masks, seat covers, anti-bacterial lotions and wipes. A late-June/early-July start for many is still in the cards. In addition, many theaters have paused their leases with landlords,” the report continues.

Despite the tentative green light, it’s unlikely that most major theater chains will open that soon.

“Chains in California we hear aren’t reopening Friday include AMC, Regal, Cinemark (which has outlined a three-phase approach beginning June 19 in Dallas), Alamo Drafthouse, Arclight Cinemas, Laemmle, Cinepolis and Landmark.”

Here’s how the proposed movie theater reopening is expected to work…