At this day in age, we are facing a hideous pandemic, which is of course the Coronavirus (COVID-19). It is affecting the entire world to not only close any place involving public gatherings, but also putting a decent handful of countries in lock down support as well. However, what is on the table for today is that history has been made for the entire film industry.
Many huge film studios delayed anticipated mainstream-blockbusters (as well as a handful of independent films) like “Black Widow”, “Minions: The Rise of Gru”, “No Time to Die”, “Fast & Furious 9”, “A Quiet Place: Part II” and the live-action remake of “Mulan” because of this epidemic. Not just that, Universal Pictures has offered audiences to watch their current theatrical releases on streaming/on demand. They include “The Hunt” and “The Invisible Man”. Universal also announced that they plan to release “Trolls: World Tour” on digital on April 10, the same day it was planned to hit theaters. It is is the same for Sony releasing “Bloodshot”, Lionsgate releasing the faith-based drama “I Still Believe”, Disney releasing “Onward” on both digital and Disney+, and Warner Bros. releasing the excellent sports drama “The Way Back”.
But the most vital thing that all of us film fans have to worry about is the idea of every movie theater shutting down until further notice ranging from AMC to Regal. We have to start being concerned now about the future of movie theaters. We all have to prepare if huge studios can take a huge risk to let audiences watch their films on digital. It may be highly unlikely with their huger-budgeted blockbusters, but it kind of could happen with their lower-budgeted vehicles (like Focus Features and Sony Pictures Classics).
Going to the movie theater is without question my favorite thing to do on the weekends. Like what Chris Stuckmann cited in his recent “New Movies on VOD… Will Theaters Survive?” video, I think it is like going to the church every week. It feels important to go to the movies every weekend whether if it is a mainstream, indie, documentary, or a foreign film. Heck, it could even be a three-hour Bollywood epic. If movie theaters choose to shut down forever, it would break a huge part of my life leaving me bland and broken inside. I hope this does not become the fate. On the more positive side, it is highly unlikely for movie theaters to shut down because the cinematic experience will stay forever consistently giving us highly-anticipated blockbusters like the upcoming “Wonder Woman 1984”.
That aspect of it makes me worry less about movie theaters demising through this tough time.
Analysts as of recently have mixed feelings on how AMC Theaters will survive this pandemic. Some might be concerned and say that they may not survive. There some are firm believers and say they will survive because of the company having enough cash revenue to stay alive.
Every single theater chain in the world has been noted to shut down until further notice like Cinemark and Regal.
What is interesting to hear is that AMC Theaters plans to shut down for 6 to 12 weeks. So basically, they are expecting to be back open either when “My Spy” is still in theaters or when “Candyman” and the upcoming Tom Hanks-starring vehicle “Greyhound” is out. To me, that right there gives me the perfect hint of when theaters will be finally embracing the day of getting back to business.
I personally think that movie theaters can possibly come back in June just in time for upcoming releases like “Wonder Woman 1984” and Pixar’s “Soul” to kick-off June. I have a feeling that every major film studio is still going to promote their films releasing in June through July nonetheless with trailers, TV spots, press junkets, and on online sites like “IMDB”. Not every movie has to be promoted in a theater, you know.
Warner Bros. made a decision for “Wonder Woman 1984” if they wanted to put the film on either streaming or in theaters. I am glad they chose the undoubtedly right choice to show it in theaters because Warner Bros. is hungry like a dog for a billion-dollar miracle.
What we can all learn from what just occurred this month is we might have to accept the change whether anyone likes it or not. Who knows? It might be more beneficial in the future for us to watch the latest movies at our homes, but we for sure do not want to start diminishing the oh-so delightful cinematic experience. Hopefully, like the end of a fairy tale, all things cinema and with the world will be back to normal soon and live happily ever after.
Stay safe and wash your hands, folks.
