Cineworld To Reopen All Cinemas In July
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Film fans, you're in luck - Cineworld is set to reopen all of its UK branches in July, according to a statement today.
The chain has said that all 128 of its cinemas in the UK will be operating again, as long as government coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.
Having almost been pushed into liquidation after being forced to close when the coronavirus pandemic lockdown was started in the UK, it's been saved.
The chain said in a statement to investors: "Cineworld currently anticipates that government restrictions related to cinemas will be lifted in each of its territories by July.
"Subject to this and confirmation of the schedule for film releases, Cineworld anticipates the reopening of all of its cinemas in July. Cineworld has put in place procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable cinema experience for its employees and customers."
The cinema chain also announced that the re-opening of its screens will start with two new films.
It continued: "Cineworld is excited by the great movie line up to follow the reopening of cinemas, starting with the highly anticipated new Chris Nolan movie Tenet and immediately after that with Mulan, a new Disney adventure movie."
Last month, Cineworld sent a furious message to Universal Pictures following an argument over 'theatrical windows' - the usual time delay between a film's theatrical release and its debut on streaming and on-demand services.
All cinemas have had to close as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic and some studios have since taken the decision to release films via online streaming platforms, which otherwise would have seen a theatrical release.
Cineworld shared details of a letter sent to Comcast (who own Universal) chairman Brian Roberts claiming the studio 'tried to take advantage of the current crisis'.
In a press release sent to LADbible, Cineworld said Universal's decision was made 'when our business is closed, more than 35,000 employees are at home and when we do not yet have a clear date for the reopening of our cinemas'.
The statement added that Universal's move is 'completely inappropriate and certainly has nothing to do with good faith business practice, partnership and transparency'.
Cineworld and Picturehouse announced it would be closing on Wednesday 18 March until further notice.
A statement from Cineworld Group CEO Mooky Greidinger read: "At Cineworld and Picturehouse we are committed to providing safe and healthy environments for our employees and guests and have therefore made the difficult decision to close our cinemas in the UK and Ireland until further notice.
"We deeply value our cinema-loving customers and have no doubt we will be serving everyone again as soon as possible with a full slate of Hollywood blockbusters and the best of independent films and content."
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: UK News, TV and Film, Coronavirus
