Theater Chain Cineworld Announces Worldwide July Reopening, Including US Regal Cinemas

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the closure of thousands of theaters across the world. As many countries slowly emerge from lockdown, the question remains how and when they will reopen safely. The huge Cineworld chain has now announced that it plans to reopen its cinemas from later this month.

As reported by ScreenDaily, UK-based Cineworld will start reopening some European sites from late June, with theaters in the UK and US joining them in July. Cineworld is the world's second largest chain, after AMC, with 790 sites in 11 countries. In the US, Cineworld owns the Regal chain of theaters. All dates are subject to government approval, but the company's provisional list of reopening dates is:

• Unites States: July 10
• United Kingdom: July 10
• Poland: July 3
• Czech Republic: June 26
• Slovakia: June 26
• Israel: July 9
• Bulgaria: July 3

The company is set to enact a series of safety procures when theaters reopen. These include staggered start times to reduce customer interaction, customer seat distancing within screens, plastic screens at the box office and concessions stands, and protective equipment for staff.

In a statement, Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger said: "We are thrilled to be back and encouraged by recent surveys that show that many people have missed going to the movie theatre. With a strong slate confirmed for the coming weeks, including among others Tenet, Mulan, A Quiet Place Part II, Wonder Women 1984, Black Widow, Bond, Soul, Top Gun Maverick, and many more, the entire Cineworld team remains committed to being 'the best place to watch a movie.'"

Disney's live-action remake of Mulan will be the first big movie to arrive, with a July 24 release date. Christopher Nolan's sci-fi thriller Tenet will follow on July 31--having recently moved back two weeks--with Bill & Ted Face the Music currently scheduled for August 13.