It’s taken nearly a year, but NYC cinemas finally have a green light to re-open starting 3/5 and insiders expect L.A. to follow suit soon.
Between ineffective film industry lobbying and movie-hating politicians in NY & Calif., exhibitors have endured a hideous year when higher-risk activities were allowed to resume with capacity restrictions. Amazingly, airlines were permitted to fly packed planes without observing social distancing or capacity limits.
Nonetheless, the outlook for moviegoing is significantly brighter now than just a week ago. Hollywood’s refusal to launch big movies without NY & LA theatres in which to play them will evaporate once LA re-opens. It’s highly encouraging that moviegoing in China snapped back quickly and incredibly well. Two China-produced blockbusters – HI MOM & DETECTIVE CHINATOWN 3 – each just grossed $619M+ for their first two weeks in theatres!
NYC’s 3/5 return is particularly good news for Disney’s PG animated RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON (pictured), which hits theatres that day. It’s tracking impressively with above-norm definite interest scores that are strongest with +25M & very good with all other demos.