UPDATE: Movie theaters in the U.K. could be begin re-opening as early as July, according to statements made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Our original story continues below.
Movie theaters in the United Kingdom are making plans to open as soon as mid-June. As the worldwide coronavirus pandemic continues, many are beginning to realize things will be altered in the aftermath. There have even been major changes in the ways we interact with one another, especially with the six feet social distancing order. However, one of the moments during this pandemic that made the threat very clear was when movie theaters across the globe were shut down, preventing hardships for moviegoers and studio officials.
Rumblings of the coronavirus pandemic's effects on the movie industry began in January when China closed 70,000 theaters in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Soon after, China reopened their theaters in March before shutting them down indefinitely only a short while later. As the virus began its international spread, other countries followed suit by closing their theaters as well, bringing an economic downturn to their film industries. The effects were felt in the United States when the three largest theater chains AMC, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas announced they would be closing their theaters amidst COVID-19 concerns back in March. European nations followed suit, with the United Kingdom shutting down all of its movie theaters in mid-March prior to the nationwide lockdown.
Now according to Variety the cinemas in the U.K. are making strides towards reopening their movie theaters as soon as this summer. Though that may appear a bit premature, the U.K. will be taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of cinema workers and the public as Phil Capp, chief executive for the U.K. Cinema Association, explained during his interview.
We’ve made representations to government on the safeguards which U.K. cinemas would look to have in place for audiences and staff alike upon re-opening, and have asked that consideration be given - with these in mind - to allow cinemas to open by end June.
As of right now, there are talks pending behind the scenes between British movie industry officials and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport as to when the cinemas will be reopened. Ultimately the decision rests in the hands of the government and when they do finally reach a verdict, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be the person to deliver the news to the public. And the way things are looking right now, mid-June may be a feasible timeline since one of Europe's biggest movie chains Vue International has plans on reopening theaters in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands by June as well. That may be feasible since the upcoming sci-fi thriller Tenet and the long awaited live-action update of Disney's classic film Mulan are slated to usher fans back into theaters with their late July premieres.
This news comes as no surprise as society is beginning to become antsy after almost two months in self-isolation. Still, after adding in the fact that Johnson contracted and beat COVID-19, he's more than likely taking his personal connection to the coronavirus pandemic into consideration before reopening large gathering spaces - especially with the knowledge that the U.K. has officially surpassed Italy's death toll with 29,427 people who lost their battle against the disease. Johnson is expected to lay out a plan for the U.K.'s next steps on Sunday.
Source: Variety