We can’t contain our excitement about movies in theaters coming back! Chances are, if you’re on this site, you’re over the moon as well. Of course we have to be extra careful to distance ourselves, wear masks, sanitize our seating real estate, and not touch our faces, but this should all be second nature by now. Here’s the scoop on how theaters are carefully reopening for public use in the time of our pandemic.
The New York Times reports that movie theaters can open again this Friday, June 19th. And there will actually be new movies to see!
The NY Times states:
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Movie theaters around the world are reopening, with AMC Theaters, the world’s largest cineplex operator, announcing on Tuesday that “almost all” of its locations in the United States and Britain would reopen next month. Over all, theaters in 90 percent of overseas markets will be running again by mid-July, according to the National Association of Theater Owners, a trade organization for movie exhibitors in 98 countries.
Will going to theaters be safe?
That depends on a lot of X factors. Let’s assume theaters will be rigorous in their cleaning — no one wants to end up as a new viral cluster case — that’s like a scarlet letter branded onto a theater chain. (And the theaters are barely hanging in there as it is.) So expect a lot more cleaning, longer periods between movies to allow for extended cleaning, requirements for mask-wearing, stringently defined seat assignments to allow for maximal social distancing, and possibly plastic dividers between every seat.
Again, from the NY Times:
Theater executives say they are confident that aggressive safety measures will offset any fears. Some states are requiring cinemas to limit capacity to 25 percent, at least initially. Groups will be seated at least six feet apart in a “checkerboard” style. Some cinemas may designate arrival times for ticket buyers to reduce last-minute crowding at concession counters. More theaters will allow patrons to order concessions with their phones. Seats will be sanitized before each showtime; California officials asked theater owners to consider using disposable seat covers.
Will there actually be new movies?
Yes, and if people are compliant with safety rules, we can continue to see them on the big screen. Here’s what to expect so far…and seriously, I think we can all agree that we will watch anything at this point:
- The IMDb reports that Kajillionaire will be released in theaters this week.
- A Russel Crowe thriller called Unhinged by July 1.
- Christopher Nolan’s mind bending Tenet on July 17. (We expect this might be as hard to find Peetimes for as his earlier work in Inception. We welcome this challenge.)
- Disney’s live action Mulan by July 24.
- Wonder Woman 1984 on August 13.
Honestly, these all look pretty good. We can only hope that other movies will move their release dates sooner, and that movie going will be a safe experience again. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get out of the house and be transported by cinema magic on the big screen?
Enjoy these trailers and get carefully ready to return to the theater:
Don’t miss your favorite movie moments because you have to pee or need a snack. Use the RunPee app (Androidor iPhone) when you go to the movies. We have Peetimes for all wide release films every week, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume III, Super Mario Bros. Movie, and coming soon Fast X, and The Little Mermaid 2023. We have literally thousands of Peetimes—from classic movies through today's blockbusters. You can also keep up with movie news and reviews on our blog, or by following us on Twitter @RunPee. If there's a new film out there, we've got your bladder covered.
Co-Creator of RunPee, Chief of Operations, Content Director, and Managing Editor. RunPee Jilly likes galaxy-spanning sci fi, superhero sagas, fantasy films, YA dystopians, action thrillers, chick flicks, and zany comedies, in that order…and possesses an inspiringly small bladder. In fact, that little bladder sparked the creation of RunPee. (Good thing she’s learned to hold it.)
Rob Williams Administrator
It still seems a bit hit and miss when cinemas are opening over here but I’m dubious about going out anywhere any time soon. I miss loads of things… grandchildren, family, someone else making my coffee and, of course, the cinema but either there needs to be a proven vaccine or I need major surgery so I can come off my medication before I can even risk rejoining the herd!
Jill Florio Administrator
I feel for you, Rob. The world we live in now is a vast unknown. We no longer know what reality is going to look like for the rest of our lives.
I assume cinemas want to stay in business and we will see major safety precautions. Same as for Hollywood.
I guess I’m really glad we did manage to get Endgame and the last Star Wars before the world fell apart.
Have you been Zooming with the grandkids?
Using a K-cup making is easier on the coffee end of things, so there’s that.