AMC Theaters turns off the projectors across the country

The nation’s largest movie theater chain has shut down operations for at least the next six weeks, and the suspension of business could last twice that long.

In a press release, Adam Aron, CEO of the chain that owns and operates some 11,000 screens in 630 theaters, said: “We are ever so disappointed for our moviegoing guests and for our employee teams that the new CDC guidelines that Americans should not gather in groups larger than 10 people make it impossible to open our theaters. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and look forward to the day we can again delight moviegoers nationwide by reopening AMC movie theaters in accordance with guidance from the CDC and local health authorities.”

The move to suspend operations follows a similar decision by Regal Cinemas, the nation’s second-largest theater chain. And according to The Hollywood Reporter, five smaller chains have also pulled the plug on their operations.

The decisions to close are the latest blows to the film industry, which is scrambling to adapt and adjust to the “new normal” that is the coronavirus pandemic that has caused the federal government to issue guidelines prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people. Monday, Universal Pictures announced that beginning Friday, it will offer its three current releases, The Invisible Man, The Hunt and Emma, via Video On-Demand. The cost for 48-hour rentals will be $19.99.

The theater shutdowns will no doubt lead to the postponement of the releases of more highly anticipated films than have already been announced. These include A Quiet Place Part II, F9 and the latest James Bond flick, No Time to Die.