IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond anticipates that theaters in the U.S. will recover quickly due to the upcoming summer season. The COVID-19 pandemic took a large toll on movie theaters around the world. While locations in some countries opened quicker than others, many theaters across the United States remained closed. In turn, many studio release slates were pushed and others simply went to streaming services by default, which allowed moviegoers to enjoy new films from the comfort and safety of their own home. While mask-wearing is still required in many locations, movie theaters have opened and are expanding capacity.
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This massive disruption for the film industry simultaneously impacted other companies that relied on seats being filled in theaters. IMAX is one of the premium formats that feature bigger picture and sound, although the company faced serious trouble by the closures. After audiences had a taste of being able to watch movies from home, some industry players wondered if people will even want to go back to the theater in a post-pandemic world.
THR published statements made by Gelfond during words spoken virtually at the Credit Suisse 2021 Annual Communications Conference. After discussing Universal’s upcoming Fast & Furious sequel, F9, he expressed hope for theaters moving…
