AMC Theatres Plan Summer Reopening In White Marsh; Masks Required

WHITE MARSH, MD — After AMC Theatres said it had “substantial doubt” the company could keep operating if pandemic-related closures continued, the company announced this week it expects to reopen almost all of its locations worldwide by mid-July.

When that happens, be prepared to wear a mask.

Friday, after harsh criticism on social media, the chain — the world’s largest — said guests nationwide will be required to wear masks. Previously, the AMC said masks would be required only in those areas of the country where they’re mandatory under social distancing guidelines.

AMC said in its first-quarter earnings report that theaters will open up as soon as it is safe and allowed under health and social distancing guidelines.

In the earnings call, the theater company added that it expects to be “fully open globally in July,” although it did not provide specific dates.

The reopenings are set to align with the releases of Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet” and Disney’s “Mulan” in July.

“We are confident we are taking the necessary steps on a broad array of fronts to ensure AMC’s future success as we navigate these turbulent and uncertain times,” AMC CEO Adam Aron said in a statement.

The announcement comes despite AMC painting a grim picture in its most recent earnings statement, reporting a $2.2 billion loss as a result of coronavirus closures.

The AMC White Marsh 16 has been closed since March 19 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The moviegoing experience will look vastly different when theaters reopen.

AMC anticipates enacting a number of safety measures for moviegoers, including personal protection equipment, cleaning protocols, limited theater capacity and blocked seating.

Even when theaters are allowed to reopen, AMC predicts it will still have problems if entertainment companies decide to delay the release of new films.

The AMC White Marsh 16 is at 8141 Honeygo Boulevard.

— By Gus Saltonstall and Elizabeth Janney