Cinemark becomes latest movie theater chain to go dark due to coronavirus

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Following the lead of AMC, Regal and many other theater chains across the nation, Cinemark will officially shut its doors effective today amid the growing coronavirus spread. Cinemark is the third-largest U.S. exhibition circuit behind AMC & Regal with 345 locations going dark today.

It became obvious that movie theater nationwide would have to make closures when AMC said that all 630 of its U.S. locations would close for at least six to 12 weeks on Monday. Regal also made the movie to close its entire chain "until further notice." Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi had this to say about the difficult decision to close:

"Through these absolutely unprecedented and evolving times, one thing will not change, and that is Cinemark’s dedication to its team members and moviegoers. The decision to close our U.S. theaters was incredibly tough, but we know it is the right thing to do as global coronavirus concerns continue to escalate. We will closely monitor recommendations of national and local governmental health organizations and look forward to inviting everyone to once again enjoy experiencing the movies with Cinemark.”

The number of closures of movie theaters throughout the U.S. continues to grow as the need to diminish mass group gatherings to control the COVID-19 becomes a priority. By the end of Monday night, the number of theater closures had reached north of 3,000 with other chains shutting down such as Landmark Theatres, Cineplex Odeon and Alamo Drafthouse. The goal is to be in compliance with local, state and federal directives and as a precaution to help ensure the health of moviegoers and the health of the employees working at the theater chains as well. The 22-year box office low over the weekend also likely played a factor when ONWARD maintained the top spot with a mere $10.6 million.

Cinemark also said on Tuesday that it is extending the expiration of Cinemark Movie Rewards points to June 30. It also is pausing all Movie Club memberships, with members able to maintain unused movie credits and billing on hold. AMC made that move with my A-List account by pausing it automatically but there was also an option within the app to pause your membership manually. You will not be charged for the program while the theaters navigate through this unprecedented time. 

When do YOU realistically think movie theaters will be able to open their doors again?