Tenet might skip drive-in theaters in certain markets due to restrictions

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

TENET is soon making its way to a theater near you. Well, at least if you live in an area that is allowing the reopening of indoor movie theaters. The loophole for certain markets that have yet to set a return date for their movie theaters is that drive-in movie theaters have allowed moviegoers to get some kind of moviegoing experience that has been lacking since movie theaters went dark back in mid-March.  If you were expecting TENET to be available at your local drive-in, despite their newfound resurgence, you might be out of luck.

According to a new report via "Variety", which details the strict rules studios have with exhibitors that are showing TENET, Warner Bros. is only allowing the film to screen at outdoor venues in markets where indoor theaters are open. That means that in cities where traditional movie theaters are unlikely to be operating when the movie is initially released, drive-ins will not be permitted to show Christopher Nolan's latest mind-bending effort. This could prove to be a major blow for eager moviegoers who were hoping to watch the movie from the safety of their own vehicle, instead of packing into a crowded theater.

This is not encouraging news for drive-in theater owners hoping to get a piece of the TENET pie or moviegoers in areas such as Los Angeles, where indoor theaters remain closed. The caveat at play here is that it is being stressed that these policies could change as the rollout for TENET begins. The film, which stars John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Caine, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Kenneth Branagh, comes with a massive $200 million budget before marketing costs. TENET needs to make a hefty amount of money to be profitable for the studio and they are hoping the unconventional release strategy pays off but if it looks like the film could use a bit more of a push, Warner Bros. could ease on the restrictions for drive-in locations where indoor theaters remain closed so that the film can gain more financial traction.

TENET is expected to bring more life to box office as it becomes the second wide release to hit screens after this weekend's UNHINGED, which opened to decent numbers despite several key markets still being shuttered. I think it's a bit silly restrict drive-locations like this but I think Warner Bros. will see that these locations will prove to be essential to the film's box office success. Drive-ins have helped keep the box office afloat in recent months and as of this writing, there are more than 300 drive-ins presently operating. These locations represent a safer option for moviegoers not ready to brave a crowded indoor theater, even if it's a limited capacity with safety protocols in place.

Do YOU think Warner Bros. will ease these restrictions?