More on KentOnline
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Cineworld has confirmed it plans to reopen its 127 outlets in May following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions as part of the government’s road map to economic recovery.
The chain's screens in Strood, Ashford, Dover and Bexleyheath have been closed since October last year.
They were forced to shut during the first lockdown but had reopened in June with strict social distancing measures in place.
However, the delay of new Bond film, No Time to Die, due to have been released on November 12, having already been pushed back from April, resulted in a further closure.
Cineworld chief executive Mooky Greidinger has also announced that a deal has been struck with Warner Bros that gives the cinema chain, which also owns the Picturehouse franchise, exclusive rights to show films over streaming services.
The agreement means it can show the studio’s films exclusively in its cinemas 31 days before they are made available for streaming at home.
An extended window of 45 days for films that open to an agreed-upon box office threshold has also been reached.
Mr Greidinger said: “This agreement shows the studio’s commitment to the theatrical business and we see this agreement as an important milestone in our 100-year relationship with Warner Bros.”
While the chain is yet to confirm its listings, there could be a rush for tickets as a whole host of eagerly-anticipated releases are due to hit screens from May, starting with Black Widow, the latest Marvel offering. It is due out on May 7.
The trend for releasing new westerns continues with Nomadland from May 17. Family favourite Peter Rabbit 2 will be shown on May 21.
Ryan Reynolds stars in sci-fi action comedy Free Guy, also due out on May 21. And Disney's Cruella, a prequel featuring a young Cruella de Vil, played by Emma Stone, is being screened from May 28.
Mr Greidinger will be hoping for a strong return to cinemas, having persuaded shareholders in Cineworld to approve plans that could see him net a £65 million bonus in three years’ time if certain targets are hit.
The bonus – which is part of a pot for executives worth up to £208 million – had been described as “excessive”, especially since the company put 5,000 staff in the UK on to the Government’s furlough scheme.
Corporate governance experts questioned why the chief executive needs the bonus “incentive” to keep working at the business, considering his family already has a 20% stake in it.
