Movie theatre chain Cineworld reported a strong opening weekend in the UK after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, led by the success of Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway.
“This weekend’s performance went beyond our expectations as customers were eager to return to the movies and enjoy the full movie experience, including the traditional popcorn which led to strong concession income,” the company said on Monday.
Britain last week relaxed bans on indoor gatherings in the latest stage of the government’s pathway out of a national lockdown imposed in January.
Cineworld said more than 97% of its US cinemas, or 502 sites, had resumed operations after the opening of an additional 167 cinemas In the rest of the world, Poland and Israel would be opening at the end of the coming week and the most of its cinemas will be up and running by the end of the month.
The group added that it had received the full $203m tax refund under the US CARES Act.
Chief executive Mooky Greidinger said he expected next weekend’s results to be strong with the releases of Cruella, and A Quiet Place 2.
“When combined with improving consumer confidence and the success of the vaccination rollout, we expect a good recovery in attendance over the coming months, noting the record breaking success of F9 in the Asian market,” he said.
