As summer blockbusters are set to be released in movie theatres across the United States the Mall of America on Thursday announced a 13-screen movie theatre will open May 27.
Missouri-based B&B Theatres will take over operations of the theatre on level four east inside of the mall. The announcement comes as the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated movie theatres for the past 18 months.
"It's very exciting to see our studio partners remain committed to theatrical releases and the future looks as bright as it ever has going into summer and fall 2021," said Paul Farnsworth, Director of Public Relations for B&B Theatres.
Farnsworth said despite the struggles of the past year, the Mall of America presented the perfect opportunity to expand.
"The mall is such a powerful commercial hub with access to so many people from all across the world," Farnsworth said. "We bring a large-scale spectacle and huge presentation with a family-friendly approach."
Prior to B&B Theatres taking over, CMX - Mall of America had operated the theatre until closing in March 2020 because of the pandemic.
Plans for the theatre include to offer an array of food options including hot, made-to-order food-to-go including flatbreads, fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, popcorn chicken, double fried french fries, and their signature funnel cake fries.
"The mall has been wonderful to work with and they're excited to get the fourth floor theatre reopened."
Moving forward, Farnsworth says despite the popularity of streaming services, it appears production studios are more than ready to return to theatres in order to obtain high box office revenues.
"We remain enthusiastic and encouraged by conversations with studio partners who are still very reliant on theatrical releases," he said. "They're committed no only to regain the investment they made on these films, but they believe that movies are meant to be seen in theatres."
Marvel Studios boosted the theatre industry earlier this month when the released a trailer showing their upcoming productions slated for future theatrical releases.
"We leaned pretty heavily into that one," Farnsworth added. "It was a great feeling and reassurance that we're all in this together."