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North American Theatre Owners Have Reinvested $2.7 Billion In Their Cinemas Over The Past Two Years

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

New Cinema Investment Yearly Update Highlights Exhibition’s Ongoing Commitment to Innovation and Investment in the Consumer Experience

Eight Largest Circuits Alone Have Totaled $1.8 Billion in Reinvestment Over Two Years

WASHINGTON, D.C. and LOS ANGELES, CA – October 1, 2026 – On the heels of a spectacular summer box office season, Cinema United issued today its updated Cinema Investment Report. It highlights the North American exhibition industry’s reinvestment into movie theatres, with $1.2 billion going towards upgrades and innovations this past year, pushing total reinvestment over the past two years to $2.7 billion. The announcement comes at the close of another successful Fall Summit in L.A., where theatre owners gathered together for four high-impact days of connection, insight, and industry momentum. United in its support of a bright future, exhibition demonstrates through these reinvestments a clear financial commitment to creating premium entertainment experiences that audiences everywhere crave. 

The updated industry total includes the eight largest domestic circuits’ commitment to reinvest $840 million this past year, bringing their total reinvestment over the past two years to $1.8 billion. In September 2024, those same eight companies had pledged more than $2.2 billion to modernize and upgrade theatres of all sizes over a three-year period.

“From the world’s largest circuits to independent theatres on Main Streets across this great nation, theatre owners have shown how much they believe in the future of the big screen, and 2026’s strong box office proves that commitment is paying off,” says Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “When a theatre reinvests in itself, everyone wins—moviegoers get a better experience, studios get a stronger platform, local businesses benefit, and contractors get the work that comes with it. Cinema United members are reaffirming that there is nothing like seeing a movie on a big screen. Every investment in a movie theater is an investment in the community it serves, which is why moviegoing will remain essential for generations to come.”

From Cinema United, the trade association representing more than 63,000 screens worldwide, the new Cinema Investment Report comes at a time when audiences of all ages are enthusiastically embracing the big screen experience. In addition to showcasing the capital investments in theatres, the report also highlights the vendors who led several of the renovation efforts, creating jobs and driving local economies.

“The benefit to communities from movie theatres is unmatched by any other premier entertainment experience, and that is why they remain so valued in major cities and small towns worldwide,” says Mike Bowers, CEO of Harkins and Chair of Cinema United. “These investments continue our industry’s long history of ensuring that every moviegoing experience is a premium one.”

Cinema United members profiled in the report include AMC, Cinemark, Harkins, Emagine, Megaplex, CineLux, Classic Cinemas, EPIC Theatres, BAM Rose Cinemas, Hoyts, and Major Cineplex. 

Partners mentioned include Okland Construction, Amcon, and D.L.B. Metal Inc.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 81 countries internationally. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.

Margot Robbie and Jason Blum Join Cinema United’s Filmmaker Leadership Council

Acclaimed Filmmakers Lend their Expertise and Passion in Support of Global Cinema

Formed to Advance and Champion the Theatrical Experience, Council is Led by Chair Jerry Bruckheimer and Vice Chair Emma Thomas

LOS ANGELES, CA – September 29, 2026 – Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association representing more than 63,000 movie screens worldwide, announced today that acclaimed filmmakers and Oscar® nominees Margot Robbie and Jason Blum have joined the Filmmaker Leadership Council, a strategic group of world-class producers and directors united in a single cause to champion the future of cinema worldwide. Robbie and Blum join council leaders Jerry Bruckheimer and Emma Thomas, and charter members Ryan Coogler, Brad Bird, Jason Reitman, and Celine Song.

“We are thrilled and honored to welcome two leaders like Margot and Jason to this influential group,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “Margot is a global superstar and the voice of a generation who loves movies on the big screen. Jason is beloved by fans around the world for creating incredible—and scary—experiences in theatres. They are both well-known, fierce advocates of the theatrical experience. I want to thank them both for their commitment, and I look forward to working closely with them to advance this great industry together.”

“It’s an absolute honor to have Margot and Jason join the Filmmaker Leadership Council,” said Council Chair Jerry Bruckheimer. “Their combined impact on this industry is enormous, and I know they will help our efforts immensely.”

“For me, the magic of cinema starts with the cinema itself,” Robbie said. “Storytelling in this format can be incredibly powerful, and I truly believe movie theatres are essential to our art form. I couldn’t be more grateful and excited to be able to work with such a powerful group of creatives to continue to drive the theatrical experience forward.”

Blum added, “Movie theaters are where fans are made. Bold, creative voices are bringing young audiences back to the movies, and that’s exciting. Turning moviegoing into a habit takes all of us, and this Council gives us a way to do that together.”

The Filmmaker Leadership Council brings together some of the world’s most influential movie creators to work alongside Cinema United to provide vital feedback and recommendations on the most pressing issues facing theatrical exhibition today—including consolidation, sustainable windows, the promotion and marketing of the cinematic experience, and highlighting innovation and technology.

At CinemaCon 2026, Bruckheimer and Thomas spearheaded a popular keynote discussion with O’Leary, hosted by Matt Belloni, during which they addressed important industry topics and the future of the Council. Also at CinemaCon, Reitman, a fellow theatre owner as part of the Village Directors Circle and member of Cinema United, spoke during Cinema United’s Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC) event and spent time touring the trade show floor to meet with vendors and members alike. This week, Blum will speak to members of exhibition as part of a live conversation at Cinema United’s annual Fall Summit gathering in Los Angeles. It is part of the Council’s overall mission to strengthen relationships between the exhibition community and filmmakers, as well as to help rebuild the moviegoing audience through a series of private and public initiatives, such as CinemaCon and the Fall Summit.

Members of the Council meet quarterly to discuss key priorities and upcoming initiatives. Serving as Executive Director of the Filmmaker Leadership Council is Greg Foster, industry veteran and senior consultant for Cinema United.

Margot Robbie is a three-time Academy Award nominated actress and producer who has captivated global audiences with breakout performances alongside some of the most notable names in film. Robbie is currently in production on the Oceans Prequel for Warner Bros., which she is also producing under her LuckyChap banner. The film will be directed by Bradley Cooper, with an exciting ensemble to include: Cooper, Monica Barbaro, Wagner Moura, Josh Gad, Omar Sy, and George MacKay, among others. Earlier this year, Robbie starred in and produced Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights, which grossed over $240 million worldwide. In 2023, Robbie starred in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie as the titular role for Mattel and Warner Bros, which she also produced under her LuckyChap banner. The film grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide and was nominated for 8 Academy Awards. In 2022, Robbie starred in Damien Chazelle’s 1920s Hollywood drama, Babylon. Robbie received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Jay Roach’s Bombshell, opposite Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron. Prior to that and most notably, Robbie starred as Tonya Harding in I, Tonya and received an Academy Award nomination for her performance. Robbie also served as a producer on the film with LuckyChap. Other noteworthy performances include Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Mary Queen of Scots, Birds of Prey, The Suicide Squad, Suicide Squad, and The Wolf of Wall Street. LuckyChap’s projects across film, television, and theatre include Barbie, Wuthering Heights, Saltburn, Promising Young Woman, I, Tonya, My Old Ass, Sterling Point, Sirens, Maid, and 1536.

Three-time Oscar® nominee Jason Blum is the founder and CEO of Blumhouse Atomic Monster, a film, television and gaming company regarded as the driving force in horror. Following the merger of Jason Blum’s Blumhouse with James Wan’s Atomic Monster in January 2024, the combined company is responsible for more than $10 Billion in worldwide box office and has represented approximately 50% of the horror market in the last ten years. Blumhouse Atomic Monster is home to the highest number of ongoing franchises of any studio, including Halloween, The Conjuring, The Purge, The Black Phone, Annabelle, Paranormal Activity, The Exorcist, Insidious, The Nun, M3GAN, and Five Nights at Freddy’s, along with iconic films from cinematic visionaries including Jordan Peele’s Get Out, Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash and Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman. The company recently crossed $1 billion at the worldwide box office for 2026, the second year in a row, on the strength of just four films, among them, Curry Barker’s Obsession and Kane Parsons’ Backrooms, the highest-grossing releases in the history of Focus Features and A24, respectively. The company will close out the year with the highly anticipated Other Mommy, starring Oscar-winner Jessica Chastain and directed by Rob Savage, in theaters October 9, 2026, from Universal.

ABOUT CINEMA UNITED

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 81 countries internationally. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.

Cinema United Announces Important Leadership Promotions To Strengthen Advocacy, Industry Partnerships and Global Impact

Amanda Martin becomes SVP, External Affairs, and Erin Von Hoetzendorff is promoted to VP, Membership and Global Affairs

New roles reflect Cinema United’s growing commitment to serve exhibition worldwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. and LOS ANGELES — September 29, 2026 — Cinema United, the world’s largest trade association representing global exhibition, announced today two important leadership promotions. Amanda Martin will assume the newly created role of Senior Vice President, External Affairs, and Erin Von Hoetzendorff will be promoted to Vice President, Membership and Global Affairs. Both appointments reflect Cinema United’s continued investment in building an organization equipped to serve the full breadth of the exhibition industry, both domestically and abroad.

“As exhibition continues to evolve, Cinema United is evolving with it,” said Michael O’Leary, President & CEO of Cinema United. “These two well-deserved promotions will allow us to strengthen our partnerships across the entertainment ecosystem, deepen our advocacy on behalf of all theatre owners, and expand our engagement with international theatre owners, ensuring that every constituency we serve has a strong voice within our organization. Amanda and Erin are critical to our success, and in these new roles, they will have even greater impact on the direction and future of Cinema United.”

Amanda Martin, Senior Vice President, External Affairs

Amanda Martin, who served previously as the Chief of Staff since joining Cinema United in 2023, will become SVP, External Affairs. She will continue to serve as a senior member of Cinema United’s leadership team, leading the organization’s advocacy efforts and strategic partnerships across the filmed entertainment industry. In this role, Martin will grow and strengthen Cinema United’s relationships with allied organizations, coalitions and stakeholders central to the exhibition business and oversee the organization’s state government affairs function. Martin will also lead and shape all educational programming for Cinema United’s signature industry events, including CinemaCon and the Fall Summit. She will, along with CEO Michael O’Leary, continue to serve as a federal advocate before Congress and relevant federal agencies.

Erin Von Hoetzendorff, Vice President, Membership and Global Affairs

Erin Von Hoetzendorff, who first joined the organization in 2018, is being promoted to the position of VP, Membership and Global Affairs. In this capacity, Von Hoetzendorff will continue the excellent work she has done as the head of Membership Services and will also lead Cinema United’s expanded engagement with international theatre owners, building on the organization’s existing membership function to deliver substantive representation and support for exhibitors around the world. This role reflects Cinema United’s recognition that global exhibition is critical to the success of our industry, and that Cinema United is committed to helping elevate their voice as a key part of our advocacy on behalf of all theatre owners.

“Together, these roles will help Cinema United serve exhibition more completely and effectively than ever before,” O’Leary added. “One strengthens our connections across the industry itself and elevates our advocacy on behalf of our members; the other strengthens our connection to theatre owners around the world. Both are essential to how we grow and represent our members going forward.”

The new positions are effective immediately and represent Cinema United’s ongoing commitment to building an organization with the capability and reach to meet the needs of exhibition today and in the years ahead.

About Cinema United

Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 33,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens internationally. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and X/Twitter.

Cinema United Releases Statement On Paramount Settlement

Statement from Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United:

“For nearly a year, and throughout multiple efforts to acquire the iconic Warner Bros. Studios, Cinema United has remained steadfast in its primary objective to safeguard theatres of all sizes across this great nation and around the world from the harms of legacy studio consolidation.

The agreement announced yesterday accomplishes many of exhibition’s objectives. The consent decree includes language on increased film production for five years, meaningful theatrical exclusivity and wide distribution, prohibitions on cost increases, and continued access to the catalogs of Paramount and Warner Bros. While no settlement can eliminate all risk from a merger of this size, these conditions will enable our industry to adapt and succeed in a rapidly changing media environment.

The State Attorneys General’s lawsuit and, now the consent decree, strongly validates that movie theatres are the beating heart of Main Street America and the entire U.S. film industry. Cinema United appreciates the efforts of both the State Attorneys General and Paramount to resolve the merger lawsuit.  Our focus now shifts back to our bright future. For well over 100 years, global exhibition has worked closely with both Paramount and Warner Bros. to deliver amazing big screen experiences to fans around the world.  We look forward to strengthening these historic partnerships to ensure that going to the movies remains the premier entertainment option for generations to come.”

Cinema United Congratulates Todd Halstead, Recipient of CinéShow’s Byron Berkley Leadership Award

Todd Halstead, Cinema United’s Director of Government Relations and Independent Theatre Owner Engagement, received CinéShow’s inaugural Byron Berkley Leadership Award at CinéShow 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Halstead is a true leader in the exhibition industry, and he played a vital role in launching CinéShow and building Cinema United of Mid-America into a strong regional group. Halstead’s work spearheading Cinema United’s Independent Theatre Owners Coalition (ITOC) has helped independent owners and operators around the world succeed.

Receiving an award named after Berkley, a true industry legend, clearly means a great deal to Halstead. When Berkley was honored with CinéShow’s Vision Award in 2023, Halstead wrote in Boxoffice magazine, “He’s been my very close colleague, valued industry leader, respected adviser, valued mentor, and most especially my very dear friend. ln my lifetime I’ve known very few people who are universally admired and respected and without exception held in the highest regard.”

On behalf of the entire Cinema United staff and its members around the world, we congratulate Todd on this tremendous honor.

[Left to right: Matt Shapiro, Lou DiGioia, Todd Halstead, Byron Berkley, Matt Pollock and Mitch Neuhauser]

Cinema United Attends ShowSouth 2026

Cinema United’s Todd Halstead traveled to Fayetteville, Georgia to meet with the exhibition community at this year’s ShowSouth convention. The event was held at Trilith Studios for the first time, and the move, combined with great programming, resulted in enthusiastic attendees and an important gathering for the industry:

Cinema United Celebrates Record-Breaking Domestic Box Office Weekend

Official statement from Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United:

“Moviegoers across generations made this weekend one for the record books. Our industry is at its best when there is something for everyone to see on the big screen, and this year we are seeing what happens when the innovation and creativity on display in amazing movie theatres across the country and around the world is combined with a great slate of films.”

From Variety: A powerful one-two punch from “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey” has fueled the biggest collective weekend in box office history, with roughly $430 million across all movies in the marketplace.

Prior to this, the top three weekends were led by “Avengers: Endgame” ($402 million collectively), 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War” ($314 million collectively) and 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” ($313 million collectively). It’s a particularly exciting benchmark for the recently married Tom Holland and Zendaya, who star in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “The Odyssey.”

Congresswoman Tenney Introduces SCREEN Act to Revitalize America’s Movie Theatres, Spearheaded By Cinema United

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) alongside Representatives Mike Carey (OH-15) and David Kustoff (TN-08) today introduced the Supporting Cinema Renewal, Enhancement, and Enriching Neighborhoods (SCREEN) Act, legislation to encourage private investment in movie theaters and help revitalize the Main Streets and commercial districts they support.

The SCREEN Act would establish a 30% federal tax credit for qualified movie theater revitalization projects. Eligible improvements include new seating, projection and sound systems, HVAC upgrades, and accessibility improvements. The credit would apply to traditional theaters that have been in operation for at least five years, with a lifetime per theater cap of $250,000 for theaters with three screens or fewer, $375,000 for theaters with four to nine screens, and $500,000 for theaters with ten or more screens. The credit would be available for qualifying investments made through December 31, 2030. 

“Strong Main Streets depend on strong local businesses, and movie theaters help bring people into our downtowns where they support restaurants, shops, and other small businesses,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “As theaters work to modernize and compete, they deserve the opportunity to invest in their future. The SCREEN Act encourages private investment, strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and helps preserve these important community gathering places for future generations.” 

“Movie theaters are more than just places to see a film. They support local jobs, bring people into our downtowns, and give families a place to spend time together,” said Congressman Mike Carey. “The SCREEN Act will help theaters invest in needed upgrades so they can continue serving their communities, supporting small businesses, and contributing to local economies for years to come.”

This legislation is supported by Cinema United, Marquee Cinemas, Saunders Theatre Properties, and Malco Theatres:

“This timely and important legislation will spur re-investment in one of America’s great Main Street enterprises – the local cinema. Jobs will be created, including local contractors and vendors that do the work, surrounding businesses in the community will benefit, and the result will be a better experience for fans that love seeing their favorite movie on the big screen. We applaud the sponsors of this bill. Because of their leadership, towns of all sizes, in all 50 states, will see a tangible and positive cultural and economic impact in their local communities.” – Michael O’Leary, President and CEO, Cinema United

“On behalf of our team at Orchard 14 in New Hartford, NY, and all 13 of our locations, I want to thank Representative Tenney for introducing the SCREEN Act. Our New Hartford theatre employs 44 full and part-time team members and has been proud to serve this community since 2005. Like many in our industry, we’re continuing to invest in the guest experience even as costs have risen across the board. The SCREEN Act would help us get there faster, bringing the best possible picture quality to our guests and reinforcing the long-term vitality of movie theatres in communities like New Hartford. We’re grateful to Representative Tenney for her leadership on this issue and for supporting exhibition.” – James Cox, Chief Operating Officer, Marquee Cinemas

“Small-town movie theaters are often one of the few places where families, friends, and neighbors can gather and share experiences together. As the owner of four independently owned Ohio theaters, I know how challenging it has become to keep these venues updated while facing rising costs. I have invested millions of dollars into preserving and improving our theaters because I believe small communities deserve exceptional movie-going experiences. The SCREEN Act will help independent theaters continue investing in the places and people we proudly serve, and I thank Representative Carey and the bill’s sponsors for championing this important effort.” – Donna Saunders, Owner and Operator of Saunders Theatre Properties

Cinema United Applauds Reopening of The Cinerama Dome

Official statement from Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United:

The Cinerama Dome has been a treasured and important landmark for movie fans and the entire film community for over six decades. On behalf of all of exhibition, we are excited to see that under the leadership of two of exhibition’s strongest champions, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Alamo Drafthouse, this iconic destination will once again be filled with audiences of all ages. The timing could not be better with moviegoers making clear this year that they love the unique experience of seeing a movie on the big screen. Congratulations to Sony and Alamo and to the people who love movies.

From Los Angeles Times:

Renovations on the dome will start next month and continue until early 2028. Sony said the renovations will honor “its historic legacy and singular moviegoing experience,” leaving the iconic red and blue exterior lettering intact. The restoration will also preserve its immersive large-format curved-screen presentation.

Sony also has plans to reopen the adjacent 14-screen theater complex that was formerly the ArcLight Cinemas. The theater will offer dine-in services as well as curated programming. The theaters will be equipped to show premium formats such as 35mm, 70mm and 4K laser projection.

Cinema United Celebrates Success of ‘The Odyssey’

Statement from Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United:

“Movie fans across the country and around the world have been showing up to see The Odyssey in every conceivable format, demonstrating the great demand of seeing grand-scale entertainment like this on the big screen. We congratulate Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, and the entire Universal team on this incredible success and thank them for their tireless commitment to the theatrical experience.”

O’Leary’s quote was featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s coverage.