Cinema chains ‘ready to welcome guests’ in early July, which is good news for Christopher Nolan fans

It will be a very different experience to before

Cineworld and Odeon have shared an update on when film-watchers can expect them to reopen.

Following the news that Vue planned to open its doors in July after enforcing new government measures, both Cineworld and Odeon are hoping to open its collective 248 cinemas in the UK at the same time.

Although a specific date is yet to be announced, a representative for Odeon said it will be “ready to welcome guests back from early July” after closing its doors on 17 March before lockdown was officially announced.

Cineworld added that it “currently anticipates that government restrictions related to cinemas will be lifted in each of its territories by July”.

All chains will have to introduce health and safety measures, which includes staying at least six feet away from other customers and the use of face masks.

CBNC also reported that staff will be checking temperatures before people are permitted to enter.

This spells good news for Christopher Nolan who has stood firm on the 17 July release date for his new film Tenet.

Nolan has long been a champion of the theatrical experience and, should cinemas proceed with a 4 July opening, then Tenet will be the first new film to be released in the UK.

Disney’s live-action remake of Mulan, which was originally scheduled to be released in March, will be released the following week.

In the wake of lockdown, Cineworld and Odeon spoke out against Universal after the studio vowed to continue releasing some of their high-profile films on digital platforms for home viewing, as well as in the cinema, following the video-on-demand success of Trolls: World Tour.

Tenet stars John David Washington, Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki – watch the most recent trailer here.