Cineworld’s esteemed leader, Eduardo Acuna, is calling for a revolution in the way theater chains approach pricing, emphasizing the importance of providing customers with a unique and compelling reason to venture out of the comfort of their homes. As the CEO of Cineworld Group, the parent company of Regal Cinemas, Acuna confidently asserts that his movie theater empire is poised for remarkable growth in the aftermath of the pandemic and its subsequent bankruptcy, thanks to the resurgence of Hollywood’s box office.
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Acuna expressed his belief that this moment in history is of utmost significance. Seated within the grandeur of a colossal 4DX auditorium at Regal Times Square in New York City, Acuna conveyed his excitement for the upcoming release of Dune: Part Two, which will grace his screens this weekend.
Acuna acknowledged the series of challenges that the Cineworld Group has faced, from the devastating impact of theater closures during the pandemic to navigating the complexities of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States. Furthermore, the recent blows dealt by the scarcity of blockbuster films from major studio suppliers have tested the resilience of the company. However, Acuna views these trials as a testament to the unwavering faith that Cineworld Group has in the industry. This unwavering faith is exemplified by their investment in South Korean theater chain CJ CGV’s groundbreaking 4DX technology, a move made possible by Cineworld’s new ownership, reduced debt, and revamped board and management team.
Cineworld’s journey has not been without its share of hardships. The company’s stock price plummeted during the height of the pandemic, burdened by a staggering $5 billion debt load. This prompted a comprehensive corporate restructuring, culminating in the filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2022. In April 2023, Cineworld presented its meticulously crafted reorganization plan, aimed at reducing the firm’s debt by a staggering $4.53 billion. This ambitious plan involved offering equity to lenders in exchange for relinquishing their claims, a strategic move
that underscored Cineworld’s commitment to its revival. Despite facing challenges in finding buyers for some of its exhibition assets, Cineworld remains resolute in its pursuit of success. The second-largest movie cinema chain, trailing only behind AMC Theatres, has successfully navigated the treacherous terrain of the pandemic and emerged on solid ground. By significantly reducing its debt burden and capitalizing on the resurgence of Hollywood’s box office, this cinema chain has proven its resilience. One of the key factors contributing to its success is the introduction of premium movie experiences, such as the highly anticipated 4DX auditorium opening in Manhattan this weekend. This innovative approach aims to provide customers with a unique and compelling reason to venture out of their homes and indulge in the magic of the big screen.
“We firmly believe that customers crave differentiation and a compelling incentive to leave the comfort of their homes and experience the magic of cinema,” stated Acuna, the company’s executive. “We are showcasing our strong belief in the industry’s capacity for expansion and our dedication to providing a unique cinematic experience.”
Acuna, who assumed the role of CEO after the company’s ownership transition in July 2023, understands the evolving landscape of the streaming era. In response, exhibitors have emphasized the irreplaceable communal experience that multiplexes have long provided. The 4DX theater, with its synchronized motion seats and immersive sensory effects like wind, rain, snow, fog, and lightning, epitomizes this commitment to creating an unforgettable movie experience. Currently, Regal boasts 49 4DX theaters and an additional 52 Screenx auditoriums in the U.S. market. Acuna envisions further investment in approximately 50 more 4DX and Screenx theaters in the coming years, solidifying their position as industry leaders.
Regal’s partnership with CJ 4DPLEX, which operates 62 4DX theaters and 29 ScreenX theaters across Europe and Israel, has been instrumental in expanding their reach. Don Savant, the CEO and president of CJ 4DPLEX America, highlighted the success of the 4DX technology in rural U.S. markets, where Regal holds a dominant presence. “Our influence extends far beyond the major cities like LA, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York. We have established a widespread presence,” Savant proudly stated, citing an impressive average per-screen revenue of $937,000 across Regal’s 4DX screens.
While the industry is gradually recovering, Cineworld and other global exhibitors still face challenges in surpassing the pre-pandemic box office figures of 2019. However, the introduction of groundbreaking technologies and the unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional cinematic