AMC's plan to launch a new live interactive concert series in theaters is on ice, for now. With a booming box office packed with films like “Obsession,” “Backrooms” and “Scary Movie,” the theater chain has postponed the concert project until later this year.
In a statement, AMC said that due to the “strong lineup of upcoming films and strong advance ticket sales in the coming weeks,” it needed to make some adjustments to the schedule. Some of the upcoming major June releases include Disney's “Toy Story 5” and Steven Spielberg's “Disclosure Day.”
Acts including Bebe Rexha, Paris Hilton, Kim Petras and Marren Morris have lined up to try out the new format next week, as part of the Girls Night Live concert series.
The chain has partnered with live entertainment company Arena One to bring new technology to theaters. This technology would allow performers on a remote stage to see, hear and respond to the theater audience, effectively turning their local theater into a stadium, the companies said. Fans who already purchased tickets received refunds.
The series was initially marketed as a new draw to attract customers to cinemas, but given the strong box office figures so far this year, it is clear that demand for cinemas is already growing.
Focus Features’ “Obsession” is now approaching $230 million in global box office receipts, according to Box Office Mojo, and is the studio’s highest-grossing film at the domestic box office.
Similarly, A24's “Backrooms” is the independent studio's highest-grossing film at the domestic box office, earning nearly $140 million. It grossed $100 million at the box office just six days after its initial release.
Most recently, “Scary Movie” topped the box office last weekend with a worldwide debut of $105.5 million, ranking among the top five R-rated comedy releases of all time.
AMC said it would announce new dates and additional artists for the interactive concert series in the coming months.
