The recent delay of “Top Gun: Maverick” from July 4th to Thanksgiving has turned out not to be due to panic over pandemic numbers, but something more upbeat.
THR reports that Tom Cruise wants to embark on a world tour in advance of the opening, something that would presently be impossible in much of Europe, Japan, and several other countries – but should be far easier by the Fall.
The move, also prompted by the shifts of “F9: The Fast Saga” to late June and “Black Widow” to early July, isn’t seen as one that will cause others to delay as well.
In fact, theater owners are reportedly seeing positive data regarding the recovery of the U.S. box office. A recent poll has down that for the first time since the pandemic began, those who would feel comfortable going to the movies has crossed 60% – up from 52% just a month ago. Throughout most of the pandemic, the level has hovered in the 35-45% range.
Just before the pandemic hit, the U.S. had 5,500 theaters operating. As of this week, a little over 3,200 are back in business.