Exhibitors are anticipating a blockbuster opening this Thursday, even with caps on seating capacity, for Christopher Nolan’s 'Tenet' after a sizable turnout for paid previews last weekend.
The prolonged Australian box office drought has broken thanks to Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet', which proves audiences are willing and able to return to cinemas.
Queer Christmas rom-com 'Happiest Season' helped to breathe some needed new life into the Aussie box office over the weekend, though most exhibitors continue to eagerly hang out for end-of-year releases 'Wonder Woman 1984' and 'The Dry'.
Five new mainstream titles entered the market last weekend - but none could beat the third frame of Warner Bros' Tenet, which is benefiting from repeat business.
In the normal, pre-COVID-19 era, Christopher Nolan's international espionage thriller 'Tenet' would have been released on 350-plus screens, potentially grossing as much or more than his last two films, 'Dunkirk' and 'Interstellar'.
Director Christopher Nolan has recorded a personal message to Victorians that will be shown before 'Tenet' at IMAX Melbourne, as the theatre reopens today.
Melbourne's Cinema Nova, the Eddie Tamir family-owned cinemas and Village Cinemas' Coburg drive-in will re-open next month - but indications are that most cinemas in other states are unlikely to turn on the lights until July.
As more cinemas around Australia opened their doors, ticket sales improved last weekend from a low base as several art house titles led by Kitty Green's The Assistant entered the market.