No firm start date for the deal was set because theaters remain closed by the pandemic. “The partnership we’ve forged with AMC is driven by our collective desire to ensure a thriving future for the film distribution ecosystem and to meet consumer demand with flexibility and optionality.” “The theatrical experience continues to be the cornerstone of our business,” Donna Langley, chairman of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, said in a statement. The studio controls the “Fast and Furious,” “Jurassic World” and “Despicable Me” franchises.

Universal may opt to let big-ticket sellers play exclusively in theaters longer than 17 days. The deal, announced on Tuesday, gives Universal the right to make its movies available in homes through premium video-on-demand after just 17 days of play in AMC theaters - down from roughly 90 days, long the industry norm. LOS ANGELES - Universal Pictures and the largest movie chain in the world, AMC Entertainment, have reached a deal to bring movies to theaters and homes a mere three weeks apart, almost certainly changing the way that Hollywood does business.

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