AMC boss says theater chain hasn’t booked movies from Universal yet

AMC Theaters remains in discussion to bring Universal studios films back to its theaters but no decision has been made.

What’s going on:

• AMC released its first quarter earnings earlier this week, per Deadline. On the third page, there was a statement that revealed what’s happening between AMC and Universal.
• The statement read: “While we are in active dialogue with Universal, no movies made by Universal Studios are currently on our docket.”
• AMC CEO and President Adam Aron told investors: “So, look, relations are warm with Universal. They have always been warm, and I’m using that as a good word. There’s nothing personal about this issue with Universal. I have great respect for Universal’s executives. It’s just an issue about money. We are in active dialogue with Universal.”

The context:

• The statement comes about a month after AMC revealed that it would no longer show any Universal films after NBC Universal CEO Jeff Shell said “Trolls World Tour” suggested the studio would release films in theaters and on digital release.
• Imperial Capital analyst David Miller said in a recent report that he doesn’t know if AMC’s decision to ban Universal films will impact AMC’s business and cause it to fall into bankruptcy according to The Hollywood Reporter.