AMC Theatres got a lifeline from “Godzilla vs. Kong”

There is a moment in Godzilla vs. Kong when King Kong, weary from battle, needs a jumpstart before he can get back to punching Godzilla in the face. His human allies resolve to explode a vehicle directly on his chest to help resuscitate him.

That’s essentially what Godzilla vs. Kong just did for AMC Entertainment—and perhaps the movie theater industry as a whole.

After a strong global debut earlier this month, the film opened in the US on March 31 and continued its rampage. Godzilla vs. Kong generated $48.5 million in ticket sales during its five-day US opening—more than double analysts’ projections of $23 million. The film smashed the box office despite being released on the HBO Max streaming service the same day it premiered in theaters. It also succeeded even though 40% of US theaters are still closed, and those that are open have capacity restrictions.

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