Even though cinema chains in the US reopened over the weekend in about 80% of the country, there are still quite a few places (such as New York City and Los Angeles) that have yet to allow for movie theaters to reopen their doors. But at least there are drive-ins, right? Well, that’s true, but if you’re in NYC or Los Angeles and are hoping to check out “Tenet” at your local drive-in on September 4, you might be out of luck.
According to Variety, Warner Bros. has very strict rules about what cities can and cannot play “Tenet” at local drive-in cinemas. The report claims the studio will only allow for drive-ins to show Christopher Nolan’s latest feature if they are also able to show the film at regular cinemas in the same city. Basically, that means the drive-ins around New York City, Los Angeles, and other markets where indoor cinemas are still closed will not have access to “Tenet” on opening weekend.
However, as the report also points out, it’s hard to say anything with certainty when it comes to COVID-19 and the effect on the theatrical experience. For all we know, things could change before September 3 and more markets can reopen their indoor cinemas. Hell, WB could also change its mind and decide to allow select markets that are still closed to have the option to screen “Tenet” at drive-ins. That being said, as it stands, that’s not the case. And why? Well, the report claims the studio is concerned about drive-ins leading to leaks when it comes to the twists and turns of the film.
After months of discussion about if/when theaters should reopen and if WB should risk releasing “Tenet,” it appears the studio is still moving ahead with its September plans in North America. The rest of the world is likely getting the film earlier, starting on August 26. And though it’s still unclear how much of a box office impact “Tenet” will have in this post-pandemic world, the film does mark the first major blockbuster to test the waters. (Sorry, “The New Mutants” is a superhero film, but hardly a “Tenet”-sized blockbuster.)
So, if you had planned on driving to see “Tenet” from the comfort of your own vehicle, you may have to drive further than initially planned.
