AMC says it will no longer show Universal Pictures films because of Trolls World Tour move

AMC Theatres announced late Tuesday that it will no longer show any movies by Universal Pictures, effective immediately. AMC, the world's largest movie theater chain, cited Universal's decision to release Trolls World Tour directly to on-demand rentals as theaters were shuttered and people were stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic. The studio said Tuesday that the Trolls sequel had brought in $100 million since its premium video on demand (PVOD) release April 10. Studios typically wait 90 days after a movie's release to offer it digitally.

"The results for Trolls World Tour have exceeded our expectations and demonstrated the viability of PVOD," NBCUniversal chief Jeff Shell told The Wall Street Journal. "As soon as theaters reopen, we expect to release movies on both formats." AMC chairman and CEO Adam Aron cited Shell's comments in his letter to Universal chairman Donna Langley.

"AMC believes that with this proposed action to go to the home and theaters simultaneously, Universal is breaking the business model and dealings between our two companies," Aron wrote. "This policy affects any and all Universal movies per se, goes into effect today and as our theaters reopen, and is not some hollow or ill-considered threat," Aron wrote. The ban applies to all AMC theaters in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Upcoming Universal movies include the latest Fast & Furious film F9, Minions: The Rise of Gru, Sing 2, and Jurassic World: Dominion.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up