Amazon MGM Will Release 12-14 Films Theatrically In 2026 As Studio Commits “Financially And Philosophically” To The Big Screen – SXSW

deadline.com:

Courtenay Valenti, head of film, streaming and theatrical at Amazon MGM Studios, said it will likely release12-14 films in theaters next year as it ramps up its commitment to the big screen both “financially and philosophically.” The studio is building out its own international distribution and marketing arm as it leans into maybe 16 films a year in 2027 – although not everything is dated – in a move that’s been hailed by exhibitors on a recent round of earnings calls.

AMC Entertainment CEO Adam Aron did take issue with shorter windows in the industry. Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, and Valenti, said at a Q&A moderated by MPA Chairman-CEO Charlie Rivkin, that not every film works best in theaters or needs to be there, but acknowledged that a theatrical release generally does give a bump to a film when it hits streaming from Air to The Beekeeper to Red One.

Amazon MGM, by the way, is the MPA’s newest member. The commitment to theatrical is real, significant and beyond exciting,” Salke said.

The studio’s marketing chief “Sue Kroll and I spent 30-plus years at Warner [Bros.] and we’re deeply, deeply committed to theatrical personally.