AMC Theatres CEO on Nicole Kidman’s Next Ad and Partnering With Streamers Like Apple and Amazon

variety.com:

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter Streaming services were once the enemy of cinema chains such as AMC Theatres, mostly because companies like Netflix didn’t believe in the value of the big screen.

But for whatever reason (perhaps a desire to turn a profit), the attitude toward multiplexes has changed and tech giants like Apple and Amazon have committed to spending billions on theatrical movies.

It’s a move that’s been widely embraced by exhibitors, who desperately need more films to fill their marquees. “We certainly welcome their movies with open arms,” says Adam Aron, the CEO of AMC, the world’s largest movie theater circuit. “We will happily show anything they want to take to theaters.” It may take some time for Apple and Amazon to have enough product to debut these movies with consistency.

Until then, AMC has a secret weapon in enticing audiences to the big screen with the highly anticipated sequel to its viral ad, starring Nicole Kidman. “I’m not sure when we’re going to do it — this year or next year,” says Aron. “We’ll try to live up to your expectations when the time comes.” Aron sat down with Variety at CinemaCon, the annual Las Vegas-based gathering of movie theater owners, with a passport inexplicably in the front pocket of his button down shirt, to discuss the obstacles facing the film industry, the company’s current debt levels and the status of Kidman’s next AMC commercial. As CEO, what’s your No.