Theater Operators on Trailers, Texting, Zendaya
Why it matters: Domestic box office grosses remain behind pre-pandemic levels, impacting the 53 locations of B&B Theatres and other circuits.
- Bob Bagby (B&B Theatres CEO) identifies the biggest obstacle as the lack of a diverse, year-round supply of movies, noting that studios concentrate releases during summer and holidays, leaving dry spells.
- Bagby highlights "Superman" and the original IP "Sinners" as unexpected 2025 hits and expresses a desire for more romantic comedies and family films.
- Bagby suggests an ideal preshow length of 15 minutes to avoid audience fatigue from too many trailers and identifies texting as a bigger problem than talking during movies.
- Bagby notes that while recliners are expensive to maintain and repair, they are what customers want, despite his personal preference for the older, more durable seats.
- Bagby predicts "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" will be the highest-grossing movie of the year due to strong demand and Peter Parker's popularity.
- Zendaya and Tom Holland are recognized by operators as the "next gen" of bankable stars, signaling a shift in who drives box office success.
Movie theater operators are optimistic about 2026's film slate, with 113 releases signaling a post-pandemic recovery, but acknowledge that improving the customer experience beyond just film volume is crucial. Key challenges include diversifying year-round movie releases, managing audience texting, and the high maintenance costs of popular recliner seats, while stars like Zendaya and Tom Holland are seen as the next generation of bankable talent.
