Why An Iowa Theater Will NOT Show New ‘Star Wars’ Movie [VIDEO]
I am literally counting down the days until 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' hits theaters. It's December 15th for those of you living under a rock. But if you think a huge blockbuster movie like this is a huge win for theaters, think again. At least one Iowa theater is saying 'no thanks' to Star Wars.
Northeast Iowa's Elkader Cinema will not be showing the film when it is released next month. The theater's owner told The Des Moines Register that there are several reasons he simply can't afford to show the movie. One is that it has a minimum four week play time. The theater simply can't afford to do it.
The Elkader Cinema is a single screen movie theater. It has showings at 7 p.m. on weeknights and during the afternoons on weekends. Ticket prices are anywhere from $4 to just under $10. That's a big deal when it comes to huge movies like Star Wars. The Wall Street Journal reported that theaters will be required to turn over 65% of ticket profits to Disney for the rights to screen the new film. That is the highest percentage for any movie in history. Small theaters are feeling the pinch.
So if your small, hometown movie theater isn't showing Star Wars this December, don't blame the theater. The 'Dark Side' is in the finances.
[via IC Press Citizen]