The directors of the highest-grossing film of all time are wary of returning to the cinema due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Brothers Anthony and Joe Russo, who co-directed several Marvel films including the record-breaking Avengers: Endgame, discussed their reticence in an interview with FOX 5 DC’s Kevin McCarthy.
Many venues in the US and in the UK are looking to reopen in July as lockdown restrictions ease.
Asked whether he would feel comfortable returning to a movie theatre, Anthony Russo said in part: “It’s a very personal question and it depends on people’s individual circumstances, but unfortunately I don’t see myself getting into a theatre in the foreseeable future.”
He acknowledged that he’s “as desperate for the theatrical experience” as any other film fan, adding: “And also, in general, I think it’s worn on people in many different ways, the limitations we’ve all been living through.
“But I do think at the end of day, where are you going to put the risk? I think there are more immediate places to put the risk in terms of human connection than a theatre full of strangers, unfortunately.”
His brother Joe Russo expressed similar concerns, saying being in an enclosed space – such as a cinema – “is a high-risk situation”.
“There’s the question of where we want that to happen, which we do,” he said, “but whether that’s practical and safe and whether we can recommend it, which I don’t think we could.”
In the US, AMC Theatres has said it’s looking to reopen some locations with added safety measures in July.
Broadway theatres have announced they will remain closed until January 2021.
Cinemas in England will be allowed to reopen starting 4 July.
