The Odeon cinema chain is banning all Universal movies – including the new James Bond blockbuster – in a row over distribution.
The boycott was sparked by the Hollywood giant’s decision to release its output via streaming as well as to cinemas even when the coronavirus lockdown ends.
Universal’s move follows the success of its film Trolls World Tour, which became a TV-on-demand hit after the pandemic shut cinemas.
It made €90million in the first three weeks after granting services such as Sky and Apple TV rights to stream it into homes.
NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell said: “The success exceeds expectations. As soon as theatres reopen we expect to release movies on both formats.”
Odeon owner AMC, the world’s largest movie-house chain, sent a furious letter to NBCUniversal chairwoman Donna Langley.
CEO Adam Aron wrote: “With this proposal to go to homes and theatres simultaneously Universal is breaking the business model and dealings between our companies.
“AMC will not license any of your movies in any of our 1,000 theatres globally on these terms.”
Universal, founded in 1912, is the world distributor of €220million No Time to Die, which is due for release on November 12 and stars Daniel Craig in his final outing as 007.
Odeon has 120 UK complexes and 11 in Ireland and its flagship in London’s Leicester Square has hosted 700 major premieres.
Its stance was backed by the National Association of Theatre Owners, which blasted Universal’s “destructive tendency to announce decisions affecting exhibitor partners without consulting them”.
Chief executive John Fithian also accused the film company of using the pandemic “as a springboard to bypass true theatrical releases”.
Universal, which is behind many smash hits, said it is “disappointed” by AMC’s stand but will hold talks with its “exhibition partners”.
