Cineworld criticises Odeon’s ‘historic’ deal with Universal: ‘It’s the wrong move’

Groundbreaking decision to directly impact future of cinema and streaming

Cineworld has criticised Odeon‘s deal with Universal that will directly impact the future of cinema and streaming.

After boycotting Universal movies earlier this year, AMC Theatres – who owns Odeon in the UK – has now approved a move that will permit new films to be released at home just 17 days after coming out in cinemas.

The initial row was caused after Universal decided to release Trolls World Tour at home while cinemas were shut during the pandemic back in April.

Universal doubled down on its decision, with CEO Jeff Shell stating that home releases would be a part of the studio’s business model from here on out.

AMC Theatres described the move as “unacceptable” with Cineworld also backing the decision to steer away from showing Universal films that were released at home.

Cineworld has now reacted with disdain to the news, with CEO Mooky Greidinger telling Deadline: “We clearly see this as a wrong move at the wrong time. Clearly we are not changing our policy with regards to showing only movies that are respecting the theatrical window.”

Greidinger continued: “While we don’t know the full details and we are always analysing any move in the industry, we will analyse it. People need to be aware that the first big movie from Universal is coming only in six months so there is no pressure here.”

He said it that Cineworld “[does] not see any business sense in this model”.

The new deal means that some of Universal’s future films will be available to watch at home less than three weeks after their theatrical release.

According to Deadline, potential blockbusters like Fast & Furious 9, Halloween Kills and Jurassic World: Dominion will most likely have a longer cinema run before being released at home.

This does mean, though, that should cinemagoers miss the chance to watch a smaller Universal release, it will be available to purchase at home instead.

Bryce Dallas Howard in ‘Jurassic World’ (Universal)

The studio is clearly hoping this will lead to more exposure for independent films struggling at the box office.

The Trolls sequel, which was released digitally on 10 April, made an estimated $100m (£77m) in North America alone after less than three weeks of release.

Find a full list of every film that’s been delayed due to Covid-19 and its new release date here.