Belgium-based exhibitor Kinepolis has expanded its partnership with Imax via a new 9-theater deal for Europe and North America.
The latest agreement will see Kinepolis take Imax screens with next-generation laser systems for France, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, in addition to adding new theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The multi-territory deal will see Kinepolis nearly double the size of its Imax circuit in Europe to 13 locations.
The European exhibitor also operates cinemas in North America after acquiring the Canadian movie theatre group Landmark Cinemas, which has theaters in several provincial markets, and the American movie theatre chain MJR Theatres, which has theaters in metro Detroit.
The terms of the latest deal will see eight of the new Imax locations open before the end of 2025 and with an eye to upcoming Hollywood releases like Sinners, Thunderbolts, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, How to Train Your Dragon, Superman and The Fantastic Four.
In 2023, Kinepolis picked up eight Imax screens for locations across Belgium, France, Spain, Luxembourg, the U.S. and Canada.
“We are dedicated to providing premium cinema experiences that cater to the growing demand for richer and more immersive moviegoing,” Eddy Duquenne, CEO of Kinepolis Group, said in a statement on Monday.
Duquenne added, “Our commitment is to deliver the best possible film experience for each movie, and Imax has consistently proven its ability to elevate the viewing experience of Hollywood’s biggest films. We are thrilled to expand our Imax footprint and bring this exceptional experience to even more audiences.”