As the Coronavirus pandemic brought rapidly increasing rates of infection to the United States, the country slowly but surely began to shutdown all non-essential businesses. Movie theater chains were some of the first to go, as companies such as AMC, Cinemark, and countless other smaller theater chains announced their shutdowns in mid-March.
Other countries, however, were much further down in their pandemic timelines. Asia-Pacific countries, like Hong Kong and South Korea, have passed their peak rates of infection and have announced plans to reopen their nations' schools, restaurants, and cinemas.
In order to encourage the public to return to their movie theaters, Hong Kong is following other countries' leads in bringing some familiar Marvel favorites back to the big screen.
NEWS
Looks like cinemas haven't seen the last of Tony Stark after all.
Marvel Studios will be rereleasing The Avengers and Iron Man 3 in Hong Kong's movie theaters between May 28 and June 10, states The Hollywood Reporter . These are the only two titles Marvel titles announced so far, but THR affirmed there could definitely be more Marvel films rereleased in Hong Kong in the near future.
WHAT THIS MEANS
It is no surprise that Marvel and Hong Kong have decided these two films will be the first Marvel rereleases in their theaters. The Avengers and Iron Man 3 are both widely known and incredibly successful films, making just as much money overseas as they did in the U.S. These Marvel movies would surely aid in the country's efforts to encourage people to reenter the public.
Other Asian countries are set to employ the same tactics as well, with China rereleasing all four Avengers films , and Japan looking back to classical cinematic features such as Ben-Hur and The Wizard of Oz for their rereleases. Only time will tell if the United States eventually utilizes similar strategies once more of the country reopens in a safer capacity.
The Russo Brothers have already expressed their thoughts on using an Avengers: Endgame rerelease to bring people back to theaters, and Black Widow 's new November release date will surely make it one of the first films the public sees after the nationwide shutdown. Whatever the future brings, it is safe to say Marvel will definitely have a hand in helping provide a much needed sense of normalcy.
