Cineworld Milton Keynes announces reopening date and exclusive deal with Warner Brothers

The Cineworld at Xscape in Milton Keynes will reopen its doors on May 17 in line with the Government's plans to ease lockdown restrictions in the UK.

Provided the national infection rate remains low and the vaccination rollout stays on track, cinemas will reopen in mid-May, alongside other forms of indoor entertainment, like bars and restaurants.

Moviegoers will be able to take in screenings of the likes of Marvel's Black Widow and the Oscar-nominated drama, Nomadland, scheduled for UK releases on May 7 and 17 respectively.

The cinema's new exclusive deal with Warner Bros means film fans wanting to see big budget flicks like the latest Mortal Kombat film or the next film in the King Kong franchise, Godzilla vs. Kong, must go to Cineworld branches.

It's a multi-year contract meaning Cineworld enjoys a 31-day exclusivity period where it can air the studio's new releases before they become available to purchase on streaming services.

Cineworld’s chief executive, Mooky Greidinger, said: “We have long-awaited this moment when we can welcome audiences back to our Regal theatres and restore our essential role within the communities we serve.

“With capacity restrictions expanding to 50 per cent or more across most US states, we will be able to operate profitably in our biggest markets.

“We will also be monitoring developments closely in the UK and across Europe as we set to gradually reopen across the world in line with local government guidance.”