Cineworld announces it will reopen next month in Milton Keynes

And the films to kick-off their comeback will be blockbusters Tenet and Disney's Mulan — a live-action remake of the 1998 animation.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week announced cinemas could finally be able to reopen from July 4, more than 3½ months after shutting their doors in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19.

A statement to investors from the multiplex chain this week said: "Cineworld currently anticipates that Government restrictions related to cinemas will be lifted in each of its territories by July.

"Subject to this and confirmation of the schedule for film releases, Cineworld anticipates the reopening of all of its cinemas in July."

Cineworld and Vue, Northampton's two biggest film venues, closed their doors on March 17 ahead of the full UK lockdown on March 23.

The Cineworld statement added: "We have put in place procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable cinema experience for its employees and customers.

“Cineworld is excited by the great movie line-up to follow the reopening of cinemas, starting with the highly anticipated new Chris Nolan movie Tenet and immediately after that with Mulan, a new Disney adventure movie.

“Cineworld, as always, greatly believes in the theatrical experience and is fully committed to be the best place to watch a movie.”

One theatre in Berlin has ripped out seats to make sure customers can stay two metres apart when German entertainment venues reopen — cutting capacity from 700 to 200 guests — while others are installing plastic screens between seats.