Yet having Cinemark on board now means that two of the biggest movie theater chains in the country have resigned to the fact that the film industry will look very different when the world emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. Universal made a similar agreement months ago with the world’s biggest cinema chain, AMC Theatres - a decision that initially drew criticism. Traditionally, new releases remain on the big screen for 75 to 90 days before they move to digital platforms for a $19.99 rental fee.

Films that generate at least $50 million in opening weekend ticket sales, however, will have to play exclusively in theaters for 31 days, or five full weekends.

Under the terms of the agreement, Universal can put new movies on premium video-on-demand platforms in as little as 17 days.

The Hollywood studio struck a second deal with a major theater chain, this time Cinemark, to shorten the theatrical window and bring movies more quickly to the home. On Monday, Universal Pictures gave theater owners another shove toward the future of moviegoing.

Universal movie theatres