During the upcoming national box office slowdown, theaters will increasingly lean on a local focus, strengthening their community ties to keep business flowing. This strategic shift comes after a period driven by national hits like Weapons, which earned its $148.8 million from a massive, widespread audience.
The national conversation has been dominated by huge, universally appealing films like the $828 million behemoth Jurassic World Rebirth. These movies create a shared cultural moment that transcends local markets.
With fewer of these national events on the calendar, successful exhibitors will focus on their local communities. This means programming classic films, hosting special events, partnering with local businesses, and creating a welcoming “third place” environment that isn’t dependent on a specific blockbuster.
This community-building effort will not only help theaters survive the lull but will also build a more loyal customer base for the future. When the national blockbusters like Tron: Ares and Zootopia 2 return, these theaters will benefit from an even stronger connection with their local audience.
