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Universal Pictures Will Now Keep Its Movies in Theaters for at Least 5 Weekends

Universal Pictures will immediately extend theatrical exclusivity to at least five weekends for new films, reversing its pandemic-era policy of just three weekends.
The studio previously moved to a 17-day window during COVID-19, shortening from the pre-pandemic industry standard of about 70 days to accelerate revenue from home viewing.
AMC Entertainment, the country's largest theater operator, called the shift "extraordinarily beneficial," stating it "strengthens the entire theatrical ecosystem." 34 words, one sentence, ends with period.
Universal's corporate sibling, Focus Features, will retain its existing theatrical exclusivity policies, continuing to promise about 17 days for specialty films like "Hamnet" and "Bugonia."
Universal plans to expand its theatrical window to at least seven weekends starting in January, reflecting industry efforts to standardize distribution windows and set clear moviegoer expectations.

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Hastings Tribune

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Universal Pictures will now keep its movies in theaters for at least 5 weekends

LOS ANGELES — Universal Pictures will now keep its new films in theaters for at least five weekends, a reversal from the studio's previous policy of at least 17 days

6 hours ago·Nebraska, United States

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Los Angeles Times

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Universal Pictures will now keep its movies in theaters for at least five weekends

Universal Pictures will now keep its movies in theaters for at least five weekends, a reversal from the studio's previous policy of about 17 days.

8 hours ago·Los Angeles, United States

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Vulture

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Why Universal Committed to Keeping Movies in Theaters Longer

Yes, Universal committing to giving its movies longer theatrical windows is great for moviegoing. But if you’ve been following its biggest releases, the move shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

9 hours ago·United States

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Deadline

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Universal Extends Exclusive Theatrical Window For Pics To 45 Days In 2027

Universal will be extending the exclusive theatrical window for 2027 releases to 45 days, Deadline has confirmed. This theatrical window will not extend to Focus Features titles which will still remain around 17 days.

13 hours ago·Los Angeles, United States

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Variety

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Movie Theaters, Rejoice! Universal Extends Theatrical Window to Five Weekends in 2026, Seven Weekends Starting in 2027

In a shocking reversal in strategy, Universal Pictures is lengthening the time that movies will play exclusively in theaters.

14 hours ago·Los Angeles, United States

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The spokesman-Review

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Universal will give movies longer exclusive runs in theaters

Universal Pictures is slowing down the arrival of new movies in homes, an acknowledgment that keeping films exclusive to theaters is still Hollywood's most reliable way to bolster ticket sales.

19 hours ago·Spokane, United States

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