Marvel Rallies Superhero Fans To Assemble At Movie Theaters Amid Competition From Streaming Services

Walt Disney Co’s Marvel Studios on Monday encouraged superhero fans to return to movie theaters, a show of support for pandemic-battered cinemas trying to stage a comeback amid competition from streaming services.

“See you at the movies,” said a three-minute-long trailer designed to stir excitement for 10 upcoming Marvel films including “Eternals” and a “Black Panther” sequel.

The video also showed footage from inside a theater of fans reacting to the decisive battle scene in “Avengers: Endgame” in April 2019.

The future of movie theaters is uncertain after extended closures during the pandemic.

Independent operators and large chains including AMC Entertainment , Cineworld Plc and Cinemark Holdings Inc hope that blockbusters from Marvel and others will help lure audiences back.

At the same time, Disney and other media companies are investing billions to compete with Netflix and provide consumers with plenty of options to stream at home.