Sony Pictures is in talks to lease and reopen the long-shuttered Cinerama Dome and former Arclight Hollywood multiplex on Sunset Boulevard, it was reported Tuesday.
Sony is negotiating with Robertson Property Group to revive the historic theater complex at 6360 Sunset Blvd., which has remained closed since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the collapse of Pacific Theatres and ArcLight Cinemas in 2021, according to Deadline.
The report said details of a lease agreement and a reopening date are still being worked out. Sources also told Deadline they believe Sony-owned Alamo Drafthouse could play a role in operating the venue.
Sony Pictures did not immediately respond to City News Service’s request for comment.
The Cinerama Dome and adjoining ArcLight Hollywood complex were scheduled to reopen in May 2021 for the releases of “A Quiet Place Part II” and “Cruella,” but those plans were abandoned after Pacific Theatres and ArcLight parent company Decurion Corp. entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Since then, several former ArcLight locations have reopened under new operators, including Regal Cinemas, Amazon MGM Studios and AMC Theatres, while the Hollywood complex has remained vacant.
Deadline reported that Sony emerged as a potential operator after other companies, including AMC and Amazon MGM Studios, explored but ultimately passed on the opportunity. The report also said the ArcLight name cannot be used because of the bankruptcy proceedings.
Built in 1963, the Cinerama Dome is one of Hollywood’s best-known movie theaters and is the world’s only concrete geodesic dome. Before closing, the adjacent Arclight Hollywood multiplex was among the nation’s highest-grossing theaters and was a frequent venue for premieres, awards-season releases and special screenings.
Sony acquired the Alamo Drafthouse cinema chain in 2024 after its unsuccessful bid to purchase Paramount Pictures.