Is Disney Saving More Than Just AMC?

It's a plot twist that few saw coming. Disney (NYSE: DIS) has gone from being a villain of the multiplex industry to rising up as a potential savior. Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings shattered the box-office record for a Labor Day weekend screening. Black Widow, also put out by Disney, continues to be this year's highest-grossing domestic release.

Now Disney is making its next Marvel release, Eternals, available exclusively to local movie theaters for the first 45 days after an early November premiere. Disney's next six films will not be available on streaming services, including its own Disney+ or Hulu, until 30 to 45 days after a theatrical run.

This is great news for AMC Entertainment Holdings (NYSE: AMC). It's also obviously a welcome development for rival exhibitors Cineworld Group (LSE: CINE) (OTC: CNWGY) and Cinemark Holdings (NYSE: CNK) as well as multiplex enhancers Imax (NYSE: IMAX) and National CineMedia (NASDAQ: NCMI).