Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob says Gen Z audiences are driving a box office rebound, citing record second-quarter revenue up nearly 10 percent to $383.7 million and attendance up 9.3 percent to 12.7 million patrons. The Canadian chain swung to net income of $7.8 million, compared to a $2.2 million loss a year earlier, with box office revenue up 11 percent to $176.2 million, the strongest second quarter since 2019.
Jacob credited a broad slate, including The Odyssey, Michael, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and horror breakouts Obsession and Backrooms, along with family fare like Toy Story 5. Cineplex set all-time records for box office and concession spending per patron, at $13.91 and $10.26 respectively.
Location-based entertainment revenue fell 3.7 percent as Canada's economy softened, but theater results offset the drag. Jacob confirmed he plans to retire by the end of 2026, with the board managing a succession process already underway.
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