Movie studios Walt Disney and Universal Pictures announced on Thursday that they will no longer provide box office data due to movie theaters closing in many countries in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision came as a result of the worst box office receipts in the last two decades, recorded last weekend.
“Considering the large number of cinemas closed across the globe, Disney will suspend weekend reporting for the time being. We wish you and your families the best of wishes during these trying times and take care of yourself,” says a statement to Disney.
Universal Pictures also said it would stop the box office broadcasting.
Movie studios usually transmit movie revenue data from cinemas around the world that measure the popularity of their productions among audiences.
In recent days, movie theaters in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have closed due to bans. Italy, France, South Korea, and other countries have imposed even stricter measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Cinemas in China, the largest international market for Hollywood, have been closed for several weeks because of the virus.
The other two major Hollywood movie studios – Sony Pictures and Warner Bros – have not responded if they will take the same measure.
Last weekend, North American ticket sales dropped to their lowest levels in more than 20 years, generating about $ 55 million from Friday through Sunday.
