The Unstoppable Magic of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift: A Lifeline for Movie Theaters?

Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are now embarking on a surprising new endeavor - to aid in the revival of movie theaters. As theater owners grow weary of waiting for Hollywood to intervene, they have chosen to take matters into their own hands. In a promising development, AMC has partnered with Swift to showcase a concert movie centered around her "Eras Tour" beginning on October 13. Furthermore, Beyoncé has also announced her plans to follow suit by bringing her "Renaissance World Tour" to theaters in December.

With the writers and actors strikes thinning out the ranks of movies, theaters face a potentially grim fall. However, a ray of hope comes in the form of a one-two punch from the musical gods. This presents a potential opportunity to fill seats without relying on the increasingly uncertain theatrical business, even for typically reliable studio blockbusters. While the summer gave us "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" - collectively known as "Barbenheimer" - it also witnessed disappointing performances from big-budget films like "The Flash," "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," and even the latest "Mission: Impossible."

The use of theaters for concert movies and other events is not a new phenomenon. However, it signifies a possible shift in perspective that centers around the idea that experiencing a concert with the best seat in the house, even through the medium of film, is something people desire to share in person. This desire has become more elusive in the age of streaming.

Taylor Swift performing in August during her "Eras Tour."

Getty Images

It is unclear whether this is a temporary solution or a complete shift towards a new opportunity for theaters. However, there is risk involved, although it is likely to be minimal for Swift and Beyoncé, as they do not need to be concerned about losing their fan bases by offering a watered-down version of their live shows in smaller venues. However, this may not hold true for other musicians who may be tempted to follow this trend and attempt to replicate this approach.

Consumers, particularly those who were unable to purchase tickets for these concerts, are the clear winners at the moment. They now have the opportunity to experience a replica of the concerts at a significantly lower cost, without the usual difficulties and hassles associated with attending them.

However, the larger concern lies in the fact that theaters are struggling due to a combination of streaming and the lasting effects of the pandemic. This solution may only provide a temporary fix for their problems, which require a more significant response. Movie studios must demonstrate their ability to attract audiences back to theaters, and upcoming films like Marvel's "The Marvels" and DC's "Aquaman" sequel will be among the contenders testing their capabilities throughout the rest of the year.

Currently, Beyoncé and Swift's combined influence could serve as the unexpected saviors that theaters have longed for amidst their ongoing struggle to navigate the uncertain future. However, echoing a line from the film "L.A. Confidential" which emphasizes the necessity of multiple heroes during a significant crisis, it is evident that a single hero alone will not suffice in this particular situation.