During CinemaCon, where cinema owners are highly respected, Aron is a prominent figure. However, when he steps out of the glamorous setting of Caesars Palace, his job running the largest theater chain in the world seems less enviable. The film industry is facing uncertainty, having been hit hard by the effects of COVID-19 and labor strikes. 

In 2023, AMC CEO Adam Aron collaborated with Taylor Swift for “The Eras Tour” and worked with Beyoncé on her concert film “Renaissance.” Despite the impact of the pandemic, AMC’s financial issues are mostly a result of decisions made by Aron himself. Aron took on the role of CEO in 2016 after managing the Philadelphia 76ers and Norwegian Cruise Line. 

Aron expressed willingness to expand AMC through acquisitions in the future, provided they find suitable theaters at reasonable prices, though he declined to discuss specific theaters. The survival of AMC and its potential for further growth is thanks to a surprising turn of events involving a surge in its stock price driven by retail investors during the tumultuous year of 2021.

Retail shareholders played a crucial role in rescuing AMC from potential disaster, but there are challenges on the horizon. These include a sparse release schedule and lackluster blockbusters leading to a 20% drop in box office earnings compared to 2023 and a 40% drop from pre-pandemic levels.