Imax Expands Australian Presence with New Hoyts Deal

Imax and Australian exhibitor Hoyts Cinemas have agreed to add ten new laser-projection Imax theatres across Australia and New Zealand. The partnership expands the earlier four-theatre deal, raising Hoyts’ Imax count to 14 locations by 2028 and ensures Hoyts remains at the forefront of premium cinema.

Hollywood Reporter

Australian cinema chains have seen box-office revenues rebound after COVID-19, with premium formats such as Imax contributing to the recovery. The momentum encourages investment in advanced screens, positioning Imax as a key growth engine for exhibitors.

Hollywood Reporter

Hoyts Group CEO Damian Keogh leads a network of over 500 screens in Australia and New Zealand. Imax chief commercial officer Giovanni Dolci oversees global expansion, emphasizing the Australian market’s strong demand for premium-format cinema. Both executives view the partnership as a strategic response to meeting audience demand for immersive experiences.

Hollywood Reporter

• 2022: Imax operates a single Australian venue.

Hollywood Reporter

• 2024: Hoyts signs a four-theatre Imax agreement.

Hollywood Reporter

• 2025: Six new Imax sites open in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth for *Avatar: Fire and Ash*.

Hollywood Reporter

• 2028: Total of 14 Hoyts Imax screens.

Hollywood Reporter

Imax currently runs 10 screens in Australia with a pipeline of 14 additional sites. Hoyts operates over 500 screens regionally. In 2025 Imax box-office revenue reached AUS $18.6 million (US $12.1 million), driven by titles such as *Project Hail Mary* and upcoming releases like Mortal Kombat 2 and Star Wars: The Mandalorian.

Hollywood Reporter

Keogh said expanding Imax will broaden audience access to immersive, technologically advanced cinema and keep Hoyts at the premium cinema forefront. Dolci noted Australia’s status as a top Imax market, where demand exceeds supply, prompting rapid rollout with Hoyts.

Hollywood Reporter

• “Expanding our Imax footprint will give more audiences access to one of the most immersive and technologically advanced cinema experiences. This investment reflects our continued focus on innovation and ensuring Hoyts remains at the forefront of premium cinema,” — Damian Keogh, CEO & President, Hoyts Group

Hollywood Reporter

• “Australia is one of our highest-performing markets globally, where demand for Imax has outstripped our footprint. Together with Hoyts — an outstanding partner with a strong track record of delivering premium cinema experiences — we’re moving quickly to meet that demand and bring the Imax experience to more audiences,” — Giovanni Dolci, Chief Commercial Officer, Imax

Hollywood Reporter

The added Imax venues increase premium cinema capacity, supporting the release of Imax-formatted films. Greater screen count enhances Hoyts’ competitive edge and strengthens the premium segment’s share of the Australian cinema market.

Hollywood Reporter

Construction of the ten new theatres is slated for early 2025, with phased openings through 2028. Observers expect the expanded Imax network to attract further Imax-formatted productions and sustain post-pandemic growth of premium cinema in Australia.

Hollywood Reporter