Regency’s iconic Westwood Village and Bruin theaters are facing closure this week as their leases come to an end. While the Westwood Fox Village is slated for a renovation following a filmmaker-led initiative earlier this year, the fate of the historic Bruin theater remains uncertain. With no savior in sight for the 1937 cinema, which boasts 670 seats compared to the Fox Village’s 1,400 seats, moviegoers are left wondering about the future of these beloved venues.
For decades, both the Fox Village and the Bruin theaters have served as premier destinations for major Hollywood studios. Hosting red carpet events for blockbuster films such as Challengers, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and It: Chapter Two, these theaters have played a significant role in shaping the entertainment landscape. The Fox Village, in particular, has been a key player in the industry, boasting a 70MM projector and setting records for box office success with films like Licorice Pizza.
As the final credits roll for the Fox Village and Bruin theaters, moviegoers are bidding farewell to an era of cinematic excellence. The Fox Village will close its doors after screening Apple’s Fly Me to the Moon, while the Bruin will wrap up its run with the hit film Twisters, which has garnered widespread acclaim and success at the box office. Regency, the operator of these venues for the past 14 years, faces the challenge of navigating the changing landscape of the entertainment industry as streaming services and digital platforms continue to reshape the way audiences consume content.
While the closure of the Westwood Village and Bruin theaters marks the end of an era, it also presents an opportunity for reflection and renewal. As the entertainment industry evolves, new possibilities emerge for innovative storytelling and immersive cinematic experiences. While the future may be uncertain for these historic theaters, their legacy lives on in the hearts of moviegoers and filmmakers alike. It is a reminder of the enduring power of cinema to captivate, inspire, and unite audiences around the world.