Why it's trending
Hoyts' ScreenX expansion is trending because it represents the largest deployment of the premium format by any cinema chain in Australia and New Zealand. The imminent opening of the Broadway site on July 30, paired with the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day — the first Hollywood film created specifically for ScreenX — has generated significant public interest. The partnership with CJ 4DPLEX and the promise of an immersive cinematic experience that cannot be replicated at home are key catalysts for the sudden search interest.
Hoyts has announced a major expansion of its ScreenX premium cinema format, adding 12 new auditoriums across Australia and New Zealand. The first new ScreenX opens at Hoyts Broadway on July 30 to coincide with the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the first Hollywood blockbuster 'Shot for ScreenX' — meaning it was produced with the format integrated from production through to theatrical release. The expansion brings Hoyts' total ScreenX network to 14 screens by 2028, according to IF Magazine and confirmed by multiple sources.
ScreenX is a multi-projection format that offers a 270-degree field of view by extending the picture onto the left and right auditorium walls, creating images up to 56 metres wide. Hoyts Group President and CEO Damian Keogh said, 'The response to ScreenX from audiences across Australia has been strong, and we look forward to expanding this premium experience across our network.' CJ 4DPLEX CEO Jun Bang added, 'The future of cinema lies in delivering experiences that audiences simply cannot enjoy anywhere else.' The expansion builds on existing ScreenX locations at Melbourne Central and Blacktown, which remain among the top-performing ScreenX sites in Australia.
Hoyts first flagged its move into ScreenX in June last year with Melbourne Central, followed by Blacktown in December. The new rollout was confirmed in July 2026, with the Broadway site opening on July 30. By 2028, all 14 ScreenX auditoriums are expected to be operational. The partnership with CJ 4DPLEX represents the largest ScreenX deployment by any cinema chain in Australia and New Zealand, as noted by Content + Technology.
The expansion signals growing demand for premium, immersive cinema experiences amid competition from home streaming. The 'Shot for ScreenX' initiative, exemplified by Spider-Man: Brand New Day, aims to draw audiences back to theatres with unique content that cannot be replicated at home. Industry observers will watch whether other chains follow Hoyts' lead in adopting multi-projection formats.
Timeline
- Hoyts launches first ScreenX at Melbourne Central
Hoyts opened its first ScreenX auditorium at Melbourne Central, as reported by IF Magazine.
- Hoyts opens ScreenX at Blacktown
A second ScreenX location opened at Blacktown, Sydney, which remains a top-performing site.
- Hoyts Broadway ScreenX opens with Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The third ScreenX location opens at Hoyts Broadway, coinciding with the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the first Hollywood blockbuster 'Shot for ScreenX'. (Sources: IF Magazine, EFTM)
- Full rollout of 14 ScreenX auditoriums
Hoyts expects to complete the expansion to 14 ScreenX screens across Australia and New Zealand, according to IF Magazine and Content + Technology.
Questions people ask
What is ScreenX?
ScreenX is a multi-projection cinema format that extends the movie onto the left and right walls of the auditorium, providing a 270-degree field of view. It uses additional projectors and screens to create panoramic visuals up to 56 metres wide, often with exclusive content created in collaboration with filmmakers. (Sources: IF Magazine, EFTM)
Where are the new ScreenX locations being added?
Hoyts is adding 12 new ScreenX auditoriums across Australia and New Zealand. The first is at Hoyts Broadway, opening July 30. Specific additional locations have not yet been announced, but the total network will reach 14 screens by 2028. (Sources: IF Magazine, Content + Technology)
When does the first new ScreenX open?
The first new ScreenX opens at Hoyts Broadway on July 30, 2026, coinciding with the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. (Sources: IF Magazine, EFTM)
What is 'Shot for ScreenX'?
'Shot for ScreenX' is an initiative by CJ 4DPLEX that integrates the ScreenX format into filmmaking from production through to theatrical release. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the first Hollywood blockbuster created under this initiative, meaning the film was specifically designed to be shown in the 270-degree format. (Sources: IF Magazine, Content + Technology)
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