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The 2026 box office is off to its strongest start since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising hopes in Hollywood that theatrical moviegoing has staying power in the streaming era.
Why it matters: Success at the box office gives studios and distributors more leverage to preserve theatrical release windows, a key revenue driver for the industry.
Yes, but: Analysts caution that the box office is unlikely to return to pre-pandemic highs as streaming reshapes viewing habits.
