SCREENX reaches New Zealand and two Australian sites
Hoyts will open three more SCREENX cinemas before the end of 2026, adding the format at Wetherill Park and Green Hills in Australia and at Sylvia Park in New Zealand.
The Sylvia Park venue will be Hoyts’ first SCREENX location in New Zealand. In Australia, the rollout adds two more sites to the chain’s circuit.
SCREENX is a 270-degree panoramic cinema format. It extends visuals beyond the main screen and onto the auditorium’s side walls, so scenes wrap around the audience.
The latest expansion follows the launch of SCREENX at Hoyts Broadway. Hoyts also already runs the format at Blacktown and Melbourne Central.
Damian Keogh links rollout to demand
Hoyts Group CEO and President Damian Keogh said guest demand had driven the next phase of the rollout across Australia and into New Zealand.
“We’re excited to continue expanding SCREENX across the HOYTS circuit, bringing this immersive cinema experience to even more audiences across Australia and, for the first time, New Zealand,” Keogh said.
Keogh also pointed to the company’s investment in big-screen formats. He said the three new locations were another step after a strong response from guests.
He described SCREENX as a different way to watch a film, with panoramic views surrounding patrons in their seats and placing them at the centre of the story.
Jun Bang calls New Zealand opening a milestone
CJ 4DPLEX CEO Jun Bang said the New Zealand launch with Hoyts marked a meaningful milestone for the company.
SCREENX turns the auditorium itself into part of the cinema experience, rather than using only the main front screen.
The rollout was announced on 15 September 2026. It comes as studios prepare a slate of anticipated blockbusters for the second half of the year.
Following the openings at Broadway, Blacktown and Melbourne Central, Hoyts will have six SCREENX locations across Australia and New Zealand once Wetherill Park, Green Hills and Sylvia Park open.
Hoyts did not give opening dates for the three cinemas beyond saying they will open before the end of 2026.
