Hollywood’s revered Egyptian Theatre, an architectural gem steeped in a century of cinematic history, is set to dazzle once again following a remarkable $70 million renovation spearheaded by streaming giant Netflix. This lavishly restored venue is poised to become a premier destination for movie premieres and events, rekindling its illustrious legacy.
The Egyptian Theatre, an iconic space that hosted Hollywood’s maiden movie premiere in 1922, will rekindle its bygone glory by screening classic films on weekends, meticulously curated by the American Cinemateque, a non-profit organization that once owned the theater. On weekdays, Netflix will make use of this splendid venue, cementing its role in preserving the cinematic heritage of Tinseltown.
Over the years, the Egyptian Theatre has witnessed an illustrious procession of star-studded film premieres, from the epic spectacle of “Ben-Hur” to the elegance of “My Fair Lady” and the intergalactic thrills of “Return of the Jedi.” It all began with the red-carpet premiere of “Robin Hood” in October 1922, featuring Douglas Fairbanks in a silent film that set the stage for a century of movie magic. Historic photographs from 1922 depict excited crowds gathered around the theater, serenaded by trumpeters.
Netflix CEO, Ted Sarandos, speaking at a preview event held before the reopening, emphasized the importance of restoring the Egyptian Theatre, underlining the company’s commitment to preserving Hollywood’s illustrious history. He noted that despite being relative newcomers in Hollywood’s storied history, they wanted to give back to an industry that had enriched them. Sarandos went on to describe the Egyptian Theatre as one of America’s “temples of storytelling.”
The rejuvenation of the Egyptian Theatre takes place against the backdrop of a strike by Hollywood actors, partly prompted by the economic disruptions arising from Netflix’s ascendance in the online streaming realm. Netflix, despite its virtual viewing model, has paradoxically released a 10-minute documentary celebrating the unique power of collective cinema experiences on a grand screen.
Netflix’s foray into acquiring historic movie theaters for hosting events and showcasing its commitment to industry traditions is not without precedent. In 2019, the company struck a similar deal to restore and reopen New York’s Paris Theater, a venerable arthouse cinema and the last remaining single-screen cinema in Manhattan.
Reflecting on the complexities of restoring historic theaters, Sarandos acknowledged that it typically takes twice as long and costs twice as much as expected. Nevertheless, he underscored the historical significance of the Egyptian Theatre, emphasizing that legends such as Charlie Chaplin, Audrey Hepburn, and Marlon Brando once graced the very seats occupied by present-day cinephiles.
The Egyptian Theatre, a venerable 101-year-old establishment, emerges from its renovation with much of its original charm meticulously restored. The exterior flaunts a retro neon sign that harks back to its bygone era, while the ornate auditorium ceiling boasts intricate embellishments, adorned with lotus flowers, ibises, and an Egyptian scarab. The front courtyard now features meticulously restored murals and an elaborate fountain. However, the interior underwent changes, with the seating capacity reduced to 516.
Remarkably, the Egyptian Theatre now holds the distinction of being one of the five theaters in the United States equipped to screen historical films shot on the extremely delicate and flammable nitrate film stock.
Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre first graced Hollywood Boulevard in 1922, coinciding with the global fascination sparked by the British archaeologist’s discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. This cultural craze centered on ancient Egypt catalyzed the opening of at least 11 other Egyptian-themed theaters across the United States, some of which continue to operate.
In its early days, a staff member dressed as a Bedouin guard would pace along the theater’s roof, enhancing the dramatic allure of the venue. The Egyptian Theatre did suffer damage during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, resulting in considerable structural damage. The restoration effort was further complicated by the theater’s unconventional construction, which was akin to a Hollywood movie set. Notably, the busts of two pharaohs positioned above an elaborate wooden gate were constructed from plaster and chicken wire, and the gate itself leads to a solid brick wall, mirroring the artifice of film production.
The Egyptian Theatre, built by Sid Grauman, a local impresario who later constructed the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, will officially reopen on November 9th with a sold-out screening of Netflix’s “The Killer,” directed by David Fincher and featuring Michael Fassbender in a celebrated cinematic comeback.
This renaissance of the Egyptian Theatre signifies a melding of Hollywood’s storied past and the digital future, encapsulating the profound transformation that the film industry has undergone in its timeless journey.
As the Egyptian Theatre’s curtains rise once more, it serves as a testament to the enduring allure of cinematic storytelling, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Hollywood history. This illustrious establishment now stands ready to continue its role as a guardian of film traditions, captivating a new generation of moviegoers while paying homage to the luminaries of a bygone era.