Nu Metro taking over cinemas in major South African malls

South African cinema chain Nu Metro recently took over the Bedford Square site previously occupied by Ster-Kinekor, and it is set to take over its rival’s cinema complex at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

Nu Metro says it can’t share details about plans for future sites in South Africa, but laid out what it aims to achieve at the Gateway cinema complex.

“Get ready for a next-level movie experience with Ultimate VIP Luxury, Entertaining Kidz Cinema, multi-sensory 4DX, large premium format Xtreme wth Dolby Atmos sound and full Ultra HD laser projection,” it said.

It added that the Scene Xtreme with Ultra HD laser projection is a first in South Africa, and provides an all-enveloping 270-degree viewing experience.

Nu Metro also said its Bedford Square site is a VIP cinema focusing on luxury. It offers in-cinema dining, reclining seats, and a fully licensed bar.

Ster-Kinekor shut its cinema complex at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, in early May 2025.

Only two of the company’s cinemas remain in the province, with the closest being nearly 45km away at the Watercrest Mall in Waterfall, Durban.

Gateway confirmed the closure to MyBroadband and revealed that another cinema operator would replace Ster-Kinekor. Nu Metro later confirmed to MyBroadband that it would open cinemas at the site.

Ster-Kinekor also quietly shuttered its Bedford Square cinema in Bedfordview in early 2025. Nu Metro had placed a “Coming Soon” notice outside the entrance.

Nu Metro’s new VIP cinema opened in Ster-Kinekor’s place on 9 May 2025.

“A new era of luxury movie nights has arrived at Bedford Centre,” it said.

“Join us for the opening of our exclusive VIP Cinema at Bedford Centre. Experience plush reclining seats, gourmet cuisine, and a fully licensed bar.”

Ster-Kinekor plans for new cinemas

Ster-Kinekor CEO Mark Sardi recently revealed that the company has plans to launch four new sites across the country and to upgrade some of its existing locations.

According to the CEO, the cinema chain saw its biggest “out-of-season” weekend admissions in 2025 this past weekend — Friday, 23 May, to Sunday, 25 May 2025.

“This is once again proof that cinema is alive and well, and that audiences still prefer watching the new release of a blockbuster title on the big screen,” he said.

“It also proves that movie magic is not regulated by the calendar.”

Ster-Kinekor said the remake of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch led the charge on weekend admissions.

“The release weekend resulted in the second biggest opening of 2025 by attendance, just behind the blockbuster sensation The Minecraft Movie,” Sardi added.

Mission: Impossible fans were also out in force for the launch of the franchise’s latest movie, Final Reckoning.

Sardi said the movie delivered the biggest action opening of the year across Ster-Kinekor sites.

“Tom Cruise’s latest — and most explosive — mission has reminded everyone why this franchise still sets the bar high as a box office powerhouse,” he said.

Filmed for IMAX, Sardi said watching the movie on the biggest screens available was a weekend highlight for many attendees.

Ster-Kinekor said it captured a 58% share of the Mission: Impossible 8 weekend box office.