Podtalk: Grand Opening of Emagine Batavia Theater Includes ‘Halloween’ film Q&A, June 1, 2023

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CHICAGO – Chicagoland will be getting a new and exciting movie theater experience, beginning June 1st, 2023, with the Grand Opening of Emagine Batavia (Illinois) theaters. As part of the celebration, actor James Jude Courtney … who took the role of Michael Myers in the 2018 “Halloween” reboot … will be making an appearance to meet fans before the 7pm screening and participate in a “VIP Q&A.” For tickets, click EMAGINE.

The Batavia venue, formally the Randall 15 IMAX, was purchased by Emagine back in the Spring of 2020 and has been renovated and completely transformed into a luxurious and upscale movie theatre with 12 state-of-the-art auditoriums which includes two private screening rooms, a large format EMX screen and a SUPER EMX screen, all equipped with 4k projections and feature luxury heated recliners and cuddle chairs.


In addition, there is a High Roller Room which features a full-service bar, shuffleboard, video games, pool tables, large screen televisions, and four Brunswick Duckpin Social® bowling lanes featuring Spark®, the first immersive, interactive scoring experience in the bowling industry that is making its U.S. debut at Emagine Batavia.

Grand Opening of Emagine Batavia is June 1st, 2023
Photo credit: Emagine Entertainment

Emagine Batavia will also kick off with a celebration of the fifth anniversary of 2018’s “Halloween” reboot, which were followed by “Halloween Kills” and “Halloween Ends.” James Jude Courtney, whose career background included stunt work, action performance and acting roles, took over the Michael Myers role in a transition from the original Myers, actor Nick Castle. Courtney will participate in a VIP HALLOWEEN Q&A screening event, and the Q&A will take place just prior to a showing of HALLOWEEN.

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, James Jude Courtney (“Halloween’ Reboot) and Anthony LaVerde (Emagine CEO) on Emagine Batavia Grand Opening and “Halloween” tidbits …

In Part Two, James talks working with Jamie Lee Curtis and Anthony gives the harrowing account of a theater chain CEO during the pandemic …

In a video clip, James Jude Courtney talks Emagine Batavia Grand Opening Highlights …

Trailer for “Halloween,” to be shown at the Emagine Batavia Grand Opening …

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Critic/Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com