Kristen Stewart Applauds Cinerama Dome Reopening

The “Twilight” alum offered a mix of excitement and playful skepticism when asked about the historic Los Angeles venue’s planned return, marking a rare public statement from the actress on the theater’s long-awaited revival. Stewart, who has built a post-vampire career on independent films and bold artistic choices, did not hold back her enthusiasm - or her caution - when discussing the iconic building’s future.

Speaking in a brief interview, Stewart expressed genuine happiness that the landmark would once again welcome moviegoers, but she quickly tempered her joy with a pointed warning to those managing the restoration. “It’s great news, obviously - that place is a treasure,” she said. “I just hope they don’t f*** it up.” Her candid remark, delivered with a laugh, captured the sentiment of many film fans who have watched beloved repertory houses struggle to balance preservation with modern commercial pressures.

The Cinerama Dome, a geodesic-domed theater on Sunset Boulevard that opened in 1963, has been shuttered since the pandemic forced its closure in 2020. For decades, it served as a cathedral of cinema, hosting premieres, film festivals, and 70mm presentations that drew audiences from across the city. Its unique curved screen and distinctive architecture made it a favorite among directors, actors, and cinephiles alike, including Stewart, who grew up in Los Angeles and has often spoken about her love for the city’s moviegoing culture.

Stewart’s comments arrive as the venue’s operators prepare to reopen the doors later this year, following an extensive renovation. While the exact details of the reopening plan remain under wraps, early reports suggest a mix of classic film programming and new releases, with enhanced projection and sound systems intended to honor the theater’s legacy. The actress, however, seemed less concerned with technical specs than with preserving the intangible magic that made the Dome special.

“You can’t just slap a new coat of paint and call it a day,” she added. “The soul of that place is in the screenings, the audiences, the way the light hits the screen. If they manage to keep that, then great. If not, well - ” she trailed off with a shrug, leaving little doubt about her fears.

Known for her transformative roles in films like Clouds of Sils Maria and Spencer, Stewart has rarely spoken publicly about exhibition spaces. But her attachment to the Cinerama Dome appears deeply personal. In previous interviews, she recalled attending midnight shows there as a teenager, often sneaking in to watch double features of classic sci-fi and horror films. That history, she suggested, makes the theater’s revival feel less like a business venture and more like a cultural obligation.

“There are so few places left where you can feel the history of cinema in the walls,” she said. “The Dome is one of them. It’s not just a place to watch a movie; it’s a place to remember why you love movies.”

The reopening has been anticipated for months, with preservation groups and industry veterans lobbying for a careful restoration. The theater’s owners have promised to retain the original exterior and the iconic dome structure while upgrading interior amenities, including seating and lighting. Yet Stewart’s warning underscores a broader anxiety among longtime patrons: that the soul of the venue might be sacrificed for convenience or profit.

She stopped short of offering detailed advice, but her tone suggested a simple plea: listen to the people who filled those seats for six decades. “The regulars know what works,” she said. “The projectionists, the ushers, the people who came every week. If the new team actually talks to them, they’ll be fine.”

Stewart’s comments have already sparked chatter among film Twitter and industry circles, with many echoing her cautious optimism. Some have even joked that her “hope they don’t f*** it up” line should be printed on T-shirts for the reopening night. Others noted that her bluntness aligns with her off-screen persona - an actress who values authenticity over polish.

Neither the theater’s management nor its parent company has responded directly to Stewart’s remarks as of this writing. But insiders suggest that her approval - and her concern - were received with understanding rather than irritation. After all, few actors carry as much cultural weight when it comes to championing the theatrical experience.

For now, the Cinerama Dome remains a structure in transition, a promise of return that has lingered through multiple delays. Stewart, for her part, plans to be there when the doors finally swing open. “I’ll buy a ticket like anyone else,” she said. “And I’ll sit in the back row and just hope. That’s all any of us can do.”

Her closing words hung in the air, equal parts prayer and dare. Whether the Dome lives up to its legacy - or falls victim to a botched revival - remains to be seen. But at least one famous face will be watching closely, ready to voice her verdict with her usual unfiltered honesty.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter