A major distribution dispute has unfolded in The Bahamas’ film exhibition market, after Sony Pictures unexpectedly blocked one of the country’s largest cinema chains from carrying its highly anticipated summer blockbuster *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, leaving local movie-goers with only one limited screening option and triggering questions about the decision’s link to a recent cybersecurity breach at the theater.
Fusion Superplex, a popular nine-screen entertainment complex that draws thousands of Bahamian audience members, has confirmed that its international film booking team was repeatedly denied licensing rights to the title ahead of its global July 31 theatrical launch. Sony Pictures, the official distributor of the latest Spider-Man installment, has offered no public or private explanation for the refusal, even as Fusion notes that its account remains in good standing with no unpaid balances owed to the studio.
What has deepened the uncertainty around the call is Fusion’s disclosure that it explicitly asked Sony if the denial was connected to the cinema’s recent ransomware and cyberattack incident — a query that the studio has yet to answer, as of press time. Unlike the United States, where the blockbuster opened wide to multiplexes across the country on July 31, The Bahamas currently only hosts screenings at The Island House, a small boutique resort that also operates an independent cinema. Following overwhelming demand from local fans, The Island House moved quickly to add extra showings via announcements on its social media channels.
Tecoyo Bridgewater, co-founder and chief legal officer of Fusion Superplex, clarified that Sony’s standard industry practice is to approve film licensing on a title-by-title basis for exhibitors, a framework that Fusion has operated under successfully for previous releases. For the majority of Bahamian audiences, the limited single-location release has created significant access barriers, Fusion emphasized. Many residents rely on the large nine-screen complex for major blockbusters, and the current distribution setup puts the film out of reach for most people who would have chosen to see it at Fusion.
Despite the standoff, the cinema said it remains optimistic that Sony will reverse its decision and approve licensing for a August 7 release at its locations. Fusion also issued a formal apology to its customers who had planned to watch the new Spider-Man installment at its complex.