AMC jumps on record Easter weekend driven by Super Mario sequel

Shares of theater chain AMC Entertainment AMC.N up 15% at $1.29 on Mon after seeing strong admissions and merchandise sales over the long Easter weekend, bolstered by "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie"

AMC says more than 6 mln people attended its theaters in the US or Odeon cinemas internationally from Apr 1-Apr 5, helping it post the most combined admissions and food and beverage revenue over the long holiday weekend in its 106-year history

Illumination and Nintendo 7974.T partnered on the sequel to the 2023 hit "The Super Mario Bros. Movie", with the latest version, released by Comcast's CMCSA.O Universal Pictures, reportedly grossing more than $370 mln in its global debut

AMC says it also benefited from other new releases like "The Drama", as well as continued popularity for titles like “Project Hail Mary” and “Hoppers”

Even with the gain on Mon, AMC stock down 17% YTD and off >50% over the past 12 months