‘The Batman‘ had an $11.6 million opening weekend and took first place at the Chinese box office. It was the biggest opening for a Hollywood title in China this year, but with coronavirus problems affecting cinema operations, the result has a tinge of missed opportunity.

According to data from the consultancy Artisan Gateway, the film grossed $11.8 million, including Thursday’s previews.

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According to Imax, the film earned $2 million of that total from its screens, accounting for 16% of the film’s China weekend total. It was also reported that “The Batman” was shown on 440 Imax screens, which could be due to temporary closures. On a typical weekend, there are approximately 750 Imax theatres in commercial operation.

“Uncharted” came in second place, earning $4.0 million from Friday to Sunday. According to Artisan Gateway, “Uncharted” received an unusual Monday release and grossed $10.4 million in its first seven days.

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“The Battle at Lake Changjin II,” a long-running Chinese blockbuster, earned $1.6 million over the weekend, bringing its total to $638 million since its release on February 1.

Other Chinese New Year titles remained on the chart as well. “Too Cool to Kill” brought in another $1 million, bringing the total to 413 million. “Boonie Bears: Back to Earth” contributed $600,000, bringing the total to $152 million.

This year’s box office has generally trailed that of 2021, when China retained its title as the world’s largest theatrical market for a second year, albeit at sun-2019 levels. The reemergence of coronavirus is now a threat that could stymie further recovery.

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The China Film Administration ordered cinemas in high- and medium-risk areas to close temporarily on Friday. Those in low-risk areas must increase social distancing measures and reduce seating to 75% of full capacity. Food and beverages are also not permitted in theatres.

Artisan Gateway estimated that 30% of the country’s cinemas were closed by midweek. By the weekend, that figure could have risen to 43%.

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The China Film Administration ordered cinemas in high- and medium-risk areas to close temporarily on Friday. Those in low-risk areas must increase social distancing measures and reduce seating to 75% of full capacity. Food and beverages are also not permitted in theatres.

Artisan Gateway estimated that 30 % of the country’s cinemas were closed by midweek. By the weekend, that figure could have risen to 43%.

The closures are concentrated in major cities, which also have the most receptive audiences to foreign films. Authorities identified 33 high-risk areas and 538 medium-risk areas on Monday. They reported that on Sunday, they discovered 2,027 new confirmed cases and 2,492 asymptomatic cases. This year’s asymptomatic figure is the highest.

The national box office was only worth $21.0 million, making this the second-weakest weekend of 2022. The year-to-date total is $2.18 billion, which Artisan Gateway calculates is 20% less than the same point last year.