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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. () — An iconic movie theater in Newport Beach is set to be demolished.
Regal Edwards Big Newport, which opened in 1969, is going to be replaced by two 22-story residential condominium towers, reshaping the fabric around Fashion Island. It comes after the theater has seen years of declining attendance.
Jim Edwards of the Edwards Family, which founded the movie theater company decades ago, said they’ve been interviewing developers for some time, looking for the right company to take over the space at 300 Newport Center Drive.
“It is with really heavy hearts that our family has decided not to extend Regal’s agreement to operate beyond June 2027. The theater will close permanently,” Edwards said.
Edwards spoke to the City of Newport Beach Planning Commission at a recent meeting about the project to voice his support for the development.
Plans show that the developer, Related California, will replace the six-screen movie theater and construct two 270-foot-high buildings with a total of 150 condominium units, for-sale home offices, on-site amenities, plus retail and cafe space. The residential towers will be nearly identical and connected through a podium.
The planning commission unanimously approved the project.
“As we see declining sales in retail anyway, our goal has to be to maintain every downtown, every retail and commercial piece, because otherwise they’d start drying up and you lose the character of your city,” said Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Noah Von Blom. “Sometimes, you have to move forward to go back and to remember Newport as it was. I feel like you need something beautiful that is a destination that feels wonderful. Plus, how many ocean views can you get of the greatest harbor in the world?”
Edwards noted that his family has called Newport Beach home for more than 70 years.
Regal Edwards Big Newport theater became the company’s flagship location.
During his presentation to the planning commission, he highlighted some of its history, including hosting premiers for “Jaws” and “Star Wars.”
It has been home to the Newport Beach Film Festival and countless memories.
But Edwards said due to continued declining attendance and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, his family’s industry is hurting.
“With the changing trends, our family wants to honor dad’s passion to create something special on this property,” Edwards said.
Moviegoers who stopped by for a matinee this week were devastated by the news.
“It’s upsetting because it limits our choices that we have for entertainment,” said James Ryan of Costa Mesa.
“It’s very sad, especially at my age. I’ve watched this city go from a very low horizon to just condos everywhere all the way to the sand,” said Tracy Hennessy of Costa Mesa.
It’s unclear when Big Newport will shut its doors for good.
Edwards noted its operation agreement runs through June 2027, but Regal wants to exit the agreement before the end of 2026.
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