THE Brighton Marina Cineworld is closing, according to reports. 

The chain of cinema is set to close all of its 128 UK and Ireland cinemas, putting thousands of jobs at risk, according to The Sunday Times. 

Cineworld chiefs have reportedly blamed the decision on the postponement of big budget films – such as the new James Bond movie – due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

No Time to Die was delayed from November to April next year and had already been delayed from its original release date this April. 

Cineworld is the world's second largest cinema operator, and the largest in the UK, where it operates the Cineworld and Picturehouse brands.

Duke of York's in Preston Road and Duke's at Komedia in Gardner street are Picturehouse cinemas, but no statement has been made which clarifies whether the closure includes this brand.

The chain could announce the decision, which would put up to 5,500 jobs at risk, as early as tomorrow.

The temporary closure of the chain would see the shutting of its cinemas in Chichester, Crawley, Eastbourne and Brighton.

The Brighton Marina Cineworld opened on July 31 after undergoing “major refurbishment” during lockdown. 

The works added a brand new ScreenX auditorium as well as a new Starbucks. 

The reported decision comes after major movie studios began delaying the release of blockbuster titles. 

On Friday, Fast and Furious sequel F9 was delayed again and Disney announced last month that its live action Mulan film would be debuting on its streaming service Disney Plus, instead of in cinemas. 

Cineworld will look to reopen next year in line with the big blockbuster releases, according to the reports, which suggest many of the company’s staff will be offered redundancy, with possible incentives to rejoin when cinemas reopen.