A movie star and a relative of British royalty are bringing movies back to an Essex County theater.

The South Orange Performing Arts Center will reopen as The Village Cinemas at SOPAC on July 22.

Film producer Luke Parker Bowles, of Montclair, is founder and CEO of Cinema Lab, the company that leased the theater, and plans a gradual renovation as it welcomes moviegoers.

He is the nephew of Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker Bowles.

Bowles says beyond a fresh look for the five auditoriums and lobby, there will be an emphasis on safety with contactless ticketing and certain food services as the movie industry struggles to recover from the pandemic.

"The pandemic had threatened to destroy the movie business. But if you look at recent box office successes, if it's the right movie, audiences are ready to come back," he said.

Actor and fellow Montclair resident Patrick Wilson, along with several others from the worlds of entertainment and business, comprise Cinema Lab with Bowles.

Bowles says the theater will show blockbusters and arthouse films, as well as produce live programming.

Cinema Lab plans to open a theater in Bradley Beach in the fall and one in Maplewood next year.