Cineworld Leicester Square: a history of glamour and innovation

Jurassic World Dominion comes roaring into cinemas on Friday (10 June), and you won't find a better place to watch this new, all-action blockbuster than at Cineworld Leicester Square. For decades, our flagship West End venue has been seen as the epicentre of movie-watching here in the UK, a theatre of dreams whose giant screens and trailblazing technology have wowed film lovers from all over the world. 

As the number-one cinema for movie premieres in London, Cineworld Leicester Square has attracted a galaxy of stars, too. Over the years, our famous red carpet has glistened with prestige and talent, as a long line of A-list stars – from royalty to rock legends, Hollywood heroes to pop princes – have come to witness the latest releases in the most spectacular way possible.  

Indeed, it was at this very cinema that the original Jurassic Park movie received its UK premiere back in 1993. On that occasion, the world's media clamoured to catch a glimpse of Princess Diana as she arrived at Cineworld Leicester Square to experience this much-talked-about Steven Spielberg epic. There, she was joined by the film's cast and crew, including Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough and the legendary director himself.

 

 

 

 

Fast-forward three decades and, while Cineworld Leicester Square remains the go-to venue for glamorous film fans, some things have changed. In keeping with our mission to provide the most iconic movie-watching experience imaginable, we've transformed the cinema with the very latest IMAX with Laser technology. Offering the biggest IMAX experience in the UK (the screen is more than three times the height of a London bus!), this spectacular auditorium is equipped with dual 4K laser projection that delivers eye-poppingly realistic visuals. Combine this with the cinema's next-gen IMAX 12-channel sound system, and you're guaranteed a truly immersive ride whatever you come to see.  

Of course, there's no better film to show off this spectacular technology than Jurassic World Dominion, and movie fans are in for a real treat if they experience this blockbuster on our IMAX with Laser screen. Nearly 30 years after they appeared on the red carpet at Cineworld Leicester Square, Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum make a glorious return to the franchise, where they'll be united with the second generation of Jurassic Park stars, including Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. But, as usual, the true stars of the show are the devilish dinos – joined this time around by the terrifying Giganotosaurus – who spend the best part of two and a half hours chasing, chomping, gnarling and gnashing at our team of heroes. 

Witnessed on Cineworld Leicester Square's giant IMAX with Laser screen, it's an adrenaline-fuelled adventure; and one that you'll remember for many years to come. Who knows what incredible new technology Cineworld will introduce during that time...    

To celebrate its heritage as a hotbed for the world's most glamorous stars, Cineworld Leicester Square has just opened a new gallery depicting some of the famous people who've graced the cinema's iconic red carpet. It's open now, so why not go and take a look before you settle down to enjoy your movie.

 

Celebrities who've appeared at Cineworld Leicester Square over the years

 

1946 – Queen Elizabeth II

They don't come much more famous than Her Majesty – and, though she was yet to become the Queen when she arrived at Cineworld Leicester Square (then known as the Empire) for a Royal Command Performance of the fantasy romance A Matter of Life and Death, film fans were in awe of her stately elegance.

 

 

1956 – Marilyn Monroe

One of the silver screen's most iconic actresses brought Leicester Square to a standstill when she arrived with her husband, the playwright Arthur Miller, for a Royal Film Performance of World War Two drama The Battle of River Plate. It's not every day you get to see such a legend in the flesh!

 

 

1978 – Adam Ant 

He may not be a member of the Royal Family, but Prince Charming was certainly received like one when he turned up in Leicester Square to watch the disco classic Saturday Night Fever. 

 

 

1984 – Grace Jones

During the 1980s, few stars were as iconic as Grace Jones, the Jamaican model and singer combining attitude and style to devastating effect. Needless to say, the world's press were eager to grab a photo of her when she came for the premiere of the original Dune film. The movie was recently remade using IMAX cameras, and looked absolutely immense on the IMAX with Laser screen at Cineworld Leicester Square.

 

 

1993 – Princess Diana

Seen by many as the nation's sweetheart, Diana was the star attraction at the UK premiere of the original Jurassic Park film – and that's saying something when the film's cast and crew were also in attendance on the red carpet. 

 

 

2001 – Renee Zellweger

Bridget Jones' Diary was yet another iconic film whose UK premiere was held at Cineworld Leicester Square. And the main focus of the event was, of course, US actress Renee Zellweger, who was brilliant as the loveable singleton.

 

 

2019 – The cast and crew of Stars Wars: Rise of Skywalker

Excitement levels were through the roof as Star Wars fans from around the world lined the red carpet for the Rise of Skywalker European premiere. With various members of the cast and crew rocking up to view the blockbuster on one of Cineworld Leicester Square's huge screens – including Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Richard E. Grant (Pryde) and Warwick Davis (Wicket) – it was an unmissable treat for movie lovers.

 

 

2021 – Tom Hardy and Andy Serkis

With cinemas having closed throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, all eyes were on Cineworld Leicester Square as it finally kicked open its doors again for a special fan screening of Marvel's Venom: Let There Be Carnage. That the film's stars Tom Hardy and Andy Serkis were also in attendance just added to the excitement. 

 

 

2022 – Tom Cruise, Prince William, Kate Middleton 

Social media activity went into overdrive as three of the world's most famous faces graced the red carpet for the premiere of long-awaited sequel Top Gun: Maverick, which raised money for the Film & TV Charity. Once again, Cineworld Leicester Square was right at the heart of the action.