Movie theaters can't open in Indiana yet. That's OK; they weren't planning on it.

Corrections & clarifications: This story was updated after Gov. Eric Holcomb's executive orders were released.

Movie theaters were expected to be allowed to reopen in Stage 3 of Indiana's reopening plan, but they will remain closed, according to Gov. Eric Holcomb's latest executive orders.

The original reopening plan called for indoor movie theaters to reopen at 50% capacity in Stage 3, which begins Friday for most Indiana counties. Under Stage 2, only drive-in theaters were allowed to open. Lake, Marion and Cass counties won't enter Stage 3 until June 1 at the earliest because they have seen more cases of the coronavirus.

However, Holcomb's executive order, released Thursday, states that movie theaters will remain closed in Stage 3. Drive-in theaters are permitted to operate.

Many cinemas had not announced definite plans for reopening. 

In early May, NPR reported that national chains AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas and Cinemark don't plan to reopen before June at the earliest.

The National Association of Theatre Owners released a statement in April that noted the national aspect of the movie industry. 

"Until the majority of markets in the U.S. are open, and major markets in particular, new wide release movies are unlikely to be available. As a result, some theaters in some areas that are authorized to open may be able economically to reopen with repertory product; however, many theaters will not be able to feasibly open," it stated.

Studios have shifted nearly all of their films to later this year or into 2021. Only three high-profile films still stand on the calendar: Christopher Nolan's thriller “Tenet” (July 17), Disney's live-action “Mulan” (July 24) and “Wonder Woman 1984" (Aug. 14).

And those could still change.

“Unless New York and LA actually open (this summer) — and that is just seeming more and more impossible as we go — there is no way a studio is going to open a movie, especially a tentpole," said Jeff Bock, senior box-office analyst for Exhibitor Relations. "Science and education will not allow for it.”

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Nationally, some theaters have reopened, such as the Santikos Entertainment chain in Texas, with entrance screening for COVID-19 symptoms, socially distanced seating and limited concessions. According to a recent EDO "Movie Theaters and Social Distancing" study, 75% of those surveyed are somewhat or highly likely to return to theaters in July — when "Tenet," "Mulan" and Russell Crowe's thriller "Unhinged" are set to arrive — if safety measures are in place.

'We are in no hurry'

Smaller local theaters are not keen on moving quickly. 

The Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington announced on May 8 that June 14 would be the earliest date it would reopen the box office and begin hosting events.

The grassroots Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie was about to open in March on the east side in Marion County when the coronavirus took hold. The indie theater postponed its grand opening, however, and does not have a set target date.

"We are continually re-evaluating the situation, but we are in no hurry to be a first mover at the risk of our families, our employees, and our community," co-owner Ed Battista wrote in a text to IndyStar.

Franklin's Historic Artcraft Theatre has not named an opening date either.

The venue is currently coming up with plans on how to sanitize between audiences when it does reopen, assessing staff and volunteers' comfort, and surveying patrons. Rob Shilts, executive director of the nonprofit owner, Franklin Heritage, said they're looking for the number of coronavirus cases to trend downward.

"I kind of think (theaters) are going to be one of the last of the groups to (open) because, you know, people probably aren't comfortable sitting next to each other yet," he said.

USA TODAY reporter Brian Truitt contributed.

Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.