On Thursday, Another Planet Entertainment (APE) announced that the Castro Theatre would reopen in February 2026 — although with a new name.
Earlier this week, APE rebranded The Castro Theatre to 'The Castro', dropping the theatre moniker from the historic 103-year-old movie palace.
APE took over management of the theatre in 2022, while the Nasser family maintains ownership.
The Castro will reopen in February 2026. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
First reported by the Bay Area Reporter, APE spokesperson David Perry stated, "Curtain up and light the lights." APE is also hiring a bar manager and an operations & house manager for The Castro.
“We are thrilled that Another Planet continues to fulfill its promise and bring jobs and economic vibrancy to the Castro,” added Perry.
Perry did not immediately respond to Hoodline's request for comment on the name change.
Earlier this summer, APE announced that The Castro was accepting bookings for March 2026 and beyond.
Castro Theatre chandelier being returned on June 5. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
The reopening will come two years after APE kicked off its now $40 million restoration of the historic Castro Theatre. Earlier this year, Hoodline reported that the Castro Theatre's reopening had been pushed back until late 2025 or beyond.
Originally, APE planned to reopen the Castro after an 18-month renovation by Summer 2025. An informational page about the renovations, restorations, and updates has since been taken down and replaced by a landing page.
APE's renovations included removing the orchestra-level seating and replacing it with four tiered sections of platforms with removable seats on a motorized raked floor.
The orchestra-level seating inside the Castro Theatre has been removed (April 2024). | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Additional renovations include restoring the neon blade sign (the 'O' has been broken for the past few months), removing the lobby-area concession stand, expanding the women's restroom, improving the ventilation and electrical systems, adding a ground-floor dressing room, and restoring the ceiling.
Undergrounding work that began in July to upgrade the theater's electrical system continues to take place. The project was originally scheduled to be completed by August 4, however a construction worker outside the Castro told Hoodline this week that work is expected to take at least another month.
Undergrounding work has been ongoing since July. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Perry did not respond to Hoodline's request for an update on the project.
The status of adjacent businesses renting space from the Nasser Family, who own the theater and its two storefronts, remains uncertain as they attempt to negotiate new leases.
The Castro Coffee Company and Castro Nail Salon remain open after a 60-day deadline set by Mayor Lurie has come and gone.
