Jan 29 (Reuters) - AMC Entertainment AMC.N on Thursday forecast a fourth-quarter loss wider than Wall Street estimates, as return to theaters remained slow, hurting recovery from pandemic-era lows.

The largest U.S. theater chain operator also said it struck a deal with some creditors, including those of its Odeon European unit, that would clear the path for debt refinancing aimed at cutting interest payments and extending maturities.

Still grappling with pandemic-era debt and uneven box office results, theater chain operators have been leaning on blockbusters and franchise films to draw in an increasingly selective audience.

AMC said it expects a net loss of $127.4 million for the quarter, higher than analysts' average estimate of $80.9 million. That would mark its ninth straight quarter of losses.

The theater industry did not see "growth we anticipated," AMC CEO Adam Aron said in a statement, adding that "the box office improved modestly year-over-year, rising approximately 1.5%."

The company forecast revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter ended December 31, narrowly missing analysts' average estimate of $1.3 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

The last three months of 2025 included some of the year's top‑grossing movies such as "Avatar: Fire and Ash," "Zootopia 2," and "Wicked: For Good."

CEO Aron said 2026 had a "highly anticipated" slate. Franchise superhero films "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "Avengers: Doomsday" are slated for release this year, which could help the company shore up revenue and catalyze growth.

AMC will report its final results for the fourth quarter on February 24.

(Reporting by Anhata Rooprai in Bengaluru; Editing by Diti Pujara)

((Anhata.Rooprai@thomsonreuters.com))