Ransomware Assault Shuts Down Beloved Indie Theater Chain

In a major blow to the independent film industry, the Living Room Theaters chain was recently struck by a crippling ransomware attack. According to the company's CEO Steve Herring, the cyberattack occurred on the evening of November 13th, 2025, taking down the chain's "critical computer systems" and rendering its theaters in Portland and Indianapolis unable to operate.

The timing could not have been worse, as the theaters were set to screen the highly anticipated new Wicked movie, along with several independent films. Patrons who showed up unaware of the attack found the theaters shuttered, with a "CLOSED" sign taped to the doors. The company's website is also currently down.

Living Room Theaters, which opened its Indianapolis location in the final weeks of 2020 amid the pandemic, has faced significant challenges in recent years. The rise of streaming services and a 10% decline in nationwide theater attendance have made it increasingly difficult for smaller, independent cinemas to survive.

Now, the company must work to recover from the ransomware attack and refund all unused tickets. While the FBI and cybersecurity experts are assisting in the investigation and remediation efforts, there is still no timeline for when normal operations can resume. For the beloved indie theater chain, the holiday season may prove a critical test of its resilience.