AN EPIC battle is brewing between an independent cinema operator and the world’s second-largest media company, but only time will tell who has the force on their side.

Queensland’s Cineplex is going head-to-head with The Walt Disney Company after the multinational juggernaut, worth a staggering $22.45 billion, announced a new pricing structure which will force them to raise ticket prices for the next Star Wars film.

Cineplex CEO Leo Catalano said the cinema’s regular $8.50 adult tickets ($6.50 for students and $4.50 for children and pensioners) did not cover the minimum amount Disney now requires from each ticket for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

media_camera A scene from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Picture: Lucasfilm

“We’re doing all we can to negotiate with Disney so we don’t have to raise prices,” he said. Mr Catalano said the company had been in the business for 40 years and this would be the first time they had to increase ticket prices in over a decade.

“We absorb extra costs wherever we can so that customers don’t have to pay more for tickets,” he said.

“But the costs Disney require per ticket are just too high.”

Pre-sale tickets for the new Star Wars blockbuster go on sale tomorrow.

Cineplex will delay the release of regular tickets while the negotiations with Disney continue.

“Many cinemas will be offering tickets for sale from Monday, however we are holding out hope that we can reach an agreement with Disney whereby we won’t have to raise our prices,” a statement on the cinema’s website read.

media_camera Cineplex CEO Leo Catalano. Picture: Richard Walker

If an agreement with Disney cannot be reached, regular adult tickets for the blockbuster will be raised to $9, a student ticket will cost $8 and children and seniors will be $6.50.

“At the end of the day we’re an independent retailer that prides itself on offering affordable tickets,” Mr Catalano said.

The Sunday Mail understands the price rise was a national directive from Disney’s Australian branch and will apply to all future “major” Disney films including the upcoming princess film, Moana. Cineplex has seven cinemas across Queensland’s southeast located in South Bank, Hawthorne, Balmoral, Victoria Point, Nerang and Redbank.