Leawood-based AMC Theatres could be forced to file for bankruptcy and close underperforming locations nationwide, according to multiple reports.

The Wall Street Journal reports the world's largest movie theater chain has hired a law firm to assist in restructuring negotiations.

AMC was already struggling before the coronavirus outbreak. The crisis has only made matters worse. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all movie theaters to shut down March 16. The same day, AMC announced it was closing all 600 of its theaters nationwide for at least six to 12 weeks.

In late March, the company said it was furloughing hundreds of corporate employees, including executives and the chief executive officer.

AMC lost $149 million in 2019, and finished the year roughly $5 billion in debt, according to Yahoo! Entertainment.