After sitting mostly dark since 2025, Capitol Hill’s beloved Egyptian Theater may finally have a path back to regular movie showings.
WFLM Seattle, a group formed specifically to take over the theater, is nearing a deal with Seattle College, which owns the building. Ben Redder, a member of WFLM, told The Stranger that the two sides are close to finalizing a lease. Seattle College, for its part, told The Stranger that it will publicly announce the agreement once both parties have signed.
The Egyptian first temporarily closed in 2024 after a burst pipe flooded the theater. In 2025, the closure became permanent when SIFF chose not to renew its 10-year lease. Although the venue has hosted a handful of events since then, it has largely remained unused.
WFLM has been negotiating with Seattle College since mid-February. The group includes Redder, Elias Savage, Scotty Wright, and Lenna Hed. In August, they gave Seattle moviegoers a preview of what could be ahead, hosting a sold-out screening of a documentary about Lenny Wilkins (the three-time NBA Hall of Famer) at the theater.
If the lease is completed, WFLM plans to give the Egyptian a programming identity inspired by Santa Ana’s Frida Cinema. The theater won’t screen first-run releases. Instead, expect repertory movies, cult favorites, and overlooked gems. They also want to start doing midnight movies at the Egyptian again: a once-important part of Capitol Hill nightlife.
As far as next steps, Redder said the Egyptian is “nearly in immaculate shape.” WFLM plans to make some improvements before reopening, with the goal of getting the theater back in business by the end of 2026.
