Say hello to sequel season.
That might as well be the nickname for this summer’s slate of potential blockbusters. Over the next four months, Hollywood is rolling out what it hopes will be a winning mix of follow-ups, reboots and spinoffs from tested franchises like “Despicable Me” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it looks to reinvigorate the shaky movie theater business.
Last summer flipped the script: New properties, such as “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” ruled, while entries in aging series, like “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Mission Impossible 7,” missed the mark. This time out, the tried-and-true may yet prevail. Original offerings like Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt’s action-comedy “The Fall Guy” and Kevin Costner’s Western “Horizon: An American Saga” will attempt to lure audiences. But analysts anticipate that overly familiar brands — “Despicable Me 4,” Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2...
That might as well be the nickname for this summer’s slate of potential blockbusters. Over the next four months, Hollywood is rolling out what it hopes will be a winning mix of follow-ups, reboots and spinoffs from tested franchises like “Despicable Me” and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it looks to reinvigorate the shaky movie theater business.
Last summer flipped the script: New properties, such as “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” ruled, while entries in aging series, like “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Mission Impossible 7,” missed the mark. This time out, the tried-and-true may yet prevail. Original offerings like Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt’s action-comedy “The Fall Guy” and Kevin Costner’s Western “Horizon: An American Saga” will attempt to lure audiences. But analysts anticipate that overly familiar brands — “Despicable Me 4,” Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2...
- 5/1/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, presents the studio’s upcoming slate at CinemaConPhoto: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
CinemaCon, as one might occasionally need to remind friends and family not particularly invested in entertainment industry conventions, isn’t the same thing as Comic-Con. It’s not an event that’s geared towards fans,...
CinemaCon, as one might occasionally need to remind friends and family not particularly invested in entertainment industry conventions, isn’t the same thing as Comic-Con. It’s not an event that’s geared towards fans,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Brent Simon
- avclub.com
The trailer for Paramount’s Smile 2 came as a surprise Thursday morning during the studio’s session at CinemaCon.
Alhough not introduced, when the images first hit the screen, it was easy to assume Paramount was distributing a Lady Gaga concert movie (it truly felt that way). But as it continued, it was clear Naomi Scott was playing a pop star who encounters a number of terrorizing smiling fans and associates (including Lukas Gage) in the Parker Finn-directed and -written sequel to the $217 million-plus global grossing 2022 horror hit.
Gags were aplenty this morning from Paramount CEO Brian Robbins and Domestic Distribution President Chris Aronson, the latter who showed up dressed as a gladiator, and they continued after they dropped the trailer. Following its reveal, Aronson called out to circuit heads Sean Gamble of Cinemark, Eduardo Acuna of Regal and Adam Aron of AMC, who individually were projected on screen smiling (get the stunt?...
Alhough not introduced, when the images first hit the screen, it was easy to assume Paramount was distributing a Lady Gaga concert movie (it truly felt that way). But as it continued, it was clear Naomi Scott was playing a pop star who encounters a number of terrorizing smiling fans and associates (including Lukas Gage) in the Parker Finn-directed and -written sequel to the $217 million-plus global grossing 2022 horror hit.
Gags were aplenty this morning from Paramount CEO Brian Robbins and Domestic Distribution President Chris Aronson, the latter who showed up dressed as a gladiator, and they continued after they dropped the trailer. Following its reveal, Aronson called out to circuit heads Sean Gamble of Cinemark, Eduardo Acuna of Regal and Adam Aron of AMC, who individually were projected on screen smiling (get the stunt?...
- 4/11/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Las Vegas – Things are rocky for Paramount Pictures at the moment. While studio CEO and Chairman Brian Robbins and his team presented highlights of their upcoming 2024 slate, reports were breaking of corporate shareholders coming out publicly against a proposed merger with Skydance Media. Robbins acknowledged the “elephant in the room” joking that the studio’s head of distribution Chris Aronson was setting up a GoFundMe to buy the company himself.
Continue reading ‘Gladiator II’ Shows Its Teeth For Paramount Pictures At CinemaCon at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Gladiator II’ Shows Its Teeth For Paramount Pictures At CinemaCon at The Playlist.
- 4/11/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
What do you do when your conglom might be a target for a takeover? Don’t sweat it and laugh.
As Skydance remains in talks with Paramount Global‘s majority shareholder National Amusements to take control of the studio, Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins made light of sales talks before exhibitors at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Thursday, saying “My colleague Chris Aronson is also raising money to make a bid for the studio; he has a Kickstarter … I don’t know how corporate will feel.”
Flashed behind Robbins on the screen was a fake news report about Paramount’s domestic distribution president Aronson with a cardboard sign that read “Anything helps” in a plea for donations.
Paramount is currently in an exclusive 30-day negotiating window with Skydance Media for a deal that’s favored by Shari Redstone but getting tons of blowback from other shareholders.
Despite’s Paramount financial...
As Skydance remains in talks with Paramount Global‘s majority shareholder National Amusements to take control of the studio, Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins made light of sales talks before exhibitors at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Thursday, saying “My colleague Chris Aronson is also raising money to make a bid for the studio; he has a Kickstarter … I don’t know how corporate will feel.”
Flashed behind Robbins on the screen was a fake news report about Paramount’s domestic distribution president Aronson with a cardboard sign that read “Anything helps” in a plea for donations.
Paramount is currently in an exclusive 30-day negotiating window with Skydance Media for a deal that’s favored by Shari Redstone but getting tons of blowback from other shareholders.
Despite’s Paramount financial...
- 4/11/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
A lively CinemaCon presentation closed out with spectacular first footage from Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II as studio top brass mostly put speculation of mergers and acquisitions behind them to focus on a rich upcoming slate.
Yet there was scarcely a mention of Mission: Impossible 8, the next instalment in the spy action franchise from Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie due out on May 23, 2025. There was no recorded segment of Cruise dangling from the International Space Station announcing the new title, and no sneak peaks.
Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins did however introduce a recorded piece from director Ridley Scott and stars Paul Mescal,...
Yet there was scarcely a mention of Mission: Impossible 8, the next instalment in the spy action franchise from Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie due out on May 23, 2025. There was no recorded segment of Cruise dangling from the International Space Station announcing the new title, and no sneak peaks.
Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins did however introduce a recorded piece from director Ridley Scott and stars Paul Mescal,...
- 4/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
A lively CinemaCon presentation closed out with spectacular first footage from Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II as studio top brass mostly put speculation of mergers and acquisitions behind them to focus on a rich upcoming slate.
Yet there was scarcely a mention of Mission: Impossible 8, the next instalment in the spy action franchise from Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie due out on May 23, 2025.
Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins introduced a recorded piece from director Ridley Scott and stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington. Ahead of the November 22 release later this year, the...
Yet there was scarcely a mention of Mission: Impossible 8, the next instalment in the spy action franchise from Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie due out on May 23, 2025.
Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins introduced a recorded piece from director Ridley Scott and stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington. Ahead of the November 22 release later this year, the...
- 4/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
Paramount’s A Quiet Place: Day One is getting ready to bring chills to audiences.
Stars Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn on Thursday introduced extended footage of the prequel to movie theater owners gathered in Las Vegas this week for CinemaCon, where they are being briefed by Hollywood studios on their upcoming slates (the footage won’t be shared outside the room, since the movie is close to opening and there have been numerous trailers already).
The event spinoff pic is a cornerstone of Paramount’s slate, and hopes to be another win for the innovative horror franchise created by John Krasinski that turned into a major hit after successfully proving that original stories can work on a large, commercial scale.
Krasinksi is a key member of Paramount’s inner circle of filmmakers, along with Neal H. Moritz, Ryan Reynolds and Damien Chazelle. During his time onstage Thursday, Paramount film...
Stars Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn on Thursday introduced extended footage of the prequel to movie theater owners gathered in Las Vegas this week for CinemaCon, where they are being briefed by Hollywood studios on their upcoming slates (the footage won’t be shared outside the room, since the movie is close to opening and there have been numerous trailers already).
The event spinoff pic is a cornerstone of Paramount’s slate, and hopes to be another win for the innovative horror franchise created by John Krasinski that turned into a major hit after successfully proving that original stories can work on a large, commercial scale.
Krasinksi is a key member of Paramount’s inner circle of filmmakers, along with Neal H. Moritz, Ryan Reynolds and Damien Chazelle. During his time onstage Thursday, Paramount film...
- 4/11/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins got cheeky about the sales talks surrounding his corporate parent Paramount Global.
In a presentation to worldwide theater owners at the annual Las Vegas convention CinemaCon, Robbins got right to the point in his opening remarks about what’s next for his team. The actor-turned-executive asked the crowd at Caesars Palace if they’d heard about recent speculation over the sale before announcing that “my colleague Chris Aronson is also raising money to make a bid for the studio; he has a Kickstarter.”
The joke was accompanied by a mock news report featuring Paramount film distribution president Aronson, who was pictured holding a cardboard sign soliciting donations. “Anything helps,” it read.
Aronson is known for his deep ties to the theater owners and for splashy CinemaCon entrances. It may be super inside baseball, but the crowd ate it up. Though Robbins ultimately avoided any material...
In a presentation to worldwide theater owners at the annual Las Vegas convention CinemaCon, Robbins got right to the point in his opening remarks about what’s next for his team. The actor-turned-executive asked the crowd at Caesars Palace if they’d heard about recent speculation over the sale before announcing that “my colleague Chris Aronson is also raising money to make a bid for the studio; he has a Kickstarter.”
The joke was accompanied by a mock news report featuring Paramount film distribution president Aronson, who was pictured holding a cardboard sign soliciting donations. “Anything helps,” it read.
Aronson is known for his deep ties to the theater owners and for splashy CinemaCon entrances. It may be super inside baseball, but the crowd ate it up. Though Robbins ultimately avoided any material...
- 4/11/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
It didn’t happen at Universal’s presentation, but we finally got a Christopher Nolan announcement at CinemaCon 2024.
On Thursday morning, Paramount Pictures’ President of Domestic Distribution Chris Aronson revealed that Nolan’s “Interstellar” will return to theaters on September 27, 2024 in both 70mm and IMAX formats. The re-release is a celebration of the film’s 10-year anniversary. It is probably also — at least somewhat — a continued celebration of Nolan’s Best Picture-winner “Oppenheimer.”
Of course, the “Oppenheimer” victory isn’t for Paramount to tout, and its studio Universal took a brief victory lap (or two) during its own Wednesday afternoon Colosseum presentation. The on-stage champagne-popping split time with “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and included a prerecorded message from Nolan. (He did not touch on “Mario.”)
In the package played for a packed house of (mostly) exhibitors, Nolan said he had been “very nervous” about showing “Oppenheimer” footage to the same CinemaCon audience last year.
On Thursday morning, Paramount Pictures’ President of Domestic Distribution Chris Aronson revealed that Nolan’s “Interstellar” will return to theaters on September 27, 2024 in both 70mm and IMAX formats. The re-release is a celebration of the film’s 10-year anniversary. It is probably also — at least somewhat — a continued celebration of Nolan’s Best Picture-winner “Oppenheimer.”
Of course, the “Oppenheimer” victory isn’t for Paramount to tout, and its studio Universal took a brief victory lap (or two) during its own Wednesday afternoon Colosseum presentation. The on-stage champagne-popping split time with “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and included a prerecorded message from Nolan. (He did not touch on “Mario.”)
In the package played for a packed house of (mostly) exhibitors, Nolan said he had been “very nervous” about showing “Oppenheimer” footage to the same CinemaCon audience last year.
- 4/11/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Monday Am: No surprise as Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love continues to overperform now at $52M over 6-days after a better than expected Sunday of $9.45M (to originally expected $8.55M).
Monday is looking to ring in $5.5M. Current 3-day is $28.6M, 4-day is $34.1M. Some falsely guessed that coming off a record Valentine’s Day of $14M that Bob Marley: One Love would be front-loaded, ala The Color Purple which posted $18.1M on its opening Christmas Day (granted that had previews rolled into it). However, Bob Marley has a bigger appeal than that feature take of the Broadway musical; for in six days, the reggae legend biopic has already made 86% of what Color Purple finaled at ($60.5M). Overall, a great start for what will be a piece of counterprogramming as we approach Dune: Part Two on March 1.
The worst reviewed superhero movie in some time, Sony/Marvel’s Madame Web,...
Monday is looking to ring in $5.5M. Current 3-day is $28.6M, 4-day is $34.1M. Some falsely guessed that coming off a record Valentine’s Day of $14M that Bob Marley: One Love would be front-loaded, ala The Color Purple which posted $18.1M on its opening Christmas Day (granted that had previews rolled into it). However, Bob Marley has a bigger appeal than that feature take of the Broadway musical; for in six days, the reggae legend biopic has already made 86% of what Color Purple finaled at ($60.5M). Overall, a great start for what will be a piece of counterprogramming as we approach Dune: Part Two on March 1.
The worst reviewed superhero movie in some time, Sony/Marvel’s Madame Web,...
- 2/19/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated: Paramount’s musical biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” ruled in its box office debut, beating expectations with $28.6 million over the traditional weekend and $52 million during the six-day holiday stretch.
It was initially projected to generate $30 million to $35 million between Valentine’s Day on Wednesday and Presidents’ Day on Monday. The film came in slightly above Sunday’s domestic estimates of $27.7 million for the three days and $51 million for the six. It experienced an uptick because audiences dug “One Love,” which landed an encouraging “A” CinemaScore from moviegoers. Critics weren’t as fond of the by-the-numbers retelling of Marley’s life and music career as evidenced by the film’s 43% rotten average on Rotten Tomatoes. Reinaldo Marcus Green (“King Richard”) directed and co-wrote the PG-13 “Bob Marley: One Love,” starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the iconic reggae singer and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.
“My family and I are honored...
It was initially projected to generate $30 million to $35 million between Valentine’s Day on Wednesday and Presidents’ Day on Monday. The film came in slightly above Sunday’s domestic estimates of $27.7 million for the three days and $51 million for the six. It experienced an uptick because audiences dug “One Love,” which landed an encouraging “A” CinemaScore from moviegoers. Critics weren’t as fond of the by-the-numbers retelling of Marley’s life and music career as evidenced by the film’s 43% rotten average on Rotten Tomatoes. Reinaldo Marcus Green (“King Richard”) directed and co-wrote the PG-13 “Bob Marley: One Love,” starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the iconic reggae singer and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.
“My family and I are honored...
- 2/18/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
There’s a new queen bee at the box office. Paramount’s “Mean Girls” musical ruled over the competition with $28 million over the weekend and $32 million through the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday.
Thanks to enduring love for the original 2004 film, an insanely quotable touchstone that turned Oct. 3 into a national holiday, and the power of TikTok, “Mean Girls” is proving the Plastics are still box office draws. The movie musical cost just $36 million and was initially commissioned for Paramount+ before enthusiastic test screenings convinced the studio to release it on the big screen.
Internationally, “Mean Girls” collected $6.5 million from 16 territories, representing less than half of its planned international footprint. The film opens next weekend in the U.K. and New Zealand, followed by other major territories.
Ticket buyers were unsurprisingly 76% female while 60% were under the age of 25. They gave the film a mixed “B” CinemaScore, which is...
Thanks to enduring love for the original 2004 film, an insanely quotable touchstone that turned Oct. 3 into a national holiday, and the power of TikTok, “Mean Girls” is proving the Plastics are still box office draws. The movie musical cost just $36 million and was initially commissioned for Paramount+ before enthusiastic test screenings convinced the studio to release it on the big screen.
Internationally, “Mean Girls” collected $6.5 million from 16 territories, representing less than half of its planned international footprint. The film opens next weekend in the U.K. and New Zealand, followed by other major territories.
Ticket buyers were unsurprisingly 76% female while 60% were under the age of 25. They gave the film a mixed “B” CinemaScore, which is...
- 1/14/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Without Taylor Swift and Martin Scorsese, the October box office would have been a ghost town long before Halloween hit.
It was thanks to two unconventional releases — “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” one distributed by an exhibitor and the other backed by a major streaming service — that anyone went to the movies at all.
It may get worse before it gets better. Hollywood hoped SAG-AFTRA and studios would resolve their contract negotiations by the end of October. But the strike drags on, preventing major stars from promoting their new films and adding to exhibitors’ anxieties about the upcoming holiday season.
“The lack of any resolution in labor conflicts is bad news for movie theaters,” says Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at Boxoffice Pro. “The longer the strike goes on, we approach that worst-case scenario of impact. Some movies don’t need actors to promote them,...
It was thanks to two unconventional releases — “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” one distributed by an exhibitor and the other backed by a major streaming service — that anyone went to the movies at all.
It may get worse before it gets better. Hollywood hoped SAG-AFTRA and studios would resolve their contract negotiations by the end of October. But the strike drags on, preventing major stars from promoting their new films and adding to exhibitors’ anxieties about the upcoming holiday season.
“The lack of any resolution in labor conflicts is bad news for movie theaters,” says Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at Boxoffice Pro. “The longer the strike goes on, we approach that worst-case scenario of impact. Some movies don’t need actors to promote them,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Erik Lomis, the late MGM film distribution executive, was posthumously honored as the recipient of the Will Rogers Pioneer of the Year Award at a charity dinner held at the Beverly Hilton on Wednesday.
Paramount domestic distribution chief Chris Aronson hosted the event, sharing memories of one of his closest — and most profanity-laden — friends in the business. Among the stories Aronson told was the time that he suffered a life-threatening medical emergency that required hours of surgery and woke up in the hospital to find Lomis, suffering from a painful kidney stone, waiting by his bedside.
“‘What the F are you doing here?’” Aronson recalled asking Lomis, “I thought you were in the hospital. He said ‘Yeah, I was, but I heard you might die, so I thought I better get over here until you did.’ That was Erik Lomis, and that’s the way he was. The best and most loyal friend.
Paramount domestic distribution chief Chris Aronson hosted the event, sharing memories of one of his closest — and most profanity-laden — friends in the business. Among the stories Aronson told was the time that he suffered a life-threatening medical emergency that required hours of surgery and woke up in the hospital to find Lomis, suffering from a painful kidney stone, waiting by his bedside.
“‘What the F are you doing here?’” Aronson recalled asking Lomis, “I thought you were in the hospital. He said ‘Yeah, I was, but I heard you might die, so I thought I better get over here until you did.’ That was Erik Lomis, and that’s the way he was. The best and most loyal friend.
- 10/5/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Laughs blended with tears tonight at the Beverly Hilton as many in Hollywood remembered late MGM Theatrical Distribution Boss and big screen champion Erik Lomis who was lauded posthumously with the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation’s Pioneer of the Year award. Lomis passed suddenly at 64 on March 22.
It was a fitting tribute for Lomis, who was a force to be reckoned with in fundraising for the org which assists those working in distribution and exhibition in need. One longtime friend and MGM colleague of Lomis described his fundraising talents for Will Rogers: “When Erik called you, you never said ‘No’.” It was only a year ago that Lomis served as the charity’s co-Chair and hosted last year’s fun-filled fundraiser which bestowed the Pioneer of the Year award to his longtime colleagues, 007 franchise producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Paul Thomas Anderson, whose movies The Master and Licorice Pizza,...
It was a fitting tribute for Lomis, who was a force to be reckoned with in fundraising for the org which assists those working in distribution and exhibition in need. One longtime friend and MGM colleague of Lomis described his fundraising talents for Will Rogers: “When Erik called you, you never said ‘No’.” It was only a year ago that Lomis served as the charity’s co-Chair and hosted last year’s fun-filled fundraiser which bestowed the Pioneer of the Year award to his longtime colleagues, 007 franchise producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Paul Thomas Anderson, whose movies The Master and Licorice Pizza,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Natalie Sitek
- Deadline Film + TV
The movie industry gave the late Erik Lomis — the bold and shrewd studio distribution chief who released hundreds of movies during his career — a fitting sendoff Wednesday night.
Lomis, who died suddenly in March at age 64, posthumously received the 2023 Will Rogers Pioneer of the Year Award during an emotional and touching ceremony at The Beverly Hilton on Oct. 4. And, in a surprise for those attending, Philadelphia Eagles’ radio announcer Merrill Reese narrated a tribute reel shown before team Eagles mascot Swoop presented the Pioneer Award to Lomis’ widow, Patricia Laucella (the Philly born and raised Lomis was a diehard Eagles fan).
Patricia Laucella
“Your instinct and inspiration never led you astray. I’m honored to have worked so closely with you,” said Creed series star and Creed III director Michael B. Jordan via video (the MGM threequel was the last film Lomis released in theaters before his death).
The long list of filmmakers,...
Lomis, who died suddenly in March at age 64, posthumously received the 2023 Will Rogers Pioneer of the Year Award during an emotional and touching ceremony at The Beverly Hilton on Oct. 4. And, in a surprise for those attending, Philadelphia Eagles’ radio announcer Merrill Reese narrated a tribute reel shown before team Eagles mascot Swoop presented the Pioneer Award to Lomis’ widow, Patricia Laucella (the Philly born and raised Lomis was a diehard Eagles fan).
Patricia Laucella
“Your instinct and inspiration never led you astray. I’m honored to have worked so closely with you,” said Creed series star and Creed III director Michael B. Jordan via video (the MGM threequel was the last film Lomis released in theaters before his death).
The long list of filmmakers,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 11x Oscar nominee remembered the late distribution boss Erik Lomis on Wednesday night at the Will Rogers Pioneers Dinner, the two having worked together during the latter’s time at Weinstein Co. with The Master and at MGM with Licorice Pizza.
Paul Thomas Anderson had the first 70Mm made movie in 20 years with 2012’s The Master, a dream made possible by Lomis when he was the head of distribution at Weinstein Co. Later on, Lomis brought specialty audiences back with Anderson’s Licorice Pizza during Covid which earned then an opening weekend per theater average of $35K — enormous when cinemas were making their way back from pandemic in 2021.
Taking the podium at the Beverly Hilton, Anderson, said “I’m hear to represent the filmmakers that worked with Erik” before launching into heartfelt and hysterical speech.
“I first met Erik walking down the street on Montana Avenue outside the Aero,...
Paul Thomas Anderson had the first 70Mm made movie in 20 years with 2012’s The Master, a dream made possible by Lomis when he was the head of distribution at Weinstein Co. Later on, Lomis brought specialty audiences back with Anderson’s Licorice Pizza during Covid which earned then an opening weekend per theater average of $35K — enormous when cinemas were making their way back from pandemic in 2021.
Taking the podium at the Beverly Hilton, Anderson, said “I’m hear to represent the filmmakers that worked with Erik” before launching into heartfelt and hysterical speech.
“I first met Erik walking down the street on Montana Avenue outside the Aero,...
- 10/5/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Natalie Sitek
- Deadline Film + TV
“Barbie” towered over the box office for the third consecutive weekend, taking down newcomers “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” and “Meg 2: The Trench.”
Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy added a remarkable $53 million in its third weekend of release, a decline of just 43% from its prior frame. “Barbie” has generated $459 million in North America and surpassed the $1 billion mark globally after just 17 days in theaters. It’s the first film directed solely by a woman to cross the coveted milestone.
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” too, stayed strong in its third outing with $28.7 million, dropping only 39% from last weekend and bringing domestic ticket sales to $228 million. The R-rated historical drama has grossed $552 million at the worldwide box office, becoming the director’s sixth film to cross the $500 million mark. “Oppenheimer,” which has remained a force in Imax, landed in third place on domestic box office charts behind the sequel to...
Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy added a remarkable $53 million in its third weekend of release, a decline of just 43% from its prior frame. “Barbie” has generated $459 million in North America and surpassed the $1 billion mark globally after just 17 days in theaters. It’s the first film directed solely by a woman to cross the coveted milestone.
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” too, stayed strong in its third outing with $28.7 million, dropping only 39% from last weekend and bringing domestic ticket sales to $228 million. The R-rated historical drama has grossed $552 million at the worldwide box office, becoming the director’s sixth film to cross the $500 million mark. “Oppenheimer,” which has remained a force in Imax, landed in third place on domestic box office charts behind the sequel to...
- 8/6/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Sunday Am Writethrough after Saturday Am update: As the Hollywood labor stoppage continues, the 2023 box office rally rages on, as domestic box office soars past $6 billion, +22% over the same January-August period a year ago. This weekend for all movies stands at an estimated $178M. This is the fourth time in box office history to have four movies cross $25M; the last time was Thanksgiving weekend 2018.
We always knew this weekend would beat the first frame of August a year ago ($92M), and that’s happening at +94%. But the current Friday-Sunday is also kicking the first weekend of August 2019’s $148.99M by +20%, and that’s when Hobbs & Shaw ruled the chart.
Barbie remains box office queen bee with $53M in weekend 3, after a $17M Friday and $20M Saturday. By Eod, Barbie is roughly $40M shy from passing the half billion mark at the domestic box office, with her gross set to stand at $459.4M.
We always knew this weekend would beat the first frame of August a year ago ($92M), and that’s happening at +94%. But the current Friday-Sunday is also kicking the first weekend of August 2019’s $148.99M by +20%, and that’s when Hobbs & Shaw ruled the chart.
Barbie remains box office queen bee with $53M in weekend 3, after a $17M Friday and $20M Saturday. By Eod, Barbie is roughly $40M shy from passing the half billion mark at the domestic box office, with her gross set to stand at $459.4M.
- 8/6/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation (Wrmppf) is honoring one of their biggest champs this year with a posthumous recognition: late MGM and United Artists Distribution Boss Erik Lomis. The honor will be recognized at the October 4 dinner at The Beverly Hilton.
Lomis, who was a force in getting movie theaters back open as Covid quelled, and a proponent of the theatrical window with the release of the 007 title No Time to Die, passed away suddenly at 64 on March 22. Lomis was also known for his relentless and passionate fundraising for Will Rogers.
Lomis hosted last year’s Pioneer dinner which honored James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
A tradition for more than 75 years, the Pioneer of the Year Award is bestowed upon esteemed and respected members in the motion picture industry whose corporate leadership, service to the community and commitment to philanthropy are exceptional. All proceeds...
Lomis, who was a force in getting movie theaters back open as Covid quelled, and a proponent of the theatrical window with the release of the 007 title No Time to Die, passed away suddenly at 64 on March 22. Lomis was also known for his relentless and passionate fundraising for Will Rogers.
Lomis hosted last year’s Pioneer dinner which honored James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
A tradition for more than 75 years, the Pioneer of the Year Award is bestowed upon esteemed and respected members in the motion picture industry whose corporate leadership, service to the community and commitment to philanthropy are exceptional. All proceeds...
- 8/4/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Late Hollywood movie distributor Erik Lomis is being honored posthumously with this year’s Will Rogers Pioneer of the Year Award.
The industry has been looking for a way to pay tribute to Lomis, who died suddenly in March and was a champion of the theatrical business.
The honor will take place Oct. 4 at The Beverly Hilton. Proceeds from the event go to the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation Assistance Fund, which supports individuals in the theatrical entertainment community dealing with illness, injury or a life-changing event.
“We are honored to celebrate Erik’s life and recognize his achievements in the motion picture industry with the Pioneer of the Year Award,” said Chris Aronson, president of domestic theatrical distribution at Paramount Pictures and Wrmppf past president and chairman. “His distinguished leadership and contributions to the film business, along with his tremendous advocacy, generosity and support of humanitarian causes and philanthropic endeavors,...
The industry has been looking for a way to pay tribute to Lomis, who died suddenly in March and was a champion of the theatrical business.
The honor will take place Oct. 4 at The Beverly Hilton. Proceeds from the event go to the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation Assistance Fund, which supports individuals in the theatrical entertainment community dealing with illness, injury or a life-changing event.
“We are honored to celebrate Erik’s life and recognize his achievements in the motion picture industry with the Pioneer of the Year Award,” said Chris Aronson, president of domestic theatrical distribution at Paramount Pictures and Wrmppf past president and chairman. “His distinguished leadership and contributions to the film business, along with his tremendous advocacy, generosity and support of humanitarian causes and philanthropic endeavors,...
- 8/4/2023
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After its franchise record $235 million global opening, Paramount/Skydance’s “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One” still has a long way to go to turn a profit at the box office against its Covid-inflated $290 million budget, but the overwhelming praise that it has earned from critics and audiences has put it in position to accomplish that mission.
That is, assuming that it can still maintain moviegoers’ attention after what is set up to be the most competitive weekend the box office has seen in years.
Along with the second weekend of “Dead Reckoning,” audiences will have two highly anticipated newcomers to choose from with Warner Bros.’ “Barbie,” which has seen overwhelmingly strong advance ticket sales, and Universal’s “Oppenheimer,” which has earned rave reviews from its Paris premiere and will be taking over the world’s Imax screens for the next three weeks.
Also Read:
Sean Gunn Slams Streamers...
That is, assuming that it can still maintain moviegoers’ attention after what is set up to be the most competitive weekend the box office has seen in years.
Along with the second weekend of “Dead Reckoning,” audiences will have two highly anticipated newcomers to choose from with Warner Bros.’ “Barbie,” which has seen overwhelmingly strong advance ticket sales, and Universal’s “Oppenheimer,” which has earned rave reviews from its Paris premiere and will be taking over the world’s Imax screens for the next three weeks.
Also Read:
Sean Gunn Slams Streamers...
- 7/17/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Sunday Am Writethru — after Saturday Pm update…Facts are facts, and Paramount/Skydance’s Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One set a 5-day opening domestic record for the franchise with $80M. Paramount is calling the global opening here at $235M, read Nancy’s report here. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny only opened to $130M.
Asserted Paramount Domestic Distribution President Chris Aronson this morning, “Mission is a global story, has always been a global story, and will continue to be a global story.”
Previous best 5-day opening belonged to 2000’s Mission: Impossible II, which cleared a Wednesday-Sunday take over Memorial Day weekend of $78.8M. The 3-day record still belongs to 2018’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout which posted $61.2M. Dead Reckoning is seeing a 3-day of $56.2M at 4,327 theaters, including Imax and Plf auditoriums. Dead Reckoning reps Oscar- winning filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie’s third time directing a Mission movie...
Asserted Paramount Domestic Distribution President Chris Aronson this morning, “Mission is a global story, has always been a global story, and will continue to be a global story.”
Previous best 5-day opening belonged to 2000’s Mission: Impossible II, which cleared a Wednesday-Sunday take over Memorial Day weekend of $78.8M. The 3-day record still belongs to 2018’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout which posted $61.2M. Dead Reckoning is seeing a 3-day of $56.2M at 4,327 theaters, including Imax and Plf auditoriums. Dead Reckoning reps Oscar- winning filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie’s third time directing a Mission movie...
- 7/16/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem clip shows the Turtles preparing for an incredibly difficult mission. Their objective: retrieve snack foods without making eye contact with any humans. After all, humans are the demon scum of the earth – according to the Tmnt and Splinter.
Paramount Pictures also announced two special Tmnt preview screenings. Per Paramount:
“The Sneak Preview will include one show on Saturday, July 29 at 2:00pm local time. The Early Access Fan Event will include one show on Monday, July 31st at 7:00pm local time. Both events will be available at participating theatres across the country, in advance of the film’s nationwide debut on August 2. The Early Access Fan Event will be presented in an array of premium theatrical formats including Dolby Cinema and 4Dx.”
Sneak Preview tickets are available at teenagemutantninjaturtlesmovie.com/seeitfirst. Early Access Fan Event Screenings information can be found at teenagemutantninjaturtlesmovie.
Paramount Pictures also announced two special Tmnt preview screenings. Per Paramount:
“The Sneak Preview will include one show on Saturday, July 29 at 2:00pm local time. The Early Access Fan Event will include one show on Monday, July 31st at 7:00pm local time. Both events will be available at participating theatres across the country, in advance of the film’s nationwide debut on August 2. The Early Access Fan Event will be presented in an array of premium theatrical formats including Dolby Cinema and 4Dx.”
Sneak Preview tickets are available at teenagemutantninjaturtlesmovie.com/seeitfirst. Early Access Fan Event Screenings information can be found at teenagemutantninjaturtlesmovie.
- 7/13/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Paramount Pictures has released a look behind the scenes of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
The studio has also announced a Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Early Access Fan Event to celebrate the theatrical release of the film opening nationwide exclusively in theatres. The Early Access Fan Event will include one show on July 10th at 7:00Pm local time at participating theatres across the country, in advance of the film’s nationwide debut on July 12th. The show will be presented in an array of premium theatrical formats including Dolby Cinema and IMAX.
Check out this feature where Tom Cruise drives and drifts one-handed through the streets of Rome.
In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, starring and produced by Tom Cruise and once again written, directed, and produced by Christopher McQuarrie, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his Imf team embark on their most dangerous mission yet:...
The studio has also announced a Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Early Access Fan Event to celebrate the theatrical release of the film opening nationwide exclusively in theatres. The Early Access Fan Event will include one show on July 10th at 7:00Pm local time at participating theatres across the country, in advance of the film’s nationwide debut on July 12th. The show will be presented in an array of premium theatrical formats including Dolby Cinema and IMAX.
Check out this feature where Tom Cruise drives and drifts one-handed through the streets of Rome.
In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, starring and produced by Tom Cruise and once again written, directed, and produced by Christopher McQuarrie, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his Imf team embark on their most dangerous mission yet:...
- 6/14/2023
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Updated Sunday Am: After a Saturday of $19.3M, -25% from Friday, Paramount/Skydance/Hasbro’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts has taken the weekend with $60.5M. This despite Sony Animation’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse winning Saturday with $21.2M, +26% over Friday, for a second weekend of $55.4M.
With a running cume of $225.5M, the sequel has already beaten the domestic take of the original 2018 Oscar-winning animated pic, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which did $190.2M. Still, at a -54% second weekend hold, that’s fantastic for a Marvel movie, after you consider a bulk of the Disney MCU titles have tumbled -60% to -70% in the post-pandemic era (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the exception of late with a -48% second weekend hold).
Working in Rise of the Beasts’ favor to dominate over Across the Spider-Verse were those $8.8M previews, which were from Wednesday and Thursday showtimes.
What about...
With a running cume of $225.5M, the sequel has already beaten the domestic take of the original 2018 Oscar-winning animated pic, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which did $190.2M. Still, at a -54% second weekend hold, that’s fantastic for a Marvel movie, after you consider a bulk of the Disney MCU titles have tumbled -60% to -70% in the post-pandemic era (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the exception of late with a -48% second weekend hold).
Working in Rise of the Beasts’ favor to dominate over Across the Spider-Verse were those $8.8M previews, which were from Wednesday and Thursday showtimes.
What about...
- 6/11/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
My 3-year-old’s poor, unfortunate soul.
On Saturday, the family Maglio — me, my wife, and our two daughters, aged 3 and 6 — reclined for the 2:45 P.M. showing of “The Little Mermaid” at the Cinemark Hazlet 12 in Hazlet, New Jersey. Well, the 3-year-old didn’t move her chair; upright, it was already like a queen-sized bed to her. Plus, she ended up spending the vast majority of the movie on my wife’s lap. (More on that in a bit.)
For the 6-year-old, it was just her second time in a theater for a movie; her first experience was “Frozen II.” Then the pandemic hit, and her little sister rounded out the family. For the 3-year-old, Memorial Day Weekend 2023 marked her first time in an actual movie theater.
Our older princess is very much into Disney Princesses, so she has been looking forward to this for a while. The younger one...
On Saturday, the family Maglio — me, my wife, and our two daughters, aged 3 and 6 — reclined for the 2:45 P.M. showing of “The Little Mermaid” at the Cinemark Hazlet 12 in Hazlet, New Jersey. Well, the 3-year-old didn’t move her chair; upright, it was already like a queen-sized bed to her. Plus, she ended up spending the vast majority of the movie on my wife’s lap. (More on that in a bit.)
For the 6-year-old, it was just her second time in a theater for a movie; her first experience was “Frozen II.” Then the pandemic hit, and her little sister rounded out the family. For the 3-year-old, Memorial Day Weekend 2023 marked her first time in an actual movie theater.
Our older princess is very much into Disney Princesses, so she has been looking forward to this for a while. The younger one...
- 5/30/2023
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation has created the Erik Lomis Leadership Award.
Modeled after the Payne Stewart Award given annually by the PGA Tour, which is given to a player whose values align with the character, charity, and sportsmanship that Stewart demonstrated, the Erik Lomis Leadership Award will be given to an individual who personifies and reflects the leadership, passion for the motion picture industry, as well as dedication to philanthropy that the late MGM Distribution Boss displayed.
Lomis passed suddenly on March 22. The distribution executive was a fierce believer in the theatrical side of the motion picture business, particularly at a time when the majors were caving in toward streaming. He was the first motion picture executive to recognize the ultimate challenges of Covid to the business by postponing MGM’s tentpole and final Daniel Craig title as James Bond, No Time to Die, in March...
Modeled after the Payne Stewart Award given annually by the PGA Tour, which is given to a player whose values align with the character, charity, and sportsmanship that Stewart demonstrated, the Erik Lomis Leadership Award will be given to an individual who personifies and reflects the leadership, passion for the motion picture industry, as well as dedication to philanthropy that the late MGM Distribution Boss displayed.
Lomis passed suddenly on March 22. The distribution executive was a fierce believer in the theatrical side of the motion picture business, particularly at a time when the majors were caving in toward streaming. He was the first motion picture executive to recognize the ultimate challenges of Covid to the business by postponing MGM’s tentpole and final Daniel Craig title as James Bond, No Time to Die, in March...
- 5/30/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Jenny Tartikoff has stepped down as Paramount’s EVP of Global Communications, president and CEO Brian Robbins announced Wednesday.
Tartikoff’s departure from the studio is effective immediately.
In his memo to staff, Robbins wrote that “she has been a trusted colleague to us, and I am grateful for her contributions to the studio and our team. Please join me in wishing her the very best.”
In her own memo to staff, Tartikoff added that “there’s no easy way to share this news,” but she’s “made the hard decision to leave the company.”
“In just under two years, we’ve accomplished and achieved so much together, helping to restore Paramount’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s most iconic and successful studios. Without a doubt, the best part was getting to know and work with you,” she wrote. “Along with all our hard work and hustle, we shared...
Tartikoff’s departure from the studio is effective immediately.
In his memo to staff, Robbins wrote that “she has been a trusted colleague to us, and I am grateful for her contributions to the studio and our team. Please join me in wishing her the very best.”
In her own memo to staff, Tartikoff added that “there’s no easy way to share this news,” but she’s “made the hard decision to leave the company.”
“In just under two years, we’ve accomplished and achieved so much together, helping to restore Paramount’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s most iconic and successful studios. Without a doubt, the best part was getting to know and work with you,” she wrote. “Along with all our hard work and hustle, we shared...
- 5/10/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Paramount Pictures today announced a special Early Access Fan Event screening to celebrate the theatrical release of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts opening nationwide exclusively in theatres. The Early Access Premiere will include one special showing on Wednesday, June 7 at 7Pm local timeat participating theatres across the country. In select locations, the Early Access show will be presented in a premium format including Dolby Cinema, 4Dx and IMAX, in advance of the movie’s national release on Friday, June 9th.
Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformers – the Maximals – to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. the film stars Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Tobe Nwigwe, Peter Cullen, Ron Perlman Peter Dinklage,...
Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformers – the Maximals – to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. the film stars Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Tobe Nwigwe, Peter Cullen, Ron Perlman Peter Dinklage,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Paramount Pictures President, Domestic Distribution, Chris Aronson, Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, Cillian Murphy, Ezra MillerPhoto: Ethan Miller (Getty Images), Gabe Ginsberg (Getty) (Getty Images), Universal (Getty Images), Warner Bros. (Getty Images)
Another CinemaCon has come and gone, leading to the saddest time of the year: The longest period between CinemaCons.
Another CinemaCon has come and gone, leading to the saddest time of the year: The longest period between CinemaCons.
- 4/28/2023
- by Matt Schimkowitz
- avclub.com
A memo seems to have gone out to all the studios and theater owners at CinemaCon this week to be relentlessly on message: Theaters are back! Movies do better on streaming once they’ve had a run in theaters! Theatrical is where movies belong!
The streaming vs. theatrical debate swings back and forth like a pendulum. With the 2022 box office on the rebound and packed movie slates being presented to theater exhibitors in Las Vegas this week, it’s clear that the pendulum has swung back toward theaters for the moment as streaming services struggle.
David Zaslav himself, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, made the pilgrimage to Vegas to underscore his commitment to making movies for theaters — on the heels of strangling HBO Max in its crib in favor of just plain “Max.”
From left, Blitz Bazawule and Oprah Winfrey are welcomed onstage by Warner Bros. Discovery President and...
The streaming vs. theatrical debate swings back and forth like a pendulum. With the 2022 box office on the rebound and packed movie slates being presented to theater exhibitors in Las Vegas this week, it’s clear that the pendulum has swung back toward theaters for the moment as streaming services struggle.
David Zaslav himself, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, made the pilgrimage to Vegas to underscore his commitment to making movies for theaters — on the heels of strangling HBO Max in its crib in favor of just plain “Max.”
From left, Blitz Bazawule and Oprah Winfrey are welcomed onstage by Warner Bros. Discovery President and...
- 4/28/2023
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
CinemaCon 2023 is a wrap, and while we covered a whole lot of movie reveals, some stuff just didn’t make the edit. Well, consider this story the director’s cut: Your IndieWire auteurs have seven (more) things you may have missed from Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
Who Says There Are No More Movie Stars?
CinemaCon refuses to believe the hype: “Movie stars” are alive and well and in Las Vegas. Gracing the Colosseum stage for Universal Picture were Will Ferrell (“Strays”), Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake (“Trolls 3”), Jack Black (“Kung Fu Panda 4”), and Vin Diesel (“Fast X”). Warner Bros. Discovery had “Barbie” stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Timothée Chalamet for both “Wonka” and “Dune: Part Two,” Zendaya for the “Dune” sequel, and Oprah Winfrey for “The Color Purple,” alongside her cast and director.
Sony had Will Smith and Martin Lawrence plugging “Bad Boys 4” via video,...
Who Says There Are No More Movie Stars?
CinemaCon refuses to believe the hype: “Movie stars” are alive and well and in Las Vegas. Gracing the Colosseum stage for Universal Picture were Will Ferrell (“Strays”), Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake (“Trolls 3”), Jack Black (“Kung Fu Panda 4”), and Vin Diesel (“Fast X”). Warner Bros. Discovery had “Barbie” stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Timothée Chalamet for both “Wonka” and “Dune: Part Two,” Zendaya for the “Dune” sequel, and Oprah Winfrey for “The Color Purple,” alongside her cast and director.
Sony had Will Smith and Martin Lawrence plugging “Bad Boys 4” via video,...
- 4/28/2023
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Martin Scorsese sat down one-on-one at CinemaCon with Leonardo DiCaprio, the star of his new film “Killers of the Flower Moon” about the past and future of cinema.
The new film, which tells the story of the murder of Osage natives in the 1920s by oil tycoons looking to take over their resource-heavy land, is the first Scorsese film since 2016’s “Silence” to get a full theatrical release. It comes out at a time when escapist films have been making money as much as ever at the box office while smaller, independent films have largely struggled to find their way back.
Despite this, Scorsese expressed his hope to movie theater owners in attendance that they can find a way to bring back those smaller films to the biggest multiplexes around the world “for the good of all of us.”
“I know the big movies bring in the big audiences. I...
The new film, which tells the story of the murder of Osage natives in the 1920s by oil tycoons looking to take over their resource-heavy land, is the first Scorsese film since 2016’s “Silence” to get a full theatrical release. It comes out at a time when escapist films have been making money as much as ever at the box office while smaller, independent films have largely struggled to find their way back.
Despite this, Scorsese expressed his hope to movie theater owners in attendance that they can find a way to bring back those smaller films to the biggest multiplexes around the world “for the good of all of us.”
“I know the big movies bring in the big audiences. I...
- 4/27/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Vince Vaughn is set to return in a sequel to his hit 2004 comedy “Dodgeball,” which is in early development at 20th Century Studios, according to an insider with knowledge of the project.
Screenwriter Jordan VanDina (“The Binge”) is set to write the script to the follow-up.
Released in 2004, “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” is a sports comedy that became a cult classic over the years. The film was directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, and stars Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller as rival gym owners who compete against each other in a dodgeball tournament.
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Jonathan Majors Accuser Granted Temporary Restraining Order Ahead of Domestic Incident Hearing
According to Deadline, which first reported the news, “All that’s known about the sequel, in terms of plot, is that it will continue the story of Vaughn’s prize-winning gym owner. Serving as the basis for VanDina’a script is an idea from Vaughn.
Screenwriter Jordan VanDina (“The Binge”) is set to write the script to the follow-up.
Released in 2004, “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” is a sports comedy that became a cult classic over the years. The film was directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, and stars Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller as rival gym owners who compete against each other in a dodgeball tournament.
Also Read:
Jonathan Majors Accuser Granted Temporary Restraining Order Ahead of Domestic Incident Hearing
According to Deadline, which first reported the news, “All that’s known about the sequel, in terms of plot, is that it will continue the story of Vaughn’s prize-winning gym owner. Serving as the basis for VanDina’a script is an idea from Vaughn.
- 4/27/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Paramount is riding incredibly high after their 2022 box office grosses rose past $1 billion for the first time in over a decade and kept its momentum going at CinemaCon with plenty of exciting announcements and sneak peeks.
But before all of that, Chris Aronson showed up to give a little spoonful of tough love.
In his time as head of domestic distribution at 20th Century Fox and now at Paramount, Aronson has been known at CinemaCon both for his humorous entrances at studio presentations and his very candid takes on the movie theater business. This year saw more of both as Aronson emerged from a sewer manhole with some pizza to promote “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” prompting the film’s writer-producer Seth Rogen to joke that it was “quite appropriate” to see a Hollywood exec doing that.
Also Read:
‘Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part I’ Gets 20-Minute Sneak Preview...
But before all of that, Chris Aronson showed up to give a little spoonful of tough love.
In his time as head of domestic distribution at 20th Century Fox and now at Paramount, Aronson has been known at CinemaCon both for his humorous entrances at studio presentations and his very candid takes on the movie theater business. This year saw more of both as Aronson emerged from a sewer manhole with some pizza to promote “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” prompting the film’s writer-producer Seth Rogen to joke that it was “quite appropriate” to see a Hollywood exec doing that.
Also Read:
‘Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part I’ Gets 20-Minute Sneak Preview...
- 4/27/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Studio moves US release up by two days to July 12.
Paramount showed 20 minutes of Tom Cruise tentpole Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One to CinemaCon on Thursday and has moved up the US release by two days to July 12, giving the action thriller a five-day opening weekend runway.
While Cruise himself did not attend the presentation at the Colosseum in Caesar’s Palace, the Rome-set sequence got an excitable response from the crowd of exhibitors as Hayley Atwell’s character gets out of a tricky arrest and meets up with Ethan Hunt, played by Cruise throughout the 27-year, $3.6bn global franchise.
Paramount showed 20 minutes of Tom Cruise tentpole Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One to CinemaCon on Thursday and has moved up the US release by two days to July 12, giving the action thriller a five-day opening weekend runway.
While Cruise himself did not attend the presentation at the Colosseum in Caesar’s Palace, the Rome-set sequence got an excitable response from the crowd of exhibitors as Hayley Atwell’s character gets out of a tricky arrest and meets up with Ethan Hunt, played by Cruise throughout the 27-year, $3.6bn global franchise.
- 4/27/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
President of domestic distribution Chris Aronson urges industry to think long term, experiment with ticket pricing.
Appearances by Rihanna, John Krasinski and Ziggy Marley were among the highlights of a lively Paramount CinemaCon session on Thursday.
Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation president Ramsey Naito announced Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette in Untitled Smurfs Animated Film.
The music superstar and entrepreneur came on stage and told exhibitors she hoped voicing the character would make her look good in her children’s eyes. The Paramount and Nickelodeon film will open on February 14, 2025. Chris Miller directs.
President of domestic distribution Chris Aronson...
Appearances by Rihanna, John Krasinski and Ziggy Marley were among the highlights of a lively Paramount CinemaCon session on Thursday.
Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation president Ramsey Naito announced Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette in Untitled Smurfs Animated Film.
The music superstar and entrepreneur came on stage and told exhibitors she hoped voicing the character would make her look good in her children’s eyes. The Paramount and Nickelodeon film will open on February 14, 2025. Chris Miller directs.
President of domestic distribution Chris Aronson...
- 4/27/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
President of domestic distribution Chris Aronson urges industry to think long term, experiment with ticket pricing.
Appearances by John Krasinski, Rihanna and Ziggy Marley were among the highlights of a lively Paramount CinemaCon session on Thursday.
Paramount president of domestic distribution Chris Aronson brought Krasinski on stage at the Colosseum in Caesar’s Palace to unveil a first look of A Quiet Place: Day One with a teaser trailer. Michael Sarnoski directs the horror sequel, which will open on March 8, 2024. Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou, and Denis O’Hare star.
Krasinski also shared an exclusive look at his...
Appearances by John Krasinski, Rihanna and Ziggy Marley were among the highlights of a lively Paramount CinemaCon session on Thursday.
Paramount president of domestic distribution Chris Aronson brought Krasinski on stage at the Colosseum in Caesar’s Palace to unveil a first look of A Quiet Place: Day One with a teaser trailer. Michael Sarnoski directs the horror sequel, which will open on March 8, 2024. Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou, and Denis O’Hare star.
Krasinski also shared an exclusive look at his...
- 4/27/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Per his annual tradition, Tom Cruise was dead set on sending a message to impress theater owners at CinemaCon. The actor and producer delivered with a new trailer for Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, as well as 20 minutes of footage from the upcoming film.
“Tom wanted us to let you know, this is not the opening of the film,” said Paramount distribution boss Chris Aronson in introducing the 20-minute scene, noting that he is not prone to hyperbole, but he believes this film is a high water mark for the franchise.
The footage included an inventive chase scene in which Cruise’s Ethan Hunt is handcuffed to Hayley Atwell’s character as they flee police and multiple factions of people who want them, most notably a character played by Pom Klementieff, whose most frightening feature is how much she seems to enjoy the chase and its ensuing mayhem.
“Tom wanted us to let you know, this is not the opening of the film,” said Paramount distribution boss Chris Aronson in introducing the 20-minute scene, noting that he is not prone to hyperbole, but he believes this film is a high water mark for the franchise.
The footage included an inventive chase scene in which Cruise’s Ethan Hunt is handcuffed to Hayley Atwell’s character as they flee police and multiple factions of people who want them, most notably a character played by Pom Klementieff, whose most frightening feature is how much she seems to enjoy the chase and its ensuing mayhem.
- 4/27/2023
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There are more than 4,000 attendees this year at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, and everyone who entered through the Caesars Palace lobby saw the same sight: four statues accessorized with bold-colored eye masks and skateboards propped at their feet. There was no mistaking the reason as the boards boasted the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem title and release date of Aug. 4, 2023.
Consider it a clever tease from the Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ marketing departments and a wink that the studio could possibly deliver some turtle power during its presentation on Thursday morning. That’s exactly what happened inside the Colosseum as the turtles inspired the opening of Paramount’s presentation, which kicked off shortly after 10 a.m.
A DJ, who was placed at stage left inside a booth outfitted with neon green lighting, blasted A Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick It” as 16 dancers took the stage (some...
Consider it a clever tease from the Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ marketing departments and a wink that the studio could possibly deliver some turtle power during its presentation on Thursday morning. That’s exactly what happened inside the Colosseum as the turtles inspired the opening of Paramount’s presentation, which kicked off shortly after 10 a.m.
A DJ, who was placed at stage left inside a booth outfitted with neon green lighting, blasted A Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick It” as 16 dancers took the stage (some...
- 4/27/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated: The final morning of CinemaConbegan with Paramount, the studio that brought coast-to-coast moviegoers back with their $718.7 million, record-breaking Tom Cruise sequel Top Gun: Maverick. And in standard fashion, domestic distribution chief Chris Aronson hammed it up with a grand entrance.
Aronson has made a big splash on previous CinemaCon stages clad as Vanilla Ice (during his 20th Century says) and in a Jackass go-kart. This time, he ascended from a stage floor door tricked out as a sewer cap, holding a pizza with a Teenage Mutant Turtles mask around his eyes. Aronson emerged following a big hip hop breakdance crew.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen an executive emerging from a sewer here at CinemaCon!” joked Seth Rogen when he came on stage to present Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem, due out in theaters August 4. “There is something very appropriate about seeing studio executives rise from the sewers,...
Aronson has made a big splash on previous CinemaCon stages clad as Vanilla Ice (during his 20th Century says) and in a Jackass go-kart. This time, he ascended from a stage floor door tricked out as a sewer cap, holding a pizza with a Teenage Mutant Turtles mask around his eyes. Aronson emerged following a big hip hop breakdance crew.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen an executive emerging from a sewer here at CinemaCon!” joked Seth Rogen when he came on stage to present Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem, due out in theaters August 4. “There is something very appropriate about seeing studio executives rise from the sewers,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro, Nancy Tartaglione and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
In her third trimester, Rihanna showed up at Paramount Pictures’ CinemaCon presentation on Thursday in Las Vegas to say she’s playing “a little blue badass” — that being Smurfette in Par and Nickelodeon Movies’ The Smurfs Movie. Rihanna also is producing the movie and providing original songs.
Related: Paramount’s CinemaCon Presentation Brings Laughs; Seth Rogen On Distrib Boss Chris Aronson ‘Tmnt’ Stunt: “First Time I’ve Seen An Executive Emerging From A Sewer!”
The comedic musical adventure sets out to answer one of life’s biggest questions: What is a Smurf? The Chris Miller-directed movie comes out on February 14, 2025. Co-director is Matt Landon. Pam Brady wrote the script inspired by characters and works of Peyo. Producers also include Ryan Harris, Laurence “Jay” Brown and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith.
Related: Martin Scorsese Unveils Teaser From ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’, His Apple & Paramount Movie Bound For Cannes
Multiple Smurfs films,...
Related: Paramount’s CinemaCon Presentation Brings Laughs; Seth Rogen On Distrib Boss Chris Aronson ‘Tmnt’ Stunt: “First Time I’ve Seen An Executive Emerging From A Sewer!”
The comedic musical adventure sets out to answer one of life’s biggest questions: What is a Smurf? The Chris Miller-directed movie comes out on February 14, 2025. Co-director is Matt Landon. Pam Brady wrote the script inspired by characters and works of Peyo. Producers also include Ryan Harris, Laurence “Jay” Brown and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith.
Related: Martin Scorsese Unveils Teaser From ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’, His Apple & Paramount Movie Bound For Cannes
Multiple Smurfs films,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Kevin Wilson has officially been named Head of Theatrical Distribution for Amazon Studios and MGM as the parent company combines labels into one theatrical distribution group.
The news comes in the wake of the death of the previous Amazon-mgm distribution boss, Erik Lomis, who was the subject of a heartfelt remembrance Tuesday at CinemaCon by several including Chris Aronson; former MGM Motion Picture bosses Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, now at Warner Bros; and as Warner Bros Domestic Distribution chief Jeff Goldstein.
Recently, Amazon’s pivot back to theatrical saw the $272 million global success of Creed III and the current $69M global gross for Ben Affleck’s dramedy Air, about how Nike nabbed Michael Jordan to make the Air Jordan sneaker. Wilson is a longtime lieutenant of Lomis and is a distribution vet who has handled 100 films that in total grossed more that $7 billion stateside.
Related: CinemaCon 2023 – Deadline’s...
The news comes in the wake of the death of the previous Amazon-mgm distribution boss, Erik Lomis, who was the subject of a heartfelt remembrance Tuesday at CinemaCon by several including Chris Aronson; former MGM Motion Picture bosses Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, now at Warner Bros; and as Warner Bros Domestic Distribution chief Jeff Goldstein.
Recently, Amazon’s pivot back to theatrical saw the $272 million global success of Creed III and the current $69M global gross for Ben Affleck’s dramedy Air, about how Nike nabbed Michael Jordan to make the Air Jordan sneaker. Wilson is a longtime lieutenant of Lomis and is a distribution vet who has handled 100 films that in total grossed more that $7 billion stateside.
Related: CinemaCon 2023 – Deadline’s...
- 4/25/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood studios and theater owners joined together Tuesday to pay tribute to the late Erik Lomis, the larger-than-life veteran distribution executive who was a mentor to many — including top filmmakers — and released numerous Oscar winners and blockbusters throughout his career.
“Our industry lost one of its most passionate and intelligent executives. He was unlike any other. You could take the boy out of the boy. ,” said Paramount domestic distribution president Chris Aronson, who worked for years under Lomis at MGM. They had a lasting friendship
“Eric was a friend of many and a mentor him many, many more, and frankly, he was just one hell of a special person. And while the suddenness of Eric’s passing is so difficult to comprehend. But we have to understand that life can only be understood backwards, but we must live life forward. And that’s the way Eric wanted it. Always living forward,...
“Our industry lost one of its most passionate and intelligent executives. He was unlike any other. You could take the boy out of the boy. ,” said Paramount domestic distribution president Chris Aronson, who worked for years under Lomis at MGM. They had a lasting friendship
“Eric was a friend of many and a mentor him many, many more, and frankly, he was just one hell of a special person. And while the suddenness of Eric’s passing is so difficult to comprehend. But we have to understand that life can only be understood backwards, but we must live life forward. And that’s the way Eric wanted it. Always living forward,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated: The legacy of MGM Domestic Distribution Chief Erik Lomis was remembered this morning at CinemaCon by his Paramount Domestic Distribution boss Chris Aronson, who worked with the former at MGM years ago. Lomis died suddenly March 22, having just released MGM’s Creed III to record box office results — a win also for the studio’s streaming parent Amazon.
Later on this Am, when exiting NATO President and CEO John Fithian took the stage, he exclaimed, “I’m dedicating this CinemaCon to Erik Lomis and everyone he touched.”
“Erik coached, guided, and mentored many in this industry,” Fithian said.
Lomis was a force during the pandemic. When most studios were looking to jettison their tentpoles to streamers as the state of exhibition remained shuttered and in doubt, Lomis lobbied for a theatrical release for the final Daniel Craig James Bond film. Not only did he ensure that the movie be held until theaters reopened,...
Later on this Am, when exiting NATO President and CEO John Fithian took the stage, he exclaimed, “I’m dedicating this CinemaCon to Erik Lomis and everyone he touched.”
“Erik coached, guided, and mentored many in this industry,” Fithian said.
Lomis was a force during the pandemic. When most studios were looking to jettison their tentpoles to streamers as the state of exhibition remained shuttered and in doubt, Lomis lobbied for a theatrical release for the final Daniel Craig James Bond film. Not only did he ensure that the movie be held until theaters reopened,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Industry figures pay respects to late Erik Lomis, departing NATO head John Fithian.
In a sentimental state of the industry session at CinemaCon, delegates paid tribute to the late distribution veteran Erik Lomis who died last month, while outgoing NATO head John Fithian was himself the subject of appreciation.
CEO and president Fithian, who has served as theatre owners’ head lobbyist in Washington for more than two decades and received praise from industry figures including James Cameron in a taped message, started his address by recounting a dream in which Lomis was in his corner urging him on in a boxing bout.
In a sentimental state of the industry session at CinemaCon, delegates paid tribute to the late distribution veteran Erik Lomis who died last month, while outgoing NATO head John Fithian was himself the subject of appreciation.
CEO and president Fithian, who has served as theatre owners’ head lobbyist in Washington for more than two decades and received praise from industry figures including James Cameron in a taped message, started his address by recounting a dream in which Lomis was in his corner urging him on in a boxing bout.
- 4/25/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” rolled the dice at the weekend box office, taking out “John Wick: Chapter 4” with its $38.5 million debut. But Paramount and eOne’s adaptation of the popular role-playing game needs to hold up against “Super Mario Bros.” to be successful in its theatrical campaign.
So far, “Dungeons & Dragons” has generated $71 million globally — including $33 million at the international box office. Those numbers aren’t bad, but the film cost a hefty $150 million to produce and tens of millions more to market, so it’s not yet a clear theatrical winner. The fantasy action-comedy needs to stick around in North American and overseas theaters through the spring to justify its price tag and potentially ignite a new franchise.
The good news: analysts believe it’s primed to keep bringing in crowds given its great reviews and enthusiastic word-of-mouth. The bad news: “Dungeons & Dragons” has...
So far, “Dungeons & Dragons” has generated $71 million globally — including $33 million at the international box office. Those numbers aren’t bad, but the film cost a hefty $150 million to produce and tens of millions more to market, so it’s not yet a clear theatrical winner. The fantasy action-comedy needs to stick around in North American and overseas theaters through the spring to justify its price tag and potentially ignite a new franchise.
The good news: analysts believe it’s primed to keep bringing in crowds given its great reviews and enthusiastic word-of-mouth. The bad news: “Dungeons & Dragons” has...
- 4/3/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” emerged victorious over last weekend’s champ “John Wick: Chapter 4” at the domestic box office, rolling $38.5 million from 3,855 North American theaters in its opening weekend.
Buoyed by positive reviews and enthusiastic word-of-mouth, Paramount and eOne’s adaptation of the popular role-playing game landed on the higher end of expectations, which had pegged the film with a debut between $30 million and $40 million.
Internationally, “Dungeons & Dragons” collected $33 million from 58 markets for a global tally of $71.5 million.
Ticket sales are expected to remain strong in the coming weeks, which is necessary because the film cost $150 million before its hefty marketing campaign. Inaugural crowds were likely boosted by hardcore D&d players, but analysts believe the film will appeal to broader audiences, who may not know as much about the game, as it continues its run on the big screen.
“The opening weekend performance of ‘Dungeons...
Buoyed by positive reviews and enthusiastic word-of-mouth, Paramount and eOne’s adaptation of the popular role-playing game landed on the higher end of expectations, which had pegged the film with a debut between $30 million and $40 million.
Internationally, “Dungeons & Dragons” collected $33 million from 58 markets for a global tally of $71.5 million.
Ticket sales are expected to remain strong in the coming weeks, which is necessary because the film cost $150 million before its hefty marketing campaign. Inaugural crowds were likely boosted by hardcore D&d players, but analysts believe the film will appeal to broader audiences, who may not know as much about the game, as it continues its run on the big screen.
“The opening weekend performance of ‘Dungeons...
- 4/2/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
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