The countdown has begun! A Minecraft Movie, based on the world-famous video game, is finally hitting the big screen. After years of anticipation, fans of the blocky universe are ready for a cinematic adventure like no other. But what can we expect from this movie? From its production journey to the exciting plot and the star-studded cast, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about this highly anticipated release.
A Minecraft Movie has been in development for nearly a decade, with numerous changes in direction and production delays along the way. Originally announced in 2014, fans had to wait patiently as the project went through various stages of development. But now, the film is finally on track, thanks to the vision of director Jared Hess, known for Napoleon Dynamite.
The movie is being produced by Mojang Studios, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures, ensuring that the essence of Minecraft is captured faithfully. The film aims to bring the world of Minecraft to life with spectacular visual effects and a storyline that resonates with both fans of the game and newcomers to the franchise.
A Minecraft Movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Hollywood A-listers and rising stars.
Jason Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, the tough yet relatable outcast who must navigate the perils of Minecraft.
Jack Black as Steve, the beloved Minecraft character and mentor figure to the stranded adventurers.
Emma Myers as Natalie, one of the outcasts, whose bravery and ingenuity are key to their survival.
Danielle Brooks as Dawn, a resourceful and resilient team member who plays a vital role in the quest.
Sebastian Eugene Hansen as Henry, the more analytical member of the group who uses his knowledge of the game to help his team.
A Minecraft Movie will immerse audiences in a vast, pixelated world full of adventure and mystery. The movie will follow four outcasts who find themselves transported into the world of Minecraft and must figure out a way to get back to the real world. Their adventure is full of obstacles as they learn the ins and outs of the game in order to survive and escape.
Helping them on their quest is Steve, an experienced player who knows how to manipulate the game successfully. As the movie’s official synopsis suggests, the characters’ journey will revolve around them learning essential skills in the game that could change their lives in the real world.
The film also introduces formidable antagonists from The Nether, the dangerous dimension in Minecraft. These creatures are a constant threat to the Overworld, aiming to destroy joy and creativity. Now, the humans trapped within the game must not only find a way back home, but also protect the Overworld from certain doom.
Video game adaptations have seen impressive success at the box office, with a clear upward trend in their performance. Movies like The Super Mario Bros. Movie proved that a beloved game could be a cinematic success. In collaboration with Illumination, Nintendo created a major success, with the movie grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide. This success was followed by Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, which raked in over $1.2 billion globally, further establishing the potential for video game adaptations. Other noteworthy successes include Warcraft ($439 million), Rampage ($428 million), Uncharted ($401 million), and Five Nights at Freddy’s ($291.5 million).
These films’ strong box office performances reflect the immense fanbase and shows a high level of interest and anticipation for the films. With its dedicated global fan following, iconic world-building, and wide appeal across generations, A Minecraft Movie has all the right ingredients to be the next big box office sensation.
Since the first trailer dropped, Minecraft fans have been buzzing with excitement. The visual effects are stunning, bringing the pixelated world to life in a way that feels both familiar and breathtakingly new. The trailers showcase action-packed sequences, hilarious moments, and epic landscapes that capture the spirit of the game.
The highly anticipated Minecraft movie is shaping up to be one of the biggest films of the year! With over 300 million copies sold worldwide, Minecraft has become one of the most popular games of all time. Building on the video game’s success, the upcoming movie is set to capture the spirit of the beloved game, drawing inspiration from the game’s massive global fanbase. In particular, the gaming community in the Middle East, including residents from KSA and the UAE aged 18-64, has grown rapidly, making this film’s release an exciting global event. Contact us today to find out how you can advertise alongside this highly anticipated release.
A Minecraft movie hits theaters on April 3, 2025, and it’s sure to be one of the biggest events of the year. Whether you’re a Minecraft veteran or new to the world of blocks, this film promises an unforgettable adventure.
Source: IMDB, Entertainment Weekly, ScreenRant, Box Office Mojo, Collider
Infinity Clinic Pharma, in collaboration with Motivate Val Morgan, executed an interactive offscreen activation campaign at Vox Cinemas, City Center Almaza in Egypt fromFebruary 13th to 15th, 2025. As part of the brand’s #FollowerToInfluencer campaign, this activation provided an exciting opportunity for moviegoers to interact with Infinity Clinic Pharma’s diverse product range while unlocking exclusive influencer opportunities. This initiative empowers Gen Z individuals (Aged 16 -25) to transform from everyday consumers into digital influencers by trying out Infinity Clinic Pharma’s premium products and sharing their experiences online. The #FollowerToInfluencer campaign is an ongoing initiative running throughout the year, offering multiple engagement opportunities at City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt.
Over the course of three days, the concourse area of Vox Cinemas, City Center Almaza transformed into a vibrant hub where brand representatives distributed 3,000 curated giveaway bags containing exclusive product samples and a candle. The initiative aimed to delight, educate, and inspire moviegoers aged 16-25 (Gen Z) to become influencers. Uniformed brand ushers actively engaged with visitors, distributing campaign flyers and communicating the #FollowerToInfluencer concept to the target audience.
At the heart of the activation was a compelling call to action for attendees:
This initiative not only encouraged brand advocacy but also created an opportunity for young content creators to build their personal brand in the wellness and skincare industry.
Infinity Clinic Pharma is showcasing an impressive range of premium products during their activation, including Infinity Biovita, Infinity Omega RX, Infinity Valudual, Infinity HYALU Collagen Cream, and Infinity Purifying Cleansing Gel, among many others.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. The brand is set to extend its offscreen engagement throughout 2025 at City Center Almaza and Mall of Egypt, syncing with key festive and seasonal events:
With giveaways featuring a selection of Infinity Clinic Pharma’s top skincare and wellness products, this campaign is poised to make a lasting impact in the beauty and wellness industry.
As part of its year-long roadmap, Infinity Clinic Pharma is redefining experiential marketing in the region. The #FollowerToInfluencer campaign is transforming moviegoers into passionate brand advocates, strengthening audience engagement and brand loyalty in the process.
Interested in reaching your target audience through similar activations? Contact our team at Motivate Val Morgan to discover how we can connect your brand with moviegoers.
Super Bowl LIX, held on February 9, 2025 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, was a remarkable convergence of sports, entertainment and culture. More than a championship game Super Bowl LIX was a major cultural event, renowned for its high-profile commercials and exclusive movie trailer premieres. Each year, major studios take advantage of this massive stage to unveil first looks at their most anticipated films, generating excitement among millions of viewers worldwide.
Last year’s Super Bowl movie trailers gave us a first look at now-Oscar-nominated Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s Wicked, as well as Ryan Reynolds’ superhero bro-fest with Hugh Jackman in Deadpool & Wolverine.
The Super Bowl has long been a coveted stage for premiering movie trailers and 2025 was no exception. From action-packed sequels to eagerly anticipated reboots, here’s a look at the standout movie trailers that made waves during the big game:
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in what promises to be the ultimate adrenaline-fueled conclusion to the Mission: Impossible franchise. The Super Bowl spot delivered an action-packed preview of death-defying stunts, espionage twists, and edge-of-your-seat thrills. Fans can mark their calendars for the film’s release on May 22, 2025.
Thunderbolts*
The first two glimpses of Marvel’s Thunderbolts gave us plenty to be excited about, but the new Super Bowl trailer takes it even further. This latest look offers fresh footage, a deeper insight into what brings the team together, and a first peek at the film’s villain. The teaser hints at the team’s dynamic and the challenges ahead, building anticipation for its release on May 1, 2025.
Jurassic World Rebirth
Dinosaurs are set to dominate the box office once again with *Jurassic World Rebirth*. This latest installment offers a fresh take on the franchise, introducing new characters while revisiting the chaos of humans coexisting with prehistoric creatures. The Super Bowl featured a shorter TV spot, showcasing much of the same footage as the extended trailer, building anticipation for its summer release. In cinemas July 03, 2025
F1
We got our second look at F1, directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski, gives us more high-speed action. Starring Brad Pitt as a former Formula One driver, the film follows his return to the track to mentor a rising rookie.The film is scheduled to hit theaters on June 26, 2025.
Novocaine
Jack Quaid (The Boys) stars in this superhero action comedy about a man who feels no pain that uses his malady to rescue the girl of his dreams after she’s been kidnapped. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olson, Novocaine—which also stars Amber Midthunder (Prey) and Ray Nicholson (Smile 2)— in cinemas on March 13, 2025.
How to Train Your Dragon
So far, we’ve seen two teasers for the remake of How to Train Your Dragon, but this 30-second Super Bowl spot offers the first glimpse of Hiccup (Mason Thames) and Toothless, capturing the magic of their first encounter. In cinemas June 12, 2025.
Lilo & Stitch
The classic animated tale of Lilo & Stitch gets the live-action remake and its Super Bowl teaser took an unexpected approach. Instead of a traditional trailer, the brief clip features Stitch causing chaos on the field—dodging staff, hijacking a cart, and ultimately crashing into a goalpost. In cinemas May 22, 2025.
Smurfs
In the animated family comedy, Smurfette (Rihanna) guides the Smurfs on a rescue mission to find Papa Smurf (John Goodman) after he’s been kidnapped.
Smurfs—which also stars the voices of Hannah Waddingham, Kurt Russell, Natasha Lyonne, Dan Levy, Octavia Spencer, Nick Offerman, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter and Xolo Maridueña—opens in theaters on July 17, 2027.
Source: Entertainment Weekly, Variety and Rotten Tomatoes
PanaNatural, in partnership with Digitas UAE and Motivate Val Morgan (MVM), launched a cinema campaign to promote PanaNatural cough syrup across the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar starting November 7, 2024.
This latest campaign marks Panadol’s return to cinema advertising following their viral “Art of Release” cinema activation in 2022. The “Art of Release” cinema campaign was a transformative experience that utilized AI technology to visualize personalized pain relief moments, setting a new standard in pharmaceutical marketing.
Under the banner of its innovative campaign, “Your Ticket to Cough Relief,” PanaNatural strategically aligned with the highly anticipated release of Gladiator 2 to engage cinema audiences. The campaign aimed to address seasonal health concerns by promoting PanaNatural as an effective solution for managing coughs during the winter months, ensuring moviegoers could enjoy an uninterrupted cinematic experience.
The on screen component featured a 15-sec PanaNatural Commercial – Booked through Motivate Val Morgan’s by admissions route at select screens of VOX, Reel, and Cinepolis cinemas in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar.
To strengthen brand engagement in the UAE, PanaNatural launched an off-screen activation in collaboration with VOX Cinemas at City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira during the Gladiator 2 screenings. The activation was held at City Centre Mirdif from November 29 to December 1, 2024, and commenced at City Centre Deira on December 13, 2024.
Each gift bag distributed as part of the campaign included a notebook, wet tissues, and a coupon offering moviegoers an exclusive 25% discount on PanaNatural cough syrup, redeemable at BinSina Pharmacy, Boots, and Supercare Pharmacy locations.
Boost your brand’s visibility with a customized cinema campaign that includes on-screen ads and engaging off-screen activations.
Contact us to explore similar advertising opportunities across our cinema network in the GCC, Egypt, and Lebanon.
Our selection of the best Christmas ads of 2024 includes standout campaigns from annual favorites like Coca-Cola, Aldi, and Tesco, as well as fresh entries from Barbour, Starbucks, and more
Ho ho ho… It’s that time of year again when our screens are brimming with Christmas ads that not only get us into the festive spirit but also tap into our emotions. This year, artificial intelligence has played a role in crafting some of these ads—though audiences seem divided on how they feel about the tech’s involvement.
From Disney’s heartwarming holiday short The Boy and the Octopus, to JD Sports’ touching The Family Portrait, and Coca-Cola – Secret Santa an (AI-Generated Ad), these are just a few of the standout Christmas ads of 2024.
But think about it—what made you pick up that aftershave for your dad instead of the usual socks this year? Was it watching someone relive key moments of their life growing up with a sibling, hoping to spark inspiration for a last-minute gift? You know, that Christmas ad that almost brought a tear to your eye.
Dive into our curated list of 2024’s most memorable holiday ads that evoke the spirit of the season.
Coca-Cola has leveraged cutting-edge technology to reimagine its classic “Holidays Are Coming” ad for a new generation. The campaign retains the brand’s signature festive spirit—featuring snowy landscapes, festive animals, and the iconic Coca-Cola trucks—while adding a modern twist with AI-generated visuals, including digital actors based on real likenesses. This innovative blend of tradition and technology is one of the reasons we’ve included this ad in our list of the Best Christmas Ads of 2024.
Cartier’s Christmas ad invites viewers into a captivating winter tale, where a melody beckons, festive rhythms unfold, and an enchanted evening begins—seemingly woven by magic.
JD Sports’ 2024 Christmas ad, “The Family Portrait,” beautifully captures the joy of diverse lives during the festive season. Presented in a documentary-style format, it seamlessly blends everyday people with iconic figures from sports, music, and culture, highlighting the universal spirit of family and togetherness.
Disney’s “The Boy and the Octopus” ad brings the holiday season to life with a heartfelt and enchanting story. Directed by Taika Waititi, the tale follows a young boy who befriends a curious octopus during a seaside vacation. Eager to explore life on land, the octopus embarks on a journey through the boy’s world, discovering the magic of the holidays. The ad beautifully captures the joy of finding friendship and warmth in unexpected places, perfectly embodying the Christmas spirit. As every year, this holiday season also features a Taika Waititi ad among our picks for the best Christmas ads of 2024.
Barbour has done it again, and it’s clear why this ad stands out as a favorite of the year. Clever and full of heart, it brings back Shaun the Sheep and his mischievous gang at Mossy Bottom Farm. This festive story captures everything that makes holiday storytelling special—scarves flying, sheep causing chaos, and that cozy countryside charm that Barbour has perfected over the years.
In Aldi’s Christmas Spirit ad, the dastardly humbugs attempt to steal the Christmas Spirit, but they prove no match for the unbe-leaf-able duo, Kevin and Katie. With their clever tricks, including booby traps and false bottoms, the pair save the day, bringing plenty of laughs and festive cheer. The brand-new Christmas ad has viewers chuckling their Christmas stockings off!
M&S has unveiled its highly anticipated Christmas Food ad, and this year, Fairy has found a new companion. The one-and-only Dawn French stars in the festive campaign, coming face-to-face with the magical Fairy in a hilarious twist that leaves her quite startled. Not only does she discover that magic truly exists, but Fairy has also invited all the neighbors for an impromptu party, creating chaos for anyone without a magic wand—and some even more magical M&S Food. The ad invites everyone to step into Christmas and meet the quintessential hostess of the season, reminding viewers that this is not just Christmas… it’s an M&S Christmas.
The ad showcases the uniqueness of the brand’s creative approach and the incredible craftsmanship involved. Featuring techniques such as stop-frame animation, 2D animation, and a rotating curved practical set build, the ad is a testament to innovative storytelling. The blend of different techniques creates a visually stunning experience while perfectly capturing the chaotic yet familiar feeling of preparing for Christmas—a sentiment that resonates with everyone.
Boots’ ad stars Adjoa Andoh as the no-nonsense and heroic Mrs. Claus, exuding confidence as she proudly oversees her ‘werkshop’ alongside a team of gender-neutral ‘elf-fluencers.’ The ad feels fresh, inclusive, and fun, connecting the Boots brand to modern values and promoting beauty confidence. By spotlighting the real powerhouses of Christmas—women, key workers, and families—the campaign emphasizes often-overlooked contributions during the festive season.
Waitrose presents Sweet Suspicion: A Waitrose Mystery, inviting viewers to uncover the culprit in this delectable whodunnit. In part one, audiences analyzed the clues, dismissed red herrings, and speculated on the mastermind behind the delicious crime. Now, in part two, Detective David takes center stage, piecing together the evidence to solve the case. With twists, turns, and plenty of intrigue, Sweet Suspicion keeps everyone guessing until the very end.
Tesco’s Feed Your Christmas Spirit ad delivers emotion, a clear narrative, and impressive production quality. The aesthetic captures the essence of real people’s lives, creating a relatable and heartfelt campaign that resonates with audiences.
Holiday Road by Coca-Cola tells a simple yet relatable story. Love isn’t just an emotion; it takes effort, planning, and coordination, particularly during Christmas when everyone puts in extra effort to be together. The message, ‘Love is worth it,’ beautifully sums up this holiday truth.
Source: The Drum, Digital Marketing Institute, YouTube
Ne’ma, in partnership with Place Communications and Motivate Val Morgan, has unveiled an integrated cinema campaign to promote their latest initiative, ‘Valuing Our Roots,’ which aims to reduce food loss and waste across the UAE.
The Ne’ma Initiative reflects the vision of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, addressing over-consumption and fostering sustainable practices. It also revives traditional values of social responsibility and resource stewardship, encouraging a more mindful approach to consumption.
The on-screen campaign features a 60-sec ad running for four weeks, starting November 21, 2024, at select VOX, Reel, Cinemacity, and Royal locations across the UAE. The ad portrays a touching conversation in which a grandmother shares wisdom with her grandchildren about valuing blessings and avoiding food waste. It emphasizes the importance of communal responsibility in fostering a more mindful and sustainable approach to food consumption.
Building on the success of its on-screen efforts, the Ne’ma Initiative Cinema Campaign also rolled out an off-screen campaign aimed at further engaging the community. This initiative included the distribution of 50,000 co-branded Ne’ma popcorn tubs at select VOX and Cinemacity locations across the UAE, which commenced on November 28, 2024. Each tub featured a special message highlighting the importance of reducing food wastage.
This initiative underscores Ne’ma’s commitment to raising awareness and engaging stakeholders across the food value chain in the reduction of food loss and waste. It emphasizes driving systemic change and promoting the adoption of a circular economy through collaborative efforts. These actions are in alignment with the UAE’s objective to reduce food loss and waste by 50% by 2030.
Enhance your brand’s exposure through tailored cinema campaigns, leveraging on-screen advertising and creative off-screen activations.
Contact us for advertising opportunities across our cinema circuit in the UAE and other markets.
The Saudi Box Office in October featured a mix of international and regional hits, appealing to the diverse tastes of moviegoers.
October marked a pivotal moment for the global box office, raking in $2.1 billion in worldwide earnings and securing its place as the 8th highest-grossing month of the year.
For Saudi cinemas, October proved to be particularly vibrant, fueled by a strong enthusiasm for the big screen and a varied lineup of new releases. In the first week alone, 53 films collectively garnered 222,100 admissions, laying a solid foundation for sustained growth throughout the month. The Saudi box office saw an impressive $2.06 million in earnings during the first weekend of October, reflecting a remarkable 201.9% increase from the previous week, according to Box Office Mojo. Building on September’s exceptional growth, driven by World Cinema Day and Saudi National Day celebrations, October continued to maintain this positive momentum. By the end of the month, total admissions had reached 1.2 million, based on data from MVM’s CineMeasure dashboard (covering September 26 to October 31), underscoring the continued excitement and engagement of Saudi audiences with cinema.
October’s top performers showcased a mix of international blockbusters and beloved local films, catering to the diverse preferences of moviegoers. Joker: Folie à Deux stood out as one of the month’s most successful titles, earning SAR 6.0 million in its debut week with 96,700 tickets sold. Its second-week performance added SAR 3.0 million and 52,100 tickets.
Local production Pension Dalal rounded out the list of successes, earning SAR 993,000 and 18,500 tickets in its opening week, before climbing further in week two with SAR 1.1 million and 21,400 tickets sold.
Another significant highlight was The Wild Robot, a testament to the enduring popularity of animated films in Saudi Arabia. It remained a consistent presence in the top two movies throughout the month, delivering strong weekly performances. The fourth week of its release marked its peak, with SAR 4.7 million in revenue and 104,700 tickets sold—the highest weekly admissions of the month, cementing its status as a major draw for families and animation enthusiasts alike.
Venom: The Last Dance also made an impactful debut in the final week of October, grossing SAR 4.4 million and selling 77,600 tickets. Meanwhile, thrillers like Smile 2 performed admirably, generating SAR 1.9 million in its first week with 35,100 tickets sold.
This diverse range of genres captivated the Saudi audience, making it a prime market for varied cinematic experiences.
Mufasa: The Lion King, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and the much-anticipated Indian regional film Pushpa 2: The Rule are set to hit the screens, promising to draw even larger crowds and offering unique opportunities for brands to align themselves with these highly anticipated movies.
October’s performance, driven by diverse stories and audience engagement, highlights the Kingdom’s ever-evolving cinema landscape. As Saudi Arabia continues to embrace its cinematic journey, there’s no better time to be part of this cultural transformation. Stay tuned for the excitement to come as the year closes with more unforgettable moments on the big screen!
Click here to check out the full list of movies and submit your inquiries.
Source: MVM CineMeasure, The Saudi Film Commission, The Box Office Mojo, Gower Street
The 7th edition of the META Cinema Forum, held from November 11-12, 2024, at the Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and creators to discuss the evolving landscape of the cinema industry in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa (MEA). The event, which has grown exponentially over the years, showcased the region’s commitment to shaping a world-class cinema culture. This year’s META Cinema Forum has been all about innovation and collaboration.
The forum began with inspiring remarks from Lara Tan, Conference Director at Great Minds Group, followed by Paul Schwarz, Technical Director at Dubai Acoustic Research Laboratory. Their words highlighted the vital role of collaboration and technological innovation in shaping the future of cinema. The event continued with engaging panel discussions and presentations, delving into the industry’s biggest challenges, solutions, and the evolving landscape of regional cinema.
The first day saw dynamic sessions covering a range of forward-thinking topics. Panelists discussed deep into the growth of cinema infrastructure, with over 50 new cinemas opening each year and a 20% annual increase in box office revenues in the MEA region. This explosive growth was a recurring theme, emphasizing the region’s expanding cinema market.
One highlight was a discussion on government involvement in the creative economy and film culture, led by notable figures like Sameer Al Jaberi (Head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Abu Dhabi Film Commission), Nader Al Rawahy (Investment and Marketing Expert, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth – Operation Excellence Lead, Oman) Georges Khouri (Director – Marketing, Tecom Group) and Nancy Paton (CEO and Founder of Desert Rose Films). Their conversation emphasized the need for strategic policy-making to support the flourishing cinema industry.
The forum also spotlighted the power of innovation for enhanced cinema experience, with presentations from VOX Cinemas and Star Cinemas, followed by panel discussions on immersive technologies, AI in filmmaking, and future cinema design. These discussions showcased how the industry is embracing digital transformation to enhance audience engagement and redefine cinematic experiences.
The following day began with the presentation, ‘Cinema Industries: FACTS and STATS’, by Maria Rua Aguete, followed by a fireside chat with Toby Tennant from Warner Bros., moderated by Nancy Paton, CEO and Founder of Desert Rose Films. The discussion explored how Hollywood can continue to support and benefit from the growth of the theatrical industry in the MENA region. It highlighted the demand for varied content and celebrated the growth of Arab cinema and its international collaborations.
Another standout discussion on enhancing cinema offerings focused on the food and beverage experience. Experts discussed the potential of gourmet options and retail spaces within theatres, highlighting how these innovations can boost ancillary revenues and enrich the overall cinema experience. The conversation also touched on creative partnerships with local food vendors, a strategy that’s gaining traction in the region.
The forum didn’t stop there—other insightful sessions explored successful marketing strategies, including how big data can personalize marketing efforts to attract and retain audiences. A prime example of the power of well-executed marketing was the global phenomenon of Barbie (2023), which drew massive crowds thanks to a targeted and engaging marketing campaign.
The META Cinema Forum 2024 was more than just a gathering of experts—it was a celebration of innovation, creativity, and a shared vision for a dynamic and exciting future for cinema. The forum also featured a trade show, networking opportunities, and exclusive screenings, including a highly anticipated preview of 2025 blockbuster of Warner Bros. presented by Toby Tennant, Senior Vice President, EMEA Theatrical Distribution, Warner Bros. and for Universal Studios presented by Majid AlFuttaim Studio Distribution Team.
As the forum concluded, the message was clear—the future of cinema in the MEA region is incredibly bright. With continued investment in technology, diversified content, and creative collaborations, the region is poised to become a global leader in the entertainment space.
Ahmed Ramadan, Regional Sales Director of Motivate Val Morgan, opened the event with a speech, who shared valuable insights into the ever-evolving cinema industry and an exciting sneak peek at the blockbusters coming in 2025.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Cinemacity for their exceptional support in making this private screening of Gladiator II a success, and to our guests for joining us and enhancing the experience with their presence, making it truly memorable.
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Stay tuned for future ‘Private Screenings’ in the UAE and in our other markets.
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Wicked, the beloved Broadway musical that’s won the hearts of millions, is finally coming to the big screen! With its spellbinding story, unforgettable characters, iconic music, and a new generation of cast, this musical has been a cultural phenomenon for years. Now, as it makes its way to theaters, this film adaptation is set to bring all the excitement and magic of the stage into cinemas worldwide.
The film brings back the original Broadway team, led by producer Marc Platt, to create something memorable for a new generation. Wicked promises to be a must-watch, reinventing this cherished story in a way we’ve never seen before.
Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, the musical. Imagine stepping into Oz like you’ve never seen it before, where the story of the Wicked Witch of the West comes alive in a whole new way. Wicked takes us back to Oz, but this time, we see the story from an entirely new perspective. It’s the untold tale of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who would one day become the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with the glamorous and popular Glinda. The two first meet as polar-opposite roommates at Shiz University, where they clash, connect, and ultimately forge a powerful bond. But as they grow, they’re pulled in different directions—Elphaba’s bold defiance of the Wizard’s corrupt rule sets her on a path to becoming the outcast, while Glinda embraces the spotlight. Along the way, their friendship faces challenges, especially when they both fall for the dashing Fiyero.
Director Jon M. Chu, the creative mind behind Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, is bringing his vision and energy to Wicked in a way that’s generating serious excitement. Known for his vibrant storytelling and love for bold, cinematic moments, Chu has been passionate about capturing the heart of this beloved musical while adding something new for the big screen. From the beginning, he’s made it clear how much this project means to him, sharing with fans his goal of honoring the original while offering a fresh perspective on Oz and a new generation of Wicked cast.
Meet the Characters:
Get ready to meet the unforgettable characters, brought to life by the powerhouse Wicked cast!
Cynthia Erivo, with her raw emotional depth and stunning voice, steps into the role of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch who dares to be different.
Ariana Grande lights up the screen as the bubbly and ambitious Glinda, perfectly her journey from a life of popularity to discovering something deeper.
Jonathan Bailey adds his own charm and complexity to Fiyero, the mysterious heartthrob who captures both witches’ attention.
Michelle Yeoh brings elegance and an air of mystery to Madame Morrible.
Jeff Goldblum’s unmistakable charisma breathes new life into the enigmatic Wizard.
The Wicked musical is being adapted into a two-part film, with each part capturing a key chapter in the journey of Elphaba and Glinda. This part of the story leads up to one of the most powerful moments from the Broadway show: Defying Gravity. This is the big moment when she accepts that she can only count on herself, even if doing so means she must become the Wicked Witch of the West.
Special #Wicked Movie Announcement… ✌🏼🎬🧹🌸💚sent from my OzPhone: pic.twitter.com/4qPpvVD4rR
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) April 26, 2022
Wicked could be the next movie to soar into the billion-dollar club. As a highly anticipated prequel to The Wizard of Oz, this adaptation has generated immense excitement, blending the beloved story first crafted by L. Frank Baum and later reimagined in Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel.
On October 10, Fandango announced that the Wizard of Oz prequel hit major milestones in ticket pre-sales on its first day. With record-breaking numbers, Wicked has already claimed the title of best first-day PG-rated presales of the year, besting Pixar’s Inside Out 2, and now ranks as the third-best first-day preseller of all time for a PG-rated film. It also achieved the second-best first-day presales of the year overall, just behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Deadpool & Wolverine. Both Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine grossed over $1 billion and are the only 2024 movies to have done so till date. If this early hype is any indication, Wicked could become 2024’s next billion-dollar box-office sensation.
Great news witches! ✨ #WickedMovie is already hitting Fandango milestones:
-Second Best First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of 2024
-Best PG Rated First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of 2024
-No. 3 Best PG Rated First-Day Ticket Pre-Seller of All Time pic.twitter.com/T0CjiR638l— Fandango (@Fandango) October 10, 2024
So far, we’ve been treated to two magical trailers for Wicked, each one leaving us on the edge of our seats. Along with these, sneak peeks of the characters and sets offer a glimpse of the stunning visuals, powerful performances, and the magic we’ve been eagerly awaiting. To top it off, a special behind-the-scenes featurette video of the cast has been released on official YouTube channel of Wicked Movie, giving fans an exciting look at the stars who are bringing this iconic story to life. With each new reveal, the anticipation only grows as we count down to the movie’s release!
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Are people born Wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them? Discover the answer on November 21, 2024. The adventure of Oz awaits—be ready to experience the untold story when it hits theaters!
Wicked is one of the year’s most highly anticipated films, offering brands a unique opportunity to engage a captivated audience. Whether you’re targeting moviegoers, musical fans, or lovers of all things Oz, Wicked offers unmatched potential to reach both new and loyal fans alike.
With the long weekend and National Day holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to advertise alongside this movie. Connect with a diverse, family-oriented audience and make your brand a part of this unforgettable journey. Reach out today to explore advertising opportunities and elevate your brand this season!
Source: Wicked Official Website, IMDB, Entertainment Weekly, Collider, Variety, ScreenRant and Deadline