Lionsgate and Blumhouse join forces in ‘Imaginary,’ spearheading our compilation of the most eagerly awaited horror films of 2024.
Though Halloween may still be a distant specter on the calendar, the spine-tingling allure of horror knows no season. Reflecting on 2023, it was undeniably a year of resurgence for the genre on the silver screen, solidifying its status as Hollywood’s dependable cash cow, particularly in the wake of underperforming superhero flicks.
Regionally (especially in the UAE & KSA), horror reigned supreme, with blockbusters such as Evil Dead Rise ($3.94M), Nun II ($2.43M – UAE only), Insidious: The Red Door ($1.47M – UAE only), Romancham (Malayalam) ($1.48M – UAE), Five Nights at Freddy’s ($5.86M), and M3gan ($2.17M) dominating the 2023 box office charts.
But as we peer into the murky depths of 2024, a fresh wave of terror awaits, promising both new nightmares and the resurrection of beloved franchises. The new roster includes work from acclaimed filmmakers such as M. Night Shyamalan, Robert Eggers, Tim Burton and Jordan Peele etc.
So, sharpen your claws, brace yourself for the darkness, and prepare to unleash your most blood-curdling screams (or retreat beneath the safety of your covers) as these spine-tingling spectacles beckon you to the edge of your theater seat. After all, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the chilling terror of these films in the immersive atmosphere of the cinema.
Imaginary – 7 March 2024
Imaginary unfolds through the eyes of a woman who returns to her childhood home, to discover that the imaginary friend that she left behind has a life of its own and is unhappy that she abandoned him. Are you ready to have the memory of your favorite childhood toy ruined forever?
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – 21 March 2024
Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters are back, baby! This time, they’re facing off against ‘The Death Chill,’ a frosty threat that’s giving New York City a serious case of the shivers. With the OG team and some fresh faces, get ready for a ghostly adventure that’ll send chills down your spine!
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 – 21 March 2024
Hold onto your honey pots, folks! The unexpected smash hit ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey’ is back with a vengeance in its sequel. This time, everyone’s favorite bear is taking the slash-and-dice route, promising even more brutality and weirdness. Who’s gonna make it out alive this time? Your guess is as good as ours!
The First Omen – 04 April 2024
Holy hell! ‘The First Omen’ is here to give you nightmares. Set before the events of the classic horror flick ‘The Omen,’ this prequel follows Margaret, played by Nell Tiger Free (yep, the Baratheon girl from Game of Thrones), as she discovers that not everything behind the church gates is as holy as it seems.
The Watchers – 6 June 2024
Get ready to be on the edge of your seat with ‘The Watchers.’ Inspired by A.M Shine’s gripping novel, this film takes you on a chilling ride through the eerie landscapes of the Western Irish Countryside. With Ishana Night Shyamalan at the helm and a stellar cast, get ready for fear and suspense like never before!
A Quiet Place: Day One – 27 June 2024
Curious how it all began? ‘A Quiet Place – Day One’ takes you back to ground zero, showing the day those deadly death angels first descended upon Earth. Led by the phenomenal Lupita Nyong’o, this installment promises chaos, terror, and some Stranger Things alum thrown in for good measure!
Longlegs – 11 July 2024
FBI Agent Lee Harker is on the case in ‘The Unseen.’ Dive into an unsolved serial killer mystery filled with unexpected twists and occult elements. As Harker races against time, the stakes—and the body count—keep getting higher!
Alien: Romulus – 15 August 2024
Buckle up for an otherworldly adventure! ‘Alien: Romulus’ introduces us to a fresh batch of characters facing off against the universe’s most terrifying beings – Xenomorphs. The seventh installment in the legendary franchise takes us on a whole new journey, stepping away from the prequels and into uncharted territory.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – 5 September 2024
Tim Burton is back to haunt your dreams with ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.’ Join a grown-up Lydia Deetz as she returns to her once quaint, now ominously transformed home with her own family. But when chaos ensues, is it time to summon that mischievous poltergeist again? You might want to say his name—twice!
Terrifier 3 – 24 October 2024
Director Damien Leone is set to redefine horror with ‘Terrifier 3,’ pledging elevated levels of violence and gore. The film aims to explore the origins of the menacing antagonist, Art the Clown, and reintroduce pivotal characters like Sienna Shaw. Leone’s vision for the franchise ensures a chilling and gripping cinematic journey.
Smile 2 – 18 October 2024
Remember that unsettling smile that crawled out of your nightmares in 2022? Get ready for another round of psychological horror and spine-tingling scares as the origins of the entity are explored even further. New characters will be drawn into the nightmarish cycle, each facing their own inner demons alongside those terrifying smiles.
Thread: An Insidious Tale – TBA
The next installment of the Insidious saga unfolds with Thread: An Insidious Tale, slated for 2024. This spinoff, starring Kumail Nanjiani and Mandy Moore, delves into the perilous repercussions when a couple tamper with time to avert tragedy. Penned and directed by Jeremy Slater, anticipate a riveting journey into the abyss of fear and desperation.
But hold up, because there’s more! Here are some more that might sneak up and become the sleeper hits we all love and eagerly anticipate sequels for, just like ‘Talk to Me,’ ‘Smile,’ or ‘Barbarian’:
Source: IMDb, SCREENRANT
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Latest Trailers and Commercials From Super Bowl 2024
The grand spectacle of the Super Bowl returned with a bang, this time finding its stage at the illustrious Allegiant Stadium nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 11, 2024. Drawing in an astounding audience of over 123 million viewers, this year’s Super Bowl proved to be a veritable goldmine for brands eager to captivate and enthrall potential customers.
Among the titans vying for attention were the movie trailers that graced the commercial breaks. From the tantalizing glimpse of Hugh Jackman donning the iconic yellow and black suit as Wolverine in the first Deadpool & Wolverine trailer, to the ominous portrayal of day one of an alien invasion in A Quiet Place: Day One, this year’s trailer releases sparked anticipation and excitement among cinema enthusiasts. On the branding front, Apple’s double feature, alongside the likes of Uber, Microsoft, and a cavalcade of others, captured the spotlight
Here are the movie trailers and standout advertisements that graced the screen during this monumental event:
A Quiet Place: Day One – 27 June 2024
Ever wondered where it all started? The next Quiet place movie shows us the day when the death angels first fell on earth. The 30 second trailer feature Lupita Nyongo in New York, where all hell breaks loose.
Despicable Me 4 – 5 July 2024
The recent Super Bowl trailer for the movie featured the mischievous Minions, who, despite the full release of the Despicable Me 4 trailer weeks prior, had a playful encounter with AI. In the teaser, they humorously targeted Gru actor Steve Carell and Will Ferrell, who voices Gru’s nemesis, Maxime Le Mal.
The Fall Guy – 2 May 2024
The teaser for this action-packed film promises it all: Ryan Gosling stars as a veteran stuntman on a mission to locate his missing double in a movie directed by his ex-girlfriend, Emily Blunt.
Kung Fu Panda 4 – 11 April 2024
Jack Black returns as Po, the Dragon Warrior, on a quest to find his successor and become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. But obstacles arise, including a formidable sorceress with her own agenda!
Deadpool & Wolverine – 25 July 2024
One of the year’s most eagerly awaited movie trailers premiered during Super Bowl LVIII, heralding the return of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool and Wolverine in the highly anticipated “Deadpool 3,” promising a blood-pumping adventure like never before.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – 10 May 2024
The apes meet the chiefs! The trailer for the fourth movie of the blockbuster series featured on Sunday, transporting viewers to a time much after the 21st century. In this world, Apes are now the dominant species, with human beings on a near feral existence.
Wicked – 26 November 2024
Viewers of the game were treated to anwicked delight during an early commercial break. The sneak peek showcased the initial encounter between the two characters, with Grande’s audible gasp upon seeing Erivo’s green appearance, exclaiming, “You’re green!”
Twisters – 18 July 2024
Fans are taking a poignant journey down memory lane, honoring the legacies of Bill Paxton and Philip Seymour Hoffman, both dearly departed. With over 100 million viewers captivated, the latest trailer hints at a thriller poised to serve as a stark reminder of the pressing issue of climate change.
If – 16 May 2024
The Super Bowl trailer for the movie picked a humorous approach, featuring Randall Park portraying John Krasinski’s Jim, as a revisit to a classic prank from The Office. Directed by Krasinski himself, the movie follows a girl on a magical adventure to reconnect all Imaginary Friends (IF’s) with kids.
Monkey Man – 5 April 2024
Following the game’s overtime, a commercial break teased Dev Patel’s upcoming thriller, Monkey Man, marking his directorial debut and produced by Jordan Peele.
Inside Out 2 – 14 June 2023
Almost ten years after Inside Out first hit theaters, Pixar is bringing back Riley and her Emotions for a sequel. Super Bowl 2024 offered a glimpse into Riley’s teenage years, with a special look at Inside Out 2. The teaser shows Riley facing a range of emotions, including the new addition of Maya Hawke’s Anxiety.
Apple
Apple’s double feature comprises two ads. The first showcases the company’s CEO, Tim Cook, engaging in a FaceTime call with Ludacris, Lil Jon, and Taraji P. Henson, discussing their recent dinner. In the second spot, USHER takes the stage as the performer for the Super Bowl 2024 halftime show.
“Javier In A Frame”– Google
This year, the tech giant collaborated with Adam Morse, a renowned blind filmmaker from Britain, to illustrate the benefits of AI-powered accessibility tools, such as Google’s Guided Frame, in enhancing navigation and usability for everyone in today’s modern world.
“Hello Down There” – Squarespace
Squarespace has tapped Martin Scorsese for its “Hello Down There” Super Bowl spot, which imagines human life consumed by the digital world.
That T-Mobile Home Internet Feeling
Fans of Scrubs were in for a treat with this clever ad! The minute long venture shows Zach Braff and Donald Faison, sing praises about T-Mobile cable to Jason Momoa. However, it’s Momoa’s remarkable singing skills that ultimately capture the spotlight.
Your Every AI CoPilot – Microsoft
Microsoft has debuted its Super Bowl advertisement, highlighting the company’s AI Copilot tool with the slogan “Your everyday AI companion.” The assistant is reimagined as an intelligent office aide assisting in tasks such as sorting emails, automating tasks on apps, and so much more..
Dina & Mita – Doritos
Dina and Mita (Olivia Negron and Patricia Mauceri) grandmothers of star Jenna Ortega chase after Ramirez, who has taken the last bag of Doritos at a supermarket.
State Farm Insurance– Agent State Farm
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Agent State Farm, a special agent who will go to great lengths to be a great neighbor in State Farm’s action movie spoof-style ad.
Pringles – Mr. P
Chris Pratt stars in the spot for the Kellanova brand where he shares a resemblance to the Pringles mascot Mr. P.
Oreo – Twist
Oreo is returning to the Super Bowl with a new campaign starring Kris Jenner, which plays up the experience of twisting an Oreo cookie. The spot is aimed at engaging with fans by tapping the unique passion points of the 110 year-old brand.
Worth Remembering –Uber Eats
Uber Eats’ ad features a celebrity-packed cast, including Friends’ David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston, Usher, David and Victoria Beckham, and Jelly Roll. The Super Bowl commercial serves as a reminder that forgetting is common, emphasizing Uber Eats’ ability to deliver almost anything, anywhere.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a Super Bowl 2024 ad. The brand teased the documentary-style “Arrival” spot on YouTube.
Source: The Verge, EW, Brand Innovators, USA TODAY, The Guardian
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From music biopics on Bob Marley to MCU crossovers and the long-awaited ‘Joker’ sequel and more — 2024 has an overwhelming array of exciting cinematic treats in store for moviegoers.
In 2023, we saw a cinematic mixtape of superhero blockbusters, sequels, remakes, and unexpected left-field surprises, bringing in a whopping US$3.9 billion at the global box office. The first three quarters were a rollercoaster of hits, each one outdoing the last.
Now, as we gear up for 2024, we’re facing some Hollywood drama with strikes and schedule shuffles. The big question: Is 2024 gonna be a showstopper for the big screen? Well, take a peek at the release schedule for the next 11 months, and you’ll find a lineup that’s got film buffs buzzing.
Who isn’t hyped about George Miller’s next move after Fury Road? Alex Garland (the genius behind Ex Machina) diving into the chaos of an actual civil war, and the epic team-up of Deadpool and The Wolverine. Plus, imagine reliving Bob Marley’s legendary London gig, receiving the same treatment as Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Get ready, film fans – 2024 is shaping up to be a wild ride with a treasure trove of cinematic goodies coming our way. Here are some of our favorite movie releases in the months ahead:
Fighter
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
Cast: Hritik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor
Release: January 2024
First up on the radar is a Bollywood flick featuring Hrithik Roshan, stepping into the boots of elite Indian Air Force pilots banding together to form the Air Dragons. FIGHTER is gearing up to deliver a dose of ‘Top Gun-ish’ adrenaline with jaw-dropping action sequences, all while drenched in the timeless charm of Bollywood. This one’s set to soar high and pack a punch!
Argylle
Genre: Action, Thriller
Cast: Sofia Boutella, Henry Cavil, Dua Lipa
Release: February 2024
We’re always up for a Mathew Vaughn spy flick, and guess what? He’s back, bringing to life the captivating story of Elly Conway, a renowned author whose life takes a turn when the exciting plots of her espionage novels, featuring the secret agent Argylle, start happening in real life. Elly, joined by Aidan Rockwell, goes on a global adventure. Together, they race against killers, blurring the lines between Elly’s fictional world and reality.
Dune: Part two
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Cast: Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet, Florence Pugh
Release: March 2024
Denis Villeneuve completes the saga he initiated with this second chapter of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic, where Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet take on the task of saving the universe. The storyline tracks Paul Atreides as he embarks on a journey for revenge alongside Chani and the Fremen. Faced with a daunting decision between love and the fate of the universe, Paul strives to avert a grim future that he foresees.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Cast: Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, Annie Potts
Release: March 2024
The new rendition of the beloved horror fantasy franchise, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire introduces a new villain and the Ghostbusters, old and new, as they unite to save the world from an ancient evil threatening a second ice age.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Cast: Dan Stevens, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry
Release: March 2024
Set for an epic showdown following the first blockbuster, Godzilla and Kong, two ancient titans, engage in an epic showdown while humans uncover their linked origins and connection to the mysteries of Skull Island.
Kung Fu Panda 4
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Cast: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis
Release: March 2024
When Po gets the nod to step up as the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he’s thrown into the whirlwind task of tracking down and grooming a fresh Dragon Warrior. But hold onto your hats – there’s a wicked sorceress in the mix, scheming to resurrect all the master villains Po once sent packing to the spirit realm. It’s a Kung Fu saga with a mystical twist that’ll keep you hooked!
Indian 2 (Tamil)
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Cast: Kamal Hassan, Rakul Preet Singh, Kajal Agarwal
Release: April 2024
Senapathy, once a freedom fighter, is now a vigilante fighting corruption. He returns to help a young man exposing corrupt politicians through online videos.
Civil War
Genre: Action, Drama
Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny
Release: April 2024
In the near future, a dedicated team of journalists embarks on a cross-country journey, navigating the landscape of a rapidly intensifying civil war that has swept across the entire nation of America.
Fall Guy
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Cast: Emily Blunt, Ryan Gosling, Aaron – Taylor Johnson
Release: May 2024
The Fall Guy follows Colt Seavers, an out-of-work stuntman, who is asked by his ex-girlfriend(movie director) to help with stunts for a troublesome action star. When the actor disappears, Colt sets out to rescue him, facing the darker side of Hollywood. Along the way, he hopes to win back his ex, rescue the film, and prove himself as the best stuntman.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Charlee Fraser
Release: May 2024
This is where Furiosa’s story begins, before she teams up with Mad Max. In a crazy world, young Furiosa is taken from her home, the Green Place, by a tough group of bikers led by Warlord Dementus. She then goes on a journey to overcome challenges and find her way back home.
Inside Out 2
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Cast: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black
Release: June 2024
The beloved franchise returns, this time following Riley, a teenage girl, encountering new emotions in her prime age.
Ballerina
Genre: Action, Thriller
Cast: Anna De Armas, Keanu Reeves
Release date: June 2024
Ballerina is a spinoff within the John Wick universe, featuring Ana de Armas in the lead role. She reprises her character from John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, where she was introduced as a young ballerina being trained as an assassin. In Ballerina, the story revolves around de Armas’ character seeking revenge for her family’s tragic murder.
A Quiet Place: Day One
Genre: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn
Release: June 2024
According to creator and producer John Krasinski, the third movie, set in the same world as A Quiet Place 1 and 2, this film shifts away from the Abbott family. It follows Lupita Nyong’o’s character as she faces the early moments of the alien invasion in the noisy city of New York.
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1
Genre: Drama, Western
Cast: Kevin Costner, Jena Malone, Sam Worthington
Release: June 2024
Horizon: An American Saga delves into the attraction of the Old West and the challenges faced in winning and losing it, reflecting the sacrifices of many. Covering the four years of the Civil War (1861-1865), the film invites audiences on an emotional exploration of a nation torn by war.
Deadpool 3
Genre: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Cast: Matthew MacFayden, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Corin
Release: July 2024
This third installment comes to the silver screen with a star-studded cast and action that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Deadpool 3 will have Wolverine, who is healing from his wounds when he encounters the talkative Deadpool. They join forces to overcome a mutual adversary.
Twister
Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller
Cast: Glen Powell, Katy O’ Brian, Kiernan Shipka
Release: July 2024
A modernization of the 1996 movie ‘Twister,’ focusing on two storm chasers risking their lives to evaluate an experimental weather alert system.
Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 (Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi)
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Cast: Rashmika Mandanna, Sukumar, Srikanth Vissa
Release: August 2024
The showdown intensifies as Pushpa and Bhanwar Singh lock horns in their ongoing rivalry in this epic conclusion to the two-part action drama.
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2
Genre: Drama, Western
Cast: Kevin Costner, Sam Worthington, Sienna Miller
Release: August 2024
The Kevin Costner epic continues to explore the tales of the old West, keeping audience hooked on a journey across a country at war with itself. Experienced through the lens of families and friends torn apart, Chapter 2 of this installment will follow these war ridden Americans, as they discover what it truly means to be a part of the United Sates of America.
Alien: Romulus
Genre: Horror, Sci- Fi
Cast: Isabela Merced, Cailee Spaeny, Archie Renaux
Release: August 2024
The acclaimed director of “Evil Dead” and “Dont Breathe” Fede Alvarez, brings the seventh installment of the iconic “Alien” franchise, with a fresh perspective. A step away from its prequels, this reboot unfolds in a distant world, following a group of young individuals as they encounter with the universe’s most terrifying life form. Alvarez’s great storytelling promises a scary space adventure, guaranteed to keep you hooked until the last minute!
Takht (Hindi)
Genre: Action, Drama, History
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor
Release: August 2024
Directed by Karan Johar, the most anticipated Hindi movie of the year stars Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh as Aurangzeb and Dara, telling the story of the enmity between brothers caused by the succession of the throne.
Trap
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Cast: Josh Hartnett, Hayley Mills, Vanessa Smythe
Release: August 2024
The upcoming film marks M. Night Shyamalan’s third feature in four years. Renowned for his distinctive filmmaking style, Shyamalan is recognized for incorporating unexpected twists into his movies—a trait eagerly anticipated in this rumored psychological thriller.
Wolfs
Genre: Thriller
Cast: Brad Pitt, George Clooney
Release: September 2024
A Jon Watts action-thriller reunites Brad Pitt and George Clooney on screen after fifteen years. The plot follows two fixers hired for the same job.
Beetlejuice 2
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe
Release: September 2024
The iconic horror comedy returns to the screens after more than two decades. The original chapter, which follows a dead couple summoning an undead exorcist, to scare away the new owners of their home. 35 years later, the new movie will follow the story of a family, as they navigate how to exist in the ‘craziest world possible’ !
Joker: Folie à Deux
Genre: Crime, Drama, Musical
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Zazue Beetz, Brendan Gleeson
Release: October 2024
The beloved and highly-debated Joker character is making a return to the big screen. The majority of the film will unfold in Arkham, continuing from the first movie where Arthur flees from Arkham Asylum attendants after he murdered a doctor.
Gladiator 2
Genre: Action, Drama, Adventure
Cast: Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington
Release: November 2024
The plot of Gladiator 2 unfolds two decades after the events in the first film. It tracks the journey of Lucius, now an adult, as he embraces Maximus’ legacy. Despite being entitled to ascend as Caesar, Lucius is inspired by Maximus’ sacrifice and courage. His commitment to continuing Maximus’ legacy leads him into the arena, where his political connections from the past resurface to challenge him.
Nosferatu
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
Cast: Emma Corrin, Aaron Taylor – Johnson, Willem Dafoe
Release: December 2024
A spooky story about a troubled young woman and a vampire obsessed with her, awakening unprecedented horror in its wake.
Juror #2
Genre: Thriller
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette
Release: TBC
“Juror No. 2”, as name suggests, opens as a courtroom drama, revolving around a murder trial. Juror and family man Justin Kemp grapples with a shocking realization that he might be the one responsible for the victim’s death due to his reckless driving. Faced with the dilemma of saving the defendant without revealing his own involvement, Kemp finds himself in a difficult position.
Havoc
Genre: Action, Thriller
Cast: Tom Hardy, Timothy Oliphant, Forest Whitaker
Release: December 2024
Following a drug deal gone south, an injured detective must navigate the criminal underworld in order to save a politician’s estranged son. As he delves deeper, he exposes a complex network of corruption and conspiracy that has entangled the entire city.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Cast: Idris Elba, James Marsden, Ben Schwartz
Release: December 2024
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the follow-up to the 2022 comedy-adventure, where Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles face a new threat with the arrival of the antagonist Shadow the Hedgehog, disrupting their lives on Earth.
Karate Kid
Genre: Action, Drama, Family
Cast: Jackie Chan, Ralph Maccio
Release: December 2024
The film will depict a teenager from China undergoing training with a strict yet just mentor, likely Mr. Han played by Chan. The setting will shift from the West Coast of the United States to the East Coast. However, the connection to the original franchise will be unveiled in a short while.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-fi
Cast: Seth Rogen, Aaron Peirre, Billy Eichner
Release: December 2024
The movie follows Simba, now the ruler of the Pride Lands, who is committed to guiding his cub to inherit his legacy, all while delving into the backstory of his deceased father, Mufasa.
Catch a glimpse of some of these compelling titles in our 2024 Sizzle Reel:
There’ll be many more to get excited about in the weeks and months ahead as festivals uncover new gems, distributors snap up and roll out fresh acquisitions, and still-unannounced films pounce on the calendar. So consider this just an appetizer for the year of cinematic feasting to come.
Sources:
Gower Street Analytics
The 2023 edition of CinemaCon drew to a successful close after four days of thrilling presentations, demonstrations, and discussions, which offered an unparalleled opportunity for industry leaders to come together and discuss the future of cinema.
CinemaCon attendees were privy to exclusive product presentations, cutting-edge technology demonstrations, and thought-provoking panel discussions featuring experts from various sectors of the industry, including studio executives, theatre operators, and technology providers.
Leading studios, including Disney, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery, presented their latest trailers for upcoming theatrical releases, and as always, the event concluded with the ‘Big Screen Achievement Awards’ – held in honor of celebrities whose contributions to the industry have helped shape cinema into what it is today.
If you missed any of the presentations, fear not! Here are the latest trailers that were released during the event:
Sony Pictures set the tone for CinemaCon 2023 by showcasing a variety of major movie trailer releases and announcements. Some of the notable titles that were unveiled included Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Gran Turismo: The Movie, The Equalizer 3, and Insidious: The Red Door.
The Equalizer 3
Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington presented the first trailer of The Equalizer 3, in which he reprises the role of former government assassin Robert McCall. The film is described as the “final chapter” in the story, indicating that it could be the last with Washington as Robert.
The film is set to release in cinema on 31 August 2023.
Gran Turismo: The Movie
Orlando Bloom and Stranger Things star David Harbour presented a new trailer for Gran Turismo: The Movie. The film is based on the life of Jann Mardenborough, a real-life Gran Turismo player who became a professional racer. Archie Madekwe plays Mardenborough in the film. It also stars Djimon Hounsou as Mardenborough’s father. Harbour plays Jack Salter, a retired race car driver, who trains Jann.
The film is set to release in cinema on 10 August 2023.
Insidious: The Red Door
CinemaCon 2023 attendees were treated to an extended trailer for Insidious: The Red Door.The new footage showed an adult Dalton (Ty Simpkins) being haunted by a wide variety of demons while now attending college. At the request of his wife Renai (Rose Byrne), father Josh (Patrick Wilson) accompanies him to help move into his college dorm where he realizes that Dalton’s connection to “the Further” is coming back in full force.
The film is set for release in cinema on 6 July 2023.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Fourteen minutes from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was shown at CinemaCon 2023 as the studio is still finishing the movie. The latest trailer shows Miles Morales as he returns for the next chapter of the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
The film is set to release in cinema on 1 June 2023
Other movies showcased by Sony Pictures included Kraven the Hunter (5 October 2023), Dumb Money (19 October 2023) and Napoleon (21 November 2023).
Warner Bros. Discovery presented a slew of trailers and announcements on 25 April, the second day of the mega event. Here is a look at the studio’s upcoming releases including three DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies — The Flash, Blue Beetle and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
The Flash
Ezra Miller plays two versions of Barry Allen in different realities. While Ben Affleck appears as Batman in his own reality, Michael Keaton returns as the Dark Knight in an alternate reality in the story. Sasha Calle’s Supergirl and Michael Shannon’s General Zod are also seen in much more detail in the new trailer.
The film is set to release in cinema on 15 June 2023.
Blue Beetle
The Blue Beetle footage shown at CinemaCon 2023 was very similar to the trailer that was recently released. However, it did give us an even better look at the villainous Carapax. The trailer shows what fans have already seen, which is Xolo Maridueña’s Jamie Reye getting his hands on an alien object that looks like a mystical scarab which turns him into a superhero.
The film is set to release in cinema on 17 August 2023.
Barbie
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling joined director Greta Gerwig for an extended trailer release of Barbie.
The film is set to release in cinema on 20 July 2023.
Other movies showcased by Warner Bros. Discovery included: Dune: Part Two (2 November 2023), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (19 December 2023), Wonka (14 December 2023), The Color Purple (24 December 2023), The Nun II (7 September 2023), Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (TBA).
Disney brought Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Animation and Pixar films to CinemaCon 2023. Among these were MCU films Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Marvels, animated movie Elemental, and highly anticipated movies The Little Mermaid and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
A Haunting in Venice
The third instalment in Kenneth Branagh’s Hercule Poirot movies had its first teaser trailer release at CinemaCon 2023.
The film is set to release in cinema on 14 September 2023.
Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins
The maverick Taika Waititi is ready with his sports comedy film Next Goal Wins. It is about the American Samoa football team, known infamously for its 31-0 loss to Australia in a FIFA game in 2001. The film follows Michael Fassbender’s Thomas Rongen, a coach who is hired to help the team qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The film is set to release in cinema on 16 November 2023.
Elemental
Pixar’s Elemental is an animated film about residents of Element City, each of whom belong to an elemental group — land, air, water and fire. The extended 20-minute clip focussed on a fire element character, Ember, from the time she was a baby to her younger years. Unable to control her temper, she causes a disaster which brings her in conflict with water-element character Wade.
The film is set to release in cinema on 15 June 2023.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny concluded Disney’s slate of presentations at the event. Attendees got to see an action-packed clip from the upcoming film. The clip followed Harrison Ford’s Indy and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Helena in pursuit of Mads Mikkelsen’s antagonist character Jürgen Voller through Tangier in Morocco.
The film is set to release in cinema on 29 June 2023.
Other movies showcased by Disney included: The Creator (28 September 2023) and Wish (21 November 2023).
Paramount Studios showcased their 2023 and 2024 slates of highly anticipated movie titles during their presentation at CinemaCon 2023.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
CinemaCon 2023 was treated to a brand new look at Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The footage was extended from the already-released teaser.
The film is set to release in cinema on 3 August 2023.
The studio showcased a full 20 minutes of the upcoming film Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, starring Tom Cruise and set to release on 11 July 2023, along with the first trailer for Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, which is scheduled for release on 19 October 2023, and a first look at A Quiet Place: Day One, set to release on 8 March 2024.
Universal and Focus Features presented their films after Disney on Day 3 of CinemaCon 2023.
Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan took to the stage to introduce Oppenheimer, one of the most-anticipated movies of 2023. Nolan said that a full trailer may be attached to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 theatrical release. A five-minute reel was then shown to attendees. Cillian Murphy plays J. Robert Oppenheimer in the film. Matt Damon essays Major General Leslie Groves. Among the A-list star cast of the film are Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, David Dastmalchian, and Rami Malek among others.
The film is set to release in cinema on 20 July 2023.
Fast X
Vin Diesel made a surprise appearance at CinemaCon 2023 to announce that Fast X – Part 2 will be released in theaters in 2025. The announcement was made after the first part of the movie, Fast X, which is set to be released in cinemas on 18 May 2023. The event came to a close for the day following a trailer of Fast X.
Other titles showcased by Universal and Focus Features included: Drive-Away Dolls (22 September 2023), Kung Fu Panda 4 (6 March 2024), Wicked (November 2024).
Source: Lifestyle Asia, DiscussingFilm
CinemaCon 2022 took place between 25 – 28 April 2022 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
CinemaCon, the annual convention organized by the National Association of Theatre Owners, is back after a cancelled 2020 edition and a muted 2021 affair.
Only eight months ago, the movie theater industry congregated at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The previous edition took place at a time when the cinema industry was in constant flux, with fewer overseas delegates, pre-recorded studio presentations, and a low turnout on the trade show floor.
The industry has made great strides since CinemaCon 2021, after a string of box office successes – Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Batman, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and a far more stabilized movie release calendar, which have given cinema owners the foundation to pursue a serious recovery. The worst looks to be behind movie owners around the world, with theatrically exclusive films returning to big screen and recent box office figures suggesting that viewers are returning to the medium.
Here’s a look at the biggest studio announcements from the largest annual gathering of the motion picture industry:
Sony Pictures:
Sony opened the studio presentations at CinemaCon 2022 with a victory lap. Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, who energized the studio’s 2021 showcase to exhibitors by expressing a strong commitment to theatrical exclusivity.
Sony Pictures Entertainment has earned a whopping $3.3 billion in global box office since their last appearance in CinemaCon, only eight months back.
The studio’s 2022 presentation began with an extended look at the upcoming comedy-action caper Bullet Train (July 29) and continued its presentation further with the new looks of Where the Crawdads Sing (July 15) and The Woman King (September 16), original titles the studio believes will help balance the tentpole-heavy release schedule of the coming months.
Warner Bros.:
Warner Bros. started the presentation at CinemaCon 2022 by unveiling an early first look at footage from The Flash.
The major announcement of the evening was confirmation from studio chairman Toby Emmerich that director Matt Reeves and star Robert Pattinson would be coming back for another installment of The Batman.
Fans also caught the first glimpse of Margot Robbie in the starring role for Barbie, now scheduled for a July 21, 2023 release.
Director Baz Luhrman gave an enthusiastic introduction to footage from his upcoming Elvis, scheduled for a June 24 release, the film will confront the challenge of re-engaging older moviegoers.
Other non-franchise Warner Bros. titles featured in the presentation include the Timothy Chalamet musical Wonka (Christmas 2023), Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry, Darling starring Florence Pugh (September 23), and the Stephen King adaptation Salem’s Lot (September 9).
Warner Bros.’ focus on original titles didn’t overshadow the other DC Comics properties on its schedule. Their CinemaCon presentation included advance looks at Shazam! Fury of the Gods (December 16), Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom (March 17, 2023), DC League of Super-Pets (July 29), and Black Adam (October 21).
Disney:
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige opened the ceremony introducing a 20-minute clip of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Marvel titles have been a financial lifeline for the industry since cinemas reopened with titles like Black Widow, Shan-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, The Eternals, and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
The CinemaCon 2022 audience also enjoyed a 30-minute look at Lightyear, the first Pixar title to hit theaters since Onward.
Disney turned the rest of the presentation over to its 20th Century Studios division, where audiences got a first look at footage of David O. Russell’s Amsterdam (November 4). The title promises to be a star-studded big screen experience driven by leads Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington.
Six minutes of The Bob’s Burgers Movie (May 27) also screened for the audience, emerging as a promising counter-programming option set to open alongside Top Gun: Maverick over Memorial Day weekend.
Producer Jon Landau came on stage to share Disney’s biggest announcement of the morning. Avatar 2, now titled Avatar: The Way of Water, will stick to its December 16 release date.
Universal Studios:
Universal Studios’ presentation represented with footage from Jordan Peele’s Nope (July 22), David Gordon Green’s Halloween Ends (October 14), and the Blumhouse evil robot thriller M3gan (January 13, 2023).
Highlights from the showcase also included enthusiastic responses from exhibitors for comedies Easter Sunday (August 5), Minions: The Rise of Gru (July 1), and Bros (September 30). Universal’s presentation closed with legacy cast members of Jurassic World: Dominion introducing a trailer for the film ahead of its June 10 release.
Focus Features:
Focus Features president Lisa Bunnell introduced footage from several upcoming titles. Focus will bring a diverse slate to theaters in 2022 that includes movies like Downton Abbey: A New Era (May 18) and Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (July 15), genre plays like action-comedy flick Violent Night (December 2), and dramas like James Gray’s Armageddon Time.
Neon:
Neon showcased footage from a trio of its own titles to complement the week’s tentpole-driven presentations. David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future (June 3) is sure to make audiences squirm as the legendary director returns to his roots in body horror.
Lionsgate:
Lionsgate showcased upcoming comedy About My Father. The Studio also revealed never before seen footage of a slate that balances original films like coming-of-age comedy Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and horror flick The Devil’s Light with established action franchises like John Wick Chapter 4 and The Expendables 4.
The studio is also building spin-off series based on successful films. The drama White Bird will act as a sort of spiritual prequel to Lionsgate’s 2017 hit Wonder, while Ballerina will give star Anna de Armas her own series in the John Wick universe.
The CinemaCon 2022 audience caught their first glimpse of the video game adaptation Borderlands and a new Dirty Dancing movie heralding the return of original star Jeniffer Grey.
The big news from the Lionsgate showcase came in the final moments of the presentation with the announcement of a new Hunger Games prequel dated for November 17, 2023. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes could provide a return to major global grosses for Lionsgate, which has played a larger role with mid-range titles since the Hunger Games series concluded in 2015.
Paramount Pictures:
Paramount Pictures kept most of the focus of its CinemaCon 2022 presentation on Top Gun: Maverick, which got its first public screening at the Las Vegas gathering Thursday.
The studio still had a few other big announcements to make. Among them were two title announcements for Paramount’s biggest franchises: Mission: Impossible and A Quiet Place. The seventh M:I film will be titled Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning: Part One while the upcoming “Quiet Place” spinoff from director Michael Sarnoski will be called A Quiet Place: Day One. Both films are set for release in 2023.
Source: Boxoffice Pro
