Blockbuster May-nia: A Look at May’s Top Releases

May 2024’s blockbuster season kicks off with a star-studded action-comedy featuring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt

As summer draws near, it signals the start of the blockbuster season for movie enthusiasts. Already, the season is heating up with major hits such as Dune: Part Two ($667.5M), Kung Fu Panda 4 ($419.5M), and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire ($367.5M), all making substantial gains at the box office. With these successes paving the way, the stage is set for the arrival of the year’s most anticipated releases.

Starting in May, the summer lineup promises an exciting cinematic journey with a diverse range of films to suit various preferences. From adrenaline-pumping action flicks and heartwarming family stories to spine-chilling thrillers, here’s a look at some of the upcoming blockbusters in May:

 

The Fall Guy – 02 May 2024

Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Cast: Emily Blunt, Ryan Gosling, Aaron – Taylor Johnson

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.

 

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – 02 May 2024

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Cast: Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, Annie Potts

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.

 

Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 – 02 May 2024

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Cast: Scott Chambers, Craig David Dowsett, Chris Cordell, Nikolai Leo

The sequel to the horror parody of A.A. Milne’s children’s story, Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 2, picks up shortly after the first film’s events. The new movie will continue the murderous rampage of the residents of the Hundred-Acre Wood.

 

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – 09 May 2024

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Cast: Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, William H. Macy

Decades after Caesar’s sacrifice, a new ape society grapples with a power struggle. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” rewrites the future in an epic clash for dominance. Will peace prevail, or will humanity rise again?

 

IF  – 16 May 2024

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming

A young girl sees the forgotten imaginary friends of grown-ups! With Ryan Reynolds as her guide, she embarks on a heartwarming adventure to reunite lost friends and reignite the magic of childhood.

 

The Strangers: Chapter 1 – 16 May 2024

Genre: Horror
Cast: Madelaine Petsch, Gabriel Basso, Rachel Shenton

Is your home truly safe? “The Strangers: Chapter 1” rips open the idyllic facade of a quiet evening. Prepare for a night of bone-chilling terror as masked intruders turn a dream getaway into a desperate fight for survival.

 

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – 23 May 2024

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Charlee Fraser

War rages across the Wasteland. Before she became the Imperator, Furiosa clawed her way to freedom. Witness her origin story in “Mad Max: Furiosa.” Anya Taylor-Joy ignites the screen in a high-octane prequel filled with sand, fury, and the fight for a future.

 

The Garfield Movie – 23 May 2024

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Cast: Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham

Garfield is about to go on a wild outdoor adventure. After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – the cat Vic – Garfield and Odie are forced to abandon their pampered life to join Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.

 

Tarot – 30 May 2024

Genre: Horror
Cast: Avantika, Olwen Fouéré, Jacob Batalon

Don’t peek into your future…it might stare back. “Tarot” unlocks a deck of nightmares. A group of friends dabble in forbidden rituals, unleashing a terrifying entity. Can they escape the chilling fate foretold in the cards?

 

For brands seeking to engage their target audience in a captivating and immersive setting, the summer season offers an unmatched opportunity to create lasting impressions and foster meaningful connections. Click here to start your cinema advertising journey.

Download our Screentalk Movie Planner to explore all the blockbuster releases coming in Q2 2024!

 

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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:

 

Trailers:

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.

 

Commercials: 

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

 

Related Article:

Most Anticipated Movies of 2024

What’s Buzzin Behind The Screen – Industry News – January 2022

In this edition of ‘What’s Buzzin Behind the Screen’, we bring you the latest industry news – everything you need to know about what’s happening behind the scenes in Hollywood. From the latest trailer releases to box office collections and movie announcements, here’s the January 2022 update:

 

  1. Given the cinema closures and audience worries during the pandemic, there have been some successful movies in 2021. But it took the MCU to deliver a true blockbuster, as Spider-Man: No Way Home crossed the $1 billion mark globally just 12 days after it was released. As of now, the movie is at $1.05 billion, making it the third-fastest film to reach that mark, after Avengers: Infinity War and the top title holder Avengers: Endgame.

 

  1. For the second year in a row, China ended 2021 as the world’s largest theatrical film market. Total movie ticket revenue in the country clocked in at $7.3 billion (RMB 47.3 billion, assuming an average annual exchange rate of RMB 6.45 to $1), more than double last year’s total and down just 26 percent from a pre-pandemic high of $9.2 billion (RMB 64.3 billion) in 2019, according to data from regional box office tracker Artisan Gateway.

 

  1. Josh Hartnett is the newest addition to Christopher Nolan‘s Oppenheimer, despite already including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, and Rami Malek. The movie is set in the backdrop of WWII, and portrays the life of scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in developing the atomic bomb.

 

  1. Actors today are increasingly interested in portraying Hollywood luminaries of the golden age. Both Jamie Bell and Tom Holland have been linked with Fred Astaire in the last couple of years and now Chris Evans is rumored to be playing Gene Kelly in a new movie. The movie will revolve around 12-year-old boy working at the MGM lot in 1952 who develops an imaginary friendship with legendary movie star Kelly while he works on his next film.

 

  1. Taika Waititi is directing an adaptation of Alejandro Jodorowsky and Mœbius’ graphic novel The Incal – an epic space opera, which follows P.I. John Difool who stumbles upon a mystical artifact which forces him on a journey to save the universe. As for Waititi, his next project to arrive in theaters will be Thor: Love and Thunder, and he’s also working on a Star Wars movie.

 

  1. With Encanto out in the world, Disney has now announced its next big animation project –Strange World. The movie will tell the story of an uncharted and treacherous land where fantastical creatures await the legendary Clades, a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest — and by far — most crucial mission. A November 2022 release date has been set for the movie directed by Don Hall.

 

  1. Dave Bautista, who had a great year in 2021 with Dune and Army Of The Dead, now plans to add another respected director to his impressive list of collaborators as he has signed on to direct M Night Shyamalan‘s next film, Knock At The Cabin. The filmmaker’s follow-up to Old is, naturally, a complete mystery so far, with Shyamalan merely teasing the title. Bautista is also involved in Rian Johnson‘s Knives Out 2 and is currently working with James Gunn on Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3.

 

  1. The reuniting of Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot from Wonder Woman will have to stand in line. Jenkins has stepped down as director of Cleopatra, a chronological thriller starring Gadot as Egypt’s renowned ruler. The director of the Marvel superhit The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, namely, Kari Skogland will now be directing the movie. However, Patty Jenkins will not leave the filming completely. She’ll continue to produce Cleopatra as she concentrates on her following two films, Warner Bros.’ Wonder Woman 3 as well as Disney and Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Rogue Squadron.

 

Stay tuned for the latest industry news in our February 2022 edition.

 

Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Empire Online

 

 

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Experience Deadly Silence in A Quiet Place Part 2

A Quiet Place was one of 2018’s surprise hits – a tense thriller featuring a young family trying to survive in a world where terrifying blind but noise-sensitive creatures hunt anything that makes a sound.

A Quiet Place Part 2 – releasing 19th March 2020, brings back director and screenwriter John Krasinski behind the camera, and picks up where the first film left off.

Distributed by Paramount Pictures, the second installment will witness the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe) tackle terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence.

Here’s what you should know about A Quiet Place Part 2:

 

Rating

Due to depiction of terror and bloody images, it can be presumed that the movie’s rating in the Middle East will end up being PG-15.

 

Director 

John Krasinski is back in the director’s chair. Krasinski successfully shook his public persona as The Office’s Jim Halpert with A Quiet Place (2018), and is now respected as a masterful horror filmmaker of suspense that few directors working in the genre today seem to have.

This time around, Krasinski is not just the director, but also the sole credited writer on the sequel’s screenplay with Bryan Woods and Scott Beck credited only as the creators of the characters from the original film. This adds yet another level of control for Krasinski.

 

Returning Cast

 While John Krasinski isn’t reprising his role from the first movie, due to his character’s shocking death, the other three leads from the original – Emily Blunt returns as Evelyn Abbott, Millicent Simmonds as Regan Abbott and Noah Jupe as Marcus Abbott.

 

New Cast Members

Actors Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou will be joining the cast.

Murphy is well known for his starring role as Tommy Shelby in the crime drama series Peaky Blinders, while he’s been seen on the big screen in Christopher Nolan movies such as Dunkirk (2017), Inception (2010) and The Dark Knight trilogy. Hounsou has appeared in both Marvel and DC movies such as Captain Marvel (2019), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and as the Wizard in Shazam! (2019).

 

Check out the trailer which featured during the Super Bowl 2020:

 

 

Box Office Statistics for A Quiet Place (2018):

Worldwide Box Office – $336,157,526

UAE Admissions – Ran for 13 weeks and did approximately 162K admissions.

 

Contact a member of our sales team to advertise alongside this blockbuster.

 

 

Sources: Looper, Box Office Pro, The Numbers and MVM Analysis.

Be in Tune with Musical Movies

Based on the success of La La Land, Beauty and the Beast and The Greatest Showman, and positive reviews on the recently released A Star is Born – starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, cinema is set to deliver two more highly anticipated musical blockbusters towards the end of this year.

 

First up, get ready to ‘Rock and Roll’ with Bohemian Rhapsody (November 1). The film is a biopic on the lead singer of QueenFreddie Mercury, and the rise of his legendary rock band. The remaining band members of Queen were part of the creative process, including casting Rami Malek as the lead actor.

 

Mary Poppins Returns (December 27) is the highly anticipated sequel to the classic 1964 film Mary Poppins. Set in London in the 1930s, some 24 years after the events of the original, it features an all-star cast that includes British actress Emily Blunt, American legend Meryl Streep and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

 

Successes of musical movies from the recent past:

La La Land (2016)

Musical Movies

 

 

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Musical Movies

 

 

 The Greatest Showman (2017)

Musical Movies

 

 

La La Land, Beauty and the Beast and The Greatest Showman also ran for a period of 17, 14 and 19 weeks (respectively) in the UAE.

 

Contact a member of our sales team to book a ‘Follow an English Blockbuster Movie’ campaign alongside Bohemian Rhapsody/Mary Poppins Returns and benefit from having your ad showcased in cinema for as long as the movie runs.

 

 

Sources: The Numbers, IMDb and MVM Analysis