Saudi Arabia’s film industry is experiencing significant growth, marking a new era in the Kingdom’s entertainment sector. According to Prince Badr Bin Abdullah, the Minister of Culture, Saudi box office sales reached an impressive 8.5 million tickets in 2024, with revenues exceeding US$112.4 million in the first half of the year alone. This surge in popularity is particularly noteworthy as Saudi movies have risen to prominence, with two of the top three titles in 2024 being local productions.
سوق صناعة السينما مزدهرة، حيث وصلت مبيعات شباك التذاكر السعودي إلى 8.5 مليون تذكرة بإيرادات تجاوزت 421.8 مليون ريال خلال النصف الأول من العام الحالي، وفيلمان سعوديان ضمن أعلى 3 أفلام مبيعاً. #رؤية_السعودية_2030
Saudi box office sales have reached 8.5 million tickets with… https://t.co/joTkWZOAm4
— بدر بن عبدالله بن فرحان آل سعود (@BadrFAlSaud) September 10, 2024
The success of Saudi cinema is part of a broader global trend of box office recovery. August marked a notable surge in the global box office, driven primarily by two major releases featuring real-life couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively: Deadpool & Wolverine and It Ends With Us. The global box office grossed US$3 billion in August, pushing the year-to-date total to approximately US$21.1 billion. This narrowed the gap to the three-year average to -21%, an improvement from the -28% deficit reported at the end of May, despite the ongoing disruptions from the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023, according to Gower Street’s latest Global Box Office Tracker (GBOT).
For the third month in a row, the global box office exceeded projections. The combined international (excluding China) and domestic markets generated US$2.46 billion in August, making it the second-highest month since the previous August. Although slightly below July’s $2.84 billion (-13%), this figure was still ahead of June’s US$2.4 billion (+2%).
The North American market (Domestic) stood out, surpassing the box office average for the same months in 2017-2019 by 15%. This is the highest level since the beginning of the decade and marks only the third instance where the domestic market has reached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels in any month.
The global theatrical industry enjoyed three consecutive months of increased revenue, bolstered by a more robust calendar of blockbuster releases. This resurgence brought box office performance closer to last year’s summer heights, including the addition of two films, Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine, to the top 21 all-time global box office list. Remarkably, seven of the top 21 highest-grossing films globally have been released since December 2021.
While the final four months of the past two years saw a significant drop in releases, this year, globally, promises a fuller schedule with a wider array of attractive titles such as Joker: Folie à Deux, Gladiator II, Mufasa: The Lion King, Kraven the Hunter, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, likely to lift the box office further.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its burgeoning film industry and global cinema recovers from recent challenges, the outlook for the box office remains positive. The diversity of offerings, from local Saudi productions to international blockbusters, is appealing to audiences both in the Kingdom and worldwide, setting the stage for continued growth in the cinema sector.
Source: GowerStreet, X
The CinemaCon 2024, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) in the US, wrapped up successfully after four days brimming with thrilling announcements, captivating presentations, dynamic demonstrations, and insightful discussions. Hosted at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, this event provided an unparalleled platform for industry leaders to convene and delve into the ever-changing landscape of cinema.
Movie enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement over the forthcoming slate of movie announcements from industry giants such as Disney, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Universal & Focus Features, and Paramount, all featuring a surprising array of star power during their presentations.
While some studios chose a more reserved approach, others went all out, unveiling explosive action sequences, beloved characters, and intriguing new projects. Here’s a glimpse at some of the hottest trailers and announcements that have us eagerly anticipating a trip to the cinema:
Walt Disney Studios kicked off their presentation at CinemaCon 2024 with a captivating 13-minute exclusive footage reel from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, showcasing the film’s expansive and visually stunning world. This was followed by an exciting 9-minute preview of Deadpool & Wolverine and an extended 35-minute sneak peek of Pixar’s highly anticipated Inside Out 2. Attendees were also treated to two exclusive clips from Fede Álvarez’s upcoming film, Alien: Romulus.
In addition to these sneak peeks of previously announced tentpole films, Disney Studios unveiled a lineup of top titles slated for release from late 2024 to early 2025. Among these announcements are Moana 2 set to debut on November 26, 2024, Mufasa: The Lion King premiering on December 19, 2024, and Captain America: Brave New World hitting theaters on February 13, 2025.
Warner Bros. electrified CinemaCon 2024 with an extended sneak peek at Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, setting the stage for an epic cinematic experience. Following this, the panel reached its pinnacle with the debut of the highly anticipated first official trailer for Joker 2: Folie à Deux. As expected, the film promises to delve deep into the toxic yet captivating relationship between Arthur and Harley, interspersed with dreamy dance and song sequences.
The audience was also treated to further revelations, including insights into Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, set to premiere on September 5,2024, and The Watchers, directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan and releasing on June 13, 2024. Additionally, attendees were thrilled by the unveiling of the first trailer for Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi adventure Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, slated to hit theaters on January 30, 2025.
Lionsgate made waves at CinemaCon this year with a plethora of exciting announcements. Among them was the confirmation of the sequel Now You See Me 3, featuring the original cast, and a thrilling remake of the horror classic The Blair Witch Project, helmed by Jason Blum. Additionally, they unveiled plans for a live-action adaptation of ‘Naruto’, a film based on the classic board game ‘Monopoly’, and an adaptation of the beloved video game ‘The Sims’.
The presentation also provided a sneak peek into this year’s upcoming blockbusters, including The Crow, Borderlands, The Strangers: Chapter 1, and Never Let Go.
Looking ahead to the first half of the 2025 slate, Lionsgate teased audiences with Guy Ritchie’s next film, In the Grey, slated for release on January 16, 2025. The film stars Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal as two extraction specialists tasked with rescuing a negotiator from a perilous situation. Also on the horizon are John Wick Presents: Ballerina, hitting theaters on June 5, 2025, and the eagerly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic Michael, scheduled for release on April 16, 2025.
Universal made a splash at CinemaCon with several exciting announcements. They revealed that the sequel to Five Nights at Freddy’s is set for release in fall 2025, following the mixed yet highly successful reception of the first installment, which grossed nearly 300 million dollars worldwide. This success naturally paves the way for the studio to expand on this franchise.
Furthermore, Universal showcased new projects such as Despicable Me 4, The Wolf Man, the disaster film Twisters, and Wicked, featuring Ariana Grande. The audience was also treated to a glimpse of Robert Egger’s adaptation of Nosferatu, which left a lasting impression with its initial images. Additionally, attendees were captivated by the debut trailer for the remake Speak No Evil, starring James McAvoy.
Paramount Pictures started with a major announcement: a crossover event featuring Transformers meeting G.I. Joe in an upcoming film. Additionally, the audience was treated to the first trailer for Transformers One.
The studio also unveiled plans for two new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2 and an R-rated live-action adaptation titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin. A new ‘Star Trek’ film is on the horizon for release next year, and Glen Powell is set to star in Edgar Wright’s remake of ‘The Running Man.’ Additionally, fans can anticipate a new installment in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise currently in development. A final trailer for IF starring Ryan Reynolds was also showcased.
Fans of the blue hedgehog were delighted with the unveiling of the first teaser trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 during the event. However, the teaser for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2, featuring Paul Mescal facing off against attacking wildlife like a rhino and vicious baboons, along with Pedro Pascal, was exclusively presented at the colosseum stage in Caesars Palace, according to Variety.
Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, Kino Check, discussingfilm.com, Variety
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
