This weekend marks the last quiet at the box office before summer movie season kicks off with The Fall Guy. As such, it’s expected to be a relatively quiet weekend, with nothing expected to make a debut over the mid-to-high teens. Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers is expected to notch an easy win, thanks to the solid reviews (including our own) and the fact that it features one of the biggest stars of the moment, Zendaya. I’m expecting a debut in the $17 million-ish range, which would be a decent start for distributors Amazon-MGM, who will put the film out on Prime Video before too long.
Originally, Challengers was set for a fall 2023 start, but it was delayed because of the SAG-AFTRA strike. One could understand why, as Zendaya wouldn’t have been available to promote a movie which is earning her rave reviews. While the delay may...
Originally, Challengers was set for a fall 2023 start, but it was delayed because of the SAG-AFTRA strike. One could understand why, as Zendaya wouldn’t have been available to promote a movie which is earning her rave reviews. While the delay may...
- 4/25/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Game, set… but there’s not much of a match. “Challengers,” a steamy tennis drama starring Zendaya and directed by Luca Guadagnino, is poised to lead the domestic box office without much in the way of competition.
The film, from Amazon MGM, is projected to collect $12 million to $15 million from 3,400 North American theaters in its opening weekend. Although those are modest projections for any nationwide release, it’s this weekend’s only major new movie and shouldn’t have trouble claiming first place from A24’s “Civil War,” the reigning champion. Last weekend, “Civil War” topped the box office for the second consecutive frame with $11.1 million and has grossed $70 million globally to date. Overall, the domestic box office is 20% behind the same point in 2023, according to Comscore.
The steamy, R-rated “Challengers” was originally slated to premiere at 2023’s Venice Film Festival and hit the big screen last fall. But the...
The film, from Amazon MGM, is projected to collect $12 million to $15 million from 3,400 North American theaters in its opening weekend. Although those are modest projections for any nationwide release, it’s this weekend’s only major new movie and shouldn’t have trouble claiming first place from A24’s “Civil War,” the reigning champion. Last weekend, “Civil War” topped the box office for the second consecutive frame with $11.1 million and has grossed $70 million globally to date. Overall, the domestic box office is 20% behind the same point in 2023, according to Comscore.
The steamy, R-rated “Challengers” was originally slated to premiere at 2023’s Venice Film Festival and hit the big screen last fall. But the...
- 4/24/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate hosted a high-octane CinemaCon presentation on Wednesday morning, showing first footage from Michael, Ballerina, and Good Fortune, and announcing a partnership with Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap on Monopoly.
The studio also brought Halle Berry, Aziz Ansari, Henry Cavill and Eli Roth on to the stage at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace and talked up Borderlands, The Crow, and a trio of Guy Ritchie features.
Michael producer Graham King took to the stage at the session finale to introduce extended first footage from his Michael Jackson biopic, showing Jackson in his youth and later in life as the world-beating performer...
The studio also brought Halle Berry, Aziz Ansari, Henry Cavill and Eli Roth on to the stage at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace and talked up Borderlands, The Crow, and a trio of Guy Ritchie features.
Michael producer Graham King took to the stage at the session finale to introduce extended first footage from his Michael Jackson biopic, showing Jackson in his youth and later in life as the world-beating performer...
- 4/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Until recently, filmmaker Jon Erwin was the reigning box-office champ for faith-based films with “I Can Only Imagine” and “Jesus Revolution.” Shortly after “Sound of Freedom” opened to $14.2 million, he offered advice to Angel Studios on how it might capitalize that success.
By November, when the child-trafficking drama grossed $250 million worldwide, Erwin lost his bragging rights. He remembers joking with the producers, “It wasn’t supposed to work this much!”
Ego aside, he welcomed the success. As “Sound of Freedom” inspired box-office think pieces and conspiracy-theory controversy, Erwin and partner Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten were in talks with Amazon Studios. Today, their company The Wonder Project is producing a slate of faith-based series and films; Erwin said he’d “be lying” if he believed “Sound of Freedom” didn’t help him get a better deal.
“I had not felt that hunger from the studios in a long time to reach the audience,...
By November, when the child-trafficking drama grossed $250 million worldwide, Erwin lost his bragging rights. He remembers joking with the producers, “It wasn’t supposed to work this much!”
Ego aside, he welcomed the success. As “Sound of Freedom” inspired box-office think pieces and conspiracy-theory controversy, Erwin and partner Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten were in talks with Amazon Studios. Today, their company The Wonder Project is producing a slate of faith-based series and films; Erwin said he’d “be lying” if he believed “Sound of Freedom” didn’t help him get a better deal.
“I had not felt that hunger from the studios in a long time to reach the audience,...
- 4/9/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Oddly, April is going to be a month full of genre films, but it’s also a month that might make some wonder whether any of the new movies can open with more than $20 million, putting theaters back into the place they were back in January and February. Read on for Gold Derby’s April 2024 box office preview.
“Civil War” (A24 – April 12)
Considering how Alex Garland‘s previous films “Men” and “Annihilation” were received, it’s hard to believe that his edgy political apocalyptic thriller could be one of the biggest movies of this month, but it’s also likely to be A24’s first movie to hit #1 on the weekend after 10 years of releases. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Nick Offerman, Jesse Plemons and Wagner Moura, Garland’s latest premiered at the SXSW Film and TV Festival, where it received mostly positive reviews. With the timeliness of the topic,...
“Civil War” (A24 – April 12)
Considering how Alex Garland‘s previous films “Men” and “Annihilation” were received, it’s hard to believe that his edgy political apocalyptic thriller could be one of the biggest movies of this month, but it’s also likely to be A24’s first movie to hit #1 on the weekend after 10 years of releases. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Nick Offerman, Jesse Plemons and Wagner Moura, Garland’s latest premiered at the SXSW Film and TV Festival, where it received mostly positive reviews. With the timeliness of the topic,...
- 3/28/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Would you believe it if we told you that Chuck Norris, a legendary figure in martial arts and popular culture, turned 84 this past Sunday (March 10th)? Well, it is true, and we must accept that age is just a number. As we reflect on his incredible career and impact on the world of martial arts films, we must acknowledge one of his most important contributions to the genre: his role in Golden Harvest’s The Way of the Dragon.
Chuck Norris in The Delta Force
With a black belt in Tang Soo Do, this Oklahoma native star is one of the most recognizable figures in the world of martial arts movies. Known for his incredible skills and tough-guy persona, he has left a lasting impression on the industry.
But did you know that he once gained weight in preparation for a role that would pit him against another martial arts legend,...
Chuck Norris in The Delta Force
With a black belt in Tang Soo Do, this Oklahoma native star is one of the most recognizable figures in the world of martial arts movies. Known for his incredible skills and tough-guy persona, he has left a lasting impression on the industry.
But did you know that he once gained weight in preparation for a role that would pit him against another martial arts legend,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Lori Loughlin won the Grace Prize for A Christmas Blessing and Super Mario Bros. Movie was named Best Family Film at the 31st annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala & Report. The broadcast aired this evening on Great American Family.
Movie and television winners of the night included:
Best Family Movie – Super Mario Bros Movie
Best Family TV– A Paris Christmas Waltz
Best Movie for Mature Audiences– Jesus Revolution
Best TV for Mature Audiences– Chicago P.D. “New Life”
Faith & Freedom Award for Movies – Sound of Freedom
Faith & Freedom Award for TV – A Million Miles Away
Grace Prize for Movie Performance – Dennis Quaid for “On a Wing and a Prayer”
Grace Prize for TV Performance – Lori Loughlin for “A Christmas Blessing”
Visionary Award- Brad Krevoy, Emmy Award-Winning Producer
Epiphany Prize for TV – Divine Influencer
Epiphany Prize for Movies – Journey to Bethlehem
The event was hosted by Great American Family’s Trevor Donovan and Danica McKellar,...
Movie and television winners of the night included:
Best Family Movie – Super Mario Bros Movie
Best Family TV– A Paris Christmas Waltz
Best Movie for Mature Audiences– Jesus Revolution
Best TV for Mature Audiences– Chicago P.D. “New Life”
Faith & Freedom Award for Movies – Sound of Freedom
Faith & Freedom Award for TV – A Million Miles Away
Grace Prize for Movie Performance – Dennis Quaid for “On a Wing and a Prayer”
Grace Prize for TV Performance – Lori Loughlin for “A Christmas Blessing”
Visionary Award- Brad Krevoy, Emmy Award-Winning Producer
Epiphany Prize for TV – Divine Influencer
Epiphany Prize for Movies – Journey to Bethlehem
The event was hosted by Great American Family’s Trevor Donovan and Danica McKellar,...
- 3/8/2024
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s the last full weekend of the shorter month of February, and it’s hard to think that anything will do well enough to have any sort of impact on a month that barely recovered from January with a better-than-expected Presidents Day weekend. Read on for Gold Derby’s box office preview.
What we get this weekend as far as new wide releases is an anime project, a faith-based drama and a quirky indie of sorts from an Oscar-winning filmmaker, which should all enter the Top 10 interspersed with returning movies.
Crunchyroll is releasing “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training” into 1,962 theaters. It’s a similar theatrical release as what’s been done with “The Chosen,” in that it’s actually made up of two episodes from the popular Crunchyroll anime series, the conclusion of the “Swordsmith Village Arc” and the first episode of the “Hashira Training Arc,...
What we get this weekend as far as new wide releases is an anime project, a faith-based drama and a quirky indie of sorts from an Oscar-winning filmmaker, which should all enter the Top 10 interspersed with returning movies.
Crunchyroll is releasing “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training” into 1,962 theaters. It’s a similar theatrical release as what’s been done with “The Chosen,” in that it’s actually made up of two episodes from the popular Crunchyroll anime series, the conclusion of the “Swordsmith Village Arc” and the first episode of the “Hashira Training Arc,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
‘Ordinary Angels’ Review: Hilary Swank’s Passionate Performance Drives True Faith Based Family Drama
Lionsgate’s collaboration with faith based movie producers Kingdom Story Company has reaped boxoffice rewards for both, and with their latest, Ordinary Angels, the inspiring true story of a small Kentucky town that comes together in a historic snowstorm in order to transport a 3-year-old girl to an Omaha hospital for a life-saving liver transplant, they have another surefire heartfelt film tailor-made for audiences looking for a little uplift. This actually would have made a perfect Christmas season release but has been delayed for several months, now opening in the same February corridor where Kingdom’s surprise hit, Jesus Revolution did well last year. Midwest crowds will especially respond to a never-say-never tale that is about bringing people together, not tearing them apart in this age of division.
At its center is another richly defined and dedicated Hilary Swank performance as the...
At its center is another richly defined and dedicated Hilary Swank performance as the...
- 2/20/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Independent faith-based studio The Wonder Project (Twp) has hired filmmaker Jon Gunn as its Head of Story.
Gunn, the director of the upcoming Lionsgate movies Ordinary Angels (Feb. 23) starring 2x Oscar winner Hilary Swank and The Unbreakable Boy (February 2025) starring Zachary Levi, will oversee the story development for The Wonder Project’s emerging slate of film and television programming, ensuring compelling and authentic storytelling that aligns with the company’s aspirational mission.
“It’s a rare and invaluable asset to have such dynamic storytellers, like Jon Gunn and Jon Erwin, steering the ship. They embody our mission to bring audiences the essential entertainment that speaks to their core values, and is as entertaining and meaningful as it is memorable, ” said Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, CEO of Twp. “Here at the Wonder Project, the art of story is paramount, and our growing leadership reflects that commitment.”
“After writing and producing five films together,...
Gunn, the director of the upcoming Lionsgate movies Ordinary Angels (Feb. 23) starring 2x Oscar winner Hilary Swank and The Unbreakable Boy (February 2025) starring Zachary Levi, will oversee the story development for The Wonder Project’s emerging slate of film and television programming, ensuring compelling and authentic storytelling that aligns with the company’s aspirational mission.
“It’s a rare and invaluable asset to have such dynamic storytellers, like Jon Gunn and Jon Erwin, steering the ship. They embody our mission to bring audiences the essential entertainment that speaks to their core values, and is as entertaining and meaningful as it is memorable, ” said Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, CEO of Twp. “Here at the Wonder Project, the art of story is paramount, and our growing leadership reflects that commitment.”
“After writing and producing five films together,...
- 2/15/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Not to sound like a broken record, but it was, once again, a pretty quiet weekend at the box office. Director Matthew Vaughn's "Argylle" topped the charts with a modest $18 million (which was sadly below industry projections) and, quite frankly, that isn't going to be enough to keep theaters afloat until the slate improves in March. But amid the unfortunate slowness of the weekend, a savior emerged in the form of Jesus. Yes, that very same Jesus. And it's not the first time he's come to the rescue in recent months.
The Chosen Inc. released the first three episodes of "The Chosen" season 4 in theaters over the weekend in partnership with Fathom Events. It paid off: The target audience indeed showed up for the cinematic, episodic look at the life of Jesus Christ, with the release pulling in just shy of $6 million over the weekend. Over its full four days of release,...
The Chosen Inc. released the first three episodes of "The Chosen" season 4 in theaters over the weekend in partnership with Fathom Events. It paid off: The target audience indeed showed up for the cinematic, episodic look at the life of Jesus Christ, with the release pulling in just shy of $6 million over the weekend. Over its full four days of release,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Those who were disappointed by the January box office will just have to hope things improve in February, the month that has just one government holiday and also a Hallmark holiday, both happening in the same week. Those holidays often lead to some of the month’s bigger releases, so things can still take an uptick. Read on for Gold Derby’s February 2024 box office preview.
“Argylle” (Apple/Universal) – Feb. 2
The movie kicks off the month may also be the biggest, and that’s because filmmaker Matthew Vaughn not only has a great track record with the “Kick-Ass” and “Kingsman” movies, but also because he’s assembled an astounding cast, including Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, Catherine O’Hara, Ariana DeBose and even pop star Dua Lipa. The movie is based on the brand new spy novel by “Elly Conway” (played by...
“Argylle” (Apple/Universal) – Feb. 2
The movie kicks off the month may also be the biggest, and that’s because filmmaker Matthew Vaughn not only has a great track record with the “Kick-Ass” and “Kingsman” movies, but also because he’s assembled an astounding cast, including Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, Catherine O’Hara, Ariana DeBose and even pop star Dua Lipa. The movie is based on the brand new spy novel by “Elly Conway” (played by...
- 1/30/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Hi, Barbie! Great news: Greta Gerwig’s film based on the iconic Mattel doll leads the 14th annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards nominations with three nods – including best song for both Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken.”
“Barbie’s” third nomination was in best music supervision for a film budgeted over $25 million. The category recognized the work of music supervisor George Drakoulias, songwriters Eilish and Finneas and Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt who penned “I’m Just Ken.”
Other film contenders are the music supervisors from “Maestro,” “Saltburn,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “Past Lives,” “Wonka,” “Air” among others.
Top TV contenders include the music supervisors from “Daisy Jones & The Six,” “The White Lotus,” “Welcome to Chippendales” and “Yellowjackets.”
The Guild of Music Supervisors is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2010 with the “goal of preserving and promoting the...
“Barbie’s” third nomination was in best music supervision for a film budgeted over $25 million. The category recognized the work of music supervisor George Drakoulias, songwriters Eilish and Finneas and Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt who penned “I’m Just Ken.”
Other film contenders are the music supervisors from “Maestro,” “Saltburn,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “Past Lives,” “Wonka,” “Air” among others.
Top TV contenders include the music supervisors from “Daisy Jones & The Six,” “The White Lotus,” “Welcome to Chippendales” and “Yellowjackets.”
The Guild of Music Supervisors is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2010 with the “goal of preserving and promoting the...
- 1/22/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
Barbie is the most nominated film for the 2024 Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, landing three nominations, including two in the best song for film category for “What Was I Made For?” and “I’m Just Ken.”
Barbie is nominated for best music supervision for film budgeted over $25 million and scored two nods for best song written and/or recorded for a film for Billie Eilish and Finneas’ “What Was I Made For?” and Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt’s “I’m Just Ken,” performed by Ryan Gosling.
The music supervisors with the most individual nominations are Mike Ladman and Mara Techam, each with five nominations, whose work in advertising includes collaborations with brands like Levis, The New York Times, Hennessy and others.
The 14th annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards are set to take place in-person and virtually at Los Angeles’ Wiltern Theatre on Sunday, March 3.
A full list of nominees follows.
Barbie is nominated for best music supervision for film budgeted over $25 million and scored two nods for best song written and/or recorded for a film for Billie Eilish and Finneas’ “What Was I Made For?” and Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt’s “I’m Just Ken,” performed by Ryan Gosling.
The music supervisors with the most individual nominations are Mike Ladman and Mara Techam, each with five nominations, whose work in advertising includes collaborations with brands like Levis, The New York Times, Hennessy and others.
The 14th annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards are set to take place in-person and virtually at Los Angeles’ Wiltern Theatre on Sunday, March 3.
A full list of nominees follows.
- 1/22/2024
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The MLK holiday weekend proved to be surprisingly fruitful at the box office thanks to strong showings from both the "Mean Girls" movie musical and Jason Statham's new beat-em-up, "The Beekeeper." Unfortunately, they can't all be winners and Sony Pictures' new comedic Biblical epic "The Book of Clarence" faltered in its debut. It now has the distinction of being the first true theatrical disappointment of 2024.
Directed by Jeymes Samuel, the film opened to just $2.5 million over the weekend, with that number growing to $3 million when accounting for the Monday holiday, per The Numbers. It placed 10th on the charts, barely squeaking into the top 10 sandwiched between a pair of holdovers in the forms of "The Boys in the Boat" ($3.4 million) and "The Iron Claw" ($2.4 million). A rough start, to be certain. And yes, certain parts of the U.S. are experiencing terrible winter weather, which impacted moviegoing for sure.
Directed by Jeymes Samuel, the film opened to just $2.5 million over the weekend, with that number growing to $3 million when accounting for the Monday holiday, per The Numbers. It placed 10th on the charts, barely squeaking into the top 10 sandwiched between a pair of holdovers in the forms of "The Boys in the Boat" ($3.4 million) and "The Iron Claw" ($2.4 million). A rough start, to be certain. And yes, certain parts of the U.S. are experiencing terrible winter weather, which impacted moviegoing for sure.
- 1/16/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake is exiting the studio. He’ll hand the reins to Adam Fogelson, who formerly lead both Universal Pictures and STX Motion Picture Group; Fogelson joined Lionsgate’s film group in 2022 as vice chair. This is now the third studio Fogelson will lead dating back to 2009.
Drake returned to Lionsgate in 2017 after starting Good Universe Pictures, which Lionsgate acquired from Drake. He most recently oversaw Lionsgate’s first $1 billion year at the global box office since 2019, thanks in large part to new “John Wick,” “Hunger Games,” and “Saw” films. Drake also oversaw the successes of “Knives Out,” “Jesus Revolution,” “Shotgun Wedding,” and more.
Fogelson and Drake will continue to work together over the next couple of months.
Drake’s exit comes as Lionsgate spins its studio business from Starz, which could lead to a potential sale of the studio. The company recently beefed...
Drake returned to Lionsgate in 2017 after starting Good Universe Pictures, which Lionsgate acquired from Drake. He most recently oversaw Lionsgate’s first $1 billion year at the global box office since 2019, thanks in large part to new “John Wick,” “Hunger Games,” and “Saw” films. Drake also oversaw the successes of “Knives Out,” “Jesus Revolution,” “Shotgun Wedding,” and more.
Fogelson and Drake will continue to work together over the next couple of months.
Drake’s exit comes as Lionsgate spins its studio business from Starz, which could lead to a potential sale of the studio. The company recently beefed...
- 1/10/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Surprise move comes on back of company’s first billion-dollar box office year since 2019.
Joe Drake will step down as chair of Lionsgate motion picture group and Adam Fogelson will assume the reins at the company, which just recorded its first billion-dollar year at the box office since 2019.
The company said in a press release that Drake, who renewed his contract in late 2022, initiated the transition and will work with Fogelson over the coming months to ensure a smooth succession. Fogelson currently serves as vice chair of the motion picture group.
The move came as a surprise to industry sources...
Joe Drake will step down as chair of Lionsgate motion picture group and Adam Fogelson will assume the reins at the company, which just recorded its first billion-dollar year at the box office since 2019.
The company said in a press release that Drake, who renewed his contract in late 2022, initiated the transition and will work with Fogelson over the coming months to ensure a smooth succession. Fogelson currently serves as vice chair of the motion picture group.
The move came as a surprise to industry sources...
- 1/10/2024
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Shift: Joe Drake Stepping Down As Chair, Hands Reins To Adam Fogelson
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake is exiting the company, and handing over executive duties and title to Motion Picture Group Vice Chair Adam Fogelson.
This was a move initiated by Drake who’ll be working with Fogelson over the coming months to transition him to the Chair role.
The corporate segue follows Lionsgate’s reboot of the Hunger Games franchise with the Q4 holiday prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which has grossed over $340M global box office to date.
Drake rejoined Lionsgate in 2017 after having success with Good Universe Pictures, the second company acquired by Lionsgate from Drake. Other highlights during his current run of the Motion Picture Group include multi-award-winning Knives Out ($312M global B.O.), the last two John Wick movies ($766M+ global B.O.), and the latest installment in the Saw franchise ($111M global box). Last year, Lionsgate achieved its...
This was a move initiated by Drake who’ll be working with Fogelson over the coming months to transition him to the Chair role.
The corporate segue follows Lionsgate’s reboot of the Hunger Games franchise with the Q4 holiday prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which has grossed over $340M global box office to date.
Drake rejoined Lionsgate in 2017 after having success with Good Universe Pictures, the second company acquired by Lionsgate from Drake. Other highlights during his current run of the Motion Picture Group include multi-award-winning Knives Out ($312M global B.O.), the last two John Wick movies ($766M+ global B.O.), and the latest installment in the Saw franchise ($111M global box). Last year, Lionsgate achieved its...
- 1/10/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Picture: Lionsgate
Another Lionsgate movie is headed to Netflix, marking the first time it’s been available on an SVOD service. The Re-Education of Molly Singer drops on Netflix in the United States on February 5th, 2024.
Ty Simpkins and Jaime Pressly (My Name is Earl) headline the cast of the R-rated comedy movie that’s about attorney Molly Singer, who is on the verge of being fired and the only way to save her job is by re-enrolling at her old alma mater and re-experience college. Also starring in the movie are Nico Santos, Cierra Ramirez, Holland Roden, and Wendie Malick.
For the most part, Lionsgate theatrical movies head to Starz in the first window as outlined by a deal struck back in 2021. However, over the past year, we’ve seen some of the smaller movies head to Netflix in that first window. It began back in July 2023 with the...
Another Lionsgate movie is headed to Netflix, marking the first time it’s been available on an SVOD service. The Re-Education of Molly Singer drops on Netflix in the United States on February 5th, 2024.
Ty Simpkins and Jaime Pressly (My Name is Earl) headline the cast of the R-rated comedy movie that’s about attorney Molly Singer, who is on the verge of being fired and the only way to save her job is by re-enrolling at her old alma mater and re-experience college. Also starring in the movie are Nico Santos, Cierra Ramirez, Holland Roden, and Wendie Malick.
For the most part, Lionsgate theatrical movies head to Starz in the first window as outlined by a deal struck back in 2021. However, over the past year, we’ve seen some of the smaller movies head to Netflix in that first window. It began back in July 2023 with the...
- 1/8/2024
- by Kasey Moore
- Whats-on-Netflix
Exclusive: Lionsgate’s follow-up to the $315M global grossing feature Wonder, White Bird, will be returning to the theatrical release calendar with a new date of Oct. 4, 2024.
The pic will be counterprogramming to Warner Bros.’ sequel on that date, Joker: Folie a Deux.
White Bird is from director Marc Forster off a screenplay by Mark Bomback, based on the book by Rj Palacio. The movie was previously dated for an Aug. 18 limited release and Aug. 25 expansion, but had to delay its opening to next year due to the actors’ strike. The movie stars Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson.
In White Bird, Bryce Gheisar reprises his role as Julian, who has struggled to belong ever since he was expelled from his former school for his treatment of Auggie. To transform his life, Julian’s grandmother (Helen Mirren) finally reveals to Julian her own story of courage — during her youth in Nazi-occupied France,...
The pic will be counterprogramming to Warner Bros.’ sequel on that date, Joker: Folie a Deux.
White Bird is from director Marc Forster off a screenplay by Mark Bomback, based on the book by Rj Palacio. The movie was previously dated for an Aug. 18 limited release and Aug. 25 expansion, but had to delay its opening to next year due to the actors’ strike. The movie stars Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson.
In White Bird, Bryce Gheisar reprises his role as Julian, who has struggled to belong ever since he was expelled from his former school for his treatment of Auggie. To transform his life, Julian’s grandmother (Helen Mirren) finally reveals to Julian her own story of courage — during her youth in Nazi-occupied France,...
- 12/14/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Kingdom Story Company Appoints Partners Kevin Downes As CEO & Andrew Erwin As Chief Creative Officer
Exclusive: Kingdom Story Company, the production shingle behind Lionsgate’s cash cow Jesus Revolution among other hits, has appointed Kevin Downes as CEO and Andrew Erwin as Chief Creative Officer ahead of its 2024 theatrical film slate with the studio.
In addition, Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate have entered into a partnership on the follow-up to Wonder, White Bird from filmmaker Marc Forster based on the book by Rj Palacio. The studios will leverage Kingdom’s incredible faith-based reach to promote the movie, which will now release on Oct. 4, 2024.
Other movies on the Kingdom Story-Lionsgate slate include 2x Oscar winner Hilary Swank’s Ordinary Angels on Feb. 23, the April dated Unsung Hero and The Unbreakable Boy, and the year-end holiday title The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Dallas Jenkins, creator of the TV series The Chosen.
Downes and Erwin are both partners in the Nashville-based Kingdom Story Company, along with...
In addition, Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate have entered into a partnership on the follow-up to Wonder, White Bird from filmmaker Marc Forster based on the book by Rj Palacio. The studios will leverage Kingdom’s incredible faith-based reach to promote the movie, which will now release on Oct. 4, 2024.
Other movies on the Kingdom Story-Lionsgate slate include 2x Oscar winner Hilary Swank’s Ordinary Angels on Feb. 23, the April dated Unsung Hero and The Unbreakable Boy, and the year-end holiday title The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Dallas Jenkins, creator of the TV series The Chosen.
Downes and Erwin are both partners in the Nashville-based Kingdom Story Company, along with...
- 12/14/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran producer Jon Erwin and former Netflix and YouTube exec Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten have announced the launch of The Wonder Project, a new independent studio that will cater to faith and values-oriented audiences.
Founded by Chief Content Officer Erwin and overseen by CEO Hoogstraten, The Wonder Project will look to create premium film and TV content for what they see as a huge audience that has traditionally been underserved by the entertainment industry. They’ll aim to build on the marked success in this arena of such recent titles as The Chosen and The Sound of Freedom, as well as older works like The Passion of the Christ, Heaven is for Real, I Can Only Imagine, War Room, Miracles from Heaven, and Soul Surfer, as they build their global audience.
More than $75 million in seed and Series A funding was raised ahead of launch from such major players as Sovereign’s Capital,...
Founded by Chief Content Officer Erwin and overseen by CEO Hoogstraten, The Wonder Project will look to create premium film and TV content for what they see as a huge audience that has traditionally been underserved by the entertainment industry. They’ll aim to build on the marked success in this arena of such recent titles as The Chosen and The Sound of Freedom, as well as older works like The Passion of the Christ, Heaven is for Real, I Can Only Imagine, War Room, Miracles from Heaven, and Soul Surfer, as they build their global audience.
More than $75 million in seed and Series A funding was raised ahead of launch from such major players as Sovereign’s Capital,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Two industry insiders have raised more than $75 million to fund the launch of a studio that aims to elevate production values for faith-based, uplifting and inspirational movies and TV shows.
Director-producer Jon Erwin and former YouTube and Netflix executive Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten have joined forces to create the Wonder Project, a production company based in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas. The pair see an enormous opportunity to establish a premium brand for faith-based and faith-infused content that is rooted in Christian traditions.
Lionsgate, producer Jason Blum, United Talent Agency, Sovereign’s Capital and Powerhouse Capital are among the notables who have contributed to more than $75 million in seed and Series A funding raised to date. Merryman Hoogstraten serves as CEO; Erwin is chief creative officer. Dallas Jenkins, the independent producer-director behind the drama series “The Chosen,” which revolves around the life of Jesus, will be a special adviser to the company.
Director-producer Jon Erwin and former YouTube and Netflix executive Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten have joined forces to create the Wonder Project, a production company based in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas. The pair see an enormous opportunity to establish a premium brand for faith-based and faith-infused content that is rooted in Christian traditions.
Lionsgate, producer Jason Blum, United Talent Agency, Sovereign’s Capital and Powerhouse Capital are among the notables who have contributed to more than $75 million in seed and Series A funding raised to date. Merryman Hoogstraten serves as CEO; Erwin is chief creative officer. Dallas Jenkins, the independent producer-director behind the drama series “The Chosen,” which revolves around the life of Jesus, will be a special adviser to the company.
- 12/6/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company have won a competitive bidding war for an adaptation of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” The film, to be based on Barbara Robinson’s popular book, will be penned and directed by Dallas Jenkins, the creator, director and producer of “The Chosen.”
“The Best Christmas Pageant,” which has sold over seven million copies since its publication in 1972, centers on the Herdmans – apparently the very worst kids in the history of the world. However, they end up taking over their town’s local Christmas pageant. Possible spoilers – it just might accidentally teach the community the true meaning of Christmas.
Kingdom Story’s Kevin Downes, Daryl Lefever, Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin will produce alongside McDaniel and Thomas. Jenkins will executive produce alongside Molen, Mark Kendell, and Tony Young. Production begins next month in Canada. The film will debut theatrically over the 2024 holiday season.
Jenkins today released...
“The Best Christmas Pageant,” which has sold over seven million copies since its publication in 1972, centers on the Herdmans – apparently the very worst kids in the history of the world. However, they end up taking over their town’s local Christmas pageant. Possible spoilers – it just might accidentally teach the community the true meaning of Christmas.
Kingdom Story’s Kevin Downes, Daryl Lefever, Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin will produce alongside McDaniel and Thomas. Jenkins will executive produce alongside Molen, Mark Kendell, and Tony Young. Production begins next month in Canada. The film will debut theatrically over the 2024 holiday season.
Jenkins today released...
- 11/10/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In a competitive situation, Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company have nabbed The Best Christmas Pageant ever which The Chosen creator/producer/director Dallas Jenkins will direct and adapt from Barbara Robinson’s comedic family book and play. Cameras roll next month in Canada for a 2024 holiday theatrical release.
Jenkins pursued a 15-year journey to secure the rights to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, rights which have been stewarded by Darin McDaniel, Chet Thomas, and Gerald R. Molen. The book has sold over 7M copies since it was published in 1972.
Dallas Jenkins
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever centers on the Herdmans – absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. But this Christmas, they’re taking over their local church Pageant – and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas.
The pic will be produced by Kingdom Story’s Kevin Downes, Daryl Lefever, Andrew Erwin...
Jenkins pursued a 15-year journey to secure the rights to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, rights which have been stewarded by Darin McDaniel, Chet Thomas, and Gerald R. Molen. The book has sold over 7M copies since it was published in 1972.
Dallas Jenkins
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever centers on the Herdmans – absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. But this Christmas, they’re taking over their local church Pageant – and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas.
The pic will be produced by Kingdom Story’s Kevin Downes, Daryl Lefever, Andrew Erwin...
- 11/10/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Taylor Swift blew the doors open for more artists to bring their live tours to the movies, Cinemark CEO Sean Gamble said Friday.
Nontraditional content accounted for almost 14% of Cinemark’s domestic box office results in the third quarter, and represents a significant growth opportunity for the movie theater industry, Gamble said during the company’s conference call to discuss third quarter results, which saw a 35% surge in revenue year over year to $874.8 million.
The fourth quarter looks equally promising of nontraditional titles, kicked of by Swift’s record-breaking phenomenon “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” movie and with the film version of the other mega-tour of the summer, Beyonce’s “Renaissance,” hitting the theaters Dec. 1.
“Alternative content, nontraditional content has always showed tremendous promise and it was frustrating that it never seemed to really get going,” Gamble said. Concert films, faith-based films, anime and multicultural titles from Bollywood and beyond...
Nontraditional content accounted for almost 14% of Cinemark’s domestic box office results in the third quarter, and represents a significant growth opportunity for the movie theater industry, Gamble said during the company’s conference call to discuss third quarter results, which saw a 35% surge in revenue year over year to $874.8 million.
The fourth quarter looks equally promising of nontraditional titles, kicked of by Swift’s record-breaking phenomenon “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” movie and with the film version of the other mega-tour of the summer, Beyonce’s “Renaissance,” hitting the theaters Dec. 1.
“Alternative content, nontraditional content has always showed tremendous promise and it was frustrating that it never seemed to really get going,” Gamble said. Concert films, faith-based films, anime and multicultural titles from Bollywood and beyond...
- 11/3/2023
- by Eileen AJ Connelly
- The Wrap
Exclusive: William H. Macy (Shameless), John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Joel Courtney (The Kissing Booth), DeVon Franklin (Jesus Revolution), and Stephanie Szostak (A Million Little Things) are among those set to star in On Fire, another new film from Sean McNamara (Reagan) that has landed a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement and will begin production in St. Louis November 6.
News of the project comes following McNamara’s recent commitment to direct the indie One Man’s Castle, penned by producer John Zaring, for Zaring/Cioffi Entertainment, Virtuosity Media, and his own banner Brookwell McNamara Entertainment. Rounding out the cast of today’s film, based on the bestseller by inspirational speaker John O’Leary, are Masey McLain (I Am Not Ashamed), Natalie Buck (Marry Me), and James McCracken (Christmas Again).
Believed to be the first feature to take advantage of Missouri’s new production tax credit, On Fire was adapted for the...
News of the project comes following McNamara’s recent commitment to direct the indie One Man’s Castle, penned by producer John Zaring, for Zaring/Cioffi Entertainment, Virtuosity Media, and his own banner Brookwell McNamara Entertainment. Rounding out the cast of today’s film, based on the bestseller by inspirational speaker John O’Leary, are Masey McLain (I Am Not Ashamed), Natalie Buck (Marry Me), and James McCracken (Christmas Again).
Believed to be the first feature to take advantage of Missouri’s new production tax credit, On Fire was adapted for the...
- 10/26/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“Sound of Freedom” is the biggest success story of the summer outside of “Barbenheimer,” with $182 million in box office for the child-trafficking thriller — but its director isn’t taking part in the spoils.
Alejandro Gómez Monteverde sold his back-end participation to get the film finished, which means the filmmaker didn’t get rich off the stunning theatrical success.
“Like any independent film, we ran out of money,” Monteverde told TheWrap. “I decided to sell my points to the producers so we could finish the picture.”
“I don’t even want to think about what those points might be worth,” he added.
The movie took a challenging path to the box office. Produced in 2018 by Sentient Entertainment (which also produced “Map to the Stars” and “Taken”), the picture ended up in limbo after initial distributor Fox Latin America was purchased by Disney. Producer Eduardo Verástegui bought back the rights and approached Angel Studios,...
Alejandro Gómez Monteverde sold his back-end participation to get the film finished, which means the filmmaker didn’t get rich off the stunning theatrical success.
“Like any independent film, we ran out of money,” Monteverde told TheWrap. “I decided to sell my points to the producers so we could finish the picture.”
“I don’t even want to think about what those points might be worth,” he added.
The movie took a challenging path to the box office. Produced in 2018 by Sentient Entertainment (which also produced “Map to the Stars” and “Taken”), the picture ended up in limbo after initial distributor Fox Latin America was purchased by Disney. Producer Eduardo Verástegui bought back the rights and approached Angel Studios,...
- 9/6/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Theater owners, already concerned that ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes will lead to another Covid-like shakeup of the release schedule, got an unexpected gift in the form of a Taylor Swift concert movie.
The 165-minute filmed version of her $1 billion-earning “Eras” tour will arrive in North American theaters on Oct. 13 (with previews on Oct. 12). Showtimes for the film, produced with an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA, are already selling out in AMC’s Imax and Dolby auditoriums nationwide. Presales shattered the AMC Theaters record with $26 million in the first 24 hours, leading to more showtimes added. Universal’s “The Exorcist: Believer” fled to Oct. 6 to avoid an “ExorSwift” showdown.
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” whose $20 (for adults) or $13 (for kids and seniors) ticket price for non-premium screens is a lot cheaper than concert tickets, is positioning itself as the event film of the fall season. The concert film gives the theatrical sector...
The 165-minute filmed version of her $1 billion-earning “Eras” tour will arrive in North American theaters on Oct. 13 (with previews on Oct. 12). Showtimes for the film, produced with an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA, are already selling out in AMC’s Imax and Dolby auditoriums nationwide. Presales shattered the AMC Theaters record with $26 million in the first 24 hours, leading to more showtimes added. Universal’s “The Exorcist: Believer” fled to Oct. 6 to avoid an “ExorSwift” showdown.
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” whose $20 (for adults) or $13 (for kids and seniors) ticket price for non-premium screens is a lot cheaper than concert tickets, is positioning itself as the event film of the fall season. The concert film gives the theatrical sector...
- 9/1/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Hillary Swank rallies her entire town to help out a neighbor in the latest trailer for Lionsgate’s true-life faith-based drama “Ordinary Angels.”
The two-time Oscar winner plays a hairdresser who inserts herself into the life of a grieving widower with a critically ill daughter. The kid needs a new liver, and the dad just needs a little help. As revealed in the trailer, circumstances change when a new organ becomes available for transplant, but it requires a cross-country flight and happens to occur during a once-in-a-generation cold front.
Swank won two Best Actress Oscars, one in 2000 for “Boys Don’t Cry” and one in 2005 for “Million Dollar Baby.” Although she never really became a bankable draw, she has made a career out of mostly top-billed leading roles in films like “Amelia,” “The Core” and “The Gift.” Moreover, she almost never found herself just playing the love interest or the lone woman in a macho melodrama,...
The two-time Oscar winner plays a hairdresser who inserts herself into the life of a grieving widower with a critically ill daughter. The kid needs a new liver, and the dad just needs a little help. As revealed in the trailer, circumstances change when a new organ becomes available for transplant, but it requires a cross-country flight and happens to occur during a once-in-a-generation cold front.
Swank won two Best Actress Oscars, one in 2000 for “Boys Don’t Cry” and one in 2005 for “Million Dollar Baby.” Although she never really became a bankable draw, she has made a career out of mostly top-billed leading roles in films like “Amelia,” “The Core” and “The Gift.” Moreover, she almost never found herself just playing the love interest or the lone woman in a macho melodrama,...
- 8/29/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Lionsgate has picked up Kingdom Story Company’s Unsung Hero, the directorial debut of Joel Smallbone, one half of the Christian music duo For King + Country.
The drama centers on the Smallbone family, which also includes For King + Country member Luke Smallbone and singer-songwriter Rebecca St. James, as they come to America from their native Australia after the collapse of their father’s successful music company.
The movie also follows the family’s mother, Helen Smallbone (Daisy Betts) as she uses her faith to hold the family of nine together by turning struggles into an adventure for her children. The title for the film comes from a For King + Country song of the same name that was dedicated to the parents of Joel and Luke Smallbone.
Joel Smallbone stars as his father, David Smallbone, with other cast including Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O’Quinn and Hillary Scott.
The drama centers on the Smallbone family, which also includes For King + Country member Luke Smallbone and singer-songwriter Rebecca St. James, as they come to America from their native Australia after the collapse of their father’s successful music company.
The movie also follows the family’s mother, Helen Smallbone (Daisy Betts) as she uses her faith to hold the family of nine together by turning struggles into an adventure for her children. The title for the film comes from a For King + Country song of the same name that was dedicated to the parents of Joel and Luke Smallbone.
Joel Smallbone stars as his father, David Smallbone, with other cast including Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O’Quinn and Hillary Scott.
- 8/1/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There probably isn’t anyone out there who could have predicted that an indie drama about child trafficking, led by the star of “The Passion of the Christ,” would get even close to beating “The Flash” at the U.S. box office while the DC film’s theatrical run plummets below 1,000 theaters after just one month, but that is what Angel Studios’ “Sound of Freedom,” has achieved over the past two weeks.
Since its release on July 4, “Sound of Freedom” has grossed $90 million at the domestic box office, passing the $77.1 million total of A24’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once” to become the highest grossing independent release since theaters reopened in 2021.
This past weekend “Sound of Freedom” cracked the top 20 highest grossing films of 2023 so far, passing big studio titles like “Cocaine Bear” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.” Over the next two days it will pass the domestic totals...
Since its release on July 4, “Sound of Freedom” has grossed $90 million at the domestic box office, passing the $77.1 million total of A24’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once” to become the highest grossing independent release since theaters reopened in 2021.
This past weekend “Sound of Freedom” cracked the top 20 highest grossing films of 2023 so far, passing big studio titles like “Cocaine Bear” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.” Over the next two days it will pass the domestic totals...
- 7/19/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
“Sound of Freedom,” a religious thriller led by “The Passion of the Christ” star Jim Caviezel, is becoming an unlikely box office savior. The faith-based movie about child sex trafficking has collected an impressive $40 million after six days of release.
“Sound of Freedom” opened last Tuesday, generating a mighty $14.2 million on the Independence Day holiday. The film picked up another $18.2 million between Friday and Sunday, enough to place third on domestic box office charts behind “Insidious: The Red Door” ($32.6 million) and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” ($26.5 million). It’s playing in 2,850 North American theaters, a smaller footprint than “Insidious” and “Indiana Jones.
“As with our July 4th numbers, today’s numbers exceed our expectations, and we’re going to continue this momentum,” said Brandon Purdie, head of theatrical distribution at Angel Studios, the independent studio that’s backing the film, in a statement. “We’re getting messages from...
“Sound of Freedom” opened last Tuesday, generating a mighty $14.2 million on the Independence Day holiday. The film picked up another $18.2 million between Friday and Sunday, enough to place third on domestic box office charts behind “Insidious: The Red Door” ($32.6 million) and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” ($26.5 million). It’s playing in 2,850 North American theaters, a smaller footprint than “Insidious” and “Indiana Jones.
“As with our July 4th numbers, today’s numbers exceed our expectations, and we’re going to continue this momentum,” said Brandon Purdie, head of theatrical distribution at Angel Studios, the independent studio that’s backing the film, in a statement. “We’re getting messages from...
- 7/9/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Indiana Jones had a short-lived box office reign. Disney’s action-adventure “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” dropped to the No. 2 spot in its second weekend of release, earning $26.5 million from 4,600 North American theaters. It was dethroned by Sony’s horror-thriller “Insidious: The Red Door,” which beat expectations with its $32.6 million debut from 3,188 venues.
Ticket sales for “Indiana Jones,” the fifth and final installment to star Harrison Ford’s swashbuckling adventurer, declined by 56% from its $60 million opening weekend, continuing the theatrical misfortunes for the nearly $300 million-budgeted movie. “Dial of Destiny” added $31.8 million at the international box office, bringing worldwide ticket sales to $247.9 million. It has a long and winding journey to get out of the red, at least in its box office run.
The fifth “Insidious” movie cost just $16 million to make, so it’s already reaping big rewards in its box office run. That improves on the start of its predecessor,...
Ticket sales for “Indiana Jones,” the fifth and final installment to star Harrison Ford’s swashbuckling adventurer, declined by 56% from its $60 million opening weekend, continuing the theatrical misfortunes for the nearly $300 million-budgeted movie. “Dial of Destiny” added $31.8 million at the international box office, bringing worldwide ticket sales to $247.9 million. It has a long and winding journey to get out of the red, at least in its box office run.
The fifth “Insidious” movie cost just $16 million to make, so it’s already reaping big rewards in its box office run. That improves on the start of its predecessor,...
- 7/9/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
In the wake of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny severely underperforming last week, it would seem this weekend is up for the taking. A lot of films seemed to get out of the way of the final installment of the iconic franchise, choosing only to release titles aimed at specific audiences in a hope to garner some counter programming dollars. One such title, the Jim Caviezel starring Sound of Freedom, which features a faith based angle in its story about human trafficking, has already been released and proved its formidability as it actually beat Indiana Jones at the box office on Tuesday, July 4, when it pulled in a massive $14.2 million against Indy’s $11.6. I don’t think anyone saw Indiana Jones being beaten at the box office just five days after its release, especially on a national holiday. Of course, as we pointed out, a lot of that...
- 7/6/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
Updated Exclusive: Angel Studios’ thriller Sound of Freedom starring Jim Caviezel has seen its presales spike to $10 million. This is before the pic’s opening on July 4 in north of 2,600 locations.
Many rivals are tracking this semi-faith-based, based-on-a-true-story title about about former Homeland Security agent Tim Ballard, who took rescuing abducted children around the globe into his own hands. They’re spotting a $20 million six-day start, impressive for a non-major-studio adult thriller. We’ll see how this plays out. Currently, more than 1 million tickets have been snapped up for Sound of Freedom.
Previously, Exclusive: We all know post-pandemic that tentpoles work at the box office, but it’s been hit and miss for everything else, especially indies movies. From out of nowhere, Angel Studios’ Sound of Freedom, about Tim Ballard, a former Homeland Security agent who left the department after he was frustrated with the U.S. rescue efforts with trafficked children in third-world countries,...
Many rivals are tracking this semi-faith-based, based-on-a-true-story title about about former Homeland Security agent Tim Ballard, who took rescuing abducted children around the globe into his own hands. They’re spotting a $20 million six-day start, impressive for a non-major-studio adult thriller. We’ll see how this plays out. Currently, more than 1 million tickets have been snapped up for Sound of Freedom.
Previously, Exclusive: We all know post-pandemic that tentpoles work at the box office, but it’s been hit and miss for everything else, especially indies movies. From out of nowhere, Angel Studios’ Sound of Freedom, about Tim Ballard, a former Homeland Security agent who left the department after he was frustrated with the U.S. rescue efforts with trafficked children in third-world countries,...
- 7/3/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
It was supposed to usher in a great revival of movie-going, but as 2023 approaches its mid-point, the year has hosted more near-misses and outright disasters than genuine blockbusters.
Not that there aren’t things to celebrate. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” have generated massive business, the kind that would have been impressive in pre-covid times. And movies like “Cocaine Bear,” “Scream VI” and “Evil Dead Rise” have been solid mid-budget hits, selling tickets in the spring and winter months when cinemas are hustling to keep seats filled.
Overall, the domestic box office stands at $4.35 billion, a 20.7% improvement over where ticket sales clocked in at the same point in the pandemic-blighted 2022, according to Comscore. So things are getting better, and there are several promising films on the horizon such as “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” and “Barbie” that could prove to be big summer hits.
Not that there aren’t things to celebrate. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” have generated massive business, the kind that would have been impressive in pre-covid times. And movies like “Cocaine Bear,” “Scream VI” and “Evil Dead Rise” have been solid mid-budget hits, selling tickets in the spring and winter months when cinemas are hustling to keep seats filled.
Overall, the domestic box office stands at $4.35 billion, a 20.7% improvement over where ticket sales clocked in at the same point in the pandemic-blighted 2022, according to Comscore. So things are getting better, and there are several promising films on the horizon such as “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” and “Barbie” that could prove to be big summer hits.
- 6/27/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Sony opening ‘No Hard Feelings’ in 554 cinemas.
Universal is opening Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City in 347 cinemas across the UK and Ireland this weekend, one month after the film premiered in Competition at Cannes Film Festival.
Anderson’s 11th feature film follows a writer’s play about a grieving father who travels with his tech-obsessed family to a rural town, to compete in a junior stargazing event, where his worldview is forever changed.
The filmmaker has united perhaps his starriest cast yet for Asteroid City, including Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Maya Hawke, Rupert Friend, Jeffrey Wright,...
Universal is opening Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City in 347 cinemas across the UK and Ireland this weekend, one month after the film premiered in Competition at Cannes Film Festival.
Anderson’s 11th feature film follows a writer’s play about a grieving father who travels with his tech-obsessed family to a rural town, to compete in a junior stargazing event, where his worldview is forever changed.
The filmmaker has united perhaps his starriest cast yet for Asteroid City, including Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Maya Hawke, Rupert Friend, Jeffrey Wright,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Warner Bros.’ superhero film “The Flash” debuted atop the U.K. and Ireland box office with £4.2 million ($5.4 million), according to numbers released by Comscore.
In second place, in its third weekend, Sony’s “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” swung to £2.6 million for a total of £20.3 million. In third position in its fourth weekend, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” earned £1.3 million and now has a splashy £22 million total.
Paramount’s “Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts” collected £1.1 million in fourth place in its second weekend for a total of £4.99 million. Elysian’s “Greatest Days” debuted in fifth position with £536,955.
There was one more debut in the top 10. AA Films U.K.’s “Adipurush,” the latest version of Indian mythological epic “Ramayana,” bowed in sixth position with £252,628.
There are two mid-week releases this week, on Wednesday, June 21. On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, Studiocanal is releasing the final cut of cult British horror...
In second place, in its third weekend, Sony’s “Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse” swung to £2.6 million for a total of £20.3 million. In third position in its fourth weekend, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” earned £1.3 million and now has a splashy £22 million total.
Paramount’s “Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts” collected £1.1 million in fourth place in its second weekend for a total of £4.99 million. Elysian’s “Greatest Days” debuted in fifth position with £536,955.
There was one more debut in the top 10. AA Films U.K.’s “Adipurush,” the latest version of Indian mythological epic “Ramayana,” bowed in sixth position with £252,628.
There are two mid-week releases this week, on Wednesday, June 21. On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, Studiocanal is releasing the final cut of cult British horror...
- 6/20/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The company predicts little impact if writers strike ends before three months.
Lionsgate has reported strong financial results for its fourth quarter, with John Wick: Chapter 4 and other new films boosting the mini-major’s performance.
The company said it is pushing ahead with plans to separate Lionsgate and its Starz subscription platform operation by the end of this year. And it suggested that the impact of the US writers strike on its financial picture will be “modest,” at least until the strike extends beyond three months.
For the quarter ending March 31, Lionsgate had revenue of $1.1bn, up 17% year-on-year and...
Lionsgate has reported strong financial results for its fourth quarter, with John Wick: Chapter 4 and other new films boosting the mini-major’s performance.
The company said it is pushing ahead with plans to separate Lionsgate and its Starz subscription platform operation by the end of this year. And it suggested that the impact of the US writers strike on its financial picture will be “modest,” at least until the strike extends beyond three months.
For the quarter ending March 31, Lionsgate had revenue of $1.1bn, up 17% year-on-year and...
- 5/26/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Lionsgate’s release of John Wick: Chapter 4 and the continued strength of the company’s 18,000-title film and TV library helped the company post fiscal fourth-quarter results ahead of Wall Street expectations.
Adjusted earnings per share in the period ending March 31 came in at 21 cents, far better than analysts’ consensus outlook for a loss of 9 cents a share. Revenue of nearly $1.09 billion in the quarter climbed 17% from the year-ago quarter and beat the Street by $92 million.
The library closed the fiscal year with two stellar quarters, bringing in a record $884 million over the trailing 12 months, the company said.
Revenue in the company’s Media Networks unit inched up 2% to $389 million, with proceeds from domestic streaming revenue and Lionsgate+ (the rebranded assets formerly known as Starzplay) offset by lower domestic linear revenue. Profit in the division more than doubled to $73.3 million, driven by growth in Lionsgate+ revenue, lower distribution and...
Adjusted earnings per share in the period ending March 31 came in at 21 cents, far better than analysts’ consensus outlook for a loss of 9 cents a share. Revenue of nearly $1.09 billion in the quarter climbed 17% from the year-ago quarter and beat the Street by $92 million.
The library closed the fiscal year with two stellar quarters, bringing in a record $884 million over the trailing 12 months, the company said.
Revenue in the company’s Media Networks unit inched up 2% to $389 million, with proceeds from domestic streaming revenue and Lionsgate+ (the rebranded assets formerly known as Starzplay) offset by lower domestic linear revenue. Profit in the division more than doubled to $73.3 million, driven by growth in Lionsgate+ revenue, lower distribution and...
- 5/25/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The return of John Wick, the hit man with a killer track record at the box office, helped lift quarterly earnings at Lionsgate, enabling the company to beat expectations.
For the three-month period ending on March 31, revenues at Lionsgate increased 16.7% to $1.1 billion. The company also reported an operating loss of $49.6 million, which was slightly better than the $50.4 million in losses it logged in the year-ago period. There was also a net loss attributable to Lionsgate shareholders of $96.8 million or 42 cents net loss per share, better than the loss of $104.6 million that it endured in the year-ago period. Adjusted net income attributable to Lionsgate shareholders in the quarter was $49.2 million or 21 cents in adjusted earnings per share.
Lionsgate’s film business did much of the heavy lifting. The studio segment reported revenue of $823.6 million, an increase of 25% from the prior-year quarter, with the movie portion of that haul increasing by 85%. That...
For the three-month period ending on March 31, revenues at Lionsgate increased 16.7% to $1.1 billion. The company also reported an operating loss of $49.6 million, which was slightly better than the $50.4 million in losses it logged in the year-ago period. There was also a net loss attributable to Lionsgate shareholders of $96.8 million or 42 cents net loss per share, better than the loss of $104.6 million that it endured in the year-ago period. Adjusted net income attributable to Lionsgate shareholders in the quarter was $49.2 million or 21 cents in adjusted earnings per share.
Lionsgate’s film business did much of the heavy lifting. The studio segment reported revenue of $823.6 million, an increase of 25% from the prior-year quarter, with the movie portion of that haul increasing by 85%. That...
- 5/25/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Lionsgate has released its fourth quarter financial results while continuing talks with multiple bidders on a possible sale or spinoff of the premium cable and streaming platform Starz or its studio business.
The Hollywood studio trimmed its fourth quarter net loss attributable to shareholder to $96.8 million, against a year-earlier loss of $104.6 million, on overall revenue rising 17 percent to 1.08 billion, compared to a year-earlier $929.9 million, which beat a Wall Street analyst estimate by $92 million for the latest quarter.
Lionsgate posted an earnings per-share loss of 42 cents, compared to a year-earlier per-share loss of 46 cents. The adjusted earnings per-share of 21 cents, against a year-earlier 1 cent per-share profit. beat an analyst estimate for a 9 cents-per share loss by 30 cents.
The studio also reported record trailing 12-month library revenue of $884 million in the quarter from a mix of film and TV content. During the fourth quarter, the studio gained from the industry’s box...
The Hollywood studio trimmed its fourth quarter net loss attributable to shareholder to $96.8 million, against a year-earlier loss of $104.6 million, on overall revenue rising 17 percent to 1.08 billion, compared to a year-earlier $929.9 million, which beat a Wall Street analyst estimate by $92 million for the latest quarter.
Lionsgate posted an earnings per-share loss of 42 cents, compared to a year-earlier per-share loss of 46 cents. The adjusted earnings per-share of 21 cents, against a year-earlier 1 cent per-share profit. beat an analyst estimate for a 9 cents-per share loss by 30 cents.
The studio also reported record trailing 12-month library revenue of $884 million in the quarter from a mix of film and TV content. During the fourth quarter, the studio gained from the industry’s box...
- 5/25/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lionsgate came in above market expectations once more as it reported results for its fiscal fourth quarter Thursday. It topped $1.1 billion in revenue, a 17% year-to-year jump, a net loss of $96.8 million, and adjusted net income of $49.2 million or 21 cents per share.
Analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research predicted $974.9 million in revenue for the quarter and a penny in earnings per share, versus a quarterly loss of 6 cents per share a year ago.
The stock closed Thursday at $10.17, nearly tied with its $10.98 share price a year ago but below the 52-week high of $11.96. Shares rose 2% after hours to $10.40.
“I’m pleased to report that we ended the fiscal year with another strong quarter,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. “Our content businesses performed well, our library again achieved record trailing 12-month revenue, and Starz continues to be profitable while growing subscribers and executing successfully on its bundling and packaging strategy. We enter...
Analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research predicted $974.9 million in revenue for the quarter and a penny in earnings per share, versus a quarterly loss of 6 cents per share a year ago.
The stock closed Thursday at $10.17, nearly tied with its $10.98 share price a year ago but below the 52-week high of $11.96. Shares rose 2% after hours to $10.40.
“I’m pleased to report that we ended the fiscal year with another strong quarter,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. “Our content businesses performed well, our library again achieved record trailing 12-month revenue, and Starz continues to be profitable while growing subscribers and executing successfully on its bundling and packaging strategy. We enter...
- 5/25/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
After 41 days in theaters and over $518 million in domestic box office, Universal’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” will debut May 16 on PVOD. For a record-breaking blockbuster that could be the year’s biggest hit, that might seem… premature.
At the same point in its trajectory, “Top Gun: Maverick” had grossed $575 million and wouldn’t arrive on PVOD (for sale) for another 98 days. However, by Universal’s standards the release of “Smb” is 10 days late. Under the studio’s agreement with exhibitors, films that open over $50 million can move to home availability after 31 days.
“Smb” represents a trend: The period of theatrical exclusivity continues to shrink. With 22 wide releases to date in 2023, the average window stands at 30 days. When we looked at the average in mid-February across a six-month period, the window was 35 days.
With the ongoing WGA strike and DGA negotiations beginning, questions around streaming value remain a major issue.
At the same point in its trajectory, “Top Gun: Maverick” had grossed $575 million and wouldn’t arrive on PVOD (for sale) for another 98 days. However, by Universal’s standards the release of “Smb” is 10 days late. Under the studio’s agreement with exhibitors, films that open over $50 million can move to home availability after 31 days.
“Smb” represents a trend: The period of theatrical exclusivity continues to shrink. With 22 wide releases to date in 2023, the average window stands at 30 days. When we looked at the average in mid-February across a six-month period, the window was 35 days.
With the ongoing WGA strike and DGA negotiations beginning, questions around streaming value remain a major issue.
- 5/10/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Paramount+ decide to stream “Scream VI” 45 days after its theatrical launch. It’s parallel to its PVOD debut — but that means streaming takes priority.
PVOD revenue usually precedes streaming placement. Universal, which makes PVOD available for most films after three weekends, places titles on Peacock after 45 days. Warner Bros. Discovery offered “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” for PVOD after 21 days its theatrical debut, but Max will have to wait two months.
As a result, the PVOD debut for “Scream VI” is muted. Instead of a strong showing across the board, it is #1 at Vudu (which ranks by revenue), but currently stands at #7 and #8 at the transaction-based iTunes and Google Play. It debuted as high as #2 on iTunes but quickly fell, perhaps as streaming awareness increased.
The not-yet-streaming “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (both Disney) took #1 spots (iTunes with “The Way of Water” and Google...
PVOD revenue usually precedes streaming placement. Universal, which makes PVOD available for most films after three weekends, places titles on Peacock after 45 days. Warner Bros. Discovery offered “Shazam: Fury of the Gods” for PVOD after 21 days its theatrical debut, but Max will have to wait two months.
As a result, the PVOD debut for “Scream VI” is muted. Instead of a strong showing across the board, it is #1 at Vudu (which ranks by revenue), but currently stands at #7 and #8 at the transaction-based iTunes and Google Play. It debuted as high as #2 on iTunes but quickly fell, perhaps as streaming awareness increased.
The not-yet-streaming “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (both Disney) took #1 spots (iTunes with “The Way of Water” and Google...
- 5/1/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
In the final week before the official kick off to the summer movie season, we have a smorgasbord of films that appeal to movie fans of all different backgrounds. Coming in first place for the fourth week is The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which is currently looking at an estimated $30 million, of course anyone that has followed this behemoth of a movie knows that the estimates that come in on early Saturday are generally blown away by the end of the day as families head to theaters in droves on the weekend. Right now the film stands at a little over $450 million domestic which puts it in fourth place on the all time domestic animated charts, but by the end of the weekend it is very possible the film moves up to the number two spot surpassing the $486.2 million taken in by 2016’s Finding Dory. It still has a ways...
- 4/29/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
There’s George Foreman the boxer and George Foreman the grill. The Sony biopic out this Friday offers a different George. “I want to spread the word of God,” says Foreman (Khris Davis) in the trailer for “Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World.”
It’s a production from faith-based Sony Pictures’ label Affirm Films. Its first film in 2008, “Fireproof” starring Kirk Cameron, grossed $33 million on a $500,000 budget. To date, the (mostly domestic) global theatrical gross for Affirm titles stands at $520 million — $400 million more than the films’ total production costs.
Directed by George Tillman Jr. and with Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker in a supporting role, “Foreman” may represent the biggest Affirm budget to date. (One source lists it at $34 million.) Prior Affirm budgets topped out at $20 million. It’s also got one of Affirm’s biggest releases, with 2,575 theaters.
Opening prospects are unclear.
It’s a production from faith-based Sony Pictures’ label Affirm Films. Its first film in 2008, “Fireproof” starring Kirk Cameron, grossed $33 million on a $500,000 budget. To date, the (mostly domestic) global theatrical gross for Affirm titles stands at $520 million — $400 million more than the films’ total production costs.
Directed by George Tillman Jr. and with Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker in a supporting role, “Foreman” may represent the biggest Affirm budget to date. (One source lists it at $34 million.) Prior Affirm budgets topped out at $20 million. It’s also got one of Affirm’s biggest releases, with 2,575 theaters.
Opening prospects are unclear.
- 4/27/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Disney maintained its lead on all VOD charts, now with a different title. “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” replaced “Avatar: The Way of Water” (both $19.99) as #1 after a four-week run that arrived 100 days after its theatrical debut. “Quantumania” had a 60-day delay after its disappointing $213 million domestic box office. Both films stand apart from the recent norm of home play before 31 days.
No word yet when “John Wick: Chapter 4” (Lionsgate), “Air” (MGM), or most importantly “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (Universal) will make the leap. “Super Mario Bros.” might be available within two weeks (based on the 31-day window established in 2020 by the just-ousted NBC/Universal CEO Jeff Shell). Any of those films might prevent “Quantumania” from establishing more than a two-week run at #1.
One other new film entered the three lists, which reflected 14 titles among the 30 slots. Sundance Grand Prize winner “A Thousand and One” (Focus) grossed under...
No word yet when “John Wick: Chapter 4” (Lionsgate), “Air” (MGM), or most importantly “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (Universal) will make the leap. “Super Mario Bros.” might be available within two weeks (based on the 31-day window established in 2020 by the just-ousted NBC/Universal CEO Jeff Shell). Any of those films might prevent “Quantumania” from establishing more than a two-week run at #1.
One other new film entered the three lists, which reflected 14 titles among the 30 slots. Sundance Grand Prize winner “A Thousand and One” (Focus) grossed under...
- 4/25/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Christianity-based fringe movements began to take root in America throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and they eventually extended to other parts of the world before subsiding in the late 1980s. The Jesus movement was built upon a passionate faith that focuses on the human relationship with Jesus and the efforts of profoundly following Jesus in every aspect of life. With evangelical Christianity, the young followers underwent a revolution in a significant part of the world, and many individuals began turning to religion as a means of relief from their suffering and drug addictions.
Based on Greg Laurie’s novel of the same name, John Erwin and Brent McCorkle debuted their recent film “Jesus Revolution,” which centers on the renowned ‘Jesus Revolution’ from the 1970s and focuses on real-life individuals who played a significant role in bringing the faith to a community of ignorant young hippies who often wallowed in the darkness of an impulsive lifestyle.
Based on Greg Laurie’s novel of the same name, John Erwin and Brent McCorkle debuted their recent film “Jesus Revolution,” which centers on the renowned ‘Jesus Revolution’ from the 1970s and focuses on real-life individuals who played a significant role in bringing the faith to a community of ignorant young hippies who often wallowed in the darkness of an impulsive lifestyle.
- 4/19/2023
- by Poulami Nanda
- Film Fugitives
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