(Photo Credit – IMDb)
Harry Potter is one of the biggest movie franchises of all time and has earned millions worldwide. This year, the third installment in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, turns 20, and we are here to take a quick look at the Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint starrer fantasy drama. Keep scrolling for more.
It is based on Jk Rowling’s fantasy novel. In this movie, Harry and his friends enter their teenage years, and things get grittier from then on. This third installment has a darker tone than the previous two installments. For the uninitiated, there are eight films in the Harry Potter series, and the first one was released in the theatres in 2001.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released in domestic theatres on June 4, 2004; this year, it turns 20. It is reportedly the fan-favorite installment, but unfortunately, it is the lowest-grossing Harry Potter movie.
Harry Potter is one of the biggest movie franchises of all time and has earned millions worldwide. This year, the third installment in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, turns 20, and we are here to take a quick look at the Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint starrer fantasy drama. Keep scrolling for more.
It is based on Jk Rowling’s fantasy novel. In this movie, Harry and his friends enter their teenage years, and things get grittier from then on. This third installment has a darker tone than the previous two installments. For the uninitiated, there are eight films in the Harry Potter series, and the first one was released in the theatres in 2001.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released in domestic theatres on June 4, 2004; this year, it turns 20. It is reportedly the fan-favorite installment, but unfortunately, it is the lowest-grossing Harry Potter movie.
- 6/4/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and the box office is looking grim. The “Mad Max” prequel “Furiosa” is on track to score the lowest No. 1 Memorial Day weekend in nearly three decades, since 1998’s “Casper,” with an estimated $31 million take. But traditionally, the holiday weekend is a big one for moviegoing – kids are out of school, adults have three days off and the summer movie season is ready to roll.
For that reason, it feels like a good time to look back at the highest-grossing Memorial Day weekend box office openings of all time, dating back to 1996. Now it’s important to note these are Memorial Day weekend openings not Memorial Day weekend box office champions – “The Day After Tomorrow” pulled in over $85 million when it opened in 2004, but the top film at the box office for the holiday weekend was holdover “Shrek 2.”
Interestingly enough, while the acclaimed...
For that reason, it feels like a good time to look back at the highest-grossing Memorial Day weekend box office openings of all time, dating back to 1996. Now it’s important to note these are Memorial Day weekend openings not Memorial Day weekend box office champions – “The Day After Tomorrow” pulled in over $85 million when it opened in 2004, but the top film at the box office for the holiday weekend was holdover “Shrek 2.”
Interestingly enough, while the acclaimed...
- 5/25/2024
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
When Netflix released its latest major data set on Thursday — its second under the name of What We Watched: A Netflix Engagement Report — animated features continued to demonstrate a major impact for the streamer. Of the top 100 most viewed titles in the period of review, from July to December 2023, 33 were animated, bringing in a total of 1,087,600,000 views.
That being said, titles licensed from other studios continued to heavily overshadow Netflix originals, in terms of impact. Of the 33 animated titles in the Top 100, five were produced by Netflix; the Adam Sandler starrer Leo ranked the highest at #3 overall, coming in with 96 million views. Others that made the cut included The Monkey King, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the Oscar-nominated Nimona, The Sea Beast and Back to the Outback.
By far the greatest supplier of Netflix’s top ranking animated films was Universal, which through a exclusive licensing deal,...
That being said, titles licensed from other studios continued to heavily overshadow Netflix originals, in terms of impact. Of the 33 animated titles in the Top 100, five were produced by Netflix; the Adam Sandler starrer Leo ranked the highest at #3 overall, coming in with 96 million views. Others that made the cut included The Monkey King, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, the Oscar-nominated Nimona, The Sea Beast and Back to the Outback.
By far the greatest supplier of Netflix’s top ranking animated films was Universal, which through a exclusive licensing deal,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Shrek 2 turns twenty years old today, that is, May 19. The film was released all the way back in 2004 as a sequel to one of the best and most entertaining animated comedy films known to mankind. The sequel was undoubtedly a success in terms of both box office collection and reviews. Shrek 2 made $935 million at the worldwide box office which is enough proof that fans of the beloved green ogre absolutely loved the movie.
Shrek 2 (2004) | DreamWorks Animation
The best part about the sequel has got to be the many, many pop-culture references in the film. From a mermaid who looks quite like Ariel from The Little Mermaid to an iconic line from Seinfeld, Shrek 2 left no stone unturned to give its audience a gazillion easter eggs to look out for. However, the Mission: Impossible tribute in the film takes the cake for the best reference.
Shrek 2...
Shrek 2 (2004) | DreamWorks Animation
The best part about the sequel has got to be the many, many pop-culture references in the film. From a mermaid who looks quite like Ariel from The Little Mermaid to an iconic line from Seinfeld, Shrek 2 left no stone unturned to give its audience a gazillion easter eggs to look out for. However, the Mission: Impossible tribute in the film takes the cake for the best reference.
Shrek 2...
- 5/19/2024
- by Mishkaat Khan
- FandomWire
Jerry Seinfeld’s highly touted (and largely panned) feature directorial debut, “Unfrosted,” spent four days leading Netflix’s top 10 movie chart before another Netflix original, “Mother of the Bride” starring Brooke Shields, took the slot before the thematically appropriate weekend holiday.
“Unfrosted” led for just four days, with “Shrek” from 2001 leading midweek before the debut of “Bride.” The Dreamworks animated classic is still in second place, while Seinfeld’s Pop-Tarts comedy dropped to fourth.
“Bride” comes from director Mark Waters. Perhaps best known for his “Freaky Friday” remake and the original “Mean Girls,” Waters went on to direct “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” “Vampire Academy,” and “Bad Santa 2.” In the new rom-com, Shields is a mom who realizes the father of her future son-in-law broke her heart decades ago.
“Bride” and “Unfrosted” are the sole Netflix originals on its weekly list of the top 10 domestic movies. Reflecting the start of summer’s school vacations,...
“Unfrosted” led for just four days, with “Shrek” from 2001 leading midweek before the debut of “Bride.” The Dreamworks animated classic is still in second place, while Seinfeld’s Pop-Tarts comedy dropped to fourth.
“Bride” comes from director Mark Waters. Perhaps best known for his “Freaky Friday” remake and the original “Mean Girls,” Waters went on to direct “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” “Vampire Academy,” and “Bad Santa 2.” In the new rom-com, Shields is a mom who realizes the father of her future son-in-law broke her heart decades ago.
“Bride” and “Unfrosted” are the sole Netflix originals on its weekly list of the top 10 domestic movies. Reflecting the start of summer’s school vacations,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
It was not the summer box office start that many (myself included) were hoping for. Universal's "The Fall Guy" debuted with just $27.7 million domestically despite earning very good reviews, making for the worst start to the summer movie season in decades. But hope emerged in the form of one of cinema's most cherished franchises as "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" returned to theaters in honor of its 25th anniversary. An old hope, if you will. This once-maligned prequel to George Lucas' beloved sci-fi series helped make up the difference and made its way into the history books. Again.
"The Phantom Menace" re-release brought in $8.7 million domestically over the weekend, which was good enough to land at number two on the charts behind "Fall Guy" and ahead of the previous week's champion "Challengers" ($7.5 million). Internationally, "Episode I" added an additional $6.4 million for a global re-opening of $15.1 million. That's quite a...
"The Phantom Menace" re-release brought in $8.7 million domestically over the weekend, which was good enough to land at number two on the charts behind "Fall Guy" and ahead of the previous week's champion "Challengers" ($7.5 million). Internationally, "Episode I" added an additional $6.4 million for a global re-opening of $15.1 million. That's quite a...
- 5/7/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
The four Shrek movies are all confirmed for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in the UK, with extra features too. More here.
While DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures make their minds up as to whether we’ll see a fifth adventure in the Shrek series of movies, the first four films are now being bundled together on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
Some Shrek films have already made it to the format, but we’re now getting the original, Shrek 2, Shrek The Third and Shrek Forever After in a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray set in the UK.
The set has been given a release date by Universal of 10th June 2024, and it’s available for order. You can find more information on it right here.
The set appears to have just 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs in the box, and not the Blu-rays as well. Still, there are extra features being included,...
While DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures make their minds up as to whether we’ll see a fifth adventure in the Shrek series of movies, the first four films are now being bundled together on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
Some Shrek films have already made it to the format, but we’re now getting the original, Shrek 2, Shrek The Third and Shrek Forever After in a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray set in the UK.
The set has been given a release date by Universal of 10th June 2024, and it’s available for order. You can find more information on it right here.
The set appears to have just 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs in the box, and not the Blu-rays as well. Still, there are extra features being included,...
- 5/3/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
The summer movie season kicks off in earnest this weekend as Universal Pictures' "The Fall Guy" arrives. But that's not the only big movie hitting theaters -- or should we say returning to theaters: Disney is bringing "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" back to the big screen in honor of its 25th anniversary. It will also be back in theaters just in time for Star Wars Day. Much has changed in the years since this movie originally debuted, and those changes may help make "Episode I" a hit once again.
Disney is rolling out the red carpet for this re-release of the first entry in George Lucas' "Star Wars" prequel trilogy. It's getting a wide release, a sizable ad campaign, and even a beautiful new poster by artist Matt Ferguson. The majority of moviegoers are likely to flock to "The Fall Guy," which is looking at a box office debut as high as $40 million.
Disney is rolling out the red carpet for this re-release of the first entry in George Lucas' "Star Wars" prequel trilogy. It's getting a wide release, a sizable ad campaign, and even a beautiful new poster by artist Matt Ferguson. The majority of moviegoers are likely to flock to "The Fall Guy," which is looking at a box office debut as high as $40 million.
- 5/1/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
For a second consecutive weekend, Civil War held the top spot of the box-office weekend, albeit by a mere margin of $0.9 million.
In its second week of release, A24’s Civil War brought in $11.1 million for the studio, to raise its overall total to $44.9 million. This proved just enough to best the Universal Pictures release Abigail which debuted in second place with $10.2 million over the weekend. Meanwhile, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire was forced to third place where it added $9.5 million to lift its four-week total to $171.6 million for Warner Bros. Studios. The second debut of the weekend, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare landed in fourth place where it made $9.0 million for Lionsgate Films. The Crunchyroll release Spy x Family Code: White debuted in fifth place with $4.9 million.
Dropping two spots over the weekend to land in sixth place was Kung Fu Panda 4 which took in $4.6 million for...
In its second week of release, A24’s Civil War brought in $11.1 million for the studio, to raise its overall total to $44.9 million. This proved just enough to best the Universal Pictures release Abigail which debuted in second place with $10.2 million over the weekend. Meanwhile, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire was forced to third place where it added $9.5 million to lift its four-week total to $171.6 million for Warner Bros. Studios. The second debut of the weekend, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare landed in fourth place where it made $9.0 million for Lionsgate Films. The Crunchyroll release Spy x Family Code: White debuted in fifth place with $4.9 million.
Dropping two spots over the weekend to land in sixth place was Kung Fu Panda 4 which took in $4.6 million for...
- 4/21/2024
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
No, it's not 2004, but Shrek and Donkey are partying like it is. "Shrek 2," the beloved hit sequel to the original DreamWorks animated classic, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year -- next month, to be more exact -- and Universal Pictures decided to celebrate by re-releasing the film in theaters over the weekend. While it didn't make a fortune or anything, the movie did end up making its way back into the top ten on the box office charts.
Playing on over 1,500 screens, "Shrek 2" pulled in $1.35 million over the weekend, which was just enough to give it the number nine spot on the charts. That put it just ahead of "Suga | Agust D Tour 'D-Day' The Movie" and just behind "The Long Game" ($1.39 million), both of which were newcomers in theaters. It was Alex Garland's buzzy "Civil War" ($26 million) that took the lion's share of attention, landing...
Playing on over 1,500 screens, "Shrek 2" pulled in $1.35 million over the weekend, which was just enough to give it the number nine spot on the charts. That put it just ahead of "Suga | Agust D Tour 'D-Day' The Movie" and just behind "The Long Game" ($1.39 million), both of which were newcomers in theaters. It was Alex Garland's buzzy "Civil War" ($26 million) that took the lion's share of attention, landing...
- 4/15/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
After two weeks atop the box office, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire was bested by newcomer Civil War by $10.2 million to lose the box-office weekend crown.
In its first weekend of release, the A24 action/thriller Civil War from director Alex Garland debuted in first place with $25.7 million. This pushed two-time champion Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire to second place where it brought in $15.5 million for Warner Bros.. This gives the film a three-week total of $157.9 million. Meanwhile, GhostbustersL Frozen Empire held its ground to remain in third place where it added $5.8 million for Sone Pictures Releasing to lift its four-week total to $97.0 million. Climbing a spot from last weekend to land in fourth place was Kung Fun Panda 4 which took in $5.5 million to bring its six-week total to $173.7 million for Universal Pictures. Also climbing a spot from last weekend was Dune: Part Two which took fifth place with $4.3 million.
In its first weekend of release, the A24 action/thriller Civil War from director Alex Garland debuted in first place with $25.7 million. This pushed two-time champion Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire to second place where it brought in $15.5 million for Warner Bros.. This gives the film a three-week total of $157.9 million. Meanwhile, GhostbustersL Frozen Empire held its ground to remain in third place where it added $5.8 million for Sone Pictures Releasing to lift its four-week total to $97.0 million. Climbing a spot from last weekend to land in fourth place was Kung Fun Panda 4 which took in $5.5 million to bring its six-week total to $173.7 million for Universal Pictures. Also climbing a spot from last weekend was Dune: Part Two which took fifth place with $4.3 million.
- 4/15/2024
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Alex Garland’s dystopian thriller Civil War scored the biggest North American opening weekend in A24’s history and became the company’s first to debut at number one as it arrived on an estimated $25.7m.
Delivering A24’s biggest debut weekend since Hereditary arrived on $13.6m in 2,964 sites, the story of a journalist, played by Kirsten Dunst, who reports on an unfolding crisis in a divided America not only exceeded box office predictions of $20m, but overperformed in markets ranging from Los Angeles to El Paso in Texas.
Arriving on 3,838 theatres, the $50m production was also the company’s widest release from the outset.
Delivering A24’s biggest debut weekend since Hereditary arrived on $13.6m in 2,964 sites, the story of a journalist, played by Kirsten Dunst, who reports on an unfolding crisis in a divided America not only exceeded box office predictions of $20m, but overperformed in markets ranging from Los Angeles to El Paso in Texas.
Arriving on 3,838 theatres, the $50m production was also the company’s widest release from the outset.
- 4/14/2024
- ScreenDaily
Alex Garland’s dystopian thriller Civil War scored the biggest North American opening weekend in A24’s history and became the company’s first to debut at number one as it arrived on an estimated $25.7m.
Delivering A24’s biggest debut weekend since Hereditary arrived on $13.6m in 2,964 sites, the story of a journalist, played by Kirsten Dunst, who reports on an unfolding crisis in a divided America not only exceeded box office predictions of $20m, but overperformed in markets ranging from Los Angeles to El Paso in Texas.
Arriving on 3,838 theatres, the $50m production was also the company’s widest release from the outset.
Delivering A24’s biggest debut weekend since Hereditary arrived on $13.6m in 2,964 sites, the story of a journalist, played by Kirsten Dunst, who reports on an unfolding crisis in a divided America not only exceeded box office predictions of $20m, but overperformed in markets ranging from Los Angeles to El Paso in Texas.
Arriving on 3,838 theatres, the $50m production was also the company’s widest release from the outset.
- 4/14/2024
- ScreenDaily
Alex Garland’s “Civil War” opened to an estimated $25.7 million this weekend, nearly double the best wide opening for any previous A24 title. It’s also about $7 million more than the combined openings last weekend for “Monkey Man” (Universal) and “The First Omen” (Disney).
Despite its B- Cinemascore, the near-future domestic dystopia came in over 25 percent better than projections. The A24 brand, the indefatigable war theme, advance interest (including a widely covered SXSW premiere), topicality, originality, IMAX sales, and mostly positive reviews propelled it to success.
With a reported production cost of at least $50 million, and uncertainty about foreign interest (initial grosses incomplete), it will need to be more than an initial sensation. Even so, particularly with likely significant post-theatrical interest, it initially appears that A24’s risk will pay off.
An opening on this scale for a non-franchise independent title only adds to A24’s bona fides. In recent...
Despite its B- Cinemascore, the near-future domestic dystopia came in over 25 percent better than projections. The A24 brand, the indefatigable war theme, advance interest (including a widely covered SXSW premiere), topicality, originality, IMAX sales, and mostly positive reviews propelled it to success.
With a reported production cost of at least $50 million, and uncertainty about foreign interest (initial grosses incomplete), it will need to be more than an initial sensation. Even so, particularly with likely significant post-theatrical interest, it initially appears that A24’s risk will pay off.
An opening on this scale for a non-franchise independent title only adds to A24’s bona fides. In recent...
- 4/14/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Alex Garland’s Civil War performed close to our expectations this weekend, grossing an estimated $25.7 million (via ComScore’s early numbers) to post what’s easily A24’s biggest opening weekend ever. In fact, it isn’t even close, with Alex Garland’s speculative film almost doubling the previous record holder, Hereditary, which opened with $13.6 million. This is quite a coup for what’s being billed as the studio’s biggest-budget movie ever, which is a still modest $50 million. Given the rave reviews and the fact that it will likely become a water-cooler film, one can expect the film to hold up relatively well over the next few weeks, with it is unlikely anything next weekend is going to over-index unless horror flick Abigail winds up becoming a smash.
Meanwhile, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire dropped a relatively modest 50% in week two to post a $15.4 million weekend, for a $157.9 million total.
Meanwhile, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire dropped a relatively modest 50% in week two to post a $15.4 million weekend, for a $157.9 million total.
- 4/14/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
April has been a slower month compared to March, but if nothing else, this weekend saw a popular indie studio break a few personal records with what might have been a controversial release. Read on for the weekend box office report.
A24 released Alex Garland‘s fourth feature as a director, “Civil War,” starring Oscar nominee Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Maura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Nick Offerman, and Jesse Plemons, into 3,838 theaters on Friday – the studio’s widest release ever. It came into the weekend with a reported production budget of $50 million – another record for the studio – and mostly decent reviews with 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, following a premiere at the SXSW Film and TV Festival.
It was able to make $2.9 million in Thursday and earlier previews, which were compiled into the movie’s $10.8 million opening day, and it then ended with an estimated $25.7 million to take first place on opening weekend.
A24 released Alex Garland‘s fourth feature as a director, “Civil War,” starring Oscar nominee Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Maura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Nick Offerman, and Jesse Plemons, into 3,838 theaters on Friday – the studio’s widest release ever. It came into the weekend with a reported production budget of $50 million – another record for the studio – and mostly decent reviews with 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, following a premiere at the SXSW Film and TV Festival.
It was able to make $2.9 million in Thursday and earlier previews, which were compiled into the movie’s $10.8 million opening day, and it then ended with an estimated $25.7 million to take first place on opening weekend.
- 4/14/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
(Welcome to Tales from the Box Office, our column that examines box office miracles, disasters, and everything in between, as well as what we can learn from them.)
"Shrek" was a very important movie in animation history. It provided DreamWorks with its first true breakthrough hit, taking in $492 million in 2001. It ensured that Disney would have meaningful competition in the animation space for years to come, which has only been furthered in recent years with the dominance of Illumination in the marketplace. For DreamWorks though, it birthed what would become the studio's flagship franchise, one that has generated more than $3 billion since its inception. That franchise's biggest moment came in 2004 when "Shrek 2" hit theaters.
The animation house founded by former Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg hit a home run by pairing Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy as Shrek and Donkey in the first film, in no small part thanks to the stellar supporting cast.
"Shrek" was a very important movie in animation history. It provided DreamWorks with its first true breakthrough hit, taking in $492 million in 2001. It ensured that Disney would have meaningful competition in the animation space for years to come, which has only been furthered in recent years with the dominance of Illumination in the marketplace. For DreamWorks though, it birthed what would become the studio's flagship franchise, one that has generated more than $3 billion since its inception. That franchise's biggest moment came in 2004 when "Shrek 2" hit theaters.
The animation house founded by former Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg hit a home run by pairing Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy as Shrek and Donkey in the first film, in no small part thanks to the stellar supporting cast.
- 4/13/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
A few months ago, I was scrolling through TikTok when I saw a video of Shrek on a giant screen at a rave, happily gamboling through his swamp to a remixed version of “Boom Boom Boom Boom.” Then the beat drops, and he starts stomping and projectile vomiting all over the audience, lasers shooting out of his eyes. It’s truly a terrifying sight, particularly if you’re on molly, as many of the attendees likely are. But judging by their reaction in the video, they can’t get enough of it.
- 4/10/2024
- by Ej Dickson
- Rollingstone.com
The Universal Monsters brand has had a rather mixed reception over the past 14 years or so. The 2010 remake of The Wolfman was a bomb, 2014’s Dracula Untold underperformed and the 2017 remake of The Mummy killed off the Dark Universe before it even began. However, the 2020 interpretation of The Invisible Man was rather well received and financially successful.
Now, as Universal attempts to reinvigorate the brand with a 2024 The Wolfman film and the Dark Universe section at Epic Universe, a beloved classic will be returning to theaters for its 25th Anniversary. The 1999 versions of The Mummy will be returning to the big screen this April in partnership with AMC.
The 1999 Mummy starred Oscar winner Brendan Frasier and Rachel Weisz. Set in 1932, the lost city of Hamunaptra is discovered and plundered for its many treasures. Among the decaying buildings and dark hallways rests the mummy of the high priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo). The explorers accidentally awaken him,...
Now, as Universal attempts to reinvigorate the brand with a 2024 The Wolfman film and the Dark Universe section at Epic Universe, a beloved classic will be returning to theaters for its 25th Anniversary. The 1999 versions of The Mummy will be returning to the big screen this April in partnership with AMC.
The 1999 Mummy starred Oscar winner Brendan Frasier and Rachel Weisz. Set in 1932, the lost city of Hamunaptra is discovered and plundered for its many treasures. Among the decaying buildings and dark hallways rests the mummy of the high priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo). The explorers accidentally awaken him,...
- 4/6/2024
- by Mr. Milo
- Pirates & Princesses
A24 is a studio that has built up a good name over the last decade and change in Hollywood. It's a name that means something to moviegoers, and that's no small thing. But as the studio looks to compete in an increasingly volatile Hollywood landscape, minor theatrical successes like "Priscilla" and disastrous flops such as "Under the Silver Lake" aren't going to cut it anymore. So, the studio is going bigger and making its biggest bet ever with Alex Garland's "Civil War." The question is, can this politically-charged, unconventional war film break through like a more conventional blockbuster?
Given that Garland's latest carries a $50 million budget, A24 is certainly hoping so. The good news is that the initial numbers suggest that this one will be a winner, at least in the early going. "Civil War" is eyeing an opening between $18 and $24 million when it arrives next weekend, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Given that Garland's latest carries a $50 million budget, A24 is certainly hoping so. The good news is that the initial numbers suggest that this one will be a winner, at least in the early going. "Civil War" is eyeing an opening between $18 and $24 million when it arrives next weekend, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
- 4/5/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
A-list actors taking on vocal work for animated films has always been an uneven trend, with the results ranging from genuine greatness to utter tedium. But while many actors who lend their voices to Pixar or DreamWorks releases often seem to just be in it for the easy paycheck, the same can’t be said of Jack Black, who seems physically incapable of not giving 100 percent in any film. As the villainous Bowser, he was the saving grace of the otherwise forgettable “Super Mario Bros. Movie,” delivering hammy line readings that chewed up and spit out that computer-generated, Nintendo-focused-grouped scenery.
In his most famous voice-acting role, as Po in Dreamworks’ “Kung Fu Panda” movie series, Black’s charm and enthusiasm elevated an entire trilogy single-handedly. From its 2008 original film to the trilogy capper in 2016, the “Kung Fu Panda” movies — set in an animal-run, wuxia-inspired ancient China, and following nerdy...
In his most famous voice-acting role, as Po in Dreamworks’ “Kung Fu Panda” movie series, Black’s charm and enthusiasm elevated an entire trilogy single-handedly. From its 2008 original film to the trilogy capper in 2016, the “Kung Fu Panda” movies — set in an animal-run, wuxia-inspired ancient China, and following nerdy...
- 3/6/2024
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Exclusive: India-based animation producer Toonz Media House and New York’s Driver Studios have teamed for 3D-animated kids series The Blahs.
The series, targeted at 3-8 year-olds, will launch on YouTube. It comes from Rob Kurtz and Dan Markowitz, who created Driver Studios Cool School YouTube channel, where The Blahs will launch on March 31. The show will also run on Toonz’s Chotoonz TV channel, which has 11.1 subscribers.
The comedy series is centered around The Blahs, their rulers King Gray and Lord Blue and neighbor Joy who spreads light everywhere she goes. The characters are planned to be sources of merchandising and licensing this year.
Driver Studios will use a proprietary data tool so the show’s creators can evaluate engagement to determine themes that attract viewers and inform plots in future episodes.
The executive producers are P. Jayakumar and Bruno Zarka of Toonz Media Group, and Driver Studios’ Scott Weitz,...
The series, targeted at 3-8 year-olds, will launch on YouTube. It comes from Rob Kurtz and Dan Markowitz, who created Driver Studios Cool School YouTube channel, where The Blahs will launch on March 31. The show will also run on Toonz’s Chotoonz TV channel, which has 11.1 subscribers.
The comedy series is centered around The Blahs, their rulers King Gray and Lord Blue and neighbor Joy who spreads light everywhere she goes. The characters are planned to be sources of merchandising and licensing this year.
Driver Studios will use a proprietary data tool so the show’s creators can evaluate engagement to determine themes that attract viewers and inform plots in future episodes.
The executive producers are P. Jayakumar and Bruno Zarka of Toonz Media Group, and Driver Studios’ Scott Weitz,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Hypergalactic Animated Film Has Sonic the Hedgehog Designer Naoto Oshima Teaming with Toei Animation
Toei Animation announced a new project titled Hypergalactic , which will be a CG-animated feature film and, per Toei's description, its "biggest and most ambitious CGI film to date." Original Sonic the Hedgehog character designer Naoto Oshima is on board to co-create the story and characters for the film alongside Joseph Chou. David N. Weiss—known for features like Shrek 2 and the big screen CG takes on The Smurfs —is directing Hypergalactic , which has a cast featuring the likes of Adam Devine, Elsie Fisher, J.K. Simmons and Sam Richardson. Related: Japan Box Office: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training- Makes No. 1 Debut Set in the near future, Hypergalactic tells the tale of a teenager girl (Fisher) and her baby brother after they liberate Ohkan (Devine), Earth's forgotten protector. Together, the three embark upon a journey in hopes that he can help reunite them with their missing parents.
- 2/6/2024
- by Joseph Luster
- Crunchyroll
Adam Devine, J.K. Simmons, Sam Richardson and Elsie Fisher will lend their voices to “Hypergalactic,” the CG animated family feature co-created by Naoto Oshima, best known for designing the original “Sonic the Hedgehog” for Sega, and Joseph Chou.
The English-language film, directed by David N. Weiss and now in post-production, marks the most ambition CG feature to date from Toei Animation. The Japanese studio was behind recent anime smash hits “The First Slam Dunk,” which grossed $279 million, and “One Piece Film: Red,” which has so far earned $246.6 million.
Charades are set to launch worldwide sales on “Hypergalatic” at Berlin’s European Film Market, alongside Iwashina Corporation founder Kevin Iwashina, who is also an advisor to Toei.
“Hypergalactic” follows an adventurous teenage girl (Fisher) and her baby brother in the not-so-distant future, after they liberate the forgotten protector of Earth, Ohkan (Devine), in the hopes that he can help reunite them with their missing parents.
The English-language film, directed by David N. Weiss and now in post-production, marks the most ambition CG feature to date from Toei Animation. The Japanese studio was behind recent anime smash hits “The First Slam Dunk,” which grossed $279 million, and “One Piece Film: Red,” which has so far earned $246.6 million.
Charades are set to launch worldwide sales on “Hypergalatic” at Berlin’s European Film Market, alongside Iwashina Corporation founder Kevin Iwashina, who is also an advisor to Toei.
“Hypergalactic” follows an adventurous teenage girl (Fisher) and her baby brother in the not-so-distant future, after they liberate the forgotten protector of Earth, Ohkan (Devine), in the hopes that he can help reunite them with their missing parents.
- 2/6/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Leading Japanese studio Toei has unveiled Hypergalactic, an animated family feature from the creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, which sales agent Charades will launch at the upcoming EFM.
Directed by David N. Weiss, the voice cast of the English-language film includes Adam Devine, J.K. Simmons, Sam Richardson and Eighth Grade star Elsie Fisher.
Paris-based Charades has taken world sales on the title, which is in post-production, and will introduce the project to buyers in Berlin next week alongside Iwashina Corporation founder Kevin Iwashina, who is also an advisor to Toei Animation.
The story follows an adventurous teenage girl, voiced by Fisher,...
Directed by David N. Weiss, the voice cast of the English-language film includes Adam Devine, J.K. Simmons, Sam Richardson and Eighth Grade star Elsie Fisher.
Paris-based Charades has taken world sales on the title, which is in post-production, and will introduce the project to buyers in Berlin next week alongside Iwashina Corporation founder Kevin Iwashina, who is also an advisor to Toei Animation.
The story follows an adventurous teenage girl, voiced by Fisher,...
- 2/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Leading Japanese animation studio Toei Animation has announced family feature Hypergalactic, describing the production as its biggest and most ambitious CGI film to date.
The story and characters are co-created by top Japanese artist Naoto Oshima, who designed the hit global franchise Sonic the Hedgehog for Sega, and Joseph Chou, whose credits include Blade Runner 2022: Black Out, Ghost in the Shell and Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.
The English-language animated family feature is directed by David N. Weiss, whose credits include Shrek 2, The Smurfs and Smurfs 2.
The movie will feature the voice talents of Adam Devine, Elsie Fisher, J.K. Simmons and Sam Richardson.
The family film follows an adventurous teenage girl (Fisher) and her baby brother in the not-so-distant future, after they liberate the forgotten protector of Earth,...
The story and characters are co-created by top Japanese artist Naoto Oshima, who designed the hit global franchise Sonic the Hedgehog for Sega, and Joseph Chou, whose credits include Blade Runner 2022: Black Out, Ghost in the Shell and Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.
The English-language animated family feature is directed by David N. Weiss, whose credits include Shrek 2, The Smurfs and Smurfs 2.
The movie will feature the voice talents of Adam Devine, Elsie Fisher, J.K. Simmons and Sam Richardson.
The family film follows an adventurous teenage girl (Fisher) and her baby brother in the not-so-distant future, after they liberate the forgotten protector of Earth,...
- 2/6/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” has everything you could ask for from an animated Oscar contender, including sterling reviews, stellar box office and a proven awards track record. There’s one potential hitch, though: it’s a sequel. In the history of Best Animated Feature at the Oscars, only two sequels have ever won, and they were both from the “Toy Story” franchise: “Toy Story 3” (2010) and “Toy Story 4” (2019). Can “Across the Spider-Verse” achieve the same rare feat?
SEEWhat just missed making Oscar’s Best Picture line-up: ‘The Color Purple,’ ‘Air,’ ‘Across the Spider-Verse’ … ? [Poll]
The following 12 sequels have been nominated for Best Animated Feature, with the only two winners highlighted in gold:
2004: “Shrek 2”
2010: “Toy Story 3”
2011: “Kung Fu Panda 2”
2011: “Puss in Boots”
2013: “Despicable Me 2”
2014: “How to Train Your Dragon 2”
2018: “Incredibles 2”
2018: “Ralph Breaks the Internet”
2019: “Toy Story 4...
SEEWhat just missed making Oscar’s Best Picture line-up: ‘The Color Purple,’ ‘Air,’ ‘Across the Spider-Verse’ … ? [Poll]
The following 12 sequels have been nominated for Best Animated Feature, with the only two winners highlighted in gold:
2004: “Shrek 2”
2010: “Toy Story 3”
2011: “Kung Fu Panda 2”
2011: “Puss in Boots”
2013: “Despicable Me 2”
2014: “How to Train Your Dragon 2”
2018: “Incredibles 2”
2018: “Ralph Breaks the Internet”
2019: “Toy Story 4...
- 1/31/2024
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
It's easy to overlook just how big the "Shrek" movies are given that they are mostly a giant meme factory and a source for a controversial Scottish accent. This is a franchise that changed animation and showed DreamWorks Animation was a powerhouse that could compete with Disney and Pixar. It competed for the Palme d'Or at Cannes, the first animated film in almost 50 years to do so. It won the first Oscar for Best Animated Feature and helped cement the rise of computer animation. There is a reason this is the first animated movie of the 21st century to be selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Since then, "Shrek" has grown into a giant franchise, with spin-offs, musicals, and much more ... including a very popular themed rave and even custom Crocs. This is why it might be tough for casual movie watchers to keep track of which movies to watch,...
Since then, "Shrek" has grown into a giant franchise, with spin-offs, musicals, and much more ... including a very popular themed rave and even custom Crocs. This is why it might be tough for casual movie watchers to keep track of which movies to watch,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Dana Davis, Event Chairman, and Barbara Davis, Honorary Event Chairman, announced today that The 37th Annual Carousel Ball, presented by Dexcom, will feature a performance by legendary rock band Counting Crows on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Denver in Denver, Colorado.
They join a star-studded lineup that includes previously announced performers David Foster and Katharine McPhee. The biennial event returns to present Satish Garg, MD with the Founders Award, and Juli and Joe Smolen will receive the High Hopes Tribute Award. Tickets and table sales are available for the event benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (Cdf), the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.
For more than two decades, Counting Crows have enchanted listeners worldwide with their intensely soulful and intricate take on timeless rock & roll. Exploding onto the music scene in 1993 with their multi-platinum breakout album, August and Everything After, the band has gone on to release seven studio albums,...
They join a star-studded lineup that includes previously announced performers David Foster and Katharine McPhee. The biennial event returns to present Satish Garg, MD with the Founders Award, and Juli and Joe Smolen will receive the High Hopes Tribute Award. Tickets and table sales are available for the event benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation (Cdf), the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.
For more than two decades, Counting Crows have enchanted listeners worldwide with their intensely soulful and intricate take on timeless rock & roll. Exploding onto the music scene in 1993 with their multi-platinum breakout album, August and Everything After, the band has gone on to release seven studio albums,...
- 9/12/2023
- Look to the Stars
Puss In Boots Puss in Boots, 2.55pm, Film4, Monday, August 28
The swashbuckling cat with the silky voice of Antonio Banderas was so beloved by fans of Shrek 2 and its sequels that he got his own spin-off film, a franchise that also now continues to expand with this year’s Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. This first instalment is an origin story that's every bit as enjoyable as Shrek was - a rip-roaring adventure that includes all round bad egg Humpty Dumpty (voiced by Zach Galifianakis), cat burglar Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) and a magic beans quest. Packed with visual humour and cat-inflected comedy, with the double-act between Humpty and Puss a real family treat.
Baby Done, 10.45pm, BBC3, Monday, August 28
If you're in the mood for something light and frothy then this New Zealand romcom is well worth a watch. Its likeable, realistic characters go a long way to making.
The swashbuckling cat with the silky voice of Antonio Banderas was so beloved by fans of Shrek 2 and its sequels that he got his own spin-off film, a franchise that also now continues to expand with this year’s Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. This first instalment is an origin story that's every bit as enjoyable as Shrek was - a rip-roaring adventure that includes all round bad egg Humpty Dumpty (voiced by Zach Galifianakis), cat burglar Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) and a magic beans quest. Packed with visual humour and cat-inflected comedy, with the double-act between Humpty and Puss a real family treat.
Baby Done, 10.45pm, BBC3, Monday, August 28
If you're in the mood for something light and frothy then this New Zealand romcom is well worth a watch. Its likeable, realistic characters go a long way to making.
- 8/28/2023
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Clockwise from upper left: Barbie (Warner Bros.), Easy A (Sony), The Lego Movie (Warner Bros.), Tropic Thunder (Paramount), Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (DreamWorks), Bridesmaids (Universal)Graphic: The A.V. Club
What do Derek Zoolander, Ron Burgundy, and Borat have in common—other than making us laugh in that red-faced,...
What do Derek Zoolander, Ron Burgundy, and Borat have in common—other than making us laugh in that red-faced,...
- 8/15/2023
- by Phil Pirrello
- avclub.com
Just two years ago, it seemed like the summer blockbuster might be a thing of the past. After Covid kept cinemas closed across the United States for the majority of 2020, the box office reopened in 2021 on uncertain footing, with many high profile flops and a soft performance for the movies overall. That summer seemed like the harbinger of the end for the seasonal release strategy that “Jaws” perfected all the way back in 1975, wherein the hottest months hosts the biggest titles — marketed aggressively to theatergoers. It seemed like those days were behind us, and the streaming age had finally overtaken the days when movies could be events. So thank goodness for “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”
Things aren’t entirely rosy at cinemas again (and Hollywood writ large is a mess), but things are improving at the box office with those July 21 releases helping to massively goose theatrical business, picking up where...
Things aren’t entirely rosy at cinemas again (and Hollywood writ large is a mess), but things are improving at the box office with those July 21 releases helping to massively goose theatrical business, picking up where...
- 8/11/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
It's been 13 years since Shrek last hit the big screen, but it looks as though we could soon be getting a fifth installment of the iconic franchise. Illumination founder Chris Meledandri, who is also a partner to Dreamworks Animation, told Variety back in April that he is looking to reboot Shrek with the original voice cast. Yes, that means Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy could be reuniting very soon.
"We anticipate the cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication that we've gotten is there's tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return," said Meledandri. While there are no firm deals in place just yet, negotiations are well underway. And it's no surprise that there is a keenness to reboot the lovable green ogre and his fairytale costars as there have been six films in the franchise: "Shrek" (2001), "Shrek 2" (2004), "Shrek the Third" (2007), "Shrek Forever After...
"We anticipate the cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication that we've gotten is there's tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return," said Meledandri. While there are no firm deals in place just yet, negotiations are well underway. And it's no surprise that there is a keenness to reboot the lovable green ogre and his fairytale costars as there have been six films in the franchise: "Shrek" (2001), "Shrek 2" (2004), "Shrek the Third" (2007), "Shrek Forever After...
- 8/7/2023
- by Joely Chilcott
- Popsugar.com
Universal Orlando Resort will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animation’s animated characters from Trolls and Shrek to Kung Fu Panda next year.
The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida is part of a group of new entertainment experiences hitting the resort in 2024, “and is a continuation of Universal’s commitment to rich storytelling that places guests of all ages in the most incredible and immersive environments,” according to an announcement today. The new land, which will span four acres, is part of a move to refresh the former KidsZone space at Universal Orlando Resort
The Comcast/NBC Universal-owned park didn’t give an opening date and said more details will be forthcoming, the park’s website said guests “will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring such popular franchises as Shrek,...
The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida is part of a group of new entertainment experiences hitting the resort in 2024, “and is a continuation of Universal’s commitment to rich storytelling that places guests of all ages in the most incredible and immersive environments,” according to an announcement today. The new land, which will span four acres, is part of a move to refresh the former KidsZone space at Universal Orlando Resort
The Comcast/NBC Universal-owned park didn’t give an opening date and said more details will be forthcoming, the park’s website said guests “will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring such popular franchises as Shrek,...
- 7/20/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Believe it or not, there used to be a time where movie sequels were actually an incredibly rare thing. As it was, audiences felt that movies and even tv shows should have definitive stories and points that they were trying to make and why would anybody bother making a sequel to what should have been a conclusive story? But now, in an era where Hollywood values established IP and fanbases more than any potential original project, sequels have become the norm.
It isn’t necessarily a bad thing that sequels have taken over cinemas, provided that the sequels are just as good as the originals and come out with their own original plot-lines. Like all movies, whether or not a person might enjoy a surplus of sequels is preferential and is more so dependent on the subject material, especially if it’s regarding a franchise that the audience has taken a liking too.
It isn’t necessarily a bad thing that sequels have taken over cinemas, provided that the sequels are just as good as the originals and come out with their own original plot-lines. Like all movies, whether or not a person might enjoy a surplus of sequels is preferential and is more so dependent on the subject material, especially if it’s regarding a franchise that the audience has taken a liking too.
- 7/9/2023
- by Jon Meschutt
- JoBlo.com
Last Christmas, a little movie called Puss in Boots: The Last Wish surprised a lot of folks by grossing a mighty $185 million domestically. Its success was big enough that Dreamworks, whose animated films have lately underwhelmed at the box office, announced that they might be bringing back the Shrek series, which Puss was a spin-off from. Starting in 2001, the Shrek films, which followed Mike Myers’ lovable Ogre as he navigated a satirical fairytale kingdom with his faithful companions, Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and Donkey (Eddie Murphy), were smash hits. The first Shrek, whose charmingly old-school CGI animation seems archaic now, made a might $266 million, and the sequel, Shrek 2, was even bigger, earning $441 million and doubling it’s gross worldwide.
So why hasn’t there been a new Shrek movie since 2010? At the time, the common wisdom was that the series had run its course, with Shrek the Third earning mixed...
So why hasn’t there been a new Shrek movie since 2010? At the time, the common wisdom was that the series had run its course, with Shrek the Third earning mixed...
- 7/4/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” has swung into theatres with aplomb, matching (if not beating) the excitement and love that the first movie, “Into the Spider-Verse,” garnered in 2018.
“Across the Spider-Verse” follows on from that first movie with Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) now a successful Spider-Man in his own universe. But another encounter with Hailee Steinfeld‘s Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman leads to Miles being launched into the Spider-Verse wherein he encounters a society of Spider-People, led by Oscar Isaac‘s Miguel O’Hara, and a new foe — Spot (Jason Schwartzman). The film ends on an outrageous cliffhanger, teasing the conclusion of the series with next year’s “Beyond the Spider-Verse.”
For now, however, fans will have to be satisfied with this excellent addition to the Spider-Man canon, which currently stands at an impressive 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site’s critical consensus reading: “Just as visually dazzling and action-packed as its predecessor,...
“Across the Spider-Verse” follows on from that first movie with Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) now a successful Spider-Man in his own universe. But another encounter with Hailee Steinfeld‘s Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman leads to Miles being launched into the Spider-Verse wherein he encounters a society of Spider-People, led by Oscar Isaac‘s Miguel O’Hara, and a new foe — Spot (Jason Schwartzman). The film ends on an outrageous cliffhanger, teasing the conclusion of the series with next year’s “Beyond the Spider-Verse.”
For now, however, fans will have to be satisfied with this excellent addition to the Spider-Man canon, which currently stands at an impressive 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the site’s critical consensus reading: “Just as visually dazzling and action-packed as its predecessor,...
- 6/8/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Illumination Entertainment’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (Universal) wraps up its sixth weekend with a U.S./Canada gross of $536 million. That is by far the best box office haul for 2023 so far, with a real chance it could end up at number one for the year. If it reaches $600 million, Universal claims, it would overtake “Incredibles 2” (2018) as the biggest animated release ever.
This is not true.
Look, “Smb” is an amazing achievement. Going into its sixth weekend, the final domestic total should be between $560 million and $580 million and $1.25 billion-$1.3 billion worldwide — double the advance expectations, and against a $100 million production cost. It’s a phenomenal result.
What is particularly impressive is how it stands among recent animated releases. It has passed all Pixar films other than “Incredibles 2” (that includes all “Toy Story” entries), all non-Pixar Disney releases (the two “Frozen” films being their top performers), and...
This is not true.
Look, “Smb” is an amazing achievement. Going into its sixth weekend, the final domestic total should be between $560 million and $580 million and $1.25 billion-$1.3 billion worldwide — double the advance expectations, and against a $100 million production cost. It’s a phenomenal result.
What is particularly impressive is how it stands among recent animated releases. It has passed all Pixar films other than “Incredibles 2” (that includes all “Toy Story” entries), all non-Pixar Disney releases (the two “Frozen” films being their top performers), and...
- 5/15/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (Universal) is projected to gross another $40 million in its fourth weekend, an achievement held only “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Black Panther” in 2018.
That puts Illumination’s animated film at $1.022 billion worldwide and $490 million domestic. If it hits $650 million domestic — now possible — it will surpass any cartoon feature this century. (“Shrek 2” and “Incredibles 2” reached $600 million adjusted).
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (Disney) opening next weekend will end Mario’s #1 streak, but “Smb” should stay strong for weeks to come. It could surpass “Maverick” ($719 million) — an even more impressive feat when it lacks a concentration premium tickets and sells many more lower-priced children’s priced tickets.
Though at a lower gross and hold, “Evil Dead Rise” (Warner Bros. Discovery) at #2 with $12.5 million, adds to the positive news. Its 50 percent second-week drop was low end for a genre film. Even better,...
That puts Illumination’s animated film at $1.022 billion worldwide and $490 million domestic. If it hits $650 million domestic — now possible — it will surpass any cartoon feature this century. (“Shrek 2” and “Incredibles 2” reached $600 million adjusted).
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” (Disney) opening next weekend will end Mario’s #1 streak, but “Smb” should stay strong for weeks to come. It could surpass “Maverick” ($719 million) — an even more impressive feat when it lacks a concentration premium tickets and sells many more lower-priced children’s priced tickets.
Though at a lower gross and hold, “Evil Dead Rise” (Warner Bros. Discovery) at #2 with $12.5 million, adds to the positive news. Its 50 percent second-week drop was low end for a genre film. Even better,...
- 4/30/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Step aside “Blood and Honey,” there’s a new adult spin on “Winnie the Pooh” now.
“John Wick: Chapter 4” breakout star Shamier Anderson is producing a live-action and animation hybrid series centered on Christopher Robin and his drug-induced epiphanies with woodland creatures. Currently titled “Christopher Robin,” the series is produced by Anderson and his brother Stephan James’ Bay Mills Studios, as well as Boat Rocker Studios. Bay Mills is currently under a first-look deal at Boat Rocker.
“Shrek 2” and “Sausage Party” director Conrad Vernon will helm the pilot from a script penned by Charlie Kesslering; both will executive produce.
Per the official synopsis, Christopher Robin is a disillusioned New Yorker navigating his quarter-life crisis with the help of the weird talking animals who live beyond a drug-induced portal outside his derelict apartment complex, the Hundred Acres.
There is no casting news yet.
“This project takes everything you think you...
“John Wick: Chapter 4” breakout star Shamier Anderson is producing a live-action and animation hybrid series centered on Christopher Robin and his drug-induced epiphanies with woodland creatures. Currently titled “Christopher Robin,” the series is produced by Anderson and his brother Stephan James’ Bay Mills Studios, as well as Boat Rocker Studios. Bay Mills is currently under a first-look deal at Boat Rocker.
“Shrek 2” and “Sausage Party” director Conrad Vernon will helm the pilot from a script penned by Charlie Kesslering; both will executive produce.
Per the official synopsis, Christopher Robin is a disillusioned New Yorker navigating his quarter-life crisis with the help of the weird talking animals who live beyond a drug-induced portal outside his derelict apartment complex, the Hundred Acres.
There is no casting news yet.
“This project takes everything you think you...
- 4/27/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Boat Rocker and Shamier Anderson and Stephan James’ Bay Mills Studios are developing Christopher Robin, an R-rated comedic reimagining of A.A. Milne’s beloved characters, Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh, as a television series.
The project is based on an original script from Charlie Kesslering, who will also executive produce. Conrad Vernon is on-board to direct the pilot episode and executive produce.
Christopher Robin is a comedic live-action/animation hybrid reimagining of A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh. Per the logline: Christopher Robin is a disillusioned New Yorker navigating his quarter-life crisis with the help of the weird talking animals who live beyond a drug-induced portal outside his derelict apartment complex, the Hundred Acres.
In addition to Kesslering and Vernon, Christopher Robin is also being executive produced by Nick Nantell for Boat Rocker, and Shamier Anderson and Stephan James for Bay Mills Studios.
The project is based on an original script from Charlie Kesslering, who will also executive produce. Conrad Vernon is on-board to direct the pilot episode and executive produce.
Christopher Robin is a comedic live-action/animation hybrid reimagining of A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh. Per the logline: Christopher Robin is a disillusioned New Yorker navigating his quarter-life crisis with the help of the weird talking animals who live beyond a drug-induced portal outside his derelict apartment complex, the Hundred Acres.
In addition to Kesslering and Vernon, Christopher Robin is also being executive produced by Nick Nantell for Boat Rocker, and Shamier Anderson and Stephan James for Bay Mills Studios.
- 4/27/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
An R-rated live-action/animation hybrid series about Winnie-the-Pooh character Christopher Robin is in development from Boat Rocker Studios and Shamier Anderson and Stephan James’ Bay Mills Studios, Variety has learned exclusively.
The official logline for the project, currently titled “Christopher Robin,” states, “Christopher Robin is a disillusioned New Yorker navigating his quarter-life crisis with the help of the weird talking animals who live beyond a drug-induced portal outside his derelict apartment complex, the Hundred Acres.”
Charlie Kesslering wrote the script for the project and will also executive produce. Conrad Vernon will direct the pilot and executive produce. Nick Nantell executive produces for Boat Rocker along with Anderson and James for Bay Mills. Holly Hubsher is overseeing the project for Bay Mills. Bay Mills is currently under a first-look deal at Boat Rocker.
“There are few characters more iconic and known the world over for their adventures together than Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh,...
The official logline for the project, currently titled “Christopher Robin,” states, “Christopher Robin is a disillusioned New Yorker navigating his quarter-life crisis with the help of the weird talking animals who live beyond a drug-induced portal outside his derelict apartment complex, the Hundred Acres.”
Charlie Kesslering wrote the script for the project and will also executive produce. Conrad Vernon will direct the pilot and executive produce. Nick Nantell executive produces for Boat Rocker along with Anderson and James for Bay Mills. Holly Hubsher is overseeing the project for Bay Mills. Bay Mills is currently under a first-look deal at Boat Rocker.
“There are few characters more iconic and known the world over for their adventures together than Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Actors Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek collaborated once again for the hit animated feature Puss in Boots. But Banderas quipped that promoting the hit film risked causing a rift between the two longtime friends.
Salma Hayek once joked that she piggybacked off of Antonio Banderas’ career Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek | Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Hayek and Banderas have known each other for over two decades. In a way, Banderas was there to see the beginning of the superstar career that Hayek enjoys today. Speaking to Today, Hayek revealed Banderas was very supportive during their collaboration on her breakout hit Desperado.
“My very first screentest was with Antonio,” she said.
Hayek’s career only flourished afterwards. Since then, the pair went on to film several projects together. Hayek quipped that she’s fortunate Banderas’ career has been as successful as it’s been for her own sake.
“I just feel...
Salma Hayek once joked that she piggybacked off of Antonio Banderas’ career Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek | Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Hayek and Banderas have known each other for over two decades. In a way, Banderas was there to see the beginning of the superstar career that Hayek enjoys today. Speaking to Today, Hayek revealed Banderas was very supportive during their collaboration on her breakout hit Desperado.
“My very first screentest was with Antonio,” she said.
Hayek’s career only flourished afterwards. Since then, the pair went on to film several projects together. Hayek quipped that she’s fortunate Banderas’ career has been as successful as it’s been for her own sake.
“I just feel...
- 4/26/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The 76th Cannes Film Festival announced this morning that its closing night film in, oh, just about five weeks will be Pixar’s latest innovative animated film, “Elemental.” The movie is directed by Peter Sohn, whose only other feature credit as director is 2015’s “The Good Dinosaur.” Sohn has been a part of Pixar, working in some capacity as an animator or story developer on most of their titles, going back to 2003. Job security at that shop!
“Elemental”’s premise is a forbidden love between anthropomorphic representations of Fire and Water in Element City. How this will make any kind of logical sense is beyond me, but have you seen how much money the “Cars” franchise has earned? I think it’s best not to worry too much about realism and, following water’s lead, go with the flow.
The voice cast is led by Leah Lewis of “The Half of It...
“Elemental”’s premise is a forbidden love between anthropomorphic representations of Fire and Water in Element City. How this will make any kind of logical sense is beyond me, but have you seen how much money the “Cars” franchise has earned? I think it’s best not to worry too much about realism and, following water’s lead, go with the flow.
The voice cast is led by Leah Lewis of “The Half of It...
- 4/19/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Every Sunday morning, Hollywood studios release estimated weekend grosses for their movies. Those estimates are usually close to right — unless they have a huge hit or a huge miss on their hands.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie falls in the first category. Sunday estimates for the April 14-16 weekend showed the Illumination and Universal movie earning a jaw-dropping $87 million in its second weekend, besting Frozen II to score the best sophomore outing of all time for an animated film and the ninth best of any movie, not adjusted for inflation.
If that weren’t impressive enough, traffic on Sunday was bigger than expected. By Monday morning, final weekend numbers showed the movie actually taking in $92.5 million, the seventh-biggest second weekend of all time, according to Comscore.
And Super Mario fell a scant 37 percent to score the fourth-best sophomore hold ever a movie opening to $100 million behind Top Gun: Maverick (-...
The Super Mario Bros. Movie falls in the first category. Sunday estimates for the April 14-16 weekend showed the Illumination and Universal movie earning a jaw-dropping $87 million in its second weekend, besting Frozen II to score the best sophomore outing of all time for an animated film and the ninth best of any movie, not adjusted for inflation.
If that weren’t impressive enough, traffic on Sunday was bigger than expected. By Monday morning, final weekend numbers showed the movie actually taking in $92.5 million, the seventh-biggest second weekend of all time, according to Comscore.
And Super Mario fell a scant 37 percent to score the fourth-best sophomore hold ever a movie opening to $100 million behind Top Gun: Maverick (-...
- 4/18/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In 1993, the live-action adaptation of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros was so hideously chaotic that it led the games giant to largely shun the film industry until 2019’s Detective Pikachu. Instead of a moustachioed, hyperactive Italian plumber hopping across platforms and down pipes, we were presented with a depressive Bob Hoskins trapped in what looked like the rotting set of a Broadway musical production of Blade Runner. At least you couldn’t call it predictable, though. The Super Mario Bros Movie, an animated rendition of the game courtesy of Illumination (aka the Minion people), is nothing more and nothing less than what you’d expect from a Mario film.
Its comfortable mediocrity is no better captured than in its choice to cast Chris Pratt – the current face of generic, easy-to-market heroism – in the starring role. Pratt, it should be said, is perfectly capable of the sort of outsized performance Mario needed,...
Its comfortable mediocrity is no better captured than in its choice to cast Chris Pratt – the current face of generic, easy-to-market heroism – in the starring role. Pratt, it should be said, is perfectly capable of the sort of outsized performance Mario needed,...
- 4/4/2023
- by Clarisse Loughrey
- The Independent - Film
A fifth Shrek film is reportedly in the works, 13 years after the release of its last entry, Shrek Forever After.
That’s according to Chris Meledandri, the founder of Illumination, who is working alongside DreamWorks to revive the hit franchise.
According to Meledandri, the original cast – including Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy – are all “anticipated” to return for Shrek 5.
In an interview with Variety, he explained that no deals are currently in place, adding: “We anticipate the cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication that we’ve gotten is there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return.”
The news comes after the success of last year’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, a spin-off film focussing on Antonio Banderas’s character from Shrek 2.
Meledandri also suggested that Murphy’s character – Donkey, the wise-cracking sidekick of Myers’ eponymous ogre – could receive his own spin-off.
That’s according to Chris Meledandri, the founder of Illumination, who is working alongside DreamWorks to revive the hit franchise.
According to Meledandri, the original cast – including Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy – are all “anticipated” to return for Shrek 5.
In an interview with Variety, he explained that no deals are currently in place, adding: “We anticipate the cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication that we’ve gotten is there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return.”
The news comes after the success of last year’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, a spin-off film focussing on Antonio Banderas’s character from Shrek 2.
Meledandri also suggested that Murphy’s character – Donkey, the wise-cracking sidekick of Myers’ eponymous ogre – could receive his own spin-off.
- 4/4/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Film
The month of April for Hulu is jam-packed with TV and film goodies, from Adam Sandler’s 1999 comedy “Big Daddy” to Fox’s hit sitcom “New Girl.”
On top of Hulu’s rollout of a new interface, it’s also adding some major film and TV titles to its platform. Some of the highlights that set off the first day of April include “American Psycho,” “Shrek” and its sequel “Shrek 2,” plus the Tim Story-directed “Think Like a Man.”
Anime series will be all the rage on Hulu with the dubbed version of the new popular series “Chainsaw Man” arriving, along with “Spy x Family” and “Black Clover.” If you’re looking for something a little bit more kid-friendly, the family can al enjoy “Despicable Me” and “Despicable 2,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” and “Nanny McPhee.” For the lovers and heartless romantics, “Dear John” and “Date Night...
On top of Hulu’s rollout of a new interface, it’s also adding some major film and TV titles to its platform. Some of the highlights that set off the first day of April include “American Psycho,” “Shrek” and its sequel “Shrek 2,” plus the Tim Story-directed “Think Like a Man.”
Anime series will be all the rage on Hulu with the dubbed version of the new popular series “Chainsaw Man” arriving, along with “Spy x Family” and “Black Clover.” If you’re looking for something a little bit more kid-friendly, the family can al enjoy “Despicable Me” and “Despicable 2,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” and “Nanny McPhee.” For the lovers and heartless romantics, “Dear John” and “Date Night...
- 4/1/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Hulu’s list of new releases for April 2023 don’t feature many blockbusters, but if we dig a little, I’m sure we can find some gems.
Perhaps the most promising items are on the TV side of things. Tiny Beautiful Things premieres on April 7 and stars Kathryn Hahn as “a floundering writer who becomes a revered advice columnist while her own life is falling apart.” That will be followed by comedy Am I Being Unreasonable? on April 11 and two documentaries: high school football story Algiers, America (April 19) and Tupac Shakur piece Dear Mama (April 22).
The best TV candidate this month, however, is probably Saint X on April 26. This series, told via multiple timelines, “explores and upends the girl-gone-missing genre as it explores how a young woman’s mysterious death during an idyllic Caribbean vacation creates a traumatic ripple effect that eventually pulls her surviving sister into a dangerous pursuit of the truth.
Perhaps the most promising items are on the TV side of things. Tiny Beautiful Things premieres on April 7 and stars Kathryn Hahn as “a floundering writer who becomes a revered advice columnist while her own life is falling apart.” That will be followed by comedy Am I Being Unreasonable? on April 11 and two documentaries: high school football story Algiers, America (April 19) and Tupac Shakur piece Dear Mama (April 22).
The best TV candidate this month, however, is probably Saint X on April 26. This series, told via multiple timelines, “explores and upends the girl-gone-missing genre as it explores how a young woman’s mysterious death during an idyllic Caribbean vacation creates a traumatic ripple effect that eventually pulls her surviving sister into a dangerous pursuit of the truth.
- 4/1/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
One of the most anticipated television releases of April is coming to Hulu on April 7. “Tiny Beautiful Things” stars Kathryn Hahn as troubled writer Clare. Ironically, she becomes a great advice columnist as her life falls apart. Her marriage is in trouble and her teen daughter hates her. Plus, her writing career is going nowhere. Based on the best-selling collection by Cheryl Strayed, the limited series explores the author’s journey toward healing herself and others.
Check out the “Tiny Beautiful Things” trailer:
Also arriving on Hulu in April is the series adaptation of the best-selling novel “Saint X.” The series is based on Alexis Schaitkin’s novel of the same name and follows a woman’s dangerous pursuit of her older sister’s disappearance on an idyllic Caribbean vacation. Through multiple timelines, the series explores all the traumatic ripples the mystery created for countless people. The series will star Alycia Debnam-Carey,...
Check out the “Tiny Beautiful Things” trailer:
Also arriving on Hulu in April is the series adaptation of the best-selling novel “Saint X.” The series is based on Alexis Schaitkin’s novel of the same name and follows a woman’s dangerous pursuit of her older sister’s disappearance on an idyllic Caribbean vacation. Through multiple timelines, the series explores all the traumatic ripples the mystery created for countless people. The series will star Alycia Debnam-Carey,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Fern Siegel
- The Streamable
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