- CinemaCon saw major studios showcase their upcoming slates, including sequels and reboots of popular franchises
- Disney’s Deadpool and Wolverine and Paramount’s Gladiator II with Paul Mescal generated significant buzz
- Studios aim to entice audiences back to theaters with familiar IP and fresh takes on beloved stories
Disney Banks on Foul-Mouthed Wolverine to Revive Box Office Success
As per Variety, at CinemaCon, Disney pulled out all the stops to regain its box office dominance after a rocky 2023. Deadpool and Wolverine promise to quell fears of superhero fatigue with its R-rated antics and Hugh Jackman’s return as the fan-favorite mutant. Early footage showcased Wolverine’s trademark berserker rage and cursing, delighting attendees and solidifying the film’s potential as a major hit.
Paramount Bets Big on Paul Mescal’s Starpower in Gladiator II
Paramount’s Gladiator II footage left audiences stunned, with Ridley Scott seemingly pulling off the impossible – a worthy follow-up to his Oscar-winning epic. Paul Mescal, as a mysterious warrior, showcased his rising star power, drawing comparisons to Russell Crowe’s trajectory from the original film. With its stunning visuals, political intrigue, and savage arena battles, Gladiator II aims to recapture the magic of its predecessor.
Amid the challenges facing the box office, studios are leaning heavily on beloved franchises and fresh perspectives to lure audiences back to theaters. Disney’s “Inside Out 2” and “Moana 2” promise to continue the studio’s animation dominance, while Universal’s “Despicable Me 4” is a surefire family hit. Warner Bros. is betting big on villains with “Joker: Folie a Deux” and “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” banking on star power and visually stunning worlds.
