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Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Action, Adventure, Drama

Distributor:Disney/Marvel
Director:Ryan Coogler
Cast:Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, Danai Gurira
Technical Specs:IMAX 6-Track, Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Atmos; Scope (2.39 : 1)
Synopsis:

A sequel that will continue to explore the incomparable world of Wakanda and all the rich and varied characters introduced in the 2018 film.

Theatrical
Wide
Opens 07/08/2022

Weekend under-performance of WB's musical drama "IN THE HEIGHTS" raises questions about genre's appeal to moviegoers. Picture cost $55M (plus marketing) and opened to $11.4M. Hollywood handicappers recognize Lin-Manuel Miranda's original stage musical wasn't nearly as high profile as his not-even-standing-room-only hit "HAMILTON." As critically acclaimed as "HEIGHTS" was on stage -- and on screen, too, with 96% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes -- it lacked "HAMILTON'S" broad based appeal. Comparisons aren't possible since "HAMILTON" didn't play theatres. It started streaming last 7/3 on Disney+ and no audience data was released....

"HEIGHTS," like most musicals, had strongest appeal to adult moviegoers. Although theatres are seeing quick post-COVID return of younger moviegoers for horror thrillers like "A QUIET PLACE 2," adults are taking a little longer to come back. "HEIGHTS" might have done better with early fall release date....

Next movie version of stage musical is Disney/20th/Amblin's remake of classic "WEST SIDE STORY," opening 12/10. Directed by Steven Spielberg, its screenplay is by Tony Kushner ("ANGELS IN AMERICA"). Unlike "HEIGHTS," "WSS" is highly familiar stage property with many recognizable songs. Spielberg, of course, will be big advantage in marketing it to broad worldwide audience. Also should help to be opening pre-Christmas when brand name musicals feel like right kind of holiday season entertainment....

Theatrical exhibition, per Universal/NBC/Peacock chief Jeff Shell, is "Really important to the movie business, not just as a revenue stream but because that's what makes a movie a movie -- the ability to create an event. The ability to wake up and see your box office, not 'we dropped on some streaming service."...

On call with Credit Suisse media analysts, Shell said Universal got through "Disruptive period in film in a way that allowed us to come out the other side with good relations with exhibition partners and a way that, if you are a creator and want a big theatrical launch we're the best place to be." Shell also pointed to studio's "F9" (franchise with original film) which is already international blockbuster with nearly $270M and opens domestically 6/25....

Original film's next movie after "F9" is Sony's PG-13 horror sequel "ESCAPE ROOM: TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS," opening 7/16. "ESCAPE 2" hit tracking Monday with hefty definite interest scores from +25f -- 13 points above norm. Next best demo & nearly as strong is +25m, scoring nine points over norm. Younger demos are much less interested four weeks out....

First "ESCAPE" cost $9M & opened via Sony 1/4/2019 to $18.2M. Cume: $57M/Dom + $98.3M/Int = $155.3M/WW. Both episodes are directed by Adam Robitel ("INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY") and star Taylor Russell & Logan Miller....

Also arriving 7/16: WB's PG animated comedy adventure "SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY." Tracking shows nearly equal definite interest scores from all demos, but they're mostly not much over norms four weeks out. Good sign, however, that +25f (moms with kids) are already six points over norm....

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