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Forbes
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why Pixar's Elio Deserves More Than Its Box Office Debut
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 08: Jonas Rivera, Pixar producer, speaks onstage during Day 1 of the ... More D23 Brazil: A Disney Experience at Transamerica Expo Center on November 08, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo byfor Disney) After its release on June 20, 2025, Pixar's latest original film, Elio, opened to a modest amount at the box office. After the news broke, fans and critics alike have raised concerns about what this means for the future of Pixar, whose films have always been regarded as unique in their ability to connect with and tug at the heartstrings of their viewers. While these conversations continue off social media, it's essential to note that judging a film's profitability solely based on its opening weekend box office isn't always the most accurate formula. Scoring 84% at Rotten Tomatoes, and with Pixar being no stranger to its films experiencing a sort of slow burn at the box office, it wouldn't be outlandish to say that Elio could still be on the path to success. Stiff Competition at the Box Office ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 20: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been retouched.) (L-R) Gerard Butler, Nico ... More Parker and Mason Thames of Universal Pictures' live-action How to Train Your Dragon cast at Universal Epic Universe on May 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo byfor Universal Pictures) Elio, while having the luxury of being a Pixar film in its corner, debuted alongside the long-awaited live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon and the post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Days Later, which was a sequel to an already successful horror film. Pixar, as a brand, has several franchises under its belt. Still, Elio, being an original concept and not a sequel like Toy Story or The Incredibles franchises, had to compete with two films that already have built-in fan bases. Franchises offer familiarity, as people want to see what happens to the characters and story they're already familiar with, which creates a sense of longing that will otherwise guarantee sales and influence their performance at the box office. How to Train Your Dragon also benefited from concentrated campaigns across multimedia platforms. With the original film debuting nearly 15 years ago, nostalgia played a huge role in its success. On the other hand, Elio, although it had its campaigns, adopted a more subdued approach, with some fans stating that they had never even seen a trailer for it until after it had already been FRANCE - MAY 26: Vincent Lacoste, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie attend ... More the Disney and Pixar's "Elemental" Photocall during The 76th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Carlton Beach on May 26, 2023 in Cannes, France. (Photo by) Looking back, we can see that the film that previously held Pixar's title for having the lowest opening weekend box office numbers might mean that Elio still has a chance to be a commercial success. Elemental, released in 2023, originally debuted with $29.6 million domestically. Similarly to Elio, people talked about what this meant for the future of Pixar until it went on to earn $496.4 million after it achieved success internationally. Considering that Pixar has been in this exact position before, and the fact that it happened with their last film, it wouldn't be farfetched to say that Elio might achieve the same trajectory, even if it doesn't achieve success at the international level. I don't need to delve into the economy and its impact on the average American citizen; we see, hear about, and experience it in our everyday lives. The truth of the matter is that, since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people, especially families, have opted to wait for films that will inevitably be released on streaming services like Disney+. Pixar films like Soul, Turning Red, and Luca all debuted on Disney+, which showed families that theaters and waiting for films to have physical releases were no longer the only options for watching movies they anticipated. With transportation costs, tickets for parents and children, and added concessions, families realize it's cheaper to stream a film on a service they're already paying for than to plan an entire outing to see a movie that could easily cost $70 or more. Even films like Disney's Encanto found much of it's success after it's virality from hit songs like 'We don't talk about Bruno' and 'Surface Pressure,' with the latter gaining traction because of streaming, proving that impact doesn't just exist in the theater. While I prefer original IPs, the average consumer is meticulous when deciding where to spend their hard-earned money. Today, every dollar needs to be accounted for, and some would choose the familiarity of franchises, something that they know they can trust, over something original that they can't guarantee will need to be prioritized. Still, despite Elio experiencing an underwhelming opening at the box office, we've seen Pixar come out on top time and time again. Expectations for movie theaters have changed over the last five years, and studio executives are aware of this. With a high score from critics for its original story, Elio might be playing the long game for success, but that wouldn't be anything Pixar isn't prepared for if films like Elemental serve as any indication. So often, critics expect films to be successful overnight. Still, in this current market, it might be safer to let films, especially those with original concepts and stories, grow into their success organically. We need to be patient.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fast cars vs. killer dolls: ‘F1,' ‘M3GAN 2.0' gear up for box-office showdown
Two major films are revving up for big debuts at the box office for the June 27-29 weekend, with Apple Original Films' ambitious Formula One drama F1: The Movie and Universal's campy horror sequel M3GAN 2.0 each eyeing strong openings. F1 is tracking to debut above $30 million in the U.S., with some forecasts suggesting that the film, starring Brad Pitt as a retired Formula One driver mentoring a rookie (Damson Idris), could start as high as $40 million–$45 million domestically and even race toward $50 million–$60 million if momentum builds. Internationally, where Formula One has a massive fan base, Warner Bros., distributing the film for Apple, is hoping for a $75 million-plus haul across 77 markets. Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick) and carrying a hefty $200 million production budget, global success is key for F1 to justify Apple's gamble on theatrical releases. More from Gold Derby Marge lives! Here are 3 other 'Simpsons' characters that returned from the grave - and 3 who stayed dead 'Squid Game' Season 3: Reviews warn of a divisive WTF sprint to the finish line SEE 'F1: The Movie' reviews: Brad Pitt burns rubber with 'macho panache' in a high-octane thrill ride Meanwhile, M3GAN 2.0 — the sequel to Blumhouse and Universal's viral horror hit — looks poised for a softer but still solid $20 million debut in the crowded summer movie season. The original M3GAN, released in January 2023, shocked industry expectations by opening to $30 million and legging out to $95 million domestically ($180 million worldwide) on a mere $12 million budget, fueled by its viral TikTok dance routines. This time, the PG-13 killer doll movie returns with upgraded thrills and escapist stakes, as the titular AI is rebuilt to stop a humanoid robot aiming for world domination. With a modest $25 million budget, M3GAN 2.0 doesn't need a blockbuster showing to turn a profit. SEE 'M3GAN 2.0' reviews say the sequel is both too much and not enough F1 is expected to dominate the domestic charts, propelled by Pitt's star power, Kosinski's storytelling expertise, and Formula One's global popularity (Lewis Hamilton even serves as a producer). While F1 seems geared to attract older male audiences, M3GAN 2.0 is strongest with younger women and remains a social media sensation. Both films will face heavy competition as Universal's Jurassic World: Rebirth roars into cinemas on July 2, along with holdover hits like Disney/Pixar's Elio and Sony's 28 Years Later. Gold Derby readers predict that F1: The Movie will win the June 27-29 weekend with between $25 million and $50 million domestically. M3GAN 2.0 is the runner-up selection of our oddsmakers. : Director: Joseph KosinskiDistributor: Apple Original Films/Warner Bros.A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver. The action-packed sports drama, starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Javier Bardem, has a running time of two hours, 35 minutes, and is rated PG-13. F1: The Movie is certified "fresh" with a 84 percent score per the aggregated critic reviews at Rotten Tomatoes; "generally favorbale" reviews compiled by Metacritic resulted in an overall score of 68 percent. Director: Gerard JohnstoneDistributor: Universal PicturesTwo years after M3GAN's rampage, her creator, Gemma, resorts to resurrecting her infamous creation in order to take down Amelia, the military-grade weapon who was built by a defense contractor who stole M3GAN's underlying tech. The horror sci-fi thriller, starring Allison Williams, Amie Donald, and the voice of Jenna Davis, has a running time of two hours, and is rated PG-13. M3GAN 2.0 is certified "rotten" with a 59 percent score per the aggregated critic reviews at Rotten Tomatoes; "mixed" reviews compiled by Metacritic resulted in an overall score of 54 percent. After strong test audience reactions and early previews, F1 is poised to dominate the box office with a projected opening of over $40 million. M3GAN 2.0 is expected to scare up enough fans for a strong second-place debut, bringing in over $20 million. Meanwhile, Universal's How to Train Your Dragon remains steady in its third week, giving the killer doll some competition as it eyes $20 million as well. The live-action remake has already amassed an impressive $200 million domestically and $376 million worldwide. Rounding out the top five, Disney/Pixar's Elio and Sony's 28 Years Later are set to continue their box office battle from last week. Though the horror sequel took the lead in their initial matchup, the animated family movie is projected to have more staying power, edging out 28 Years Later with both films aiming for $13 million this weekend. Here are Gold Derby's predictions box-office rankings for the top five: 1. F1: The Movie2. M3GAN 2.03. How to Train Your Dragon4. Elio5. 28 Years Later Do you agree or disagree with those rankings? Make your predictions right now — it's fun and easy! Join the box-office discussion in our forums. Best of Gold Derby Everything to know about 'The Batman 2': Returning cast, script finalized Tom Cruise movies: 17 greatest films ranked worst to best 'It was wonderful to be on that ride': Christian Slater talks his beloved roles, from cult classics ('Heathers,' 'True Romance') to TV hits ('Mr. Robot,' 'Dexter: Original Sin') Click here to read the full article.
Geek Tyrant
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Paul Dano to Write and Direct Comedy For Universal Pictures and The Daniels — GeekTyrant
Almost a decade ago, actor Paul Dano ( Little Miss Sunshine , There Will Be Blood , Love & Mercy ) and filmmakers Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert blew away Sundance Film Festival attendees with Swiss Army Man , but now the trio now looks ready to reunite on Dano's next director outing. Deadline reports that Dano is set to write and is in talks to direct a new untitled comedy for Universal Pictures, with Kwan, Scheinert and their partner Jonathan Wang producing through their Playgrounds banner. Dano is also in talks to produce. Plot details are being kept under wraps other then it being a high-concept, original comedy. The Daniels have a first-look deal at the studio and, while they are still deep in development on a follow-up to their Oscar Best Picture winner Everything Everywhere All at Once, this film would mark one of the first major projects they are solely producing under the deal. Dano just completed shooting the Olivier Assayas film The Wizard of the Kremlin in which he plays the title character amongst a cast that includes Jude Law, Alicia Vikander and Jeffrey Wright.
STV News
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Matt Damon in Scotland to film Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey
Hollywood star Matt Damon has been pictured in Scotland where he is filming Christopher Nolan's new film The Odyssey. The Good Will Hunting actor posed for photos with gymgoers at Motion Fitness in Buckie, Moray, and staff at Cullen Antiques Centre. The movie is an adaptation of Homer's epic poem about the heroic king Odysseus – portrayed by Damon. Peter Jolly Hollywood star Matt Damon posed for photos with gymgoers at Motion Fitness in Buckie, Moray. Peter Jolly It's described by Universal Pictures as a 'mythic action epic' and is filming at Findlater Castle overlooking the Moray Firth. The film boasts an ensemble cast jam-packed with stars including Zendaya, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron and Jon Bernthal. Universal Pictures The Odyssey: A promotional image of star Matt Damon in costume as Odysseus. Universal Pictures The movie follows the Ancient Greek king of Ithaca's journey home after the Trojan War. Nolan and his cast are shooting across the world using brand new IMAX film technology. Earlier this month, the world's largest ocean-going Viking-style longship sailed into Buckie Harbour as part of the shoot in the north of Scotland. It is due to be released on July 17, 2026. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
New York Post
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘M3GAN' director reveals if he'd do a third film after ‘challenging' experience making the sequel
M3GAN is just getting started. Gerard Johnstone, the director of the horror franchise starring Allison Williams, has confirmed that there are already conversations about making 'M3GAN 3.0.' 'Yes, absolutely. It makes sense for there to be more of these movies,' Johnstone exclusively told the Post. 'To what extent I'll be involved in, I don't know.' 7 Gerard Johnstone attends the 'M3GAN 2.0' premiere in New York Universal Pictures and Blumhouse But Johnstone noted that he needs a break from work before he tackles a potential third film. 'I'm really looking forward to a holiday, quite frankly,' the filmmaker shared, admitting that making 'M3GAN 2.0' was 'really challenging' for him. 7 M3GAN (voice: Amie Donald) in 'M3GAN 2.0.' ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection 'It was like two years of really intense work and I put everything I had into this movie,' he said of the sequel. 'So it's hard for me to think of anything beyond this moment. But I hope that the movie is good enough that people will really want to see more of her in the future.' 7 Gerard Johnstone in his interview with The Post. While 'M3GAN 3.0' has yet to be officially announced, Universal Pictures is making a spinoff, 'SOULM8TE.' The project, set for release in 2026, is about a man who buys an android to cope with his wife's death. Kate Dolan is directing while Lily Sullivan, David Rysdahl, Claudia Doumit and Oliver Cooper are set to star. Johnstone confirmed that he's not involved in the spinoff. 7 Violet McGraw, M3gan (voice: Jenna Davis and Allison Williams in the first film. ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection 'I haven't actually seen it yet to be quite honest, so no, I'm not involved,' he stated. 'But yeah, it's hugely gratifying to be part of a movie that generates spin-offs.' Johnstone also wants the 'M3GAN' franchise to include a TV show eventually. 7 Gerard Johnstone speaks at the 'M3GAN 2.0' premiere on June Universal Pictures and Blumhouse 'I'd love to see a Japanese 'M3GAN' anime series,' he told the Post. 'And then you're sort of not bound by the limits of technology. I think it would be really fun to see.' 'M3GAN 2.0,' the follow-up to the 2023 original, follows the iconic robot being rebuilt to help Gemma (Williams) and her niece Cady (Violet McGraw) defeat a dangerous humanoid military robot. 7 Gerard Johnstone on the set of 'M3GAN 2.0.' AP Johnstone gushed over Williams, 37, to The Post, calling her 'a very talented actress' and 'a very intelligent person.' 'She is very knowledgeable on things and well researched and so she kind of brings that to her character,' the director said. 'She really is the perfect person to play Gemma in that way. You believe that even though she's the toy creator, she is smart enough to have also cracked more of X Paradox and figured out how to make this incredible robot that has all AI capabilities.' 7 Violet McGraw, Allison Williams in 'M3GAN 2.0.' AP 'She's a great teammate and colleague and as a producer of the film, she really gets involved in all the nitty-gritty creative problem solving things,' Johnstone continued. 'She has complete trust in me and my tone and where I'm going, so she's a really great collaborator.' 'M3GAN 2.0' is in theaters now.
