Universal’s massive push into an expanded theatrical slate continues with abandon. In addition to a heavy push for the upcoming release of Oppenheimer, as well as some intriguing forays into the animation market as it seems set to boom, Universal has announced 40 new titles entering distribution through the next year. Entertainment attorney Brandon Blake, with Blake & Wang P.A, summarizes the announcement for us.
Upcoming Releases
As part of the announcement, Universal were keen to emphasize that they not only survived the changes of the last few years, but have thrived through it. With a very ambitious release slate, that’s hard to argue with. Titles will come not only from their main brand, but also Focus Features and their other localized assets.
So far, 2023 has been kind to Universal. They currently have the biggest grossed for 2023, The Super Mario Bros Movie in their stable, and both Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and Minions: The Rise of Gru didn’t do badly for them, either. Two of those upcoming releases will be DreamWorks’ Trolls Band Together, and Kung Fu Panda 4. This at a time when the demand for adult-accessible animation is peaking, too.
A Return to Blockbuster Drama
With Oppenheimer we see nearly the flip opposite. A ‘blockbuster drama’ with high-powered visuals and dramatic storytelling, something Hollywood rarely produces currently unless it's from successful long-term IPs- and then, they tend to lean formulaic. Universal does have the advantage, as a legacy Hollywood studio, of being able to conquer a lot of genres in one effortlessly.
But one of the key values they’re selling with it? The need to see it on the ‘big screen’- i.e the theatrical experience. From the upcoming next Exorcist movie to their more arty fare, a big part of Universal’s new film drive is expanding their slate through smart use of theatrical releases to build hype and generate interest. And it is certainly reassuring to see such strong support of the exhibition industry built into their plans.
