Obsession Filmmaker Curry Barker Sparks Hollywood Interest Amid Record Box Office Success Curry Barker, the 20-year-old YouTuber-turned-filmmaker behind the horror film Obsession, has become a focal point in Hollywood as his movie defied expectations with a record-breaking second weekend performance. The film, which opened with $17.1 million domestically, saw a 39% increase in its second weekend, reaching $23.9 million. By the end of its run, it had grossed $62.3 million domestically, marking the largest second-weekend spike in modern box office history outside of holiday periods. Barker’s meteoric rise has triggered a frenzy among studios, with multiple entities vying for his next project despite his lack of formal industry ties. According to sources, one studio attempted to secure Barker’s next original project with a $10 million preemptive offer, sight unseen. However, the filmmaker’s production banner, Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, holds a first-look deal with Universal Pictures, granting it priority negotiation rights for his future projects. This arrangement reportedly cooled the rival studio’s enthusiasm, though it leaves the door open for competition should Universal and Focus Features, the film’s distributor, fail to act. Barker’s next film, Anything But Ghosts, is already in the editing phase. Co-written with actor Cooper Tomlinson and starring the duo, the project is produced by Blumhouse-Atomic Monster. He also recently closed a deal to write and direct Texas Chainsaw Massacre for A24. Meanwhile, A24 is preparing to release Backrooms, a horror film directed by 20-year-old YouTube filmmaker Kane Parsons, which is expected to open between $45 million and $50 million. That would mark A24’s highest-ever debut.#universal_pictures #a24 #curry_barker #blumhouse_atomic_monster #cooper_tomlinson
"CoComelon: The Movie" Announces Release Date, Voice Cast, and Production Details Universal Pictures, Moonbug Entertainment, Flywheel Media, Prime Focus Studios, and DreamWorks Animation have officially unveiled the first look, voice cast, and release date for the upcoming animated film CoComelon: The Movie. The film, set for theatrical release on February 19, 2027, expands the beloved children’s franchise into a 3DCG adventure featuring original music and expanded storytelling. The project marks a significant step in the evolution of the CoComelon series, which has long been celebrated for its educational content and global reach. The film stars a diverse ensemble of voice actors, including SZA, Ike Barinholtz, Nicholas Hoult, Sarah Sherman, Ego Nwodim, Josh Johnson, Matt Friend, Rhys Darby, and Cristo Fernández. Each performer voices a newly created character, enriching the CoComelon universe with fresh narratives and personalities. The core group includes Connor Esterson as JJ, the series’ central character, with Camden Brooks voicing Cody, Olivia London Leyva as Nina, and Aerina DeBoer as CeCe. These characters, already familiar to fans through the TV series, are now embarking on a cinematic journey that promises to blend humor, music, and life lessons. The CoComelon series has become a cornerstone of children’s entertainment, teaching essential life skills through its musical episodes. Topics range from exploring new foods to establishing bedtime routines, with songs and content designed to foster bonding between parents and children. The franchise’s educational approach has resonated globally, with its content available in over 20 languages and reaching audiences in more than 80 countries.#universal_pictures #moonbug_entertainment #flywheel_media #prime_focus_studios #dreamworks_animation
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Trailer Sparks Debate Over Modern Accents in Ancient Epic The latest trailer for Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey, released by Universal Pictures, has ignited mixed reactions among audiences. While some praised the film’s grand scale and visual ambition, others criticized the use of contemporary American accents and dialogue, which they argue clash with the historical setting of ancient Greece. The trailer, which offers the most detailed glimpse yet of the long-awaited project, has drawn both praise and controversy on social media platforms like X and Reddit. The film follows Odysseus (played by Matt Damon), the mythical king of Ithaca, as he navigates his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. His story is intertwined with his son Telemachus (Tom Holland), his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and the suitors vying for Penelope’s hand, including Antinous (Robert Pattinson). Nolan has described the project as “Not just a story, but the story,” emphasizing its epic scope. However, the trailer’s use of American accents has sparked significant backlash. Many viewers expressed surprise at the characters’ speech patterns, which they found anachronistic. For instance, Odysseus is heard rallying troops with the line, “Let’s go!” while Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson, both British actors, are also depicted with American accents. One user remarked, “People complain about the armor being historically inaccurate. But at least they nailed Odysseus’ Boston accent,” while another criticized the use of the phrase “My dad is coming home,” calling it “out of place in a sword and sandals movie with this much gravitas.” The dialogue has also drawn scrutiny for its modern phrasing.#universal_pictures #matt_damon #robert_pattinson #tom_holland #christopher_nolan
Emma Stone and Chris Pine Team Up for Universal Romantic Comedy The Catch Emma Stone and Chris Pine are set to reunite on screen in the upcoming romantic comedy The Catch, directed by Emma’s husband, Dave McCary. The film, produced under the Fruit Tree banner, is scheduled for a May 21, 2027, theatrical release. This marks the first time the duo will collaborate on a project despite sharing overlapping genre interests in their previous work. The project, backed by Universal Pictures, has undergone significant script revisions. After Emmy-winning series Hacks co-creator and co-showrunner Jen Statsky, along with Travis Helwig, reworked the original draft, Emma Stone committed to the film. According to Deadline, Stone had initially considered multiple film options for the fall but was swayed by the revised script, which is now considered the final version. McCary, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and his directorial debut Brigsby Bear, will not only direct The Catch but also produce it under Fruit Tree. The production team includes Patrick Kang and Michael Levin as screenplay writers, alongside Stone, McCary, and Ali Herting, who are also attached as producers. Their collaborative label has previously produced films such as When You Finish Saving the World, The Curse, I Saw the TV Glow, and A Real Pain. Universal Pictures secured the project early and later signed a first-look deal with Fruit Tree, solidifying their partnership. Additional production credits include Shawn Levy and Dan Levine under their 21 Laps Entertainment banner, as well as Michael H. Weber. Robin Fisichella serves as executive producer, with Universal’s Erik Baiers and Jacqueline Garell overseeing the project. Filming is set to begin in June 2026 and conclude in October 2026, with locations in New York and Washington State.#emma_stone #universal_pictures #chris_pine #fruit_tree #dave_mccary
Michael Shatters Box Office Records for Music Biopics with $217.4 Million Opening The biographical film Michael, a big-budget spectacle about the life of Michael Jackson, defied critical backlash and production challenges to open with $97 million in the United States and Canada, according to studio estimates. This figure, combined with $120.4 million in international sales, brought the film’s global opening to $217.4 million—a record for music biopics. Universal Pictures secured distribution rights in most international markets, highlighting the film’s commercial potential despite its controversial subject matter. The film’s production faced significant hurdles. After principal photography wrapped, producers discovered a major legal issue: the third act focused on allegations against Jordan Chandler, a 13-year-old boy who received a $23 million settlement from Jackson in 1994. The terms of that settlement prohibited the Jackson estate from mentioning Chandler in any film. As a result, a substantial portion of the script had to be rewritten or cut. Reshoots costing up to $50 million were conducted at the estate’s expense, and director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter John Logan restructured the film to conclude in 1988, before the allegations surfaced. The film’s total production cost approached $200 million, prompting Lionsgate to sell international distribution rights to Universal to offset expenses. While a sequel has not been officially announced, industry insiders suggest it may be in the works. Despite its rocky production, the film became a box office success, with audiences rating it an “A-” on CinemaScore, though critics panned it for glossing over contentious aspects of Jackson’s life. The film scored a dismal 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its polarizing reception.#michael_jackson #universal_pictures #antoine_fuqua #jordan_chandler #john_logan
Jack Reynor and Laia Costa Join 'The Mummy' Cast for Special Screening in Los Angeles The stars of Lee Cronin’s The Mummy reunited for a special screening of the film on Thursday, April 9, at Hollywood Post 43 – American Legion in Los Angeles. The event marked a key moment ahead of the movie’s theatrical release on April 17. Jack Reynor and Laia Costa, who reprise their roles from the 2023 film, were joined by co-stars May Calamawy, Natalie Grace, Veronica Falcon, May Elghety, Shylo Molina, Billie Roy, Hayat Kamille, and others. Writer and director Lee Cronin, along with producers James Wan and Jason Blum, attended the screening, underscoring the film’s significance within the franchise. The film follows the story of a young journalist’s daughter who vanishes into the desert without a trace. Eight years later, the family is reunited when she is returned to them, only for the event to spiral into a terrifying ordeal. Cronin described the project as a departure from previous Mummy films, emphasizing its unique blend of horror and psychological tension. “This will be unlike any Mummy movie you ever laid eyeballs on before,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m digging deep into the earth to raise something very ancient and very frightening.” The film’s synopsis highlights its focus on the family’s emotional and psychological unraveling, contrasting with earlier entries in the franchise that leaned heavily on supernatural elements. Cronin’s approach aims to ground the story in the characters’ personal struggles, creating a more intimate and unsettling experience for viewers. The director’s vision aligns with the broader trend in horror cinema to prioritize character-driven narratives over overt spectacle.#los_angeles #universal_pictures #lee_cronin #jack_reynor #laia_costa
The Daniels Set Summer Shoot for Next Film: “Fun Action Sci-Fi Comedy” Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the filmmaking duo behind the critically acclaimed “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” have confirmed their next project is set to begin production this summer. Universal Pictures has tentatively scheduled the untitled film for release on November 19, 2027, the Friday before Thanksgiving. The announcement comes after years of secrecy surrounding the project, which had initially been slated for June 12, 2026, but was quietly removed from Universal’s schedule last year. Kwan shared details with Collider, revealing the film will be a “sci-fi action comedy” with a “big heart” and existential themes. He emphasized the film’s goal is to reflect the complexities of the modern world, stating, “We are trying to do what we have always done, which is listen very deeply to what is happening in the world and try to internalize that and make something really fun and entertaining that kind of reflects that story back to the world.” He also acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing world, noting, “The only thing you need to know is we are trying to do what we have always done… it takes time.” The project’s delayed timeline and evolving script have fueled speculation about creative overhauls. Kwan confirmed the script may have been revised to align with current global dynamics, though he stressed the core intent remains the same: to create a film that is both entertaining and reflective of the world’s complexities. The Daniels’ next film will arrive more than five years after “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which became a cultural phenomenon despite the challenges of the pandemic era.#collider #universal_pictures #daniel_kwan #daniel_scheinert #everything_everywhere_all_at_once
Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Launches Global Promotional Campaign The promotional campaign for the Michael Jackson biopic Michael is intensifying worldwide, with cinemas across the globe showcasing posters, banners, merchandise, digital screens, and standees. Among these efforts, the O2 Cineworld in London has taken a particularly bold approach, featuring a massive promotional display that stands out from typical marketing tactics. The venue has also introduced eye-catching standees, including one that creatively depicts all four "Michaels" emerging from a poster, adding a playful yet iconic touch to the campaign. The film’s promotional activities extend beyond traditional methods. Universal Pictures has partnered with Lollapalooza Brazil to create an immersive "Michael" booth, offering fans an interactive experience that brings the King of Pop’s legacy to life. This initiative aims to engage audiences through a blend of multimedia and storytelling, reflecting the film’s focus on Jackson’s life and artistry. The promotional efforts also include a segment titled Becoming Michael: A Conversation with Jaafar Jackson, which explores the early life of Michael Jackson through the perspective of his father, Jaafar Jackson. This content highlights the personal and historical context of Jackson’s rise to fame, providing fans with deeper insight into his journey. In addition to these initiatives, the campaign has sparked interest among fans globally. A Swiss fan contest offers the chance to win a trip to Berlin for the premiere of Michael, while other events, such as Bill Wolfer’s appearance at Kingvention in London on May 30, further emphasize the film’s cultural significance.#michael_jackson #universal_pictures #jaafar_jackson #lollapalooza_brazil #o2_cineworld
Universal’s Sudden Windowing Shift Shows Exhibitors Are Making Their Voices Heard | Analysis With movie theaters struggling to maintain profitability amid ongoing challenges and the box office showing signs of recovery, industry stakeholders have consistently urged Hollywood to extend and standardize theatrical windows. On Thursday, Universal Pictures responded to this demand by announcing a significant adjustment to its release strategy. The studio will replace its previously agreed 17-day minimum theatrical window, established during the pandemic, with a 31-day minimum for all films in its 2026 slate. This change takes effect immediately, beginning with the release of Colleen Hoover’s adaptation “Reminders of Him” this weekend. The shift marks a notable departure from earlier practices, reflecting the growing influence of exhibitors in shaping studio distribution strategies. The extended window aims to provide theaters with more time to recoup investments, particularly in a market where competition from streaming platforms and shifting audience habits have intensified. Universal’s decision aligns with broader industry trends as studios seek to balance the interests of theaters with the demands of digital platforms. The 31-day window will be further expanded to 45 days for the 2027 slate, which includes major titles such as DreamWorks’ “Shrek 5” and “Cocomelon: The Movie,” as well as Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of “The Exorcist.” This adjustment underscores the evolving dynamics between studios and exhibitors, with theaters increasingly leveraging their bargaining power to secure favorable terms. The move has been welcomed by industry observers, who view it as a positive step toward stabilizing the theatrical landscape.#colleen_hoover #reminders_of_him #universal_pictures #dreamworks #shrek_5
Tom Cruise's Early Career and the Flop of Endless Love Tom Cruise's breakthrough came with his role in Paul Brickman's 1983 comedy Risky Business, where he played Nick Morton, a teenager seduced by the allure of adult life. The film, which featured Cruise lip-syncing to Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll," became a cultural phenomenon and launched his career. However, his early career included less successful ventures, such as his appearance in Franco Zeffirelli's 1981 film Endless Love, a project that marked his debut alongside Brooke Shields. Endless Love was based on Scott Spencer's novel and was intended to be a star vehicle for Shields, who had already gained attention for her role in The Blue Lagoon. The film paired Shields with Zeffirelli, known for his work on Romeo and Juliet, in an attempt to elevate her acting career. However, the movie was criticized for its lackluster storytelling and failed to capitalize on the chemistry between Shields and Cruise. Cruise, who played Billy, a character described as awkward and unengaging, struggled to deliver a compelling performance, further undermining the film's potential. Despite its shortcomings, Endless Love was a modest box office success for Universal Pictures, earning $32 million against a $9.7 million budget. However, the film's reception was mixed, with critics pointing out its narrative flaws and lack of coherence. Scott Spencer, the novel's author, expressed disappointment with the adaptation, noting that Zeffirelli's interpretation diverged significantly from the source material. Spencer described the film as a "knife in your heart," a metaphor that reflected his frustration with the adaptation's failure to capture the novel's essence.#universal_pictures #tom_cruise #brooke_shields #franco_zeffirelli #scott_spencer
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Secures Extended Theatrical Run Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey has received a significant update regarding its release strategy, which will grant the highly anticipated project a longer theatrical run. Universal Pictures has announced a revised distribution plan that extends cinema exclusivity for major releases, offering audiences more time to experience the film in theaters before it transitions to home entertainment platforms. The studio’s new approach involves keeping films exclusively in cinemas for a minimum of five weekends in 2026, with the window expanding to seven weekends in 2027. This marks a shift from the shortened theatrical windows implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which typically lasted around three weekends before digital releases. Universal’s updated strategy aims to restore a longer period of cinema exclusivity for its flagship titles. The Odyssey, directed by Nolan, is set to premiere in theaters on July 17, 2026. The film features a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, and John Leguizamo. Its extended theatrical run is expected to enhance its visibility and allow for a more immersive viewing experience. Other Universal films under this revised strategy include Reminders of Him, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Michael, Disclosure Day, Minions & Monsters, Focker In-Law, How to Train Your Dragon 2, and Shrek 5. However, the policy does not apply to films released through Focus Features, Universal’s specialty label, which will continue with its existing theatrical strategies.#universal_pictures #the_odyssey #matt_damon #chris_nolan #tom_holland
Tom Cruise's Early Career and the Flop of Endless Love Tom Cruise made his breakthrough in Paul Brickman's 1983 sex comedy Risky Business, where his iconic lip-sync performance to Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll" launched his Hollywood career. At 21, Cruise had previously appeared in Harold Becker's Taps, a film that showcased rising stars Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn rather than Cruise himself. Risky Business marked his first major role, cementing his status as a rising star. Cruise's early career also included a brief appearance in Franco Zeffirelli's 1981 teen romance Endless Love, a film that became a critical and commercial disappointment. The movie, based on Scott Spencer's novel, was intended to be a star vehicle for Brooke Shields, who had previously starred in The Blue Lagoon. Shields was cast alongside Cruise, but the film failed to live up to expectations. Directed by Zeffirelli, the movie was heavily hyped but struggled to connect with audiences. Endless Love grossed $32 million against a $9.7 million budget, making it a modest box office success for Universal Pictures. However, its critical reception was poor. Scott Spencer, the novel's author, criticized Zeffirelli's adaptation, calling it a "knife in your heart" and a narrative mess. Roger Ebert echoed this sentiment, noting that the film failed to capture the novel's strengths and was a "narrative and logical mess." The film's explicit sex scenes initially earned it an X rating, but Zeffirelli made cuts to secure an R rating. Despite this, the movie remained steamy but lacked coherent storytelling. Cruise's performance in Endless Love was notably weak, with critics calling it one of his worst roles.#universal_pictures #tom_cruise #brooke_shields #franco_zeffirelli #scott_spencer
Anil Kapoor gives shout out to Steven Spielberg as Disclosure Day nears release The countdown to the release of Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day has begun, with fans eagerly anticipating its June 12 debut. The film marks Spielberg's return to sci-fi after his 2018 blockbuster Ready Player One and follows his 2022 film The Fabelmans. The upcoming release has sparked significant excitement among audiences, who are looking forward to the director's latest venture into the genre. Actor Anil Kapoor recently joined fans in expressing enthusiasm for the film. On Thursday, Kapoor shared a post from internet user Cinema Tweets, who had posted a clip from the climax of The Fabelmans as part of a Disclosure Day countdown. The post included a statement calling Spielberg "the greatest filmmaker ever," to which Kapoor responded with a quote tweet, writing, "The great Spielberg," accompanied by a 'raising hands' emoji to convey his support. Disclosure Day stars Emily Blunt as a meteorologist working for a TV channel in Kansas City. The film's teaser introduces a central theme centered on UFO sightings and their impact on ordinary lives. A key line from the trailer poses a thought-provoking question: "If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you?" In the clip, Blunt's character experiences a "mind-freeze" during a news report, while another character, played by Josh O'Connor, asserts, "People have a right to know the truth. It belongs to seven billion people." The film reunites Spielberg with his longtime collaborator, scriptwriter David Koepp, following their work on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008.#anil_kapoor #universal_pictures #steven_spielberg #emily_blunt #disclosure_day
Disclosure Day Trailer: Steven Spielberg’s New UFO Film Revealed Steven Spielberg’s upcoming sci-fi thriller Disclosure Day has unveiled its official trailer, offering a glimpse into a film that promises to be one of the most anticipated releases of the summer. The trailer, released on Thursday, centers on a believer in extraterrestrial life who seeks to reveal the existence of aliens to the public, sparking global chaos when the truth is finally disclosed. The film’s logline poses a provocative question: “If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you?” This summer, the truth is set to belong to seven billion people. The trailer builds on the first teaser released in December 2025, which introduced Emily Blunt’s character—a TV weather anchor struggling to maintain composure during a live broadcast as she becomes possessed by an unseen entity. The new trailer expands on the story, focusing on the societal upheaval that ensues when humanity confronts the reality of extraterrestrial life. Spielberg’s latest project marks his return to the sci-fi genre after Ready Player One (2018), with the director’s signature blend of mystery and global stakes on full display. Disclosure Day is Spielberg’s 37th film as a director and his first since 2022’s semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans, which earned seven Oscar nominations. The film is produced by Kristie Macosko Krieger and Spielberg for Amblin Entertainment, with Adam Somner and Chris Brigham as executive producers. David Koepp, who has previously collaborated with Spielberg on Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, wrote the screenplay. The project was announced in April 2024 as a UFO-themed film based on Spielberg’s original idea.#universal_pictures #steven_spielberg #emily_blunt #amblin_entertainment #disclosure_day
Noah Cyrus and Tish Cyrus Make First Joint Red Carpet Appearance in Five Years Noah Cyrus and her mother Tish Cyrus made their first joint red carpet appearance in five years at the premiere of Universal Pictures’ Reminders of Him on March 9, 2026. The event marked a significant moment for the pair, who last walked a red carpet together at the 2021 Grammy Awards. Their reunion came amid speculation about family dynamics, though their attendance seemed to put an end to lingering rumors of conflict. Noah opted for a gothic-inspired look, wearing a shredded black gown that featured a distressed neckline and ruched drawstring accents along the skirt. The textured, floor-length dress was paired with a black feather boa draped over her elbows, adding to the moody aesthetic. The singer’s outfit emphasized an undone, edgy style, with the shredded details creating a plunging effect without being overly revealing. Tish coordinated with her daughter in all-black, choosing a more casual yet stylish ensemble. She wore an off-the-shoulder knit top, skinny jeans, and strappy stiletto heels. Her accessories included large hoop earrings and a black leather tote bag, keeping the look simple yet polished. The mother-daughter duo’s matching outfits highlighted their bond while showcasing their individual fashion choices. The premiere was their first public appearance together since 2021, when they both attended the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. The event also served as a platform to address past family tensions, with their presence seemingly signaling a resolution to any ongoing disputes. Noah’s choice of attire, which blended elegance with a rebellious edge, reflected her artistic persona, while Tish’s outfit balanced comfort and sophistication.#reminders_of_him #noah_cyrus #tish_cyrus #universal_pictures #grammy_awards
