Paramount Pictures is recalibrating its release strategy for 2025, making significant adjustments to its movie lineup. The studio’s most anticipated addition to the schedule is Edgar Wright’s highly publicized remake of “The Running Man,” featuring Glen Powell in the lead role. This film has been strategically positioned for release on November 21, a date that falls just before the Thanksgiving holiday. As a testament to its competitive landscape, “The Running Man” will face off against heavyweights like “Wicked: Part Two,” an adaptation of the beloved musical, as well as an event film from Warner Bros. and Angel Studios’ adaptation of “David.” This timing not only highlights Paramount’s confidence in the project but also sets the stage for a fierce box office battle.
As the autumn awards season approaches, Paramount has revised its plans for another film that initially attracted significant buzz. Originally scheduled for a November release, this particular movie—anticipating critical acclaim—will now debut in a limited capacity on November 29 before a wider expansion on December 13. Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, this film centers on the harrowing experience within the ABC Sports control booth amidst a terrorist attack during the Munich Olympics. With a cast featuring Peter Sarsgaard and John Magaro, the film has already created waves at prestigious festivals like Venice and Telluride. The strategic postponement may aid in building anticipation and securing a stronger awards campaign, but it does raise questions about Paramount’s confidence in its ability to stand out in a crowded field.
In an interesting move within the genre landscape, Paramount is shifting its horror offering, “Vicious,” from August to February 28, citing readiness as the reason for the advance. Directed by Bryan Bertino, this film boasts a star-studded cast, including Dakota Fanning and Kathryn Hunter, and portrays a nightmarish situation where a woman battles for her survival after receiving a mysterious gift from an unwelcome visitor. This repositioning showcases the studio’s commitment to maximizing box office potential, capitalizing on the typically less competitive February timeframe. The move demonstrates the studio’s adaptability and keen awareness of the horror genre’s current revival.
The animation sector is not left untouched either, as Paramount is moving an animated “Smurfs” musical from the Valentine’s Day crowd to a summer slot on July 18. This adjustment suggests a strategic pivot to aim for family audiences seeking entertainment during the summer break. The film, directed by Chris Miller and Matt Landon, will feature a robust voice cast, including renowned talents like Rihanna and Nick Offerman. With other films like Sony’s recollection of “I Know What You Did Last Summer” already slated for the same date, this repositioning will likely enhance the film’s visibility in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
As Paramount modifies its release calendar, the studio is not only responding to the current market but also aiming for a competitive edge with bold strategic choices. These changes underscore Paramount’s willingness to innovate and adapt, ensuring that its future films can achieve maximum impact and engage audiences effectively.