Following a triumphant 2023 marked by critical acclaim and box office dominance, Universal Pictures sets its sights on the horizon with a diverse lineup of upcoming releases. Among the highly anticipated projects are the cinematic adaptation of “Wicked,” the thriller “Twisters,” and the newly announced sequel to “Five Nights at Freddy’s.”
Universal made a splash at CinemaCon in Las Vegas by showcasing some of the biggest stars from its forthcoming films, including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Glen Powell, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Edgar Jones, and Anthony Ramos. This star-studded lineup aimed to ignite excitement among theater owners and exhibitors for the studio’s upcoming slate.
Ariana Grande, alongside Cynthia Erivo, provided a sneak peek of the Thanksgiving release “Wicked,” expressing their awe and gratitude for being part of such a monumental project. Jeff Goldblum, who plays a pivotal role in “Wicked,” reflected on the enchanting experience of being involved in the film.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, “Wicked” is set to captivate audiences with its magical storytelling and stellar cast, including Erivo as Elphaba and Grande as Glinda. The film’s producer, Marc Platt, shared his long-standing vision of bringing “Wicked” to the big screen, emphasizing the significance of the theatrical production in shaping the film’s trajectory.
Meanwhile, Glen Powell introduced thrilling new footage from “Twisters,” a companion film to the 1996 blockbuster, directed by Lee Isaac Chung and produced by industry titans Frank Marshall and Steven Spielberg. Chung highlighted the film’s immersive experience and emphasized its aim to deliver a joyful and exhilarating ride for audiences.
Universal’s success in 2023, driven by blockbuster hits like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Oppenheimer,” positions the studio as a formidable force in the industry. With over $5 billion in ticket sales, Universal reclaimed its status as the top-grossing studio, fueled by a diverse lineup spanning various genres and franchises.
Looking ahead, Universal remains committed to delivering original and compelling content across all platforms, with a robust slate of over 20 theatrical releases planned for 2024. From animated adventures like “Despicable Me 4” to horror offerings like “Wolf Man” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” Universal promises an eclectic mix of entertainment for audiences worldwide.
Focus Features, the studio’s independent arm, also teased its upcoming slate, featuring diverse and captivating titles like Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black” and Robert Eggers’ reimagination of “Nosferatu.”
As Donna Langley, the Chairman of NBC Universal Studio Group, emphasized, Universal remains committed to pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional content, ensuring that the best is always yet to come.
