EnglishConvention - CinemaCon 2024: Universal Pictures and Focus Features Highlight Their Upcoming Slates with Star-Studded Presentations
By Mulder, Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, Coliseum, 10 april 2024
The CinemaCon 2024 buzz was palpable at Caesars Palace Coliseum as Universal Pictures and Focus Features unveiled their most anticipated projects for the upcoming year. The presentations, rich with exclusive footage and star appearances, highlighted the studios' robust slate, including major titles like Wicked, Twisters, and Nosferatu. Here’s a detailed recap of the event that had everyone talking: The session opened with Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Universal Pictures, who set the tone with his enthusiastic introduction about the studio's commitment to innovative storytelling and theatrical experiences. Orr emphasized, "As we continue to evolve and grow, our commitment to the theatrical experience is stronger than ever, showcasing films that not only entertain but also resonate with audiences on a global scale."
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Twisters Takes CinemaCon by Storm
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos
Lee Isaac Chung 's presentation of Twisters, the thrilling sequel to the 1996 disaster film, wowed the audience with its cutting-edge special effects and dynamic storytelling. The panel included a discussion on the challenges and exhilarations of filming intense tornado scenes, enhanced by Lee Isaac Chung 's personal connection to tornado experiences. The audience was treated to a harrowing scene depicting the main cast navigating through a devastating storm, highlighting Universal's commitment to blending emotional narratives with spectacular visuals.
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Despicable Me 4: Laughter Comes Home
Director: Chris Renaud
Voice Cast: Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Joey King
Chris Renaud and Steve Carell shared insights into the development of Gru's character and introduced Gru Jr., adding a fresh dynamic to the beloved franchise. The presented footage, featuring a hilarious heist gone wrong with the Minions, drew laughter and applause, underscoring Illumination's knack for creating engaging and humorous content that appeals to all ages.
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The Wild Robot: An Adventure Unfolds
Director: Chris Sanders
Voice Cast: Lupita Nyong'o (as Roz)
The Wild Robot presentation featured poignant scenes of the titular character, Roz, navigating interactions with wildlife, which beautifully captured the film's themes of nature, technology, and friendship. Chris Sanders discussed the artistic influences, including Studio Ghibli, that shaped the film's aesthetic and narrative approach.
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Wolfman - A New Legend
Director: Leigh Whannell
Cast: Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner
Leigh Whannell, along with Christopher Abbott, introduced a spine-chilling teaser of Wolfman, which is set to explore deeper psychological themes wrapped in the lore of the classic monster tale. The footage highlighted the film's dark tone and the transformative performance by Abbott, poised to add a new layer to the legacy of Universal's monster universe.
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Wicked: Magic is Real
Director: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible)
The highlight of Universal’s presentation was undoubtedly Wicked. Jon M. Chu, alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, delved into the complexities of their characters and the intricate production details that aim to bring the magical world of Oz to life. The extended footage showcased breathtaking visuals, elaborate costumes, and a snippet of the iconic musical number "Defying Gravity," which elicited cheers from the audience.
Focus Features: Crafting Cinematic Excellence
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Nosferatu: A Gothic Resurrection
Director: Robert Eggers
Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp
About the Film:
Robert Eggers' Nosferatu reimagines the horror classic with a new dark aesthetic and a compelling narrative about obsession and horror. The panel featured Eggers and Skarsgård discussing the meticulous attention to historical details and the psychological depth they brought to the film. The trailer provided attendees a glimpse into the haunting atmosphere and the chilling performance by Skarsgård.
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Additional Highlights from Focus Features:
The Bikeriders: Jeff Nichols’ upcoming film about a Midwestern motorcycle club promises intense drama and powerful performances, set against the backdrop of the 1960s counterculture.
Conclave: A gripping tale of power, betrayal, and secrecy, Conclave offers a look into the clandestine process of electing a new pope, starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci.
Back to Black: The Amy Winehouse biopic, featuring Marisa Abela, aims to provide a raw and poignant look at the singer's life and legacy, underscored by her iconic music.
The presentations by Universal Pictures and Focus Features at CinemaCon 2024 showcased their dynamic range of upcoming films, from high-stakes dramas and animated adventures to revivals of classic horrors. The detailed panels not only highlighted the studios' innovative approaches to filmmaking but also reinforced their commitment to providing audiences worldwide with stories that inspire, challenge, and entertain.
As CinemaCon continues, the excitement for Universal and Focus Features’ slate of films only grows, setting high expectations for their releases in the coming year. Stay tuned as these films make their way from the grand stages of CinemaCon to the silver screens around the world, promising to bring new experiences, laughter, and awe to audiences everywhere.
Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for CinemaCon
Copyright Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for CinemaCon