Movies - Lionsgate Unveils Exciting 2025 Lineup: A Year Poised for Success

By Mulder, 28 december 2024

Lionsgate has announced its ambitious slate of films for 2025, signaling what could potentially be one of the studio’s strongest years in the 2020s. With a mix of action-packed sequels, genre-defining dramas, and long-awaited returns, the studio is setting itself up for a year of diverse offerings. Here's a closer look at the key films driving the buzz.

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

Written and directed by Christian Gudegast
Based on Characters by Christian Gudegast, Paul Scheuring
Produced by Tucker Tooley, Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel, Mark Canton, O'Shea Jackson Jr.
Starring  Gerard Butler, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Evin Ahmad, Salvatore Esposito, Meadow Williams, Swen Temmel
Cinematography : Terry Stacey
Edited by Roberth Nordh
Music by Kevin Matley
Production companies : eOne Features, Tucker Tooley Entertainment, G-BASE, Diamond Film Productions
Distributed by Lionsgate (United States), Metropolitan FilmExport (France)
Release date : January 8, 2025 (France), January 10, 2025 (United States)
Running time : 144 minutes
Synopsis : The sequel to the adventures of “Big Nick” O'Brien as he tracks down the bad guys on the streets of Europe and gets closer to capturing Donnie. Meanwhile, Donnie has been drawn into the dangerous world of diamond thieves and the Panther Mafia.
Notes : Directed by Christian Gudegast, this action-crime sequel picks up seven years after the original Den of Thieves (2018). Lionsgate has stepped in as the distributor, replacing STX, and expectations are high. Forecasts suggest the film could achieve moderate success, with a projected $40M domestic and $100M global gross—assuming a budget under $40M.

Flight Risk

Directed by Mel Gibson
Written by Jared Rosenberg
Produced by John Davis, John Fox, Bruce Davey, Mel Gibson
Starring  Mark Wahlberg, Topher Grace, Michelle Dockery
Cinematography : Johnny Derango
Music by Antônio Pinto
Production companies : Davis Entertainment, Icon Productions, Hammerstone Studios, Flight Risk Films, Media Capital Technologies
Distributed by Lionsgate
Release date : January 22, 2025 (France), January 24, 2025 (United States)
Running time : 91 minutes
Synopsis : U.S. Marshals Madelyn Harris is assigned to escort Winston, criminal and informant, as he testifies against a mob boss. During their plane trip, she quickly becomes suspicious of the pilot, Daryl Booth, who doesn't seem to be the man he claims to be...
Notes : A Mel Gibson-helmed action thriller, this third Lionsgate January release risks oversaturation. Still, it’s expected to land somewhere between Den of Thieves 2: Pantera and In the Grey, with a projected $35M domestic and $80M global haul.

The Unbreakable Boy

Written and directed by Jon Gunn
Based on The Unbreakable Boy: A Father's Fear, a Son's Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love
by Scott Michael LeRette and Susy Flory
Produced by Kevin Downes, Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, Jerilyn Esquibel, Peter Facinelli
Starring  Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy, Jacob Laval, Drew Powell, Gavin Warren, Patricia Heaton
Cinematography : Kristopher Kimlin
Edited by Parker Adams
Music by Pancho Burgos-Goizueta
Production company : Kingdom Story Company
Distributed by Lionsgate
Release date : February 21, 2025 (Unittedf States)
Synopsis : Austin was born with autism and glass bone disease. Despite this difficult start in life, the little boy has a joyful and funny view of the world. He is an inspiration to his father, Scott...
Notes : This Jon Gunn-directed drama, initially slated for 2022, faces an uphill battle. While the storyline holds promise, its delayed release dampens expectations. Forecasts suggest a modest $10M domestic and $15M global gross.

Michael
Directed by Antoine Fuqua
Written by John Logan
Produced by Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
Starring  Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, Laura Harrier, Kat Graham, Larenz Tate, Derek Luke
Cinematography : Dion Beebe
Production company : GK Films
Distributed by    Lionsgate (United States), Universal Pictures (France)
Release date : October 1, 2025 (France), October 3, 2025 (United States)
Synopsis : The story of the famous musician Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop.
Notes : Perhaps Lionsgate’s most promising 2025 title, Antoine Fuqua’s biographical musical drama about Michael Jackson has blockbuster potential. With Universal handling international distribution, the film is poised for massive success: $300M domestically and $800M globally, depending on critical reception and fan support.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

Directed by Len Wiseman
Written by Shay Hatten[a]
Based on Characters by Derek Kolstad
Produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski
Starring  Ana de Arma, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves
Cinematography : Romain Lacourbas
Edited by Jason Ballantine
Music by Tyler Bates, Joel J. Richard
Production companies : Summit Entertainment, Thunder Road Films, 87North Productions
Distributed by Lionsgate (United States), Metropolitan FilmExport (France)
Release date : June 4, 2025 (France), June 6, 2025 (United States)
Synopsis : Set during John Wick: Parabellum, Ballerina follows the relentless vengeance of Eve Macarro, the Ruska Roma organization's new killer.
Notes : Directed by Len Wiseman and featuring significant reshoots by John Wick director Chad Stahelski, this neo-noir action film promises to leverage the John Wick brand. With projections of $150M domestic and $300M global, Ballerina could pave the way for a successful spinoff franchise.

Now You See Me 3
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Written by Eric Warren Singer, Seth Grahame-Smith, Michael Lesslie
Based on Characters by Boaz Yakin, Edward Ricourt
Produced by Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman
Starring  Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, Ariana Greenblatt, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Rosamund Pike, Morgan Freeman, Daniel Radcliffe
Cinematography : George Richmond
Production companies : Summit Entertainment, Secret Hideout Productions
Distributed by Lionsgate (United States), SND (France)
Release date : November 12, 2025 (France), November 14, 2025 (United States)
Synopsis : A third installment of the 'Now You See Me' franchise. Plot undisclosed.
Note : This heist thriller, directed by Ruben Fleischer, arrives nine years after its predecessor. While the delay may impact its momentum, projections still point to a respectable $80M domestic and $280M global take.

With not defined dates until now :

The Strangers: Chapter 2

Directed by Renny Harlin
Written by Alan R. Cohen, Alan Freedland
Based on Characters by Bryan Bertino
Produced by Courtney Solomon, Mark Canton, Christopher Milburn, Gary Raskin, Alastair Birlingham, Charlie Dombek
Starring  Madelaine Petsch
Cinematography : José David Montero
Edited by Michelle Harrison
Music by Justin Burnett, Òscar Senén
Production companies : Lionsgate Films, Fifth Element Productions
Distributed by Lionsgate (United States)
Synopsis : On their way to their honeymoon, a couple's vehicle breaks down, forcing them to take refuge in a remote Airbnb. As night falls, three masked strangers terrorize them until dawn.
Notes : Renny Harlin returns to direct the follow-up to the poorly received first chapter of this new trilogy. Despite challenges, the film is expected to gross $30M domestically and $40M globally—enough to remain profitable if production costs are kept low.

Dirty Dancing 2
Notes : Though details remain scarce, the sequel to the iconic 1987 film is riding the wave of nostalgia-driven legacy sequels. Estimated to gross $70M domestically and $200M globally, the film’s performance will depend on its ability to recapture the magic of its predecessor.

Saw XI
Notes : Building on the success of Saw X, the eleventh entry in the Saw franchise is anticipated to see an uptick in revenue. Projections indicate $60M domestically and $130M globally, continuing the franchise’s resurgence.

Lionsgate’s 2025 lineup showcases a strategic mix of crowd-pleasers and potential risks. While In the Grey, Flight Risk, and The Unbreakable Boy are wild cards, heavyweights like Michael, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, and Ballerina are poised to drive major profits. Nostalgia and franchise power further bolster the slate with Dirty Dancing 2 and Now You See Me 3. If all goes as planned, 2025 could cement Lionsgate as a dominant player in the industry.