The upcoming “Superman” movie is set to be a pivotal release for DC Studios, aiming to revitalize interest in moviegoing amidst a challenging landscape for theaters. This film, featuring David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, was a highlight at CinemaCon, where DC Studios unveiled exclusive footage. James Gunn, the writer-director, emphasized the film’s themes of kindness and human love, marking his first major project since “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
CinemaCon also served as a platform for industry leaders to address the struggles faced by theaters in recent years, exacerbated by the pandemic and industry strikes. Michael O’Leary, president of Cinema United, highlighted the need for theaters to adapt, proposing a 45-day theatrical window before films become available digitally to preserve the traditional moviegoing experience. This proposal aims to address the issue of films moving quickly to digital platforms, which can undermine box office performance.
Sony’s executives, lacking a streaming service, emphasized the importance of keeping movies in theaters longer to maximize box office returns. A recent survey indicated that many consumers expect to watch new releases at home within a month, a mindset that studios like Sony believe needs to change to protect opening weekend revenues.
To enhance the moviegoing experience, O’Leary urged theater owners to maintain clean and modern facilities, with significant investments planned for upgrades. Reducing the number of trailers before films and extending discount days to more weekdays were also suggested as ways to attract more patrons.
Overall, the industry is focusing on improving the theater experience and adjusting release strategies to encourage audiences to return to cinemas, with hopes that films like “Superman” can help lead this revival.