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Meta has launched an experimental feature, Movie Mate. It allows theatregoers to engage in real-time conversation with the AI character M3GAN during screenings. M3GAN, a horror sci-fi blend, already blurs the line between technology and terror. Now, the viewing experience itself takes a bold new turn. Let’s explore whether this move signals a thrilling innovation or an unwelcome audience distraction. Introducing Movie Mate Blumhouse, the production house of ‘M3GAN,’ partnered with Meta to pilot a new kind of theatrical tech experiment: Movie Mate. This interactive chatbot was designed not to scare but to interact with, prompting viewers to tap away on their handheld screens. As the movie progressed, users received timed trivia drops and AI-generated quips, all in sync with the onscreen chaos. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, pitched this as a bold strategy to pull distracted audiences back into theatre seats. The rollout, however, wasn’t grand or heavily publicised. On April 30, 2025, Blumhouse and Universal quietly reintroduced ‘M3GAN,’ the horror-sci-fi tale of AI gone rogue. The horror movie marks the first title to feature Movie Mate integration. The occasion was Blumhouse’s “Halfway to Halloween” event, a nod to fans of the spooky season. Read more: Karate Kid Legends Unites Two Miyagi-verse Icons- Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio Roughly 70 attendees gathered at AMC Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles. As the lights dimmed, a soft glow lit up the auditorium, dozens of phones ready for digital dialogue. During the opening scenes, the app delivered around ten messages. One, cheeky and in-character, asked, “Do you think they’re inventing other dolls like me?” A simple yes was met with the wry retort, “Don’t be delulu.” People’s Response At first glance, the novelty of Movie Mate sparked genuine curiosity among some theatregoers. As the AI chatbot introduced itself in the voice of M3GAN, the initial reactions were light-hearted and intrigued. The tech felt fresh, almost playful, in its attempt to personalise the cinematic experience. Read more: Sinners Makes Horror History: Blockbuster, Top Ratings, and Oscar Buzz But that early excitement didn’t hold for long. Many audience members found themselves second-guessing the very act of looking at their phones. The fear of seeming rude or disruptive in a darkened theatre overshadowed the fun. Several admitted to ignoring most of the chatbot’s messages until the film had ended. It was unable to fully balance the screen in their hands with the one in front of them. Industry observers echoed this ambivalence. Trade publications quietly questioned its staying power, suggesting that it leaned more toward a marketing stunt than meaningful innovation. Mashable noted that the real intent may be to hype ‘M3GAN 2.0,’ set for June 27, 2025, and boost Meta’s push for second-screen engagement. M3GAN Makers’ Take Blumhouse isn’t blind to shifting audience behaviour. Data from the National Research Group shows nearly 20% of moviegoers aged 6–17 text during films, despite theatre rules. Rather than resist the habit, the studio sees it as a chance to redirect it in support of the film experience. Read more: Best 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in May 2025 The M3GAN maker believed the experiment was worthwhile, particularly because younger audiences seemed to embrace it. From their perspective, this indicated a growing appetite for interactive elements that enhance, rather than replace, traditional moviegoing. The criticism hasn’t gone unnoticed, but the studio seems unbothered. They acknowledge that this approach won’t appeal to everyone and that not all innovations are meant for universal acceptance. There also seems to be a strategic vision behind the app. Blumhouse executives view it as a way to turn movie releases into events. It would be experiences that generate buzz and compel younger viewers to participate. They see younger audiences as eager to interact with the media they consume. Read more: Thunderbolts*: The First Non-Sequel Movie Breaking the 13-year Marvel Trend Even so, there’s recognition of its limitations. For now, Blumhouse and Universal have no plans to extend Movie Mate to upcoming titles, including ‘M3GAN 2.0’. Where Movie Theaters Stand Movie Mate fits into a broader vision from Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, who aims to integrate AI chatbots across his platforms and beyond. In Zuckerberg’s futuristic world, these chatbots are designed for personalised, fun interactions at any moment. This includes, it seems, even during movie screenings. The timing for such a move comes amid significant challenges for the movie industry. Comscore reports a 33% drop in the North American box office since 2019, despite hits like ‘A Minecraft Movie’ and ‘Sinners,’ as the pandemic accelerated the shift to streaming. Given this, Hollywood is looking for innovative ways to lure audiences back into theatres. Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup However, not all movie theatres are eager to embrace this new technology. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, known for catering to passionate film lovers, opted out of the AI chatbot experiment. Even several smaller theatres across the country followed in their footsteps. Yet, the major chains, Regal Cineworld and AMC Entertainment, decided to test the waters. Their only condition: ticket buyers would be fully informed about what they were signing up for before entering the theatre. Influential Backdrop In many ways, it’s the younger audience that’s reshaping the theatre experience—often on their own terms. Take A Minecraft Movie from Warner Bros., for instance. It turned into a surprise hit last month, not just for the story on screen but for the chaos unfolding in the aisles. Teen viewers ignored theatre etiquette. They shouted lines like ‘chicken jockey,’ climbed on each other’s shoulders, tossed popcorn in the air, and filmed it all for TikTok. Read more: China's Ne Zha 2 Stays Atop Hollywood's ‘A Minecraft Movie’ at the Worldwide Box Office The trend isn’t isolated. Universal’s Wicked soared to USD 754 million last year, helped by fans who turned screenings into sing-alongs and social media events. Similarly, Sony’s ‘Anyone but You’ (2023) pulled in a surprising USD 220 million after viewers began recording their reactions to the finale. The creators behind ‘M3GAN’ paid close attention to all of this. Takeaways Meta's Movie Mate app brought real-time chatbot interaction into theatres, aiming to engage audiences during ‘M3GAN’ screenings. Reactions were mixed—some curious, others hesitant or distracted. Blumhouse viewed it as a chance to enrich the experience for younger fans. Meanwhile, theatres remained divided, with major chains on board and boutique cinemas opting out. In this early phase of AI-led second-screening, whether it’s an interactive experience or a distraction remains unsettled. Read more: Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible 8 - The Final Reckoning Marks the Longest Film of the Franchise

Uniting legacy and nostalgia, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ brings together two iconic figures from the beloved Miyagi-verse. Scheduled for release on May 30, 2025, this martial arts drama promises to bridge generations through its powerful blend of tradition and discipline. With Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio sharing the screen, anticipation runs high. Let’s explore what makes this cinematic reunion so momentous. Karate Kid 2025: Plot and Team Behind the Screen Penned by Rob Lieber, this martial arts movie flourishes with the directorial debut of Jonathan Entwistle in the feature film. Set three years after the events of the television series ‘Cobra Kai’ (2018-2025), the story picks up where the saga left off. Serving as the sixth installment in the Miyagi universe, it follows the legacy revived by its predecessor in 2010. Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan return to their respective iconic roles from previous movies. Joining them is Ben Wang, embodying the main lead alongside Joshua Jackson, Ming-Na Wen, and Sadie Stanley. Read more: Sinners Makes Horror History: Blockbuster, Top Ratings, and Oscar Buzz The storyline centres on kung fu prodigy Li Fong, who, after moving to New York City, finds himself targeted by a fierce local karate champion. With guidance from Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, he sets out to prove himself in the ultimate karate showdown. Bankrolled by Columbia Pictures, the drama film makes its way to theatres courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing. From TV Series to Cinematic Spotlight After more than a decade, the iconic franchise reclaims its spot in theatres. But releasing it right after Cobra Kai’s emotional finale adds an extra weight that fans will instantly feel. That final season tied up many beloved character arcs. It makes the movie’s continuation feel like the next natural step in a saga that spans generations. Entwistle steps into feature filmmaking after a successful television career. While it's his debut on the silver screen, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a property cherished by a fiercely loyal global fanbase, Entwistle brings not just technical skill but a fan’s heart. He understands the world he’s building on because he grew up inside it, just like the audience he’s speaking to. Read more: Best 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in May 2025 Questions around continuity have been put to rest. The upcoming release respects the foundation laid by ‘Cobra Kai’, treating it as canon and picking up only a few years after its events. Writer Rob Lieber, alongside the creative team, has clearly worked to preserve the franchise's spirit. The result is a new chapter that honours its roots while inviting in new energy. While the film holds its own ground with a fresh story, it doesn’t lose sight of its ancestry. The Legends moves forward while staying deeply stitched into the saga that shaped it. Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan: Two Legends in One Production Set Coming back to cinemas with decades of legacy, Macchio remains a name long intertwined with The Karate Kid since 1984. He first stepped into the role of Daniel LaRusso, a timid high schooler. The character was transformed into a resilient fighter under the guidance of the wise Mr. Miyagi, portrayed by the late Pat Morita. Macchio’s portrayal extended through Part II (1986) and Part III (1989). It elevates him to international stardom and solidifies Daniel as a pop culture icon. His presence in ‘Cobra Kai’ only deepened fans' connection to the character. Read more: Thunderbolts*: The First Non-Sequel Movie Breaking the 13-year Marvel Trend Meanwhile, Chan brought a fresh dynamic to the Miyagi-verse with the 2010 reboot, playing the quietly powerful Mr. Han. His return to the franchise marks the first-ever crossover between the original continuity and the rebooted world. This convergence introduces Ben Wang as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy under the dual mentorship of LaRusso and Mr. Han. Through them, he will navigate two distinct martial philosophies, kung fu and karate, each with its discipline and depth. As two martial arts legacies merge on-screen, Legends quickly rises as one of the year’s most anticipated cinematic events. Even in brief glimpses from the trailer, Chan’s Mr. Han appears more reflective, no longer just grieving but quietly evolving. For director Entwistle, collaborating with a star like Chan presented both a challenge and a thrill. It opened the door to honouring both traditions with sincerity, fusing them into a story that feels both nostalgic and remarkably new. Read more: Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible 8 - The Final Reckoning Marks the Longest Film of the Franchise Visualizing Two Disciplines of Martial Arts ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ bridges two martial arts traditions, kung fu and karate, into a story that's as visually dynamic as it is thematically rich. What initially seemed like a creative hurdle soon turned into one of the film’s defining strengths. This fusion took shape when a veteran Hong Kong wirework team joined the production. They bring a cinematic style rooted in authenticity and fluid motion. Chan’s deep ties to that tradition helped unlock a clear vision. What results is full-body, in-camera martial arts choreography—raw, physical, and immersive. It’s not just a stylistic choice; it’s one of the film’s boldest promises. Read more: China's Ne Zha 2 Stays Atop Hollywood's ‘A Minecraft Movie’ at the Worldwide Box Office In a Nutshell ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ unites Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, bridging generations in a franchise that has evolved across four decades. With Jonathan Entwistle stepping confidently into feature filmmaking, the plot moves ahead from the final moments of ‘Cobra Kai.’ Honouring its roots while expanding its reach, the upcoming release blends heartfelt mentorship with thrilling action. By showcasing both kung fu and karate in visually compelling ways, it offers a fresh yet faithful chapter in the enduring Miyagi-verse. Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup

A chilling new force in cinema, Sinners (2025) has swiftly captured the spotlight across box offices and critical circles alike. Released on April 18, 2025, this genre-defying entry in modern horror is generating widespread acclaim and stirring early awards season conversations. Its influence continues to ripple through the industry, drawing crowds and reshaping expectations. Let’s uncover how this groundbreaking film is poised to carve its name into cinematic history. Team Sinners: Behind the Making of a Masterpiece Backed by Proximity Media and released by Warner Bros., this horror film boasts Ryan Coogler as its writer, co-producer, and director. Set against the backdrop of the 1932 Mississippi Delta, this psychological thriller unfolds with a slow-burn intensity. Michael B. Jordan takes on the challenge of portraying twin brothers, each striving to escape their tumultuous past. Returning to their hometown in search of a fresh start, they soon find themselves facing an insidious force. Read more: Best 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in May 2025 The ensemble cast features Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku, Omar Miller, Li Jun Li, Delroy Lindo, and Jayme Lawson. Box Office Journey with Immersive Breakthrough Sinners (2025) has made a massive impact on the horror box office. The vampire movie debuted with an impressive USD 48 million, securing the top spot over Warner Bros.' own ‘A Minecraft Movie.’ This achievement marks the first time in over a decade that a studio has had two films surpass USD 40 million each in a single weekend. The opening was the best start for an original film since Jordan Peele's Us in 2019, which grossed USD 71 million. Read more: Thunderbolts*: The First Non-Sequel Movie Breaking the 13-year Marvel Trend By Monday, it had grossed an additional USD 7 million, pushing its domestic total to USD 55 million. This feat placed it among the top 100 highest-grossing horror films in domestic history. Meanwhile, it claimed the title of the second-top-grossing Monday for an R-rated horror movie, surpassed only by 2017’s ‘IT.’ Produced on a budget of USD 90 million, ‘Sinners’ is now regarded as a major triumph for original filmmaking in the horror space. By April 28, 2025, the film had earned USD 128.7 million domestically, bringing its global total to USD 168.7 million. Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception The blockbuster’s position among critics and audiences was more than expected. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive 98% critic score from 329 reviews, alongside 97% from over 10,000 verified raters. Read more: Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible 8 - The Final Reckoning Marks the Longest Film of the Franchise On IMDb, ‘Sinners’ claims the title of the highest-rated horror film in terms of both popularity and user ratings. With a solid 8.2 rating from 58,000 users, it has clearly resonated with audiences. Additionally, the film enjoys an 84% Metascore, reflecting its positive critical reception. Out of 55 critic reviews, 93% were favourable, with only 7% offering mixed feedback, further reinforcing the movie's strong standing. CinemaScore surveys audiences on opening night, capturing immediate reactions and whether a film lived up to expectations. Among all genres, horror has traditionally struggled to earn top marks. Even critically praised titles such as ‘Nope’ (2022) and ‘A Quiet Place Part II’ (2020) managed no higher than an A-, long considered the ceiling for the category. Read more: China's Ne Zha 2 Stays Atop Hollywood's ‘A Minecraft Movie’ at the Worldwide Box Office Against this backdrop, ‘Sinners’ delivered a rare breakthrough, securing the elusive A rating. This marks the first time an R-rated horror movie has received an A on CinemaScore since the grading system's inception. Before this, the last to reach such a milestone was the PG-13 ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ in 2023. Notably, this also extends Coogler’s streak of success in movie direction. His ‘Creed’ (2015) and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022) have earned A ratings, with ‘Black Panther (2018)’ even achieving a rare A+. Further adding to the film’s prestige, ‘Sinners’ has made history in premium formats. With 20% of its screenings in IMAX, it has become the highest-grossing and best-indexing horror film ever in this format. Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup It ranks among the top 10 films of all time for large-format exhibitors, sitting behind the following iconic films: 2014’s Interstellar (26%)2023’s Oppenheimer (26%)2010’s Tron (24%)2017’s Dunkirk (23%)2024’s Dune 2 (22%)2013’s Gravity (21%)

Marking the occasion of legendary Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s 104th birth anniversary, Prasun Rahman directed tribute film 'Priyo Satyajit' has been released on popular OTT platform Chorki. Born on May 2, 1921 in Kolkata (then Calcutta), India, Ray was a towering figure in South Asian cinema, continues to inspire generations of filmmakers. On his birth anniversary, Chorki marks the day by streaming the tribute film as an homage to his enduring legacy. Originally made to commemorate Ray’s birth centenary, the film has been screened at multiple international festivals and received awards. It is now available to the general audience via Chorki through both regular subscription and pay-per-view. Director Prasun Rahman noted that while the film was conceived as a centenary tribute, it is not tied to any particular time. “It is a film about love—for literature, for cinema, and for art that mirrors life. It is our love letter to cinema,” he said. Faisal Rahman, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Chorki, said, “Priyo Satyajit has been released exclusively on Chorki; and we’ve made it available through the transactional video-on-demand model to ensure wide access. Three other titles are currently available this way, and more are expected.” The story of the film revolves around three filmmakers from three generations. The first is Satyajit Ray himself, present in spirit; and the other two are fictional characters from later eras. Late prominent actor Ahmed Rubel plays veteran filmmaker Asif Mahmud, while Moutushi Biswas appears as emerging director Aparajita. Supporting roles are played by Pankaj Majumder, Said Babu, Sangeeta Chowdhury, Labonno Chowdhury, Ehsanul Haque, Nusrat Jahan Nodi, and Abir. Entertainment industry stands for Iresh Zaker on social media after murder case Financed independently, Prasun Rahman said he took up the project because there were no notable Bangladeshi initiatives marking Ray’s centenary, unlike India and global platforms. “So I decided to make a full-length film myself,” he added. On releasing the film through Chorki, Rahman said, “This is not a commercial film, and I never intended it to be. Just as Satyajit Ray inspired many young dreamers, I hope this film will encourage today’s independent filmmakers.” Shooting locations included Ray’s ancestral home in Masua, Kishoreganj, two other nearby sites, and a historic residence in Old Dhaka. Chorki subscribers can watch the film at no additional cost. Non-subscribers can access it for BDT 35 by installing the Chorki app and logging in with a phone number or email. After selecting the film under the ‘Buy Ticket’ option, viewers can pay using their preferred method. The film is also available in India for INR 35, and in other countries for USD 1.99.

Superman already has a lot on his broad shoulders. It seems unfair to add the fate of Hollywood to his worries. But that’s the kind of pressure that comes with being one of the biggest stars in the comic book universe, who is getting a grand reintroduction at a tumultuous time. Thankfully he’s not doing it alone — Marvel Studios is also returning to theaters in a big way with two movies this summer, “Thunderbolts” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic brought movie business to a halt, and two years after the strikes, the industry has yet to fully recover. Critics may have complained of superhero fatigue, but after several summers of depleted offerings, it’s clear that they're a vital part of the mix — especially when they're good. The $4 billion summer of “Barbenheimer” may be most remembered for those two movies, but it didn’t get to that number without the “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Spider-Man ” movies, the second- and third-highest grossing of the season. The filmmakers behind s ome of the summer's biggest movies spoke to The Associated Press about what to expect in 2025. Summer Movie Math Summer begins early in Hollywood, on the first weekend in May. Kids might still be in school, and pools might still be closed, but that kickoff can make or break that pivotal 123-day corridor that has historically accounted for around 40% of the annual box office. Last year was the first in many that didn’t launch with a Marvel movie and it showed — the business limped along for weeks until Disney came to the rescue with “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.” This year, the powerful studio is back in that familiar spot with “Thunderbolts,” which brings together misfits and antiheroes like Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). “It’s a fun twist on what a movie like this could be,” said director Jake Schreier. “There are some places we’re gonna go that are different from what you would normally expect.” He added: “It’s trying to be a movie about something and the moment we’re in — not in a political sense, but just where everybody’s at and what everyone’s been going through.” The Memorial Day weekend could also be a behemoth a few weeks later with the live action “Lilo & Stitch” and “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” storming theaters. With a new “Jurassic World,” a live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” and a Formula One movie also on the schedule through June and July, the summer 2025 season has the potential to be the biggest in the post-COVID era. Before the pandemic, all but one summer since 2007 broke the $4 billion mark. Since 2020, only one has: 2023, led by “Barbie.” After Andaz Apna Apna Re-Release, Salman Khan shows off his physique in pool photos: "Eelloji Sanam Hum Aa Gaye" Saving Superman (and the DC Universe) After three “Guardians” movies, James Gunn knows enough to know that he doesn’t have much control over whether people buy tickets for his movies. His job is to make something good, entertaining and “worthy” of the audience. But that’s also possibly underplaying the pressure of taking on Superman and overseeing a unified DC universe that kicks off with “Superman” on July 11. He considers it the first true superhero movie he’s ever made. “It’s a personal journey for Superman that’s entirely new,” Gunn said. “It is, first and foremost, about what does Superman learn about himself. But it’s also about the robots and the flying dogs and all that stuff. It’s taking a very real person and putting them in the middle of this outrageous situation and outrageous world and playing with that. I think it’s a lot of fun because of that.” The film introduces a new actor to the role of Superman/Clark Kent in David Corenswet, who stars alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Gunn said to expect different things from both. “It was a lot of fun making a Lex that is actually going to kill Superman,” he said. “He’s pretty scary.” The film is also “seeding the rest of the DCU,” Gunn said. “If it works as a movie in a basic way, that’s what we need to happen, that’s what I care about.” Superman as a brand has always trailed Batman at the box office. None of the Zack Snyder films crossed $1 billion, not accounting for inflation, while both Christopher Nolan “Dark Knight” sequels did. But Gunn isn't thinking a lot about that. “I just want to make a decent movie that makes a little money,” Gunn said. Marvel’s First Family Superman’s not the only legacy brand getting a splashy reintroduction this summer. A new Fantastic Four crew, assembled for the first time under umbrella of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Kevin Feige, is heading to theaters July 25. “Fantastic Four is a comic I’ve loved since I was a kid,” said director Matt Shakman. “They are the legendary heroes of the '60s that the Marvel silver age was built on.” Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, The Fantastic Four is among Marvel’s longest-running comics series. But it has not had the most distinguished history on film, including two with Chris Evans and one with Michael B. Jordan. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set in a retro-futuristic 1960s New York, where Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards is “basically Steve Jobs meets Einstein who’s creating technology that’s changing the world” and Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is “essentially the secretary-general of the U.N.,” Shakman said. A television veteran with directing credits on shows like “WandaVision” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Shakman said he wants to do right by the characters, and audience. “It’s working on an incredibly large scale in terms of world building, but it’s also no different from all of the great comedies and dramas that I’ve done,” Shakman said. “In the end, it comes down to character, it comes down to relationships, it comes down to heart and humor.” Plus, he feels a responsibility to the idea of the big summer movie. Thunderbolts*: The First Non-Sequel Movie Breaking the 13-year Marvel Trend “It was the joy of my childhood. ... A lot of it has to do with building worlds and entering into a place of wonder,” he said. “That’s what I felt when I saw ‘Indiana Jones’ when I was a kid and it’s what I hope people feel when they see ‘Fantastic Four’ this summer.” Why summer 2025 might be a big year for movies Studios know that superheroes alone don’t make a robust theatrical marketplace and there are plenty of other options on the menu including franchises, event movies and independents: There are family pics (“Smurfs,” “Elio,” “The Bad Guys 2”); action and adventures (“Ballerina,” “The Karate Kid: Legends”); horrors, thrillers and slashers (“28 Years Later,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “M3GAN 2.0”); romances (“Materialists,” “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life”); dramas (“Sorry, Baby,” “The Life of Chuck”); a new Wes Anderson movie (“The Phoenician Scheme”); and comedies (“Freakier Friday,” “Bride Hard,” “The Naked Gun”) — though one of the most anticipated, “Happy Gilmore 2,” will be on Netflix. “The frequency of movies, the cadence, the sheer number of them and the perceived quality and excitement surrounding this lineup is like almost like never before,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. “Draw me a blueprint of a perfect summer lineup: 2025 is it.” One of the biggest movies of the season may be “Jurassic World Rebirth,” the seventh movie in a $6 billion franchise. Even its poorly received predecessor made $1 billion. This time they enlisted a new filmmaker, self-proclaimed “Jurassic Park” superfan Gareth Edwards, and the original’s screenwriter for a new adventure with Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali and Jonathan Bailey. “People say, like, do you feel pressure and the most pressure I feel is from myself as a fan and to Steven Spielberg, to not disappoint him,” Edwards said. “Weirdly what’s great about doing a ‘Jurassic’ movie is that everybody knows deep down that like half the reason they’re in this business is because of that film and Steven’s work.” It’s fitting, in a way, that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of what’s considered the first summer blockbuster: “Jaws.” Edwards said he was born into that world of big summer blockbusters that shaped his early love of movies. Directing one, he said, “is kind of the dream. You get the chance to swing for the fences.” And the unstable economy might work in the industry’s favor, at least when it comes to moviegoing. Even with increased ticket prices, theatrical movies remain the most affordable entertainment outside of the home and attendance tends to increase during recession years. The annual domestic box office crossed $10 billion for the first time in 2009. Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible 8 - The Final Reckoning Marks the Longest Film of the Franchise More recently, the week the tariffs were announced, “A Minecraft Movie” doubled its opening weekend projections, and all of those ticket buyers saw trailers and posters for everything to come. It was, Dergarabedian noted, one of the only positive financial stories that week. “Top Gun: Maverick” filmmaker Joseph Kosinski knows a few things about launching a pricey big screen spectacle into a turbulent marketplace. But he's feeling good about the summer and “F1’s” place within it. Warner Bros. will release “F1” on June 27. “This is the summer where all this product that we’ve all been working on for the last few years is finally coming into the marketplace, so I’m very optimistic,” Kosinski said. “By the end of this summer, hopefully people aren’t talking about being in a funk anymore and it feels like we got our mojo back and we’re off to the races.”

Set to arrive on May 2, 2025, Marvel Studios prepares for a defining shift with the launch of Thunderbolts*. Breaking a 13-year tradition of sequels, this upcoming film charts a bold new course for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). A new addition to the super-antihero genre, it stands apart as an original addition that redefines the studio’s approach to storytelling. Let's explore how ‘Thunderbolts*’ breaks new ground and what this film means for the future of the MCU. Thunderbolts*: Grand Finale of MCU’s Phase Five Based on Marvel Comics’ Thunderbolts team, the action film flourishes with Jake Schreier as its director and Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo as screenwriters.  The ensemble cast features Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, and Hannah John-Kamen. Read more: Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible 8 - The Final Reckoning Marks the Longest Film of the Franchise The screenplay, penned by Joanna Calo and Eric Pearson, sets the stage for a narrative where a group of antiheroes is forced into an alliance. They navigate a perilous mission that pushes them to their limits. As the 36th installment in the MCU, Thunderbolts* marks a pivotal moment, closing the universe’s Phase 5, which kicked off with ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ in 2023. The phase has since unfolded with ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ ‘The Marvels,’ and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ in 2024. It follows the action-packed trajectory leading into ‘Captain America: Brave New World’, released earlier this year on February 14th. Universe Boosting Addition: It’s All About May ‘Thunderbolts*’ is set to disrupt the MCU’s familiar rhythm, ushering in a new era that challenges the franchise’s established release tradition. Slated for a May release, it will be the first non-sequel film in the franchise to land in this month since ‘The Avengers’ in 2012. Read more: China's Ne Zha 2 Stays Atop Hollywood's ‘A Minecraft Movie’ at the Worldwide Box Office The MCU’s journey began in May 2008 with ‘Iron Man,’ followed by its sequel just two years later. By 2011, Thor arrived, fresh and original, further cementing the month as prime real estate for Marvel’s new entries. Then came ‘The Avengers’ in 2012, paving the way for what would become a steady stream of Marvel sequels. As the universe expanded, its May releases predominantly featured sequels to its most successful franchises. From The Avengers to Captain America and even Guardians of the Galaxy, the trend continued, establishing May as the go-to month for Marvel's blockbuster returns. ‘Thunderbolts*’, however, represents a departure from this pattern, bringing a fresh story into the mix. Looking ahead, Phase 6 will kick off with ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ in July 2025, and the phase will close with ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ in 2027. Interestingly, the next Avengers films, including ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ will continue the May tradition, set to release in 2026 and 2027. This makes ‘Thunderbolts*,’ the last non-sequel Marvel film for at least the next two years, set it apart as a rare entry in the universe. Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup More Surprises to Follow Marvel Studios stands firmly confident as it embraces change after 13 years. Far from being a filler, ‘Thunderbolts*’ is ready to shake up the MCU with an unpredictable twist. Early glimpses from the trailer provide tantalising clues, setting the stage for dramatic character arcs and shocking revelations. The mystery deepens with every clip, sparking theories and raising questions. A standout moment features Geraldine Viswanathan’s character, Mel, wearing a necklace that closely resembles Songbird’s iconic symbol. Whether tied to Valentina or not, fans are increasingly convinced that she’s hiding her true identity as Melissa Gold. Read more: Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Akshay Kumar Fronts a Bold Patriotic Courtroom Saga Moreover, the trailer teases the arrival of the powerful and dangerous Sentry, with Lewis Pullman embodying the Void, the sinister alter ego. This marks a darker turn for the narrative, shifting the tone in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, the Thunderbolts team—Bucky, Yelena, Ghost, John Walker, Taskmaster, and Red Guardian—seems to be operating under tension. Strained alliances and glimpses of brutal action hint at deep fractures within the team. Movies and Series That Lead to This Game Changer Breaking free from the sequel-heavy formula of the MCU, Thunderbolts allows the story to unfold without the burden of previous expectations. By drawing together both heroes and villains from various corners of the universe, the film explores fresh dynamics and complex histories, weaving together characters from past films and series. Read more: Top Pakistani Dramas in 2025 Showcasing Strong Female Leads From ‘Black Widow’ (2021), Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova and David Harbour’s Red Guardian return, continuing their storylines. Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Valentina Allegra de Fontaine also plays a pivotal role. ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014) deepens the character of Bucky Barnes, now free from Hydra’s grasp and navigating a new life. Meanwhile, ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ (2018) introduces Ghost, played by Hannah John-Kamen, whose mysterious arc is bound to play a key role in the Thunderbolts team. Read more: May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch In ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2021), Bucky’s journey toward redemption unfolds, while John Walker and Valentina’s alliance begins to take shape. Similarly, in ‘Hawkeye’ (2021), Yelena’s pursuit of Clint Barton, driven by her anger at the loss of her sister Nat, adds emotional depth that will carry over into ‘Thunderbolts*’. As Yelena returns, her quest for purpose and revenge promises to be a compelling emotional core of the film. Final Words Thunderbolts* breaks the MCU's 13-year trend as the first non-sequel film, marking a pivotal turn in the franchise’s evolution. The fresh release brings together both anti-heroes and villains from past installments, adding unexpected twists and deepening the stakes. This final entry of Phase 5 lays the groundwork for the next two years of MCU movies, making it a crucial addition to the universe. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows

After decades of redefining spy cinema, Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible saga prepares to launch the franchise’s boldest adventure yet. Arriving in theatres on May 23, 2025, the 8th installment officially claims the title of the longest runtime in the history of the film series. With tension and daring action at its peak, the next mission is poised to leave an enduring mark. Let’s dive into how Mission: Impossible (M:I) 8 - The Final Reckoning elevates the thrilling legacy to new heights. Direction, Cast, and Plot of Mission: Impossible 8  Subtitled ‘The Final Reckoning,’ this spy action film thrives under the direction of Christopher McQuarrie, who co-wrote its screenplay with Erik Jendresen. Picking up the pieces after ‘Dead Reckoning Part One,’ the next chapter in the M:I saga dives deeper into Ethan Hunt’s high-stakes battle against the formidable AI known as the Entity. Armed with vital knowledge, Hunt races to reunite his loyal team and track down the sunken Russian submarine rumoured to hold the Entity’s source code — the only hope to dismantle it. Read more: China's Ne Zha 2 Stays Atop Hollywood's ‘A Minecraft Movie’ at the Worldwide Box Office Cruise once again leads the charge, joined by returning forces Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Henry Czerny, and Angela Bassett. Alongside them, Pom Klementieff adds new energy, while Vanessa Kirby returns to continue her arc from the first Reckoning film. McQuarrie and Cruise drive production under the banner of Skydance Media and TC Productions, respectively. Franchise’s Latest Film 'The Final Reckoning' with the Longest Runtime According to Paramount Pictures, The Final Reckoning is set to deliver an epic runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes (169 minutes). This marks a major jump from the first Mission: Impossible film (1996), which kept things tight at just 110 minutes, the shortest in the entire saga. Even ‘Dead Reckoning Part One’ slightly trailed behind, clocking in at 2 hours and 43 minutes (163 minutes). Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup M:I 2 (2000) ran for 124 minutes, M:I 3 (2006) stretched to 126 minutes, and Ghost Protocol (2011) reached 133 minutes. Rogue Nation (2015) slightly dipped to 131 minutes, while Fallout (2018) expanded to 147 minutes. Aside from the small exception of Rogue Nation, each installment has steadily grown in length. Now, the Reckoning duology has formed a two-part story. Fans gearing up for this grand finale should set aside a combined 5 hours and 2 minutes (332 minutes) of pulse-pounding adventure. Longest Film of Ethan Hunt’s, Not Tom Cruise’s Despite its impressive length, MI’s eighth installment does not claim the title of Cruise’s longest film. That distinction belongs to Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia, the 1999 psychological drama. It unfolds over a sweeping 3 hours and 8 minutes (188 minutes). Read more: Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Akshay Kumar Fronts a Bold Patriotic Courtroom Saga Still, this M:I movie secures a strong second place in Cruise’s filmography, edging just ahead of Dead Reckoning Part One.

Sunny Deol’s action film Jaat continues to perform steadily at the box office, collecting ₹1.25 crore on its 17th day, as per a report by Sacnilk. The film’s total domestic earnings now stand at ₹82.85 crore and are expected to cross ₹85 crore soon. Directed by Gopichand Malineni, Jaat stars Randeep Hooda as the antagonist Ranatunga. On its third Saturday, the movie recorded an average Hindi occupancy rate of 13.27%, with audience attendance rising throughout the day—from 6.27% in morning shows to nearly 19% at night. The film also stirred controversy earlier when a police complaint was filed at Jalandhar's Sadar Police Station under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The complaint, lodged by Vikalp Gold from Pholriwal village, accused the makers and actors of hurting Christian sentiments. The issue centered on a scene showing Hooda's character in a crucifix-like pose inside a church, resembling the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In response, the filmmakers promptly removed the scene and issued a public apology. Despite not being a massive blockbuster, Jaat has secured a sequel. Sunny Deol announced Jaat 2 on Instagram just a week after the film's release, teasing a new mission for his character. Jaat follows the story of an enigmatic stranger (played by Sunny Deol) who arrives in the fictional village of Chirala. The villagers are oppressed by the ruthless Ranatunga and his wife Bharathi (played by Regina Cassandra), until Deol’s character steps up to help them reclaim their freedom.

The buzz around Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par continues to grow, and fans now have something new to look forward to — the trailer is all set to release alongside Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2, which hits theatres on May 1, 2025. The trailer, which runs for 3 minutes and 29 seconds, has officially received a UA certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Film journalist Himesh Mankad confirmed the news on X, sharing that the trailer has been cleared and will be attached to the theatrical prints of Raid 2. Warner Bros secures dismissal of ‘Superman’ foreign copyright lawsuit A spiritual follow-up to Aamir’s critically acclaimed 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, this new project takes a completely different tone. Aamir recently revealed that his character this time, named Gulshan, is a stark contrast to the sensitive teacher Nikumbh from the earlier film. Describing Gulshan as brash, rude, and politically incorrect, Aamir noted that the story will follow his personal transformation as he learns life lessons from people on the autism spectrum. Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par also stars Darsheel Safary, who returns in a key role, and Genelia Deshmukh. While the film’s official release date is yet to be confirmed, the trailer’s debut next week has certainly added to the excitement.      

Fantasy animation movie ‘Ne Zha 2,’ released on January 29, 2025, is running successfully at the worldwide box office. It now fends off fresh competition from the live-action fantasy comedy ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ which debuted on April 4 this year. Their cinematic face-off brings new energy to global screens. Let’s dive into how a mythical hero from the East keeps building victories over a pixel-powered quest from the West. Ne Zha Universe at a Glance The ‘Ne Zha’ universe, delicately woven from ancient Chinese mythology, is brought vividly to life by writer-director Jiaozi (Yang Yu). The saga began with ‘Ne Zha’ (2019), a groundbreaking fantasy animation inspired by Xu Zhonglin’s 16th-century epic ‘Investiture of the Gods’. It introduced a fiery yet misunderstood boy born from a spirit bead, destined to battle evil while carrying the weight of society’s fear and rejection. Amidst chaos and heroism, Ne Zha’s clash with Ao Bing ended in sacrifice, though their souls endured. In the direct sequel, ‘Ne Zha 2: The Devil Boy Churns the Sea’, the narrative rises again, this time with Taiyi Zhenren’s mystical plan. The deity aims to restore the two fallen warriors using the sacred seven-coloured lotus. Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup Ne Zha 2’s Journey From Mainland China to Hollywood With a production budget soaring to 600 million yuan, 'Ne Zha 2' stands as a creative milestone and China’s most expensive animated film to date. The figure is more than USD 80 million, based on an exchange rate of 1 Chinese Yuan = USD 0.14. Within just three days of its domestic release, the film surged past 1.1 billion yuan (USD 150.95 million). With the figure, it gets the fastest title ever to cross the 1-billion threshold in the Chinese movie industry. By its eighth day, it had already eclipsed 5 billion yuan (USD 686.15 million), overtaking the lifetime total of its predecessor. Meanwhile, it solidifies its place as the highest-grossing animated feature in mainland China. As of February 8, 2025, ‘Ne Zha 2’ had amassed over 7.2 billion yuan (USD 988 million), earning the historic title of the top-grossing Chinese film of all time. In doing so, it became the first non-Hollywood production to break the 7-billion mark globally. It even outperformed the single-territory box office record of the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Read more: Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Akshay Kumar Fronts a Bold Patriotic Courtroom Saga Within weeks, ‘Ne Zha 2’ outpaced the global lifetime earnings of Inside Out 2 (2024), becoming the highest-earning animated film in history. The fantasy epic crossed the USD 2 billion mark on March 9, becoming only the seventh film in history to achieve this feat. It stands as the first animated feature from outside the United States to reach that level. Remarkably, it’s also the first non-English-language animation to do so and only the second ever not produced by Disney. Its overseas debut at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles sold out instantly, with the film pulling in USD 7.2 million on its U.S. opening weekend. The English dub, now rolling out across theatres in Australia and the United States, promises to reignite its momentum. Ne Zha 2 vs. A Minecraft Movie Helmed by Jared Hess, 'A Minecraft Movie' opened strong in China, delivering the most impressive debut in the country this year. Between April 4 and 6, the Legendary and Warner Bros.-backed live-action fantasy comedy collected 105.5 million yuan (USD 14.7 million). While this performance marked a domestic triumph, it wasn’t enough to challenge ‘Ne Zha 2’ on the international stage. Read more: Top Pakistani Dramas in 2025 Showcasing Strong Female Leads In its tenth weekend, ‘Ne Zha 2’ continued its financial ascent with another USD 10 million, raising its global haul to USD 2.11 billion. The Cococartoon-produced mythological animation remains the top-grossing film of 2025 by a comfortable margin. With support from premium screening formats like IMAX, its momentum shows few signs of slowing, even in the face of new releases. On the contrary, the Jason Momoa and Jack Black-starrer film finished its opening weekend with USD 162.8 million in domestic earnings and USD 313 million worldwide. Its timing, arriving over two months later, meant it faced a global market already captivated by the Chinese fantasy epic. As of now, ‘Ne Zha 2’ leads the box office with USD 2.15 billion, while ‘A Minecraft Movie’ stands at USD 729.2 million. Read more: Popular Indian Universities and Institutes to Learn AR-VR Technology Critical reception reflects this divide: the Mandarin movie holds an IMDb rating of 8.2 and scores 95% from critics and 99% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. In contrast, the Hollywood film sits at 5.9 on IMDb, with a critic score of 48% and an audience score of 86%. This is a respectable showing but far from rivalling the acclaim of its Eastern counterpart. What’s So Special About Ne Zha 2 The mythology-based movie stands as a brilliant fusion of cultural authenticity and universal storytelling. The movie’s themes are confronting institutional prejudice, challenging destiny, and carving one’s own path. All these resonate deeply across cultures, yet are rooted in Chinese traditions and folklore. Read more: May 2025 Bollywood Releases: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Films To Watch The movie’s opening, featuring the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group, highlights China’s rich cultural heritage. It also pays homage to a music form inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This gesture serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s deep-rooted traditions while offering a window into its diversity. Behind The Screen The film’s graphics, meticulously crafted under the expert direction of Shi Chaoqun. It captures the essence of Chinese landscapes and mythological realms with striking precision. The battle sequences are nothing short of a visual masterpiece, blending cultural symbols and folklore. The timeless action sequences are beautifully rendered in the visuals. They showcase the artistry of Chinese animation, brought to life by over 4,000 professionals from 138 studios across five years. Read more: May 2025 Amazon Prime Video Originals Streaming Lineup: Movies, Series, Shows The production credit goes to Liu Wenzhang and Wang Jing. Lending the voices are Lu Yanting, Han Mo, Lu Qi, Zhang Jiaming, Wang Deshun, and Zhuo Yongxi. Verdict The ongoing box-office clash between ‘Ne Zha 2’ and ‘A Minecraft Movie’ continues to captivate audiences worldwide. While the Hollywood film had a strong debut, the Mandarin one remains a powerful force, steadily building global dominance. Whether the live-action adventure can sustain its momentum or if the animated epic will reclaim its crown is yet to be determined. What’s certain is that this cinematic rivalry is poised to leave lasting marks on the box office landscape. Read more: 10 Best Films, Documentaries on Palestine That Everyone Should Watch