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Further Delays to the Highly-Anticipated Tentpoles like TOP GUN Sequel Spell Continued Box Office Struggle

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Further Delays to the Highly-Anticipated Tentpoles like TOP GUN Sequel Spell Continued Box Office Struggle

By Movieguide® Staff

After multiple delays due to the COVID-19-crippled box office, Paramount pushed Tom Cruise’s TOP GUN sequel from November to May 2022 next year.

As a result, analysts suspect that other movies will also follow suit with delayed releases.  Although July surpassed the $100 million mark for the first time since the pandemic shuttered theaters, August’s numbers did not encourage studios to release their tentpole movies.

Despite posting pandemic-era-highs, theater owners and analysts fear that Marvel’s BLACK WIDOW and SHANG-CHI may not be enough to keep studios from delaying movies.

Variety previously reported:

Unlike Warner Bros., which committed the entirety of its 2021 slate to day-and-date HBO Max releases, Disney’s strategy for simultaneous releasing on Disney+ remains flexible, making the fate of Marvel’s new ensemble feature “Eternals” contingent on the performance of its other new franchise entrant, “Shang-Chi,” when the latter bows exclusively in theaters over Labor Day.

While “Black Widow” does hold the record opening of the pandemic, gross dropped off sharply in the second weekend, and “Suicide Squad” opening below expectations could cast doubt on the prospects of “Eternals” meeting Disney’s expectations, especially if “Shang-Chi” underwhelms.

After a $75.5 million opening over Labor Day weekend, SHANG-CHI provides further evidence that audiences are willing to go to theaters for major blockbusters.

At a recent CinemaCon event, theater owners noted the importance of the exclusive theatrical experience.

Movieguide® reported:

AMC’s Adam Aron and National Association of Theatre Owners chief John Fithian implored attendees of CinemaCon to return to a theatrical exhibition, claiming that the hybrid strategies employed by HBO Max and Disney+ will not revive the entertainment industry.

“Exclusive release periods remain vital to the success of the theatrical business,” Fithian said. “To make one thing crystal clear that the best work that they make is made for the big screen. Leading creatives know better, and they are on the right side of history.

“Simultaneous release does not work,” Fithian added. “It doesn’t work for anyone. A steady flow of strong movies released with windows is essential to the recovery of the industry and to the profitability for the entire ecosystem.

“Exclusive release periods remain vital to the survival and success of the industry. They won’t be what they were before, but they can’t be what they were during the pandemic.”

However, as studios continue to delay their tentpole movies ticket sales are garunteed to struggle.

Movieguide® previously reported:

Despite the plea from independent theater owners, major cities look to go ahead with theater-related regulations.

“If COVID stays the way it does, the future of this theater is certainly questionable,” Knighten said.

Less assurance of audiences for theaters also means that major studios are more likely to delay blockbuster movies.

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.