Merry and murderous holiday horror ‘THE MEAN ONE’ hits VOD, DVD, and Blu-Ray Today!

THE MEAN ONE

Hokey Hallmark meets children’s classic in the new holiday horror THE MEAN ONE. Director Stephen LaMorte and writers Flip and Finn Kobler tell a twisted tale of trauma and small-town secrets through one of our most beloved and iconic holiday villains. A familiar story, but make it merry and murderous.

Twenty years after the Xmas Eve death of her mother in 2009, Cindy returns to her hometown to face the demons of her childhood. When history begins repeating itself, she vows to take back the night and the holiday spirit, no matter how much blood she has to spill.

Clever Seussian signage appears throughout the film, as do homage character names. The sometimes quippy dialogue works around what I can only assume would be a massive copyright infringement case.
The noteworthy turn comes from Cindy’s neighbor Doc Zuess. John Bingham, whose character is reminiscent of Roberts Blossom from Home Alone, is brilliant. His performance legitimizes The Mean One, bringing it out of its Hallmark moments.

Krystle Martin is Cindy. Her professional stunt work shines. From traumatized to trigger-happy, Cindy’s exposure therapy becomes a plot for revenge. Let us not forget our titular character brought to life by none other than “Art The Clown” himself, David Howard Thornton. His mannerisms are glorious. The film would be less memorable without him.

Christopher Sanders‘ narration adds a fantastic touch. The CG blood is straight up over the top. Is The Mean One ridiculously tropey? Yes. Will it be appearing on our eccentric holiday viewing list next week? Also, yes.


The film hits VOD, DVD, and Blu-Ray Today!

 

You can watch the film here, on its watch page: www.themeanonemovie.com/watch

 

Directed by LaMorte with a script by Flip and Finn Kobler, THE MEAN ONE stars David Howard Thornton, Krystle Martin, Chase Mullins, John Bigham, Erik Baker, Flip Kobler, and Amy Schumacher. A co-production between A Sleight of Hand Productions, Amy Rose Productions, and Kali Pictures, the feature is Produced by Schumacher, LaMorte, and Martine Melloul. Executive Producers are Jordan Rosner, Gato Scatena, and Zach Stampone.


 

Review: ‘THE MEAN ONE’ is merry and murderous holiday horror.

THE MEAN ONE

Hokey Hallmark meets children’s classic in the new holiday horror THE MEAN ONE. Director Stephen LaMorte and writers Flip and Finn Kobler tell a twisted tale of trauma and small-town secrets through one of our most beloved and iconic holiday villains. A familiar story, but make it merry and murderous.

Twenty years after the Xmas Eve death of her mother in 2009, Cindy returns to her hometown to face the demons of her childhood. When history begins repeating itself, she vows to take back the night and the holiday spirit, no matter how much blood she has to spill.

Clever Seussian signage appears throughout the film, as do homage character names. The sometimes quippy dialogue works around what I can only assume would be a massive copyright infringement case.
The noteworthy turn comes from Cindy’s neighbor Doc Zuess. John Bingham, whose character is reminiscent of Roberts Blossom from Home Alone, is brilliant. His performance legitimizes The Mean One, bringing it out of its Hallmark moments.

Krystle Martin is Cindy. Her professional stunt work shines. From traumatized to trigger-happy, Cindy’s exposure therapy becomes a plot for revenge. Let us not forget our titular character brought to life by none other than “Art The Clown” himself, David Howard Thornton. His mannerisms are glorious. The film would be less memorable without him.

Christopher Sanders‘ narration adds a fantastic touch. The CG blood is straight up over the top. Is The Mean One ridiculously tropey? Yes. Will it be appearing on our eccentric holiday viewing list next week? Also, yes.


THE MEAN ONE is opening exclusively at Regal Cinemas nationwide on December 9th, with special advance screenings taking place everywhere on the evening of the 8th.
Additional details about where to see it on the big screen can be found at TheMeanOneMovie.com.

 

Directed by LaMorte with a script by Flip and Finn Kobler, THE MEAN ONE stars David Howard Thornton, Krystle Martin, Chase Mullins, John Bigham, Erik Baker, Flip Kobler, and Amy Schumacher. A co-production between A Sleight of Hand Productions, Amy Rose Productions, and Kali Pictures, the feature is Produced by Schumacher, LaMorte, and Martine Melloul. Executive Producers are Jordan Rosner, Gato Scatena, and Zach Stampone.


 

Universal Pictures through 2018 – The good, the bad & 15 sequels

Universal Studios logo

Universal announced their slate through 2018 and there’s lots to chat about. I’ll sum up each year, then give a more detailed view after.

2015 RELEASES

For the rest of this year, I’m pretty excited about the lineup, save for one. Can you guess which?

  • Straight Outta Compton – Not really my jam, but I’ve heard good things.
  • The Visit – M. Night, you’ll probably disappoint me, but I can’t help but give you another shot.
  • Everest – Epic mountain climbing and adventure. I’m in.
  • Legend – Tom Hardy times two? Yes, please.
  • Steve Jobs – YES, please erase Ashton Kutcher from my mind.
  • Crimson Peak – I’m not a horror fan in general, but Guillermo del Toro & Tom Hiddleston will put my but in the seat.
  • Jem and the Holograms – No. NO. If you’re gonna do this, do it right. Jem was a business woman by day and a rock star by night. This is just WRONG.
  • By the Sea – Jolie-Pitt will always get my vote.
  • Krampus – Horror Comedy with Adam Scott & Toni Collette
  • Sisters – Tina Fey & Amy Poehler. That’s it.

2016 RELEASES

Of the 21 movies announced, 7 are sequels or continuation of a series. Only one of them has real potential, then there’s 4 more that really could be great.

  • Ride Along 2 – The first was successful, people loved it. Alright, whatever.
  • My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 – Seriously? Let it go.
  • The Huntsman – Can it survive without Snow White? Totally could.
  • Neighbors 2 – I just don’t understand.
  • The Purge 3 – Eh. Another horror sequel. Not a surprise.
  • Untitled Next Bourne Chapter – Matt Damon is back. THANK GOD.
  • Ouija 2 – Again with the horror sequel. Blah.

Now for the good stuff.

  • Hail, Caesar! – Coen Brothers. COEN BROTHERS.
  • The Huntsman – Prequel with the Charlize Theron & Chris Hemsworth with Emily Blunt. I’ll watch anything with Emily Blunt.
  • Top Secret Untitled Lonely Island Movie – Andy Samberg movie. YES.
  • Warcraft – Didn’t have an interest until I saw it was going to be directed by Duncan Jones, the director of Moon and Source Code.
  • The Secret Lives of Pets – Adorable. Adorable adorable adorable.

2017 RELEASES

Over half of the 2017 are sequels/series continuation and only 1 peaks my interest.

  • Fifty Shades Darker – The first wasn’t actually that bad. Not good, mind you, but not what all the hype was about.
  • The Mummy – No, not another Brenden Fraser, but it is being produced by a guy who worked on it. Is it a sequel? Who cares?
  • New Chapter in Fast & Furious Saga – IT WILL NEVER END.
  • Despicable 3 – So, Minons wasn’t Despicable 3? Could have fooled me.
  • Kong: Skull Island – Sequel? Kinda. With Tom Hiddleston? I’ll allow it.
  • Pitch Perfect 3 – Not really for me, but more power to them.
  • Pacific Rim 2 – Let’s hope there’s a story this time.

2018 RELEASES

Sequels, what else?

  • Fifty Shades Freed – There’s only 3 books. Whew.
  • Jurassic World Sequel – Alright, I suppose I’ll watch it. 🙂

 

straightouttacompton0006Straight Outta Compton
August 14, 2015

In 1987, five young men, using brutally honest rhymes and hardcore beats, put their frustration and anger about life in the most dangerous place in America into the most powerful weapon they had: their music. Taking us back to where it all began, Straight Outta Compton tells the true story of how these cultural rebels—armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent—stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world’s most dangerous group, N.W.A. And as they spoke the truth that no one had before and exposed life in the hood, their voice ignited a social revolution that is still reverberating today.

Straight Outta Compton stars O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, and is directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job).  The drama is produced by original N.W.A members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who are joined by fellow producers Tomica Woods-Wright, Matt Alvarez, Gray and Scott Bernstein. Will Packer serves as executive producer of the film alongside Adam Merims, David Engel, Bill Straus, Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni. www.straightouttacompton.com


The Visit posterThe Visit
September 11, 2015

Writer/director/producer M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, Unbreakable) and producer Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity, The Purge and Insidious series) welcome you to Universal Pictures’ The Visit.  Shyamalan returns to his roots with the terrifying story of a brother and sister who are sent to their grandparents’ remote Pennsylvania farm for a weeklong trip.  Once the children discover that the elderly couple is involved in something deeply disturbing, they see their chances of getting back home are growing smaller every day.

Shyamalan produces The Visit through his Blinding Edge Pictures, while Blum produces through his Blumhouse Productions alongside Marc Bienstock (Quarantine 2: Terminal).  Steven Schneider (Insidious) and Ashwin Rajan (Devil) executive produce the thriller. www.stayinyourroom.com


Everest posterEverest
(IMAX) September 18, 2015 / (2D/3D) September 25, 2015

Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, Everest documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind.  Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival.  The epic adventure stars Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Everest is directed by Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns, Contraband) and produced by Working Title Films’ Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, Cross Creek Pictures’ Brian Oliver and Tyler Thompson, as well as Nicky Kentish Barnes and Kormákur.

Universal Pictures and Cross Creek Pictures’ presentation of Everest—in association with Walden Media—is adapted for the screen by William Nicholson (Gladiator) and Oscar® winner Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire).

The film was shot on location in Nepal on the foothills of Everest, the Italian Alps and at Cinecittà Studios in Rome and Pinewood Studios in the U.K.  Universal will distribute Everest worldwide.


Legend posterLegend
October 2, 2015

From Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential, Mystic River) comes the true story of the rise and fall of London’s most notorious gangsters, Reggie and Ron Kray, both portrayed by Tom Hardy in an amazing double performance. Legend is a classic crime thriller taking us into the secret history of the 1960s and the extraordinary events that secured the infamy of the Kray twins.

Written and directed by Helgeland, the Studiocanal, Working Title and Cross Creek film co-stars Emily Browning, David Thewlis, Christopher Eccleston, Chazz Palminteri, Tara Fitzgerald and Taron Egerton. Working Title Film’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner produce Legend alongside Chris Clark, Quentin Curtis and Cross Creek Pictures’ Brian Oliver. Universal will release the thriller in the U.S., and Studiocanal will distribute in the U.K., France, Germany and Australia/New Zealand.


Steve Jobs
October 9, 2015

From Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential, Mystic River) comes the true story of the rise and fall of London’s most notorious gangsters, Reggie and Ron Kray, both portrayed by Tom Hardy in an amazing double performance. Legend is a classic crime thriller taking us into the secret history of the 1960s and the extraordinary events that secured the infamy of the Kray twins.

Written and directed by Helgeland, the Studiocanal, Working Title and Cross Creek film co-stars Emily Browning, David Thewlis, Christopher Eccleston, Chazz Palminteri, Tara Fitzgerald and Taron Egerton. Working Title Film’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner produce Legend alongside Chris Clark, Quentin Curtis and Cross Creek Pictures’ Brian Oliver. Universal will release the thriller in the U.S., and Studiocanal will distribute in the U.K., France, Germany and Australia/New Zealand.


Crimson Peak posterCrimson Peak
October 16, 2015

When her heart is stolen by a seductive stranger, a young woman is swept away to a house atop a mountain of blood-red clay: a place filled with secrets that will haunt her forever. Between desire and darkness, between mystery and madness, lies the truth behind Crimson Peak.

From the imagination of director Guillermo del Toro comes a supernatural mystery starring Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska and Charlie Hunnam. www.crimsonpeakmovie.com


Jem & the Holograms postserJem and the Holograms
October 23, 2015

As a small-town girl catapults from underground video sensation to global superstar, she and her three sisters begin a one-in-a-million journey of discovering that some talents are too special to keep hidden. In Universal Pictures’ Jem and the Holograms, four aspiring musicians will take the world by storm when they see that the key to creating your own destiny lies in finding your own voice.

Directed by Jon M. Chu (Step Up series, G.I. Joe: Retaliation), the musical adventure stars Aubrey Peeples, Stefanie Scott, Aurora Perrineau, Hayley Kiyoko, Ryan Guzman, Molly Ringwald and Juliette Lewis. Jem and the Holograms, based on the iconic Hasbro animated TV series, is written by Ryan Landels and produced by Chu, Jason Blum for Blumhouse Productions, Scooter Braun for SB Projects, Bennett Schneir, and Brian Goldner and Stephen Davis of Hasbro Studios. www.jemthemovie.com


By the Sea
November 13, 2015

In her directorial follow-up to the Universal Pictures’ epic Unbroken, Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie Pitt writes, directs and produces By the Sea. The dramatic film stars Brad Pitt and Jolie Pitt, who are supported by an international ensemble led by Mélanie Laurent, Niels Arestrup, Melvil Poupaud and Richard Bohringer.

By the Sea follows an American writer named Roland (Pitt) and his wife, Vanessa (Jolie Pitt), who arrive in a tranquil and picturesque seaside resort in 1970s France, their marriage in apparent crisis. As they spend time with fellow travelers, including young newlyweds Lea (Laurent) and François (Poupaud), and village locals Michel (Arestrup) and Patrice (Bohringer), the couple begins to come to terms with unresolved issues in their own lives.

In its style, and its treatment of themes of the human experience, By the Sea is inspired by European cinema and theater of the ’60s and ’70s.

Jolie Pitt is joined behind the scenes by a key crew that includes cinematographer Christian Berger (The White Ribbon), who used his Cine Reflect Lighting System to shoot the film; production designer Jon Hutman (Unbroken); editor Patricia Rommel (The Lives of Others); and costume designer Ellen Mirojnick (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps). Pitt joins her in production duties, while Chris Brigham (Inception), Holly Goline (Unbroken) and Michael Vieira (Unbroken) serve as executive producers.


Krampus posterKrampus
December 4, 2015

Legendary Pictures’ Krampus, a darkly festive tale of a yuletide ghoul, reveals an irreverently twisted side to the holiday. The horror-comedy tells the story of young Max (Emjay Anthony), who turns his back on Christmas as his dysfunctional family comes together and comically clashes over the holidays.

When they accidentally unleash the wrath of Krampus—an ancient entity from European folklore—all hell breaks loose and beloved holiday icons take on a monstrous life of their own. Now, the fractured family is forced to unite if they hope to survive.

Krampus and his mischievous underlings are being created by the combined efforts of Weta Workshop and Weta Digital, both renowned for their epic work on The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and King Kong, among many others.

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty (Trick ’r Treat), Krampus is co-written by Zach Shields and Todd Casey and produced by Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni, Alex Garcia and Dougherty. The film will be released by Universal Pictures.


Sisters
December 18, 2015

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler reunite for Sisters, a new film from Pitch Perfect director Jason Moore about two disconnected sisters summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom before their parents sell the family house. Looking to recapture their glory days, they throw one final high-school-style party for their classmates, which turns into the cathartic rager that a bunch of ground-down adults really need.

Fey produces the comedy alongside Jay Roach (Meet the Parents series) and John Lyons (Austin Powers in Goldmember), and Poehler executive produces alongside Jeff Richmond and Brian Bell from a script by Paula Pell (TV’s Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock). www.sistersfilm.com


2016 RELEASES

Untitled Blumhouse Horror* (working title)
January 8, 2016


Ride Along 2
January 15, 2016

Kevin Hart and Ice Cube lead the returning lineup of Ride Along 2, the sequel to the blockbuster action-comedy that gave us the year’s most popular comedy duo.  Joining Hart and Cube for the next chapter of the series are director Tim Story, as well as Cube’s fellow producers—Will Packer, Matt Alvarez and Larry Brezner—who will produce alongside Cube.


Hail, Caesar!
February 5, 2016

Four-time Oscar®-winning filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men, True Grit, Fargo) write and direct HAIL, CAESAR!, an all-star comedy set during the latter years of Hollywood’s Golden Age.  Starring Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson and Jonah Hill, HAIL, CAESAR! follows a single day in the life of a studio fixer who is presented with plenty of problems to fix.  The comedy is produced by the Coen brothers under their Mike Zoss Productions banner, with Working Title Films and Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan.


My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
March 25, 2016

Gold Circle Entertainment and HBO present a Playtone production of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, the long-awaited follow-up to the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time.  Written by Academy Award® nominee Nia Vardalos, who stars alongside the entire returning cast of favorites, the film reveals a Portokalos family secret that will bring the beloved characters back together for an even bigger and Greeker wedding.

Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Waking Ned Devine) directs the next chapter of the film that will be once again produced by Rita Wilson and Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman.  Paul Brooks and Steven Shareshian return to executive produce alongside Vardalos and Scott Niemeyer.  Universal Pictures will distribute the comedy domestically and in select international territories.


Michelle Darnell
April 8, 2016

Academy Award®-nominated star Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, The Heat, Tammy) headlines MICHELLE DARNELL as a titan of industry who is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading.  When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.  Based on an original character created by McCarthy, the comedy will be directed by Ben Falcone (Tammy) and is written by McCarthy and Falcone alongside their Groundlings collaborator, Steve Mallory.  MICHELLE DARNELL will be produced by McCarthy and Falcone through their On the Day Productions and Will Ferrell and Adam McKay through their Gary Sanchez Productions.


The Best Man Wedding
April 15, 2016

The cast of THE BEST MAN series returns to celebrate the group’s most unexpected wedding to date.  Malcolm D. Lee again writes and directs the third film in his signature hit series, and Sean Daniel (The Best Man Holiday) returns to produce THE BEST MAN WEDDING alongside Lee.


The Huntsman
April 22, 2016

The fantastical world of 2012’s global hit SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN expands to reveal how the fates of two characters, The Huntsman Eric and Ravenna, intersected before they met Snow White.  Chris Hemsworth and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron return to their roles in a new epic action-adventure, THE HUNTSMAN.  Cedric Nicolas-Troyas-directs and Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain also star.  Producer Joe Roth (Maleficent, Alice in Wonderland) once again leads the team in a breathtaking new tale from the legendary saga.


Neighbors 2
May 20, 2016

Returning stars Seth Rogen, Zac Efron and Rose Byrne are joined by Chloë Grace Moretz for NEIGHBORS 2, the follow-up to 2014’s most popular original comedy.  Also back in the same duties are director Nicholas Stoller and series producers Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Rogen, who produce under their Point Grey Pictures banner.  Andrew Jay Cohen and Brendan O’Brien serve as executive producers alongside Good Universe’s Nathan Kahane and Joe Drake.  The comedy’s writers include Rogen, Stoller, Goldberg, Cohen and O’Brien.


Top Secret Untitled Lonely Island Movie*
June 3, 2016

Set in the world of music, Universal Pictures’ TOP SECRET UNTITLED LONELY ISLAND MOVIE stars digital-shorts superstars Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, who are collectively known as The Lonely Island.  Co-directed by Schaffer and Taccone, the comedy from blockbuster producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, Bridesmaids, Trainwreck) will also be produced by Rodney Rothman (producer of Get Him to the Greek, Forgetting Sarah Marshall; co-writer of 22 Jump Street), as well as producers Samberg, Taccone and Schaffer.


Warcraft
June 10, 2016

Set in the world of music, Universal Pictures’ TOP SECRET UNTITLED LONELY ISLAND MOVIE stars digital-shorts superstars Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, who are collectively known as The Lonely Island.  Co-directed by Schaffer and Taccone, the comedy from blockbuster producer Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, Bridesmaids, Trainwreck) will also be produced by Rodney Rothman (producer of Get Him to the Greek, Forgetting Sarah Marshall; co-writer of 22 Jump Street), as well as producers Samberg, Taccone and Schaffer.


The Purge 3
July 1, 2016


The Secret Life of Pets
July 8, 2016

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment announce THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS their fifth fully-animated feature-film collaboration.  Comedy superstars Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart will voice characters, and all three performers will make their animated feature-film debuts in the 3D comedy-adventure.  Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy will produce the film directed by Chris Renaud (Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2), co-directed by Yarrow Cheney and written by Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio.

For one bustling Manhattan apartment building, the real day starts after the folks on two legs leave for work and school.  That’s when the pets of every stripe, fur and feather begin their own nine-to-five routine: hanging out with each other, trading humiliating stories about their owners, or auditioning adorable looks to get better snacks.  The building’s top dog, Max (voiced by Louis C.K.), a quick-witted terrier rescue who’s convinced he sits at the center of his owner’s universe, finds his pampered life rocked when she brings home Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a sloppy, massive mess of a mongrel with zero interpersonal skills.  When this reluctant canine duo finds themselves out on the mean streets of New York, they have to set aside their differences and unite against a fluffy-yet-cunning bunny named Snowball (Kevin Hart), who’s building an army of Ex-Pets abandoned by their owners and out to turn the tables on humanity…all before dinnertime.


Untitled Next Bourne Chapter
July 29, 2016

Global superstar Matt Damon returns to his most iconic role as Jason Bourne in the fifth installment of Universal Pictures’ BOURNE franchise.  Acclaimed director Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Legacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, Captain Phillips) also returns for this much-anticipated chapter, and Frank Marshall again produces alongside Jeffrey Weiner for Captivate Entertainment.  Greengrass, Damon and Greg Goodman also produce.  The action-thriller is written by Greengrass, Damon and Christopher Rouse.


Spectral
August 12, 2016

Legendary Pictures’ SPECTRAL, a 3D action thriller that tracks an elite Spec Ops team on a mission to take down an aggressive phantom threat that cannot be explained, will be directed by Nic Mathieu and star James Badge Dale, Emily Mortimer, Max Martini and Bruce Greenwood.  Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni will produce the film from writers Ian Fried, George Nolfi and John Gatins that is executive produced by Jillian Share and Guy Riedel.  SPECTRAL will be released by Universal Pictures.


Monster High
October 7, 2016

Surviving high school’s tough enough when your parents aren’t the most legendary monsters in history.  Finding your real identity while figuring out what to do with your secret one is just part of what the teenagers who attend super-secret academy MONSTER HIGH go through every day—and night.  Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (TV’s Gossip Girl and The O.C.Endless Love) wrote the screenplay based on the hugely successful Mattel franchise.  Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (HairsprayChicago) will produce under their Storyline Entertainment banner, and Schwartz and Savage will produce for Fake Empire.


Kevin Hart: What Now?
October 14, 2016

In Universal Pictures’ KEVIN HART: WHAT NOW?, comedic rock-star Kevin Hart follows up his 2013 hit stand-up concert movie LET ME EXPLAIN, which grossed $32 million domestically and became the third-highest live stand-up comedy movie of all time.  Hart takes center stage in this groundbreaking, record-setting, sold-out performance of “What Now?”—filmed outdoors in front of 50,000 people at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field—marking the first time a comedian has ever performed to an at-capacity football stadium.


Ouija 2
October 21, 2016

In OUIJA 2, the sequel to fall 2014’s sleeper hit that opened to No. 1 at the box office, a group of unsuspecting friends must confront their most terrifying fears when they unleash an evil from the other side that only they can send back.  The next chapter of the supernatural thriller series inspired by the ancient spirit board is once again produced by Platinum Dunes partners Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Purge series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Blumhouse Productions’ Jason Blum (The Purge and Insidious series, upcoming Jem and the Holograms), alongside Hasbro’s Brian Goldner (Transformers and G.I. Joe series, upcoming Jem and the Holograms) and Stephen Davis (Jem and the Holograms).  Mike Flanagan & Jeff Howard (Oculus) wrote the screenplay, and Universal will distribute the film worldwide.


A Meyers Christmas
November 11, 2016

A new comedy from producer Will Packer (Ride Along and Think Like a Man series) and writer/director David E. Talbert (Baggage Claim), A MEYERS CHRISTMAS is the unlikely story of an estranged family that must reunite for their first Christmas since the death of the beloved family matriarch.


Untitled Great Wall Project
November 23, 2016

Directed by Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), UNTITLED GREAT WALL PROJECT tells the story of an elite force making a last stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure. Matt Damon, Willem Dafoe and Pedro Pascal star alongside notable Chinese actors Andy Lau, Jing Tian, Zhang Hanyu, Eddie Peng, Lu Han, Lin Gengxin, Zheng Kai, Chen Xuedong, Huang Xuan and Wang Junkai The first English language production for Yimou is also set to be the largest film ever shot entirely in China.  Production is set to begin in Spring 2015.  UNTITLED GREAT WALL PROJECT will be released in the U.S. in 3D by Universal Pictures with the goal of being released in China in early December 2016.


Let It Snow
December 9, 2016

Weaving together three unexpected romances that take place over the course of one Christmas Eve, Universal Pictures’ LET IT SNOW is based on the beloved short story collection written by John Green (“The Fault in Our Stars”), Maureen Johnson (“13 Little Blue Envelopes”) and Lauren Myracle (“Internet Girls” series).  Bluegrass Films’ Scott Stuber (Ted series, Identity Thief) and Dylan Clark (Planet of the Apes series, Oblivion) will produce the holiday film from a script by Kay Cannon (Pitch Perfect series).


Untitled Illumination Entertainment 2016 Project 2
December 21, 2016


2017 RELEASES

Mena
January 6, 2017

In Universal Pictures’ MENA, TOM CRUISE reunites with his Edge of Tomorrow director, Doug Liman, to portray a pilot recruited by the CIA who finds himself in charge of the one of the biggest covert operations in the history of the United States. Cross Creek Pictures will fully finance the thriller that is based on a true story.  MENA is produced by Cross Creek’s Brian Oliver and Tyler Thompson, alongside Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Kim Roth, and Quadrant Pictures’ Doug Davison.


Untitled Blumhouse Horror
January 27, 2017


Fifty Shades Darker
February 10, 2017

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in FIFTY SHADES DARKER, the second chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon.  Expanding upon the events set in motion in FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, which has grossed more than $560 million globally, the films will again become the motion-picture events for Valentine’s Day 2017.  Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti, alongside E L James, the creator of the series, also return to produce.


Kong: Skull Island
March 10, 2017

In the spirit of its worldwide blockbuster Godzilla, Legendary Pictures presents a bold new take on the mythos of another iconic beast with KONG: SKULL ISLAND, which stars Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers and Thor series).  Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings of Summer) and written by John Gatins (Flight) and Max Borenstein (Godzilla), KONG: SKULL ISLAND will fully immerse audiences in the mysterious and dangerous home of the king of the apes as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the treacherous, primordial island.  Legendary’s story honors the foundations of existing King Kong lore, but places it in an entirely new, distinct timeline.  Thomas Tull (GodzillaThe Dark Knight, Pacific Rim) and Jon Jashni (Godzilla, upcoming Warcraft) will produce and Alex Garcia (Godzilla) will executive produce.  The film will be released in 3D and IMAX 3D by Universal Pictures.


The Mummy
March 24, 2017

A legend that has endured since the dawn of man is reborn in THE MUMMY, Universal Pictures’ all-new epic action-adventure.  THE MUMMY is conceived with dramatic intensity by an imaginative creative team led by director/producer Alex Kurtzman and producers Roberto Orci, Chris Morgan (Fast & Furious series, Wanted) and Sean Daniel (The Mummy trilogy, The Best Man series).  Jon Spaihts (Prometheus) wrote the screenplay, and Bobby Cohen executive produces.


New Chapter in Fast & Furious Saga
April 14, 2017

On the heels of FURIOUS 7, the fastest movie to reach $1 billion worldwide in box-office history, comes the new chapter in one of the most popular and enduring motion-picture serials of all time.  Vin Diesel leads the returning cast forward in the next film of Universal Pictures’ FAST & FURIOUS saga, which will be released on April 14, 2017.  Neal H. Moritz and Diesel return as producers.


Despicable Me 3
June 30, 2017

The team who brought you DESPICABLE ME and the biggest animated hit of 2013, DESPICABLE ME 2, returns to continue the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters—Margo, Edith and Agnes—and the Minions.  Get happy on June 30, 2017.


Pitch Perfect 3
July 21, 2017

Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson headline the returning cast of PITCH PERFECT 3, the follow-up to summer 2015’s blockbuster hit.  The film that took the honor of highest-grossing movie-musical opening of all time will be produced by series fixtures Paul Brooks of Gold Circle Entertainment and Max Handelman & Elizabeth Banks of Brownstone Productions.


Pacific Rim 2
August 4, 2017

Guillermo del Toro returns to direct Legendary Pictures’ PACIFIC RIM 2, the next chapter of the epic action-adventure he created with 2013’s hit original film.  Zak Penn will write the script with del Toro.  Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni once again produce alongside del Toro, Mary Parent and Callum Greene.  Jillian Share will executive produce.  Universal Pictures will release the film worldwide in 3D and IMAX 3D.


Untitled Blumhouse Horror*
October 20, 2017


Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas 
November 17, 2017

Guillermo del Toro returns to direct Legendary Pictures’ PACIFIC RIM 2, the next chapter of the epic action-adventure he created with 2013’s hit original film.  Zak Penn will write the script with del Toro.  Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni once again produce alongside del Toro, Mary Parent and Callum Greene.  Jillian Share will executive produce.  Universal Pictures will release the film worldwide in 3D and IMAX 3D.


2018 RELEASES 

Fifty Shades Freed
February 9, 2018

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in FIFTY SHADES FREED, the third chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon.  Expanding upon the events set in motion in FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, which has grossed more than $560 million globally, the films will again become the motion-picture events for Valentine’s Day 2018.  Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti, alongside E L James, the creator of the series, also return to produce.


Untitled Universal Monster Franchise Film*
March 30, 2018

A new epic action-adventure in a series produced and overseen by the creative team of Alex Kurtzman (Star Trek series) and Chris Morgan (Fast & Furious series), the UNTITLED UNIVERSAL MONSTER FRANCHISE FILM will follow The Mummy in their new initiative to revive and reimagine Universal’s classic monsters for a modern audience.


Jurassic World Sequel
June 22, 2018

Executive producer Steven Spielberg and stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s JURASSIC WORLD SEQUEL, a follow-up to one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of cinema.  Producer Frank Marshall once again joins Spielberg in leading the team of filmmakers for the next chapter in the franchise.  The film will be written by Jurassic World’s director, Colin Trevorrow, and Derek Connolly.  Spielberg will be joined by Trevorrow as executive producer.