One of the key reasons why Avatar: The Last Airbender has retained relevancy even after two decades since its release is its immaculate, rich world-building, which has been strongly inspired by Southeast Asian and Arctic cultures. However, occasionally, even more than the cultural influence, folklore or mythological foundation acts as the base of its story arcs, which is especially noticeable in the lore of the spirits, mystical entities representing various aspects of nature, emotions, or abstract ideas who play a significant role in the four-element bending intrigue of Avatar. There is a sense of universality that gets conveyed through the world of spirits, creating a unified, coherent structure that grants the potential for more expansive storytelling as well.
The first season of Netflix’s adaptation of Avatar incorporates the influence of spirits in the central plotline in some major ways, although the introduction was a bit abrupt as compared to the original series.
The first season of Netflix’s adaptation of Avatar incorporates the influence of spirits in the central plotline in some major ways, although the introduction was a bit abrupt as compared to the original series.
- 2/25/2024
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
DC Studios‘ last gasp before James Gunn reboots the Dcu is coming to the Max streaming service later this month. Swimming onto the platform on February 27, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom debuted in theaters last year during the Christmas holiday stretch. Unfortunately, the James Wan-directed Aquaman 2 floated on the surface of the box office like a dead fish, with $123 million domestically and $433 million worldwide. In contrast, Aquaman netted $335M in the United States and $1.1B worldwide. The difference in dollars earned between both films is staggering, with multiple culprits to blame for the film’s failure, including wild on-set rumors, Amber Heard’s legal battle with ex-husband Johnny Depp, and DC jumping the gun on its plans to reboot the Dceu.
“Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all,...
“Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all,...
- 2/20/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Warner Bros Pictures has set a streaming date of Tuesday, February 27, for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
The film – a sequel to 2018’s Aquaman, the highest-grossing DC film of all time – debuts on Max.
Directed by James Wan, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom stars Jason Momoa in the title role, along with Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Nicole Kidman.
The synopsis: Having failed to defeat Aquaman (Momoa) the first time, Black Manta (Abdul-Mateen), still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm (Wilson), the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set...
The film – a sequel to 2018’s Aquaman, the highest-grossing DC film of all time – debuts on Max.
Directed by James Wan, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom stars Jason Momoa in the title role, along with Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Nicole Kidman.
The synopsis: Having failed to defeat Aquaman (Momoa) the first time, Black Manta (Abdul-Mateen), still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm (Wilson), the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set...
- 2/20/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom” will start streaming on Max starting Feb. 27.
The sequel to the highest-grossing DC film, which stars Jason Momoa returning as the titular superhero, sees Arthur Curry/Aquaman balancing his duties as both the King of Atlantis and a new father.
Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force.
To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family,...
The sequel to the highest-grossing DC film, which stars Jason Momoa returning as the titular superhero, sees Arthur Curry/Aquaman balancing his duties as both the King of Atlantis and a new father.
Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force.
To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family,...
- 2/20/2024
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
The sci-fi thriller M3GAN (read our review Here, get a copy Here) was such a financial success when it reached theatres in January of last year, it didn’t even take Universal Pictures and production companies Blumhouse and Atomic Monster two weeks to announce that they’d be re-teaming for a sequel, with M3GAN 2.0 being scheduled to reach theatres on January 17, 2025… but now the release plan has changed. Instead of trying to replicate the success the first film had in January, Universal Pictures has announced that they’re delaying M3GAN 2.0. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s release has been pushed back four months, to May 16, 2025.
Based on a story crafted by produced James Wan, M3GAN was directed by Gerard Johnstone from a screenplay by Akela Cooper (Malignant). The film has the following synopsis: She’s more than just a toy. She’s part of the family.
Based on a story crafted by produced James Wan, M3GAN was directed by Gerard Johnstone from a screenplay by Akela Cooper (Malignant). The film has the following synopsis: She’s more than just a toy. She’s part of the family.
- 2/15/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Today at NBCUniversal’s TCA presentation, Peacock announced the straight-to-series order of four new scripted projects from Universal Studio Group that includes an untitled new techno-thriller series from horror master James Wan and starring actor Simu Liu.
The untitled series, described as an espionage techno-thriller, hails from Creator/Writer/Executive Producer Thomas Brandon (Legacies).
About the series: “Five minutes in the future, a first-generation-American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale (Simu Liu) realizes his brain has been hacked, giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his shadowy agency and the unknown hackers, he must maintain a performance 24/7 to flush out who’s responsible and prove where his allegiance lies.”
The series is executive produced by James Wan, Michael Clear and Rob Hackett for Atomic Monster. Danielle Bozzone will oversee for Atomic Monster.
It’s not the only Peacock series in the works for James Wan, either. Peacock...
The untitled series, described as an espionage techno-thriller, hails from Creator/Writer/Executive Producer Thomas Brandon (Legacies).
About the series: “Five minutes in the future, a first-generation-American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale (Simu Liu) realizes his brain has been hacked, giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his shadowy agency and the unknown hackers, he must maintain a performance 24/7 to flush out who’s responsible and prove where his allegiance lies.”
The series is executive produced by James Wan, Michael Clear and Rob Hackett for Atomic Monster. Danielle Bozzone will oversee for Atomic Monster.
It’s not the only Peacock series in the works for James Wan, either. Peacock...
- 2/14/2024
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
NBCUniversal is giving a straight-to-series order to three drama series for Peacock from Universal Studio Group, it was revealed Wednesday at the company’s TCA presentation.
They include the untitled original espionage techno-thriller series from James Wan that stars Simu Liu and the limited series All Her Fault and Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy.
Read details about all three series below.
From creator/writer/executive producer Thomas Brandon (Legacies), the Wan/Liu project is set five minutes in the future when first-generation American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale (Liu) realizes his brain has been hacked, giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his shadowy agency and the unknown hackers, he must maintain a performance 24/7 to flush out who’s responsible and prove where his allegiance lies.
In addition to acting, Liu also executive produces alongside Wan,...
They include the untitled original espionage techno-thriller series from James Wan that stars Simu Liu and the limited series All Her Fault and Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy.
Read details about all three series below.
From creator/writer/executive producer Thomas Brandon (Legacies), the Wan/Liu project is set five minutes in the future when first-generation American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale (Liu) realizes his brain has been hacked, giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his shadowy agency and the unknown hackers, he must maintain a performance 24/7 to flush out who’s responsible and prove where his allegiance lies.
In addition to acting, Liu also executive produces alongside Wan,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Simu Liu is going back to the future. Well, like, five minutes into the future.
Peacock has given a straight-to-series order for an untitled espionage series starring Liu, in which the “Barbie” actor will play first-generation-American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale. He realizes his brain has been hacked, giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears.
James Wan is among the executive producers on the series, which was written and created by Thomas Brandon (“Legacies”). Other EPs on the project include Michael Clear and Rob Hackett from Wan’s Atomic Monster. Danielle Bozzone will oversee the project for the production company, which recently merged with Jason Blum’s Blumhouse.
Wan/Atomic Monster and UCP/Peacock are already collaborating on a contemporary horror thriller now titled “Teacup.” Ian McCulloch is writing that one, and executive producing alongside Wan.
The Liu project is one of four new series Peacock ordered Wednesday.
Peacock has given a straight-to-series order for an untitled espionage series starring Liu, in which the “Barbie” actor will play first-generation-American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale. He realizes his brain has been hacked, giving the perpetrators access to everything he sees and hears.
James Wan is among the executive producers on the series, which was written and created by Thomas Brandon (“Legacies”). Other EPs on the project include Michael Clear and Rob Hackett from Wan’s Atomic Monster. Danielle Bozzone will oversee the project for the production company, which recently merged with Jason Blum’s Blumhouse.
Wan/Atomic Monster and UCP/Peacock are already collaborating on a contemporary horror thriller now titled “Teacup.” Ian McCulloch is writing that one, and executive producing alongside Wan.
The Liu project is one of four new series Peacock ordered Wednesday.
- 2/14/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Peacock is bulking up its scripted roster.
The NBCUniversal-owned streamer on Wednesday announced series orders for four new scripted originals, including Mr. Throwback, a mockumentary starring NBA legend Steph Curry and an untitled James Wan thriller with Simu Liu set to topline the drama. Also ordered to series are Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy from the creators of Dr. Death and All Her Fault, a suburban thriller based on the novel of the same name by Andrea Mara.
The news was announced Wednesday during Peacock’s time at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour, where the streamer held panels for Apples Never Fall and The Traitors, among others.
The pickups join a roster of scripted series at Peacock that also includes Apples Never Fall, Hysteria!, The Tattooist Of Auschwitz, Those About To Die, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, We Are Lady Parts, Teacup The Day of the Jackal...
The NBCUniversal-owned streamer on Wednesday announced series orders for four new scripted originals, including Mr. Throwback, a mockumentary starring NBA legend Steph Curry and an untitled James Wan thriller with Simu Liu set to topline the drama. Also ordered to series are Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy from the creators of Dr. Death and All Her Fault, a suburban thriller based on the novel of the same name by Andrea Mara.
The news was announced Wednesday during Peacock’s time at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour, where the streamer held panels for Apples Never Fall and The Traitors, among others.
The pickups join a roster of scripted series at Peacock that also includes Apples Never Fall, Hysteria!, The Tattooist Of Auschwitz, Those About To Die, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, We Are Lady Parts, Teacup The Day of the Jackal...
- 2/14/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
One of the most successful cinematic universes in Hollywood doesn't have any superheroes, isn't set in outer space, and wasn't originally designed as a cinematic universe at all. James Wan's 2013 horror movie "The Conjuring" was made on a budget of just $20 million but became a stunning box office success, grossing more than $320 million worldwide. That success has since spawned a whole world of horror that includes not only two "Conjuring" sequels, but also the spin-off "Annabelle" trilogy, two "Nun" movies, and (tenuously) "The Curse of La Llorona."
A big part of what makes the "Conjuring" movies so frightening is their commitment to practical effects. The strangest supernatural feats are achieved using wire work, contortionists, and stunt performers, while monsters like the Nun and the Crooked Man are real actors in make-up.
Digital effects are used sparingly for certain scares where CGI is the best option (like the sheet scene...
A big part of what makes the "Conjuring" movies so frightening is their commitment to practical effects. The strangest supernatural feats are achieved using wire work, contortionists, and stunt performers, while monsters like the Nun and the Crooked Man are real actors in make-up.
Digital effects are used sparingly for certain scares where CGI is the best option (like the sheet scene...
- 2/13/2024
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
It makes sense that one of the most sadistic horror movie franchises of all time was inspired by the process of dealing with the healthcare system. In an interview with The Av Club timed to the release of "Saw 3D," writer and first film star Leigh Whannell spoke about the origins of Jigsaw, explaining that the idea for the killer came to him while he was waiting to get an Mri.
Whannell told the outlet that franchise co-creator James Wan came to him with an idea for the first film's beginning and end, but it was up to Whannell to flesh out the details surrounding the movie's major twist. "Basically the conundrum was, 'Okay, two people are stuck in a room, they've been put there by somebody. Who put them there and why?'" Whannell recalled. The answer came to him when he ended up stuck in a room, too -- but in his case,...
Whannell told the outlet that franchise co-creator James Wan came to him with an idea for the first film's beginning and end, but it was up to Whannell to flesh out the details surrounding the movie's major twist. "Basically the conundrum was, 'Okay, two people are stuck in a room, they've been put there by somebody. Who put them there and why?'" Whannell recalled. The answer came to him when he ended up stuck in a room, too -- but in his case,...
- 2/11/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
New Line’s The Conjuring movie series is coming back for one last ride. Or one last rite, as it were.
The project, operating currently under the simple title of The Conjuring 4, has been in the works since early last year but has finally landed on a director. And it’s a familiar visage.
Michael Chaves, who helmed the previous installment, 2021’s The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, is in negotiations to direct what is being eyed as the fourth and final outing. The move makes Chaves a true Conjuring Universe player as he also directed last year’s spinoff, The Nun II.
David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who co-wrote the third installment with franchise creator James Wan, penned the screenplay.
Wan is producing with Peter Safran.
Plot details are being kept six feet under but once again supernatural investigators Ed and Lorrain Warren will face creaky doors, shadows in the windows,...
The project, operating currently under the simple title of The Conjuring 4, has been in the works since early last year but has finally landed on a director. And it’s a familiar visage.
Michael Chaves, who helmed the previous installment, 2021’s The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, is in negotiations to direct what is being eyed as the fourth and final outing. The move makes Chaves a true Conjuring Universe player as he also directed last year’s spinoff, The Nun II.
David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who co-wrote the third installment with franchise creator James Wan, penned the screenplay.
Wan is producing with Peter Safran.
Plot details are being kept six feet under but once again supernatural investigators Ed and Lorrain Warren will face creaky doors, shadows in the windows,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom will be available to buy and rent next week with a 4K Uhd, Blu-ray and DVD release confirmed for March.
James Wan’s fishy superhero sequel Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom is available to buy and rent digitally 5th February.
However, you’ll have to wait until March if you’re keen on owning the film on 4K Uhd, Blu-ray and DVD. Those go on sale 18th March and you can conveniently pre-order your preferred format here.
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom has proved to be a bit of a dud for Warner Bros. The first film, which was released in 2018, grossed over a billion dollars and even cold-hearted critics seemed to enjoy Wan’s colourful under-the-sea adventure.
The sequel, however, has been plagued by controversy after controversy. There were reports of disastrous test screenings, multiple reshoots and Amber Heard’s role was reportedly scaled...
James Wan’s fishy superhero sequel Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom is available to buy and rent digitally 5th February.
However, you’ll have to wait until March if you’re keen on owning the film on 4K Uhd, Blu-ray and DVD. Those go on sale 18th March and you can conveniently pre-order your preferred format here.
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom has proved to be a bit of a dud for Warner Bros. The first film, which was released in 2018, grossed over a billion dollars and even cold-hearted critics seemed to enjoy Wan’s colourful under-the-sea adventure.
The sequel, however, has been plagued by controversy after controversy. There were reports of disastrous test screenings, multiple reshoots and Amber Heard’s role was reportedly scaled...
- 1/29/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Dive into the chilling world of horror with our top picks for the 10 must-watch horror movies streaming on Netflix in Winter 2024. From supernatural thrills to psychological chills, prepare to be spooked!
Forget about the winter wonderland; Netflix is turning up the chill with a lineup of horror movies that’ll have you huddling under your blankets, questioning every creak and whisper in your house. From demonic confrontations to unsettling mysteries, here’s your guide to a spine-tingling cinematic journey. So, let’s dive in, shall we? But beware, for these tales are not for the faint of heart.
Universal 10. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
Starting our countdown is the prequel that did what many thought impossible: turned a skeptical eye-roll at the idea of a Ouija board movie into a nod of respect. Set in 1967 Los Angeles, it follows a widow and her two daughters adding a new stunt to bolster their séance scam business,...
Forget about the winter wonderland; Netflix is turning up the chill with a lineup of horror movies that’ll have you huddling under your blankets, questioning every creak and whisper in your house. From demonic confrontations to unsettling mysteries, here’s your guide to a spine-tingling cinematic journey. So, let’s dive in, shall we? But beware, for these tales are not for the faint of heart.
Universal 10. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
Starting our countdown is the prequel that did what many thought impossible: turned a skeptical eye-roll at the idea of a Ouija board movie into a nod of respect. Set in 1967 Los Angeles, it follows a widow and her two daughters adding a new stunt to bolster their séance scam business,...
- 1/24/2024
- by Kimberley Elizabeth
Soon after the release of M3GAN back in January, it was announced that the team behind the film – Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and James Wan’s production company Atomic Monster – were aiming to replicate M3GAN‘s January theatrical success by setting a January 2024 release date for their supernatural thriller Night Swim. The movie reached theatres at the start of this month – and didn’t manage to go over as well or get as much attention as M3GAN did. While M3GAN earned over $180 million during its theatrical run, Night Swim has only pulled in about $37 million at this point. Now the movie is heading to the small screen, as it’s getting a VOD and digital release this week, on January 23rd. If you want to watch the movie in the comfort of your own home tomorrow, it will set you back $29.99 on Amazon.
Bryce McGuire wrote and directed Night Swim,...
Bryce McGuire wrote and directed Night Swim,...
- 1/22/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
This year’s first new theatrical release for the horror genre was Universal, Blumhouse and producer James Wan’s Night Swim, which we’ve learned is headed home this week.
Night Swim is available to rent or own on Digital tomorrow, January 23.
Direcred by Bryce McGuire, Night Swim was released into theaters on January 5, 2024. To date, the film has managed to scare up $36 million at the worldwide box office.
Meagan Navarro wrote in her review for Bd, “McGuire’s feature expansion [of his short film, also titled Night Swim] showcases more ways to mine terror from the aquatic concept, buoyed by a great cast, but a familiar formula and simplified mythology threaten to sink it all.”
Based on the acclaimed 2014 short film by Rod Blackhurst and Bryce McGuire, the film stars Wyatt Russell (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) as Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness,...
Night Swim is available to rent or own on Digital tomorrow, January 23.
Direcred by Bryce McGuire, Night Swim was released into theaters on January 5, 2024. To date, the film has managed to scare up $36 million at the worldwide box office.
Meagan Navarro wrote in her review for Bd, “McGuire’s feature expansion [of his short film, also titled Night Swim] showcases more ways to mine terror from the aquatic concept, buoyed by a great cast, but a familiar formula and simplified mythology threaten to sink it all.”
Based on the acclaimed 2014 short film by Rod Blackhurst and Bryce McGuire, the film stars Wyatt Russell (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) as Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness,...
- 1/22/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
David Gordon Green's "Halloween" trilogy made a lot of spooky coin for the folks at Blumhouse Productions, so it seemed like a no-brainer that the director would be the one to take the reins on a new trilogy of films based on "The Exorcist." The House that Blum Built spent a pretty penny obtaining the rights to the legendary horror film, which meant there was a lot riding on Dgg's first film, "The Exorcist: Believer," to prove this was a prime investment. While the film fortunately brought in over $137 million at the box office against a reported $30 million budget, this doesn't take into consideration the money spent on an aggressive marketing campaign, the astronomical amount they spent for the rights, and lackluster reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The future of the trilogy — with the follow-up film already titled "The Exorcist: Deceiver" — looked grim, but now it seems...
The future of the trilogy — with the follow-up film already titled "The Exorcist: Deceiver" — looked grim, but now it seems...
- 1/11/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Universal, Blumhouse and co-producer James Wan took us for a Night Swim in theaters over the weekend, with the Bryce McGuire-directed horror movie becoming the genre’s very first theatrical release of the new year. Was it a strong start for the horror genre, you ask?
Night Swim debuted in 3,250 theaters across the United States over the weekend, opening to $12 million domestically. Worldwide, the film scared up $17.6 million in its debut.
Here’s the day-to-day breakdown here in the United States:
Friday, January 5: $5,250,000 Saturday, January 6: $4,180,000 Sunday, January 7: $2,570,000
For the sake of comparison, Blumhouse’s M3GAN was released in January of last year, and the viral appeal of the title character drove the film to a $30 million domestic opening. Granted, nobody in their right mind expected Night Swim to perform the way M3GAN did.
Other recent Blumhouse releases and their domestic opening weekend totals include Five Nights at Freddy’s...
Night Swim debuted in 3,250 theaters across the United States over the weekend, opening to $12 million domestically. Worldwide, the film scared up $17.6 million in its debut.
Here’s the day-to-day breakdown here in the United States:
Friday, January 5: $5,250,000 Saturday, January 6: $4,180,000 Sunday, January 7: $2,570,000
For the sake of comparison, Blumhouse’s M3GAN was released in January of last year, and the viral appeal of the title character drove the film to a $30 million domestic opening. Granted, nobody in their right mind expected Night Swim to perform the way M3GAN did.
Other recent Blumhouse releases and their domestic opening weekend totals include Five Nights at Freddy’s...
- 1/8/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Night Swim is headed for a domestic opening of $12.5 million from 3,250 theaters, good enough for a second-place weekend finish behind Wonka.
The Universal movie, from horror maestros Jason Blum and James Wan, is the only new wide release this weekend as the post-holiday doldrums begin. The pic won the Friday race with $5.2 million, including $1.5 million in previews.
If estimates hold, Night Swim will come in slightly ahead of expectations despite scathing reviews and a C CinemaScore from audiences, although it won’t come anywhere near to matching the $30.4 million opening of Universal and Blumhouse’s M3GAN on the same weekend a year ago.
Directed by Bryce McGuire, Night Swim is adapted from a 2014 short film he made in collaboration with Rod Blackhurst. The 98-minute movie begins with flashback of a young girl who meets an unfortunate end when she attempts to retrieve a mysterious toy boat from her backyard swimming pool.
The Universal movie, from horror maestros Jason Blum and James Wan, is the only new wide release this weekend as the post-holiday doldrums begin. The pic won the Friday race with $5.2 million, including $1.5 million in previews.
If estimates hold, Night Swim will come in slightly ahead of expectations despite scathing reviews and a C CinemaScore from audiences, although it won’t come anywhere near to matching the $30.4 million opening of Universal and Blumhouse’s M3GAN on the same weekend a year ago.
Directed by Bryce McGuire, Night Swim is adapted from a 2014 short film he made in collaboration with Rod Blackhurst. The 98-minute movie begins with flashback of a young girl who meets an unfortunate end when she attempts to retrieve a mysterious toy boat from her backyard swimming pool.
- 1/6/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The high concept supernatural thriller Night Swim is out in theaters now, plunging a family into an aquatic nightmare thanks to a haunted swimming pool. It also happens to be based on a 2014 short film of the same name by Rod Blackhurst and Bryce McGuire, and you can watch it right now.
When speaking with McGuire ahead of Night Swim‘s theatrical release, the filmmaker said of the short’s inspiration, “The short was really just Rod Blackhurst and I hanging out in a pool one night and being like, ‘Remember when you were a kid, and you got freaked out because you couldn’t see the bottom anymore?’ And you thought that something was beneath you. It was like, ‘Yeah, I still feel that.’ Then, ‘Let’s see if we can capture that in a short amount of time, in a short format.’”
The 2014 short stars Megalyn Echikunwoke as Eve,...
When speaking with McGuire ahead of Night Swim‘s theatrical release, the filmmaker said of the short’s inspiration, “The short was really just Rod Blackhurst and I hanging out in a pool one night and being like, ‘Remember when you were a kid, and you got freaked out because you couldn’t see the bottom anymore?’ And you thought that something was beneath you. It was like, ‘Yeah, I still feel that.’ Then, ‘Let’s see if we can capture that in a short amount of time, in a short format.’”
The 2014 short stars Megalyn Echikunwoke as Eve,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
“Night Swim,” a supernatural thriller about a ghost-plagued pool, is attempting to start the 2024 box office with a splash.
The Universal Pictures film, which marks the year’s first nationwide release, is targeting a debut of $9 million to $11 million from 3,200 North American theaters. It’s a decent start for the $15 million-budgeted movie, which won’t face competition on the horror front until March’s haunted-teddy-bear-inspired “Imaginary.”
“Night Swim,” written and directed by Bryce McGuire and starring Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon, follows a family who finds out that an otherwordly presence haunts the backyard swimming pool in their new home. Reviews rarely correlate to ticket sales with horror, which is good because Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman criticized “Night Swim” as “too familiar and derivative — and too PG-13.”
January tends to be a box office dead zone, and 2024 may ignite at an especially glacial pace. That’s because...
The Universal Pictures film, which marks the year’s first nationwide release, is targeting a debut of $9 million to $11 million from 3,200 North American theaters. It’s a decent start for the $15 million-budgeted movie, which won’t face competition on the horror front until March’s haunted-teddy-bear-inspired “Imaginary.”
“Night Swim,” written and directed by Bryce McGuire and starring Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon, follows a family who finds out that an otherwordly presence haunts the backyard swimming pool in their new home. Reviews rarely correlate to ticket sales with horror, which is good because Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman criticized “Night Swim” as “too familiar and derivative — and too PG-13.”
January tends to be a box office dead zone, and 2024 may ignite at an especially glacial pace. That’s because...
- 1/4/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
A year ago, “M3GAN,” one of the snazziest films ever produced by Blumhouse Productions, was the exception to the rule of first-weekend-of-January trash thrillers. The movie was witty and shivery in a preposterous way, its robot-killer-doll scenario actually had a thing or two to say about AI, and it gave us the year’s most memorable android-girl dance meme — at least, until Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams danced with her hands to Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary.” But now, opening in the same junkyard weekend slot, we have another Blumhouse production, “Night Swim,” which restores a certain order to the cinematic universe by being as tepid and unscary as a proper early-in-January movie should be.
“Night Swim” is about a family that moves into a house with a swimming pool that’s haunted, and everything about the spirits that rule this pool — the ghost backstory, the greenish-brown sludge that oozes up from the drain,...
“Night Swim” is about a family that moves into a house with a swimming pool that’s haunted, and everything about the spirits that rule this pool — the ghost backstory, the greenish-brown sludge that oozes up from the drain,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Early last year, Jason Blum’s Blumhouse and James Wan’s Atomic Monster joined forces to cook up the clever killer doll horror movie M3GAN, a box office hit, and just this week announced their official merger to become the preeminent horror producer bringing together the brains behind some of the most successful films in the genre of the 21st century.
On the heels of the merger confirmation comes Night Swim. Unfortunately, this one is waterlogged, only proving that making a credible killer pool movie is not as easy as playing with dolls.
Based loosely on Rod Blackhurst and Bryce McGuire’s 2014 four-minute short about a woman who disappears into her movie after a spooky encounter in the backyard, that pair are now credited with the story for this feature adaptation, with a screenplay by McGuire who also directs. As it turns out four minutes was the right length for the idea,...
On the heels of the merger confirmation comes Night Swim. Unfortunately, this one is waterlogged, only proving that making a credible killer pool movie is not as easy as playing with dolls.
Based loosely on Rod Blackhurst and Bryce McGuire’s 2014 four-minute short about a woman who disappears into her movie after a spooky encounter in the backyard, that pair are now credited with the story for this feature adaptation, with a screenplay by McGuire who also directs. As it turns out four minutes was the right length for the idea,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood actress Amber Heard, who reprised her role of Mera in ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’, is pleased with the response to her work from the audience. The actress took to social media to acknowledge all the support she’s been receiving from fans who watched the DC Studios film, reports Deadline.
“After all this time, ‘Aquaman 2’ made its splash”, Amber posted on Instagram along with a series of photos from the set of the movie.
“Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s Aq return. Thank you so much”.
As per Deadline, Amber first played the role of Mera in 2017’s ‘Justice League’ before reprising her role in the ‘Aquaman’ film in 2018 directed by James Wan.
The Aquaman sequel directed by Wan from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick was released on December 22, 2023.
‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ picks up several...
“After all this time, ‘Aquaman 2’ made its splash”, Amber posted on Instagram along with a series of photos from the set of the movie.
“Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s Aq return. Thank you so much”.
As per Deadline, Amber first played the role of Mera in 2017’s ‘Justice League’ before reprising her role in the ‘Aquaman’ film in 2018 directed by James Wan.
The Aquaman sequel directed by Wan from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick was released on December 22, 2023.
‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ picks up several...
- 1/4/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Amber Heard reprised her role of Mera in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The actress took to social media to acknowledge all the support she’s been receiving from fans who watched the DC Studios film.
“After all this time, Aquaman 2 made its splash,” Heard posted on Instagram along with a series of photos from the set of the movie. “Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s Aq return. Thank you so much.”
Heard first played the role of Mera in 2017’s Justice League before reprising her role in the Aquaman film in 2018 directed by James Wan.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Amber Heard (@amberheard)
The Aquaman sequel directed by Wan from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick was released on Dec. 22, 2023. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom picks up several years after...
“After all this time, Aquaman 2 made its splash,” Heard posted on Instagram along with a series of photos from the set of the movie. “Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s Aq return. Thank you so much.”
Heard first played the role of Mera in 2017’s Justice League before reprising her role in the Aquaman film in 2018 directed by James Wan.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Amber Heard (@amberheard)
The Aquaman sequel directed by Wan from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick was released on Dec. 22, 2023. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom picks up several years after...
- 1/3/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Amber Heard played Mera in the first Aquaman movie, but when it came time for the sequel, her role was greatly reduced. Nonetheless, the actress took to Instagram to thank fans for their love and support, along with a few behind-the-scenes photos from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Amber Heard (@amberheard)
“After all this time, Aquaman 2 made its splash,” wrote Heard. “Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s Aq return. Thank you so much.“
Although Mera did have a part to play in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, she was largely shoved to the side so that Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Orm (Patrick Wilson) could join forces. Amber Heard has claimed that Warner Bros. didn’t want to include her in the sequel due to the legal drama surrounding her divorce from Johnny Depp,...
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Amber Heard (@amberheard)
“After all this time, Aquaman 2 made its splash,” wrote Heard. “Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s Aq return. Thank you so much.“
Although Mera did have a part to play in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, she was largely shoved to the side so that Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Orm (Patrick Wilson) could join forces. Amber Heard has claimed that Warner Bros. didn’t want to include her in the sequel due to the legal drama surrounding her divorce from Johnny Depp,...
- 1/3/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Amber Heard resurfaced on Instagram on Wednesday to thank Aquaman fans for their “overwhelming support.”
In her first Instagram post since June 2023, Heard wrote: “After all this time, ‘Aquaman 2’ made its splash Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s Aq return. Thank you so much.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Amber Heard (@amberheard)
Heard also posted an Instagram story thanking the stunt team, followed by behind-the-scenes footage of her training.
In the 2023 sequel film to 2018’s “Aquaman,” Heard returns to her role as the character Mera, acting alongside Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Nicole Kidman.
Heard has a small role with just 11 lines in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Her limited screen time has sparked discussion, given her widely publicized legal troubles with ex-husband Johnny Depp.
A 2019 petition urging the producers to...
In her first Instagram post since June 2023, Heard wrote: “After all this time, ‘Aquaman 2’ made its splash Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s Aq return. Thank you so much.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Amber Heard (@amberheard)
Heard also posted an Instagram story thanking the stunt team, followed by behind-the-scenes footage of her training.
In the 2023 sequel film to 2018’s “Aquaman,” Heard returns to her role as the character Mera, acting alongside Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Nicole Kidman.
Heard has a small role with just 11 lines in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Her limited screen time has sparked discussion, given her widely publicized legal troubles with ex-husband Johnny Depp.
A 2019 petition urging the producers to...
- 1/3/2024
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Amber Heard posted to Instagram some behind-the-scenes photos from the making of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” and thanked fans for supporting her return to the comic book franchise as Mera. The post is notable considering that Heard claimed in court during her 2022 defamation trial involving Johnny Depp that Warner Bros. “didn’t want to include me” in the “Aquaman” sequel due to the fallout from her divorce from Depp. She said her role in the sequel was “pared down” and action scenes were “taken away” as a result.
“After all this time, ‘Aquaman 2’ made its splash,” Heard wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s [‘Aquaman’] return. Thank you so much.”
Heard did not do much press for “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” nor did other stars in the film such as Nicole Kidman and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II....
“After all this time, ‘Aquaman 2’ made its splash,” Heard wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s [‘Aquaman’] return. Thank you so much.”
Heard did not do much press for “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” nor did other stars in the film such as Nicole Kidman and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II....
- 1/3/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
As mentioned in last week’s preview, the month of January is probably going to be a bit quieter with not that many big movies, as theatergoers mainly will be catching up on holiday and Oscar fare. We do have one new wide release this weekend, though. Read on for Gold Derby’s box office preview.
Jason Blum‘s Blumhouse and James Wan‘s Atomic Monster had such a huge hit when Universal released their horror film “M3GAN” the first week of January in 2023, that the same team has reunited for this weekend’s new high-concept entry, “Night Swim.”
Starring Wyatt Russell (“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”) and Oscar nominee Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), the film involves a family buying a new suburban home with a swimming pool that seems to have healing properties, but only at first. After a few days, the family realizes that there’s something...
Jason Blum‘s Blumhouse and James Wan‘s Atomic Monster had such a huge hit when Universal released their horror film “M3GAN” the first week of January in 2023, that the same team has reunited for this weekend’s new high-concept entry, “Night Swim.”
Starring Wyatt Russell (“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters”) and Oscar nominee Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin”), the film involves a family buying a new suburban home with a swimming pool that seems to have healing properties, but only at first. After a few days, the family realizes that there’s something...
- 1/3/2024
- by Edward Douglas
- Gold Derby
Soon after the release of M3GAN back in January, it was announced that the team behind the film – Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and James Wan’s production company Atomic Monster – were aiming to replicate M3GAN‘s January theatrical success by setting a January 2024 release date for their supernatural thriller Night Swim. That film’s January 5th theatrical release date is nearly upon us now, and in the build-up to that date Universal has been promoting it with the release of multiple featurettes. We have a new one in the embed above, and it gives a look at the film’s underwater photography and pool party possession. Check it out!
Bryce McGuire has written and directed Night Swim, which is based on a short film he made with Rod Blackhurst back in 2014. The feature version of the story is built around the hidden source of terror found in an iconic backyard swimming pool.
Bryce McGuire has written and directed Night Swim, which is based on a short film he made with Rod Blackhurst back in 2014. The feature version of the story is built around the hidden source of terror found in an iconic backyard swimming pool.
- 1/3/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Nearly fourteen months have gone by since it was announced that M3GAN and Insidious franchise collaborators Jason Blum and James Wan were planning to merge their production companies Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster. Now The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that the merger deal has finally closed and Blum celebrated the merge with an X post where he said, “Our deal is …. Done. Blumhouse and Atomic Monster have officially joined forces. The preeminent homes for horror are now under one roof!“
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Blumhouse and Atomic Monster will work as separate labels and retain creative independence, with a three-way ownership structure split by Blum, the majority owner; Wan; and Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal.“
When we first heard about the merger, Blum said it would work out well because “James is probably 70 to 80 percent artist and 30 to 20 percent business person, and I am the reverse.” Wan added,...
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Blumhouse and Atomic Monster will work as separate labels and retain creative independence, with a three-way ownership structure split by Blum, the majority owner; Wan; and Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal.“
When we first heard about the merger, Blum said it would work out well because “James is probably 70 to 80 percent artist and 30 to 20 percent business person, and I am the reverse.” Wan added,...
- 1/3/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
"I want to play a game." These words carry spine-chilling weight in the "Saw" franchise, always succeeded by a set of rules for an impossible death trap that needs to be evaded within a time limit. Over the course of 10 movies, and the 7-minute short that started it all, the "Saw" franchise has ballooned into an unforgettable phenomenon that consistently deepens the mythos surrounding John Kramer/Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), while the traps become more hellish and elaborate.
Call them splatter films, or twisted psychological horror with ample gore, the entries within the "Saw" franchise have always prided themselves on their twist endings, which often re-contextualize how their stories are perceived in the first place. James Wan's directorial feature debut, "Saw," kickstarted this convention without foreknowledge of its legacy by ending on a horrifyingly memorable beat that is still widely discussed and debated.
When "Saw" was originally released in 2004, it...
Call them splatter films, or twisted psychological horror with ample gore, the entries within the "Saw" franchise have always prided themselves on their twist endings, which often re-contextualize how their stories are perceived in the first place. James Wan's directorial feature debut, "Saw," kickstarted this convention without foreknowledge of its legacy by ending on a horrifyingly memorable beat that is still widely discussed and debated.
When "Saw" was originally released in 2004, it...
- 12/12/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Male objectification hasn’t played that much of a role in the history of cinema. I mean, compared to the fairer sex, we haven’t seen many films where the physical appeal of a man has been put at the forefront and used as a storytelling tool. Netflix’s latest Thai drama, titled Doi Boy, does exactly that. Directed by Nontawat Numbenchapol, Doi Boy chronicles the journey of this young ethnic Shan man, named Sorn, in a world of sex, lies, scheming, and tenderness. In the neon-drenched city of Chiang Mai, Sorn struggles to make ends meet. He is an undocumented refugee from the land of Myanmar, so it is not possible for him to get a proper job in Thailand. As a result, he ends up turning himself into a Doi Boy, which basically means a male prostitute. The work keeps Sorn afloat, and he discovers a sense of belonging.
- 11/25/2023
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
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