(Left) Chris Hemsworth at the Comic-Con 2022 ‘Transformers One’ presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures. (Right) Prince Charming in 1950’s ‘Cinderella’. Photo: Walt Disney Pictures.
Preview:
Chris Hemsworth’s in talks for Disney’s ‘Prince Charming.’
‘Paddington’s Paul King is on to direct the new movie about the character.
Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker are co-writing the script.
There was no talk of potential casting in that original report, but The InSneider’s Jeff Sneider has heard that the movie is attracting attention from someone with experience in the fairy tale realm –– and no, we don’t mean Asgard.
Chris Hemsworth, whose rose to fame as Marvel’s Thor (and is still looking to make future movies in the MCU) is in talks to play the title role.
(L to R) Lily James and Richard Madden in ‘Cinderella’. Photo: Walt Disney Studios.
That’s the big question at this point –– Charming rarely has much of his own story, usually being found as the romantic interest for the likes of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, though his real origin lies in ‘Cinderella.’
When King was originally reported as considering it for his next directing gig, it was made clear that this won’t necessarily tie into any of the fairy tales in which versions of the character have appeared, though we’d be surprised if there weren’t at least references to his cinematic/fictional history.
And there is also talk that this may end up going the animated route, though live-action would seem to make more sense given Disney’s drive to convert its entire cartoon back catalogue to live-action fantasy films.
Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime) stars in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
Hemsworth was most recently seen –– okay, heard –– in another fresh take on a classic character, voicing Orion Pax (AKA Optimus Prime) in ‘Transformers One.’
Further ahead, there are rumors he’ll be seen in the ‘Transformers’/‘G.I. Joe’ live-action/CG crossover film and is attached to play Hulk Hogan in a biopic of the wrestler.
When would the new ‘Prince Charming’ be in theaters?
Even with its history of cranking out these live-action movies, Disney has yet to announce a release date for –– or even confirm the new status of –– the Prince Charming movie.
Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime) stars in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
The ‘Transformers‘ franchise has grossed over $4.5 billion at the box office!
With eight previous films including live-action and animated movies, as well as the spinoff ‘Bumblebee,’ Transformers is now the 14th most highest grossing franchise in film history.
The ninth movie in the franchise, the CG-animated ‘Transformers One‘ rolls into theaters on September 20th. In honor of the new film, Moviefone is counting down every Transformers movie ever made, including live-action, animation and spinoffs.
Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’. Photo: Paramount.
Autobots and Decepticons are at war, with humans on the sidelines. Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of Transformers on Earth.
(L to R) Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf in ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.’ Photo: Paramount.
Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) leaves the Autobots behind for a normal life. But when his mind is filled with cryptic symbols, the Decepticons target him and he is dragged back into the Transformers’ war.
Mark Wahlberg in ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’. Photo: Paramount.
As humanity picks up the pieces, following the conclusion of “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” Autobots and Decepticons have all but vanished from the face of the planet. However, a group of powerful, ingenious businessman and scientists attempt to learn from past Transformer incursions and push the boundaries of technology beyond what they can control – all while an ancient, powerful Transformer menace sets Earth in his cross-hairs.
Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’. Photo: Paramount.
The Autobots continue to work for NEST, now no longer in secret. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.
2023’s ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. Photo: Paramount.
Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new faction of Transformers – the Maximals – to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth. The movie is directed by Steven Caple Jr. (‘Creed II‘) and stars Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback.
Megatron in ‘Transformers: The Movie’. Photo: De Laurentiis Entertainment Group.
The Autobots must stop a colossal planet-consuming robot who goes after the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. At the same time, they must defend themselves against an all-out attack from the Decepticons in this animated feature film.
Hailee Steinfeld in ‘Bumblebee’. Photo: Paramount.
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary yellow VW bug.
(L to R) Brian Tyree Henry (D-16/Megatron), Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1), Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime) and Keegan-Michael Key (B-127), star in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
‘Transformers One’ is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry), better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.
(L to R) Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf in ‘Transformers.’ Photo: Paramount.
Young teenager Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) becomes involved in the ancient struggle between two extraterrestrial factions of transforming robots – the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons. Sam holds the clue to unimaginable power and the Decepticons will stop at nothing to retrieve it.
(L to R) Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime), left, and Brian Tyree Henry (D-16/Megatron) star in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
Opening in theaters on September 20th, ‘Transformers One’ winds the clock further back than the usual ‘Transformers’ movies to focus on what happened before Optimus Prime and Megatron –– the respective leaders of the Autobot and Decepticon forces –– assumed those roles.
Plenty of ‘Transformers’ fans who were kids in the 1980s will have fond memories of ‘Transformers: The Movie’ And while the franchise has, in the years since Michael Bay launched the live-action/CG series of movies, varied greatly in quality, the key to success here appears is in returning the story to its animated roots.
Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime) stars in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
Prequel stories are always an uphill struggle. You’re balancing audience expectation –– since we already know that at least one of the characters will survive to go on and have further adventures, so where’s the sense of jeopardy? –– and those who would complain that turning back the clock to the early days of established characters is a form of creative bankruptcy. After all, does anyone really need to know how Darth Vader ended up in that iconic suit, no matter the tease about his past offered in the original ‘Star Wars’? And you risk being accused of cheapening stories that people love.
Spare a thought, then for the team behind ‘Transformers One,’ who have found way to take very recognizable franchise archetypes and give them a welcome coming-of-age twist. Did you ever think that Optimus Prime and Megatron might have been buddies way back before they were enemies? No? Well, the new movie is here to show you why that works as a story.
Script and Direction
(L to R) Brian Tyree Henry (D-16/Megatron), Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1), Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime) and Keegan-Michael Key (B-127), star in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
The script here originated –– at least, according to the credits –– with Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari (who have the likes of ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp,’ ‘Die in a Gunfight’ and ‘Haunt’ on their shared resumes) and was then worked on by Eric Pearson (who contributed to such movies as ‘Black Widow,’ ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong‘). And since director Josh Cooley is a graduate of Pixar (he oversaw ‘Toy Story 4’) you’ve got to figure he had a hand in tuning the story too.
Together, the writers have put together something that is vital, entertaining and energetic (energon-etic, perhaps?) fusing the tropes of young men finding their way in the world with some of the unexplored lore of the planet Cybertron, home to the Transformers.
Perhaps more importantly, they’ve come up with credible explanations for why and how Optimus Prime and Megatron became the leaders that they did (for good and ill), and what sparked their ongoing conflict, one that spilled over to our planet.
The dialogue is witty and fun for kids, but also works for older fans who grew up with these characters. Yes, there will be those who question quite how human these robots feel, but the Transformers have always had relatable human characteristics.
Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime) stars in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
Perhaps the biggest issue –– and one the creative team is mostly able to overcome –– is that this new movie represents just the latest example of the hero’s journey/find the MacGuffin journey story to hit screens. That in itself has sunk many a film that doesn’t do anything fresh or new with those age-old concepts, but here Cooley and co. find a way to graft on entertaining layers while following familiar paths.
On the visual front, the movie (with animation chiefly crafted by Industrial Light and Magic) might not challenge the best of Pixar or DreamWorks for sheer quality, style and depth, but it’s impressive enough, particularly when it ventures onto the surface of Cybertron.
Plus, while some of the fight scenes verge into the over-frenetic, there’s enough logic behind them that you won’t end up rubbing your eyes at all the CG clashes on display.
Performances
The vocal cast for the movie all does good work, with a few highlights:
Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax/Optimus Prime) stars in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
The biggest issue legacy fans of the franchise may have is in the movie replacing Peter Cullen, long the voice of Optimus Prime on the big screen. But it helps to remember that this is Prime before he was Prime. Orion Pax is a garrulous ambitious, sometimes irresponsible type who has dreams of being more than the mining worker he’s seemingly destined to be. In Hemsworth’s hands –– well, vocal chords –– he’s an enthusiastic, likeable presence and you can see how he ends up as the character we know.
Brian Tyree Henry (D-16/Megatron) stars in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
Likewise, Henry might not have quite the vocal power of Frank Welker (Megatron’s traditional performer), but D-16 never needed to start out as the scheming, power-hungry Decepticon of the cartoons and (some of) the live-action movies. Here, he’s more subdued and thoughtful, a good friend to Orion and willing to go along with his ideas at least until they reach a true dividing point.
Keegan-Michael Key (B-127) stars in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
Key is a proven comic performer and playing the robot who will become Bumblebee feels like the perfect role for him in the movie. He’s a chatty sort, desperate for friends (so desperate that we meet the ones he has built at one funny moment paid off in a mid-credits sting) and eager to tag along with Orion and the rest. Cooley and co. find a way to utilize his comic relief without it becoming annoying.
Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1) stars in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
Johansson has perhaps less to do than the others, but she’s still fun, offering a no-nonsense foil to Orion in particular and giving the world’s least encouraging pep talk at one point.
Supporting Cast
(L to R) Keegan-Michael Key (B-127), Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1), Brian Tyree Henry (D-16), Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax) star in Paramount Animation and Hasbro Present In Association with New Republic Pictures a di Bonaventua Pictures Production a Tom Desanto / Don Murphy Production a Bay Films Production ‘Transformers One’.
The cast around the leads is peppered with strong performances –– Laurence Fishburne slips easily into Morpheus mode when dishing out gobs of exposition about the hidden history of Cybertron, and helping our heroes find their new path(s). Jon Hamm, meanwhile, is the feted Sentinel Prime, the powerful leader of Cybertron whose has the planet’s best interests at heart… or does he? Hamm’s not called upon to do much more than be heroic and then something less than that, but he does it well.
Final Thoughts
‘Transformers One’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
‘Transformers One’ should prove entertaining to those who grew up playing with the action figures or watching the cartoons and the generations that have embraced the Autobots and Decepticons since then. It’s not a perfect film, with a few gaps of logic and one or two cliches still lurking, but it’s easily one of the best movies to feature the characters, and never needs human interaction to keep it grounded.
The new ‘Transformers’ animated movie has the touch. It also has the power.
‘Transformers One’ receives 9 out of 10 stars.
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What’s the plot of ‘Transformers One’?
The film depicts the origins and early relationship of Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry) and how they forever changed the fate of Cybertron, the home planet of the Transformers.
Moviefone has compiled a list of the most anticipated movies opening in theaters and/or streaming from September to December of 2024, which not only includes major studio releases but also smaller independent films that you won’t want to miss.
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(L to R) Peter Dinklage in ‘The Thicket’. Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Films.
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James McAvoy in ‘Speak No Evil.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.
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Director Susanna Fogel’s ‘Winner’. Photo: Vertical.
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Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime (Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (Brian Tyree Henry), better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.
Halle Berry as Momma in ‘Never Let Go’. Photo Credit: Liane Hentscher.
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Director Thordur Palsson’s ‘The Damned’. Photo: Vertical.
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Paul Mescal plays Lucius in ‘Gladiator II’ from Paramount Pictures.
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Kraven the Hunter is the visceral, action-packed origin story of how and why one of Marvel’s most iconic villains came to be. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Kraven, a man whose complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.
Shadow (Keanu Reeves) in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ from Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc.
Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba), and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow (Keanu Reeves), a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.
Rafiki (John Kani) relays the legend of Mufasa (Aaron Pierre) to lion cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter), daughter of Simba (Donald Glover) and Nala (Beyoncé). Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) —the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion a journey of misfits searching for their destiny and working together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.
Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’ is a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.
The ‘Transformers One’ Panel at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con featured casting news about Laurence Fishburne and Steve Buscemi.
Chris Hemsworth and Tyree Henry are among the leads.
‘Toy Story 4’ director Josh Cooley made the new movie.
While this year’s outing of the San Diego Comic-Con has so far proved to be a relatively quiet one (at least until the likes of Marvel show up to offer tantalizing news tidbits), there was some new information about an animated movie that is garnering some positive buzz off the back of early screenings: ‘Transformers One’.
(L to R) Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Hemsworth and Bryan Tyree Henry at the Comic-Con 2022 ‘Transformers One’ presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
It kicked off one of the early presentation panels, and the actors (minus Johansson, who was busy on the new ‘Jurassic World’ film) were on hand alongside director Josh Cooley (‘Toy Story 4’) and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura to debut some fresh footage and provide some new insight into the movie.
And the panel also offered up the latest trailer, which you can watch above.
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What’s the story of ‘Transformers One’?
‘Transformers One’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
The new movie is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.
Hemsworth voices Orion Pax, who will become Autobot leader Optimus Prime, while Henry is D-16, the future Megatron. Key plays B-127, a chatty ‘bot who’ll later be known as Bumblebee, and Johansson is Elita-1.
What did we learn about the ‘Transformers One’ cast?
(Left) Jon Hamm as Vice Admiral Beau “Cyclone” Simpson in ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures. (Center) Laurence Fishburne in ‘Clipped’. Photo: FX. (Right) Steve Buscemi in ‘Boardwalk Empire’. Photo: HBO Entertainment.
The panel included word (or rather, confirmation) that Jon Hamm is playing Cybertron leader Sentinel Prime, with Laurence Fishburne taking the Morpheus-alike role of Alpha Prion.
Perhaps the biggest revelation was word that Steve Buscemi voices Starscream, who we know will become one of Megatron’s (usually) loyal lieutenants. In ‘Transformers One’, they’re in opposition, with Starscream proclaiming that “the idea of a unified Cybertron is a myth” –– though it’s clear D-16 is starting to have doubts about his alliances.
Chris Hemsworth at the Comic-Con 2022 ‘Transformers One’ presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Among the panel highlights were funny moments, including Hemsworth remarking that he and Henry –– who never shared a recording booth –– prepped to play best friends by sleeping in bunk beds.
Key, meanwhile (whose character is the comic relief for the movie), looked to lead the Hall H audience in a rendition of the ‘Transformers’ cartoon theme tune, only to find few takers. “Good, now we know who’s over 40,” he quipped.
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura at the Comic-Con 2022 ‘Transformers One’ presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
This is what producer di Bonaventura had to say about the advantages of animation for a Transformers movie:
“If we did this as a live-action movie, it would probably cost $500M. What has been tricky in live-action is that every time a robot talks, it costs a lot of money. In animation, you can have them build out their character.”
And for Cooley, it was a chance to dig into the characters lore.
“Hasbro gave me the bible of ‘Transformers’, this Tolkien-length history –– so much to play with, a huge sandbox –– I wanted the feeling of what it was like to play with the toys as a kid, that feeling of nostalgia and joy trying to make these things work.”
When will ‘Transformers One’ be in theaters?
‘Transformers One’ will be released on September 20th.
(L to R) Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Keegan-Michael Key, Chris Hemsworth, director Josh Cooley and Bryan Tyree Henry at the Comic-Con 2022 ‘Transformers One’ presentation. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Transformers’ Franchise:
(Left) Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers’. Photo: Paramount Pictures. (Center) Chris Hemsworth in ‘Spiderhead.’ Photo: Netflix. (Right) Ray Park as Snake Eyes in ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Preview:
Chris Hemsworth is in talks for Paramount’s Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover.
The storyline is unknown for now.
The concept was set up at the end of last year’s ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’.
Its own future might still be up in the air as corporate suitors continue to circle, but Paramount is pressing on with exploring its big characters and concepts.
According to Deadline, the company has a star circling a lead role, as Chris Hemsworth is in talks to join the film. The actor is already involved with at least one side of this duo, since he’s the voice of Orion Pax –– the robot who will become Optimus Prime –– in this year’s animated ‘Transformers One’.
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What’s the story of the Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover?
(Left) ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ rolls out into theaters on June 9th. (Right) Ray Park, Rachel Nichols and Saïd Taghmaoui in ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Right now, Paramount has not released any plot details about how the two universes will connect. There is precedent in comic books and, as mentioned, the end of last year’s ‘Transformers’ outing dropped a big hint, as Anthony Ramos’ Noah Diaz, having helped the Autobots and Maximals save the Earth, is introduced to a mysterious man named Agent Burke, played by Michael Kelly, who gives him a business card bearing the Joes’ logo.
“Noah goes from somebody who cannot get a job, to a guy who gets the greatest job ever. It really felt organic to put it in here because you could relate it to the story. It didn’t feel like we were being cynical and like, ‘Good news, we could just jam G.I. Joes in here.’ The fans want a lot of things; if we do it and we don’t figure it out well, they’re going to be disappointed. It took us a while to figure out the Maximals, and now we have the hint of how to begin the Joes story.”
For now, Hemsworth’s role is unknown. Nor do we know whether anyone from the previous ‘G.I. Joe’ movies will carry over to this one or whether this will mark a chance to reset the storyline.
Who is making the ‘Transformers’/‘G.I. Joe’ crossover?
Director Steven Caple Jr. on the set of ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.
While Steven Caple Jr. directed ‘Rise of the Beasts’ (and was one of the driving forces behind introducing the Joes to the onscreen ‘Transformers’ universe), no mention is made in the story about Hemsworth’s casting about who will direct or write the new movie.
All we know at this point is that di Bonaventura is back to produce alongside Mark Vahradian, Michael Bay, Tom DeSanto and Don Murphy. Steven Spielberg and Hasbro Entertainment will be executive producers.
(L to R) Arcee and Wheeljack in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Paramount Pictures and Skydance Present in association with Hasbro and New Republic Pictures, a di Bonaventura Pictures Production, a Tom Desanto /Don Murphy Production, a Bay Films Production.
Other Movies in the ‘Transformers’ and ‘G.I. Joe’ Franchises:
(L to R) Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Joseph Quinn as “Eric” in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Preview:
Paramount revealed a lot of news on future movies at its CinemaCon Presentation.
Other movies highlighted included ‘Transformers One’ and ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’.
Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator 2’ provided the big finish.
Paramount had a solid if uninspiring 2023, including a disappointing result for the oft-delayed ‘Mission: Impossible –– Dead Reckoning Part 1’ (which suffered in competition, particularly for IMAX screens, against ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’). But’s best not to bet against Tom Cruise, who will no doubt be doing something to promote the next ‘Mission’ (odds are good we’ll learn the new title). Still, the more recent likes of ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ were reasons to be grateful, even as talk of the studio being up for sale continues to swirl.
Even before the presentation proper kicked off, there was news of new movies in the works. The studio is developing a reboot of the ‘Scary Movie’ spoof franchise to shoot this year for release next year via Paramount’s Miramax subsidiary.
And while a sequel to last year’s family friendly ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ is moving forward, the company also intends to go in a more grown-up direction with a new live-action ‘Turtles’ offering called ‘The Last Ronin’ that will adapt a dark comic book tale set in a totalitarian New York where Shredder’s grandson has employed artificial ninjas to slaughter all but one of the Turtles. The lone survivor swears vengeance. So… yes, definitely a less kid-centric take on the characters, and one that feels even closer to the black and white origins of the story. That one will be produced by former DC movie boss Walter Hamada, who has a multi-year deal with Paramount and ‘Boy Kills World’ writer Tyler Burton Smith is on script duty.
(L to R) April O’Neil, Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo in Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies in a Point Grey Production ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.’
After a glitch with the opening reel (effectively a tour of the Paramount lot), the presentation commenced with another highlighting Paramount’s considerable movie history and spotlighting successes such as ‘Sonic’, ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘TMNT: Mutant Mayhem’.
And, as suspected, the world of ‘Gladiator’ is a focus, as Roman soldiers stride on to the stage to shepherd the executives. Will those who backed unsuccessful movies have to battle lions? Doubt it, but… would watch.
First up to tout two very different movies is one John Krasinski, who is appearing via video from London. He talks first about…
(L to R) Cailey Fleming and Blue star in Paramount Pictures’ ‘IF.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.
As Krasinski (who wrote and directed this one) explains, ‘IF’ posits a world where everything kinds imagine is real –– and some imaginary friends are looking to find their humans again (or be connected with new ones).
It has Ryan Reynolds starring, a stacked celebrity voice cast and leans heavily into the Pixar style of movie making.
He cues up the final trailer for the film, which you can see here:
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‘IF’ is in theaters May 17th.
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Krasinski also mentioned ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’, but more on that later…
Paramount Presentation: Other News
The Bee Gees in ‘The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.’ Photo: HBO.
In between teases for this year’s releases, there were more news announcements, including confirmation of a ‘Transformers’ and ‘G.I. Joe’ crossover movie, Edgar Wright landing Glen Powell to star in his new take on Stephen King’s ‘The Running Man’, Ridley Scott officially boarding the Bee Gees musical biopic and Damien Chazelle seemingly handed a second chance after the floptastic ‘Babylon’, getting ready to shoot his next movie this year for the studio, with a release planned for 2025.
Also touted? ‘South Park’ duo Trey Parker and Matt Stone are working on a new, live-action comedy musical with Kendrick Lamar, which will debut on July 4 next year.
With the title very much back in the public consciousness thanks to the Netflix live-action show, Paramount has the likes of Dave Bautista and Eric Nam lending their voices to what is currently title ‘Aang: The Last Airbender’, with Bautista playing a villain. The movie will be in theaters on October 10th next year.
In fact, lots of future slate info dropped, including that the next ‘Star Trek’ movie (whichever it might be from the various options) and the new, Seth MacFarlane produced ‘Naked Gun’ with Liam Neeson starring, will both also arrive next year.
Oh, and if you, like us, had “next Mission movie title announcement” on your bingo card, no scratching it off –– there was a mention of it, but zero footage and no word on title.
Following a video introduction from Johansson, Hemsworth (who, if we’re honest, was already in Vegas because of the Warners presentation) arrived on stage to talk up the film. He voices Optimus Prime, with Brian Tyree Henry (who joined him at the event) as Megatron.
From the looks of the footage, the tone is aiming for more of a family adventure style, leaning closer to comedy than the live-action/CG movies. And it’s an origin story for many of the characters we love, with Keegan-Michael Key voicing Bumblebee.
Along with a trailer, a first clip screened –– in 3D, no less –– to wide approval for its epic scale and comedy value.
(L to R) Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Djimon Hounsou as “Henri” in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ from Paramount Pictures. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Stars Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn were on hand to debut an extended trailer for the thriller prequel showing how the scary creatures first arrived and began to terrorize New York. As the previous trailer hinted, this one will see devastation, fear and, ultimately… quiet.
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ heads to theaters on June 28th.
Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Given that Sonic and pals have become one of the biggest recent franchises for the studio (even extending to the upcoming ‘Knuckles’ series), it’s almost surprising how low key the talk of the new movie was.
The studio team just showed a trailer, which went heavily on Jim Carrey’s villainous, maniacal Dr. Robotnik and introduced Shadow the Hedgehog.
‘Sonic The Hedgehog 3’ is racing into theaters on December 20th.
Caitlin Stasey in Paramount Pictures Presents in Association with Paramount Players A Temple Hill Production ‘Smile.’
A follow-up to the 2022 horror sleeper hit, the new movie will see a Lady Gaga-esque pop star confronted by smile-affected people around a concert venue.
(Right) Russell Crowe in director Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator.’
Sir Ridley Scott appears on screen from London (where he’s still finishing post-production on the movie), to hype his return to the world of ‘Gladiator’.
It might be unfinished, but that didn’t stop Scott unleashing a five-minute look at the movie.
“I remember that day. I never forgot it. That a slave could take revenge against an emperor,” says Paul Mescal’s Lucius. A boat battle is seen taking place in the Colosseum. Paul Mescal and other Gladiators fight vicious monkeys. “Rage is your gift,” Denzel Washington tells Mescal. Washington and Pedro Pascal watch on as Mescal fights a rhinoceros. The footage ends with a brutal fight between Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal.
Are we not entertained? Yes, we were entertained. Though animal rights activists and worried Pedro Pascal fans might think differently.
‘Gladiator II’ returns to the theatrical arena on November 22nd.
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Director John Krasinski on the set of Paramount Pictures’ ‘IF.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.
