Paramount Pictures is embarking on a significant overhaul of its 2025 release schedule, signaling a proactive approach to adapt to the ever-evolving cinematic landscape. Among the most anticipated projects is Edgar Wright’s much-discussed reboot of *The Running Man*, featuring Glen Powell, which is now slotted for release on November 21, just before the Thanksgiving holiday. This timing underlines Paramount’s intent to capture the attention of holiday audiences amidst fierce competition, as the film is set to vie for box office ticket sales against noteworthy contenders such as *Wicked: Part Two* and David from Angel Studios, in addition to a mystery event film from Warner Bros.
In a move that indicates Paramount’s aspirations for award recognition, the film initially set to premiere on November 27 has now been repositioned as a limited release on November 29, with an expansion planned for December 13. This strategic decision comes after its favorable reception at esteemed film festivals, Venice and Telluride, showcasing Paramount’s confidence in the project helmed by Tim Fehlbaum. The movie, which delves into the traumatic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics, features a talented ensemble cast including Peter Sarsgaard and John Magaro, presenting an opportunity for critical acclaim during a prime viewing season.
Simultaneously, the horror genre is getting a new lease on life with the announcement that Bryan Bertino’s film *Vicious* is moving up to February 28, 2025. Star-studded with names like Dakota Fanning and Kathryn Hunter, this shift reflects Paramount’s understanding of market readiness and audience anticipation. The film’s gripping premise, involving a woman’s desperate struggle for survival, is indicative of a growing trend in horror where psychological thrills often resonate better with audiences. The film will release alongside other notable features, such as *Last Breath*, starring Simu Liu and Woody Harrelson, indicating a crowded yet exciting February.
Shifting gears, Paramount is also making strategic choices in its animated offerings with the Smurfs musical set for a summer 2025 release on July 18. This decision to move from a Valentine’s Day spot highlights the studio’s intent to target family audiences during the peak summer movie season. The vocal cast comprising talents like Rihanna and James Corden promises to elevate the film’s appeal, indicating Paramount’s commitment to providing quality family entertainment. Notably, this date will also see competition from Sony’s reimagining of *I Know What You Did Last Summer*, intensifying the box office battle during a traditional season for animated features.
Moreover, the re-scheduling of the *Naked Gun* reboot further adds layers to the competitive environment, shifting from July 18 to August 1, 2025, allowing Paramount to strategically carve out its niche in a packed lineup of summer blockbusters. As these films gear up for their respective launches, the industry will be keenly watching to see how these adjustments affect Paramount’s market share and audience engagement. In this age of precocious streaming options and evolving viewer preferences, the moves made by Paramount signal a commitment to not just survive but thrive by offering a diverse slate that spans genres and demographics.
Paramount’s reshuffling of its release calendar for 2025 suggests a calculated strategy designed to optimize box office performance while catering to a wide array of audience tastes. This reconfiguration could prove pivotal in shaping the studio’s cinematic trajectory in an increasingly competitive marketplace.