Hollywood’s box office mood lifts as unexpected hits break through
Variety’s Brent Lang says theater owners and studios are sounding more upbeat as film volume rises and unconventional releases connect with audiences.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
Hollywood’s battered theatrical business is getting a rare dose of sunshine, according to Variety executive editor Brent Lang, who said the summer box office has brought a noticeable shift in mood among studios and exhibitors.
Lang discussed the industry’s improved outlook on the July 16 episode of Variety’s “Daily Variety” podcast, in a Cover Story segment tied to a larger report he produced with Rebecca Rubin on the summer box office recovery.
The episode, which runs 14 minutes and 59 seconds, centers on what has helped theaters regain momentum and what studios may need to do to keep audiences showing up.
Optimism returns to the theater business
Lang, who oversees film coverage at Variety, said the most striking part of reporting the story was hearing optimism from major figures in theatrical film after years of gloom tied to COVID and the production slowdown that followed the Hollywood strikes.
According to Lang, the number of films reaching the market is rising again after pandemic-era disruption and labor stoppages hurt production. He said that fuller pipeline is helping theaters, but the nature of the hits has also mattered.
Rather than relying only on familiar superhero fare, Lang pointed to titles including “Michael,” “Obsession,” “Backrooms” and “Project Hail Mary” as examples of more unexpected films finding an audience.
His read: movies are pushing their way back into the center of pop culture after a stretch when the theatrical business often felt sidelined in the broader entertainment conversation.
Studio chiefs weigh in
Variety’s report included views from several top film executives, including Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman, Disney’s Alan Bergman and Paramount’s Josh Greenstein.
The podcast segment frames the rebound as good news for both Hollywood and theater owners, while also stressing that keeping the momentum will require more than one strong summer stretch.
The next test cited by Variety is “The Odyssey,” Christopher Nolan’s latest film for Universal Pictures, which the industry is watching closely ahead of its weekend reception.
More genres could get a shot
Lang said the current run could push studios toward a broader mix of movies, especially projects with more restrained budgets. He specifically cited adult dramas and comedies as areas that may benefit if executives feel more confident about theatrical demand.
Comedy, he said, appears ready for a revival, pointing to the success of “Scary Movie” as evidence that audiences still want to laugh together in theaters.
Lang also suggested that the next wave of comedy stars may come from social platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and social media, rather than following the older path from comedy clubs.
“Daily Variety” is available through iHeartPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, Variety’s YouTube Podcast channel, Amazon Music, Spotify and other podcast platforms, according to Variety.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.