LAS VEGAS – Things are looking somewhat more upbeat for Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson. Last year’s CinemaCon presentation previewed one forgettable dud after another (we could tell even then). 2025? More “John Wick,” a potential Christmas counterprogramming win, and a new “Hunger Games” around the corner. Oh, and The Weeknd performing two songs from his upcoming release, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” and throwing in crowd favorite “Blinding Lights” to end things on a high note.
Yes, this was a much better day for Fogelson and Lionsgate.
Not only did Francis Lawrence debut a trailer for his Stephen King adaptation, “The Long Walk,” but he confirmed that “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” has a finished screenplay and filming will begin in July. As for the casting? Well, not yet. Oh, and, per tradition, they released an animated logo too.
Fogelson teased that there would be news soon on Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” which has had to reshoot its third act because of unexpected legal issues. He didn’t sound pressed over its future, however (we still expect it to move to 2026). Luca Guadagnino, who will be on hand for Amazon MGM Studios tomorrow, sent a pre-recorded video to reveal Scott Z. Burns is almost done with his adaptation of a new “American Psycho.” There were three new “John Wick” movies to announce – including “John Wick 5” in development – and a first look deal with Paul Feig (although touting your long-term deals with Feig, Lawrence, and Chad Stahelski – three white guys, is not ideal). Moreover, some of the movies already on the release slate look pretty good.
*”The Long Walk”
This adaptation of Stephen King’s 1979 novel ties into the studio and Lawrence’s “Hunger Games” franchise connection probably a wee bit too closely, but the trailer screened was genuinely compelling. It’s got an up-and-coming cast of young actors, including Cooper Hoffman, Ben Wang, and David Jonsoon, and Mark Hamill looks like he’s having a blast in a very serious role as the evil Major. Is the September 12 release date a bad sign? We’ll see.
*”The Housemaid”
Feig’s adaptation of the first novel in Freida McFadden‘s popular series just wrapped production, so the teaser wasn’t fine-tuned, but you see the potential. Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney go at it, giving each other one nasty look after another, and we’re loving the Christmas release date. If “Babygirl” and “Nosferatu” proved anything, it’s that counter-programming can work during the holidays. We do question the casting of Brandon Sklenar as the husband, though. Had to be a bigger name available at that price.
*”Now You See Me Now You Don’t”
Listen, we’ve never made it through watching one of these movies even on a plane, but Rosamund Pike as the baddy? We’re there. Moreover, let’s just be happy Dominic Sessa and Justice Smith got a real Hollywood paycheck. And, yes, director Ruben Fleischer confirmed a fourth “Now You See Me” is in the works.
*”Ballerina”
We’re guessing the extended scene with Ana De Armas taking down an assassin in a Swiss Mountain vibes restaurant and then engaging in an inspired plate smashing fight with another killer has been seen before, but it certainly piqued our interest. Will it hit the heights of the previous “Wick” movies? The studio is certainly spotlighting Reeves’ involvement everywhere it can. Don’t blame them.
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