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The final studio presentation at CinemaCon ended with Walt Disney Pictures. The studio allowed press to take photos of talent inside of the auditorium which was not allowed by studios in the previous presentations — proving that Disney elects to set themselves apart from the rest.
Jed Harmsen, of Dolby started with opening remarks about the work and legacy of Dolby’s technology in the theatrical space.
Alan Bergman, Co-Chariman of Walt Disney Entertainment started the event stating that their slate will begin the presentation with 7 studios.
The theatrical slate is below:
Disney elected to share 75 minutes of content with the audience.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes from 20th Century Studios. Disney shared 13 minutes of footage.
Young Woman and the Sea is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and starring Daisy Ridley in theaters May 31st. The trailer was just released today.
Inside Out 2 takes us deeper into the mind of Riley and comes out June 14th. Disney allowed 30 minutes of footage to be screened for the audience. We really get an opportunity to see a coming-of-age story develop with Riley’s journey in this sequel.
Kevin Feige went on to present his slate of films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This included Fantastic Four as well as Thunderbolts. Here’s a quick video of him discussing the films below:
Anthony Mackie came to the stage to talk about Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World. Mackie offered up a little behind-the-scenes insight before introducing a first look at the film, which hits theaters on February 14, 2025.
Directed by Julius Onah, produced by Feige and Nate Moore, and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Charles Newirth, and Mackie, Captain America: Brave New World also stars Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly, Shira Haas, with Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford.
Shawn Levy also made an appearance to talk about Deadpool & Wolverine and made some quick remarks:
20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
Award-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins gave a riveting speech about his movie Mufasa: The Lion King, delivering a convincing argument to theater owners why this film should be screened in the theater.
Dwayne Johnson made a surprise appearance to campaign for the upcoming sequel to the animated film Moana 2 which included a live interpretive dance which he quickly participated in. He was also honored with the NATO Spirit of the Industry Award.
The first footage from 20th Century Studios’ The Amateur was then screened exclusively in the room. The film, an action-packed espionage thriller directed by James Hawes and starring Oscar-winner Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitriona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez, and Laurence Fishburne, opens in theaters nationwide on April 11, 2025.
Additional titles mentioned:
A Real Pain
Nightbitch
Ella McCay
Kinds of Kindness
April 11th wraps CinemaCon 2024.
The final studio presentation at CinemaCon ended with Walt Disney Pictures. The studio allowed press to take photos of talent inside of the auditorium which was not allowed by studios in the previous presentations — proving that Disney elects to set themselves apart from the rest.
Jed Harmsen, of Dolby started with opening remarks about the work and legacy of Dolby’s technology in the theatrical space.
Alan Bergman, Co-Chariman of Walt Disney Entertainment started the event stating that their slate will begin the presentation with 7 studios.
The theatrical slate is below:
Disney elected to share 75 minutes of content with the audience.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes from 20th Century Studios. Disney shared 13 minutes of footage.
Young Woman and the Sea is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and starring Daisy Ridley in theaters May 31st. The trailer was just released today.
Inside Out 2 takes us deeper into the mind of Riley and comes out June 14th. Disney allowed 30 minutes of footage to be screened for the audience. We really get an opportunity to see a coming-of-age story develop with Riley’s journey in this sequel.
Kevin Feige went on to present his slate of films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This included Fantastic Four as well as Thunderbolts. Here’s a quick video of him discussing the films below:
Anthony Mackie came to the stage to talk about Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World. Mackie offered up a little behind-the-scenes insight before introducing a first look at the film, which hits theaters on February 14, 2025.
Directed by Julius Onah, produced by Feige and Nate Moore, and executive produced by Louis D’Esposito, Charles Newirth, and Mackie, Captain America: Brave New World also stars Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly, Shira Haas, with Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford.
Shawn Levy also made an appearance to talk about Deadpool & Wolverine and made some quick remarks:
20th Century Studios’ Alien: Romulus takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
Award-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins gave a riveting speech about his movie Mufasa: The Lion King, delivering a convincing argument to theater owners why this film should be screened in the theater.
Dwayne Johnson made a surprise appearance to campaign for the upcoming sequel to the animated film Moana 2 which included a live interpretive dance which he quickly participated in. He was also honored with the NATO Spirit of the Industry Award.
The first footage from 20th Century Studios’ The Amateur was then screened exclusively in the room. The film, an action-packed espionage thriller directed by James Hawes and starring Oscar-winner Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitriona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez, and Laurence Fishburne, opens in theaters nationwide on April 11, 2025.
Additional titles mentioned:
A Real Pain
Nightbitch
Ella McCay
Kinds of Kindness
April 11th wraps CinemaCon 2024.
In March of last year, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) dropped some diversity facts about the boom in tennis participation in the U.S. since 2019. The study revealed that this boom included a 90% increase in the number of tennis players of Hispanic/Latino descent, a 46% increase in Black tennis players, and a 37% increase in tennis players of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. In 2021, amidst the boom, we got a brilliant film about Richard Williams and his determination for his two daughters, Venus and Serena, to make a name for themselves in the tennis world: King Richard.
Three years later, we are given the fantastic film that is Challengers. The new movie is a blast with excellent tennis matches and a torrid love triangle for the ages. As a film lover, I find this film sexy. As an athlete, I find this film sexy! If “for the love of the game” were a person, Zendaya’s rendition of Tashi Duncan would be it. Her first love is and always will be tennis. I’m here for it.
From Academy Award and BAFTA nominated filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, whose films are characterized by their emotional complexity, sensuality, and magnificent visuals, comes his latest film, Challengers. The film stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach after a devastating injury sidelines her. But Tashi has game on and off the court and transforms her husband Art Donaldson (Mike Faist, West Side Story) from a mediocre player into a world-famous grand slam champion. She makes him play a challenger event to jolt him out of his recent losing streak. Tashi wants her husband to be the best. To do that, he must face off against the washed-up Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor, The Crown) — his former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend. Tensions soon run high as their pasts and presents collide, and they wrestle with the cost of winning and what each is willing to give up.
There is a magnetic and beautiful intensity that flows through Challengers. We see that intensity through the tennis matches and relationships. We see it in how these characters focus on their passion and goals. It draws us in and keeps our attention. We also see it in the way these characters approach love and desire. The way Zendaya, Faist, and O’Connor can say so much through their facial expressions is a gift from the highest power. Just as the volley between tennis players can be mesmerizing, watching these characters go through the battles of life and competition is somewhat enticing. They are all so unhinged, and it’s fascinating to see how their choices unfold.
Tashi can no longer do the one thing she loves. She has to find a way to redefine herself. She’s doing her best to control everything, control her emotions, and get what she wants and needs out of life. There are a lot of women that will see themselves in Tashi. I know I do. Tashi Duncan is a mighty, fierce, uncompromising, competitive, ambitious woman, and Zendaya did her thing and brought her to life. Not only does she give an incredible performance, but Zendaya is also credited as a producer on the film.
The theme of competition (friendly or not) runs through Challengers. Tashi has the physicality, self-confidence, and power that brings the competitive side out of everyone she meets. Patrick and Art have known each other since they were pre-teen roommates at a tennis academy, but still, competition kicks in. The two best friends are entranced. As any athlete knows, healthy competition is good for us. It encourages us to work harder, push ourselves, and strive to be the best version of ourselves. It motivates us by giving us a target or goal. Losing is also part of that learning. This theme is so powerful because we don’t just see it play out on the court but in the bedroom, the locker room, and everywhere in between.
Challengers is just as fun to hear as it is to watch. The dialogue is slick and modern. It hosts some of the best comebacks and jabs from a character in a film I’ve heard in a while. Zendaya nails the delivery every time. The cinematography is just as exciting, with a clean, stylized look courtesy of cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom (Call Me By Your Name, Suspiria). In addition to exciting performances, the capture of the tennis matches is incredible. The choices Mukdeeprom and Guadagnino made to capture everything from the racket in the hand to the tennis ball on the court and the longing glances to the windstorm that echoes the scene’s emotions were spot on. The triangle love story is complete with a charged score by two-time Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (The Social Network, Pixar’s Soul). It energizes and electrifies the scenes even more.
Another thing that makes Challengers so good is its interweaving storyline that travels back and forth in these characters’ lives — framed around the revelatory tennis match between Art and Patrick that takes place 13 years after they meet Tashi. Through a narrative that tracks past to present, we see the paths they took, the games they played, and the passions they followed. Tashi’s emotional and romantic power both pivots and anchors their connection. The chemistry between all three is fantastic. Using nonlinear storytelling helps build the intensity of everything, from the relationships to the final tennis match. That connection between the characters is clear and compelling.
As kids, we all have ideas about what we want to be when we grow up. I was sure I wanted to be a doctor and play soccer in college. But life happens, and I adjusted. That’s what makes Challengers so fantastic and relatable, with themes of uncertainty and branching possibility that people can gravitate to. From one volley to the next, Challengers will keep you entertained. The question is: are you team Art or team Patrick?
Challengers slides into theaters on April 26, 2024.
The latest collaboration between Adidas and CLICK founder Eric “Shake” James is an exclusive Rivalry Low sneaker release in commemoration of Milwaukee’s 414 Day.
Shake, a philanthropist and proud Milwaukee native, has infused the 414 Rivalry Low with the essence of the city. “414 Day is a special time dedicated to celebrating the essence of Milwaukee,” Shake said in a press release. “The upcoming sneaker launch holds particular significance as it marks the first of its kind for this occasion.”
The 414 Rivalry Low foundation features a cream upper as the base and a textured “Cream City Brick” tongue design. The sneaker’s signature Three Stripes arrive in green with red accents, evoking the iconic color scheme of the Milwaukee Bucks.
CELEBRATE 414 DAY: Clicks Kicks and adidas are teaming up to celebrate Miluakee's 414 Day.
— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) April 8, 2024
A love letter to the city and statepic.twitter.com/wFudnkK6ir
As a nod to Wisconsin’s beloved culinary tradition, cheese blocks grace the heels and right tongue, while the left tongue features a pint glass decal, a symbol of the city’s rich brewing heritage. Carrying on his signature touch from the release of the DAY ONE Forum Low, Shake has adorned the sneakers with microphone keychains, a homage to his hip-hop roots and the sneaker culture that has inspired his journey.
Shake has partnered with the adidas Cornerstone Community to uplift underserved communities in Milwaukee. Since 2020, in partnership with Shake’s J.A.Y. Academy nonprofit, they have hosted over 15 events. Initiatives like wellness workshops, professional development programming, a dedicated community space, and youth scholarships are in the works for 2024 and 2025. “I’m deeply appreciative of adidas Cornerstone Community for their continued support, and I eagerly anticipate the opening of the physical home for J.A.Y. Academy in August, which promises exciting opportunities ahead,” Shake said.
Shake and Adidas are celebrating the new collaboration with several events ahead of 414 Day. On April 12, they will host an electrifying release party featuring performances by Lil Kim, Brooklyn Queen and a live DJ set by Mr. New York. A collaboration event with Wood U on April 11, welcomed local students at Siefert Middle School to customize gifted sneakers during the day of free footwear design workshops.
“It was truly heartwarming to share this memorable experience with the students of Siefert Middle School, and it was really special to see all the sneaker designs they created,” the CLICK owner said.
The 414 Rivalry Low, priced at $130, will be available on April 13 at CLICK stores and online, with the first 414 pairs numbered to honor the day that inspired this unique creation.
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