TLDR;
This video predicts which major films slated for release in 2026 might underperform at the box office. It examines factors such as franchise fatigue, convoluted marketing, niche appeal, and strong competition. The films discussed include "Street Fighter," "The Mandalorian & Grogu," "Soulmate," "Return to Silent Hill," "Iron Lung," "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," "The Mummy/The Resurrected," "Masters of the Universe," "Coyote vs. Acme," and "Focker-in-Law."
- Several films are sequels or spin-offs that may suffer from franchise fatigue or a lack of broad appeal.
- Marketing and release date choices could negatively impact some films' box office potential.
- High budgets and strong competition from other major releases pose challenges for certain movies.
Street Fighter [0:11]
The upcoming "Street Fighter" movie is predicted to be a cult favourite rather than a box office success. Despite previous films in the franchise making a profit, they haven't been major hits. The cast selection, featuring Noah Centineo, David the Smallchin, and Jason Momoa alongside Andrew Koji, is considered odd, and the director's background in the Eric Andre show suggests a very weird film.
The Mandalorian & Grogu [1:16]
"The Mandalorian & Grogu" film is unlikely to revive the "Star Wars" franchise. While the first two seasons of "The Mandalorian" were successful, interest waned by the third season. The three-year wait for a theatrical film has diminished its momentum, and casual fans may not want to watch three seasons of a show to enjoy a movie. Despite a $166 million budget, the film's announcement was met with a lukewarm reception.
Soulmate [2:16]
"Soulmate," a spin-off from the "Megan" franchise, is expected to bomb. "Megan" was a surprise hit due to its low budget and playful horror, but "Megan 2.0" underperformed, possibly alienating the original audience with its shift to comedy action. Universal's decision to pull "Soulmate" from its release schedule suggests a lack of confidence in the film.
Return to Silent Hill [3:43]
"Return to Silent Hill," a sequel to the 2006 film, is not expected to be a box office success despite some fan hype. While the original film has a cult following and the director of the original is returning, the franchise is considered niche. Its January release date puts it in competition with other horror films, potentially diluting its profits.
Iron Lung [5:00]
"Iron Lung," directed by and starring Markiplier, is viewed as more of a gimmick than a legitimate horror film. Based on an indie game, its low budget might save it, especially if Markiplier's large subscriber base supports it. However, there hasn't been enough marketing to attract general audiences.
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die [5:57]
"Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," a manic dystopian action comedy starring Sam Rockwell and directed by Gore Verbinski, may not be a commercial success. While it received positive reviews at a film festival, its R-rated, high-concept nature might limit its mass appeal. Verbinski's past successes are countered by his previous bombs, "The Lone Ranger" and "A Cure for Wellness."
The Mummy/The Resurrected [7:01]
Lee Cronin's "The Mummy," now titled "The Resurrected," is predicted to suffer from convoluted marketing. The name change was intended to distance it from previous "Mummy" films, but this may confuse audiences. While Cronin's "Evil Dead Rise" was successful, this film's identity is less clear.
Masters of the Universe [8:07]
The new "Masters of the Universe" film faces an uphill battle despite positive signs. With a high budget of $170 million to $200 million, it needs to perform well against strong competition from other major releases like "The Mandalorian & Grogu," "Toy Story 5," and "Supergirl."
Coyote vs. Acme [9:12]
"Coyote vs. Acme" may not be a box office hit despite its intriguing premise and troubled history. Warner Brothers initially tried to write it off as a tax loss, leading to public backlash and a new distributor buying the film. However, it's not the type of movie destined to dominate the box office, especially with a reported $70 million budget.
Focker-in-Law [10:18]
"Focker-in-Law," the latest instalment in the "Meet the Parents" franchise, is unlikely to be a blockbuster. While the previous films were successful, it has been a long time since the last one, and the magic may be gone. The return of the original cast, including Owen Wilson and Ariana Grande, suggests a high budget, making it a risky bet.
