What's happened
As of late November 2025, Hollywood faces a challenging box office season with dramas and comedies underperforming, while franchise films and streaming projects gain traction. Edgar Wright's reboot of "The Running Man" starring Glen Powell debuts amid mixed reviews. Amazon MGM's "Project Hail Mary" trailer excites sci-fi fans, and "Predator: Badlands" explores new franchise territory with Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Classic films and retrospectives also return to screens.
What's behind the headline?
Hollywood's Box Office Evolution
The current box office slump for dramas and comedies is not a temporary phase but a structural shift in audience behavior. The New York Times highlights that none of the 25 dramas and comedies released in North America over the past three months have achieved traditional hit status, with many playing to near-empty theaters despite star-studded casts. This reflects a broader trend where theatrical success increasingly requires "event status" — films must offer something uniquely compelling to draw audiences away from home viewing.
Franchise Dominance and Streaming's Rise
Franchise films like "Predator: Badlands" and sequels continue to perform relatively well, underscoring the commercial viability of established intellectual properties. Meanwhile, streaming platforms are investing heavily in original content, as seen with Amazon MGM's "Project Hail Mary," which has generated significant buzz through its trailers. This bifurcation suggests a future where theatrical releases focus on spectacle and franchises, while more nuanced dramas find their audience primarily via streaming.
Reboots and Star Power
Edgar Wright's reboot of "The Running Man" exemplifies Hollywood's reliance on nostalgia and recognizable properties to mitigate risk. Glen Powell, positioned as a rising star akin to Tom Cruise, anchors the film, which has received mixed critical responses. The reboot attempts to balance action and social commentary but struggles to recapture Wright's signature style, according to some critics. Arnold Schwarzenegger's endorsement adds legacy appeal but does not guarantee broad audience engagement.
Cultural Retrospectives and Classic Films
Alongside new releases, retrospectives such as Francis Ford Coppola's film series and the return of classics like "Layer Cake" on television provide cultural touchstones that appeal to cinephiles and older audiences. These offerings enrich the cinematic landscape and maintain interest in film history amid contemporary challenges.
Outlook
Hollywood's landscape will continue to evolve with audience preferences. Studios must innovate in marketing and content creation to restore theatrical attendance for dramas and comedies. Meanwhile, streaming and franchise films will likely dominate revenue streams. The success of emerging stars like Glen Powell and inventive projects like "Project Hail Mary" will be critical indicators of the industry's adaptive capacity.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Brooks Barnes paints a stark picture of Hollywood's current struggles, noting that "not one of the 25 dramas and comedies...has become a hit," with films like "After the Hunt" and "Christy" underperforming despite star power. Barnes quotes Kevin Goetz, who says, "To succeed in theaters today, dramas and comedies must have event status — something truly elevated and special."
In contrast, Business Insider UK highlights the rise of Glen Powell, who stars in Edgar Wright's "The Running Man" reboot. Powell is described as "making the case that [movie stars] can and do still exist," with Wright praising Powell's "everyman" appeal and stunt work reminiscent of Tom Cruise. However, the NY Post offers a more critical view of the reboot, calling it "an unnecessary return to 1987" and criticizing its tone and character development.
Ars Technica provides insight into Amazon MGM's "Project Hail Mary," noting the excitement generated by its trailers and the involvement of Ryan Gosling and directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. The article emphasizes the film's faithfulness to Andy Weir's novel and its potential to usher in "a golden age of interstellar cooperation."
Coverage of "Predator: Badlands" by The Independent and AP News reveals innovative franchise developments, focusing on the unique dynamic between a Predator and a broken android. The Independent quotes director Dan Trachtenberg discussing the physical and emotional challenges of the film's production, highlighting its fresh approach within the franchise.
Finally, The Scotsman notes the return of classic films and series like "Layer Cake" and "Return to Paradise," underscoring the continued appetite for both new and nostalgic content in the current media environment.
How we got here
Hollywood's recent box office struggles stem from shifting audience preferences, with many dramas and comedies failing to attract large theater audiences. The pandemic accelerated changes in viewing habits, including shorter theatrical windows and increased streaming availability. Franchise films and genre blockbusters continue to dominate, while filmmakers like Edgar Wright seek to reboot classics to capture audience interest.
Go deeper
- Why are dramas and comedies struggling at the box office?
- What makes Glen Powell a rising star in Hollywood?
- How is streaming changing the film industry?
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