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In 2023, the rules didn’t apply to many of the year’s biggest success stories. For the past two decades, superheroes and sequels have dominated at the box office. But in the last year, many of the movie business’ Tiffany franchises had all the appeal of an Old Navy clearance bin, with the likes of Indiana Jones and Ethan Hunt swinging back into action for more high-flying adventures only to be greeted with grosses that were decidedly Earthbound. And cinema’s mightiest heroes, from Ant-Man to Aquaman, were told to hang up their tights and tridents as comic book movies suffered a historic collapse at the box office. Marvel, once seen as the movie business’s most indestructible brand, is asking tough questions about its creative direction, while DC Films has brought in new leadership in James Gunn and Peter Safran and tasked them with undertaking a total reboot.
On today’s special episode of The Excerpt podcast: This year, at the biggest movie premiere of 2023, Hollywood rolled out the pink carpet instead of the red one. And while Marvel didn’t make its usual splash for Disney, maybe The Little Mermaid did? And what about the breakout indie hit of the year The Sound of Freedom. Is going viral the secret sauce behind its success? Ralphie Aversa, host of USA TODAY’s “Entertain This!” joins The Excerpt to discuss some of the most talked about movies of this past year.
The year 2023 was an extraordinary one for the movie industry. Traditionally successful franchises saw unexpected challenges at the box office, leaving industry leaders questioning the direction of their future projects. Despite their widespread fan bases, the likes of Indiana Jones and Ethan Hunt failed to draw the expected crowds, signaling a shift in audience preferences. Notably, superhero movies experienced an unprecedented decline in popularity, with iconic characters like Ant-Man and Aquaman struggling to capture the public’s imagination.
Marvel, renowned for its resilience and creative vision, finds itself at a crossroads, reevaluating its approach to storytelling and audience engagement. The cinematic titan is reeling from the underperformance of its recent releases, prompting a necessary reassessment of its future endeavors. Similarly, DC Films has undergone a change in leadership, welcoming James Gunn and Peter Safran to spearhead a comprehensive revitalization effort. This swift and decisive action showcases the industry’s commitment to adaptability and innovation in the face of adversity.
The Excerpt podcast delves into the unique dynamics of Hollywood’s evolving landscape in 2023, analyzing the shift from traditional blockbuster successes to the unexpected triumphs of smaller, independent productions. The emergence of films such as The Little Mermaid and The Sound of Freedom as the talk of the town underscores a notable paradigm shift in audience preferences. The podcast explores the factors contributing to these newfound sensations, highlighting the significance of virality and organic audience engagement in reshaping the industry’s narrative.
As we reflect on the tumultuous year in cinema, it becomes evident that 2023 symbolizes a pivotal moment for Hollywood, as established movie franchises embrace transformative change and emerging talents redefine the boundaries of success. The Excerpt’s insightful discussions offer a compelling exploration of these transformative trends, paving the way for a new era in cinematic storytelling.
