Latest news with #Dergarabedian
Indianapolis Star
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
'Jaws' took a big bite out of the box office and changed Hollywood
After "Jaws" hit the big screen 50 years ago – and smashed the then-current box office record – moviemakers and studios knew from then on they were going to need bigger budgets. The Steven Spielberg-directed film cost $12 million to make, more than three times its original budget and about four times the cost of an average film at the time. Of course, much of that involved the building of three mechanical great white sharks. "Jaws" opened June 20, 1975, on 400-plus screens across the U.S. and Universal spent $700,000 on an unprecedented TV advertising campaign, according to the 2010 book "George Lucas' Blockbusting," to drive movie lovers to theaters and create lines as a show of bloodthirsty demand. Overall, Universal spent "a whopping $1.8 million on promo," notes Empire magazine, which in its special June issue deemed the movie "unequivocally the most influential, important and game-changing summer blockbuster … ushering in new levels of pre-release publicity." Hollywood was never the same after "Jaws" and its effects "are still resonating today," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. "The sensation 'Jaws' created made the movie theater experience the epicenter of culture and spawned what would become known as the summer popcorn movie blockbuster," Dergarabedian told USA TODAY. Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox The Guinness Book of World Records agrees. "Not only did people queue up around the block to see the movie, during its run in theatres it became the first film to reach more than $100 million in U.S. box office receipts," according to the Guinness description of its first summer blockbuster film award. In just over two months, "Jaws" surpassed previous box office leaders "The Godfather" and "The Exorcist." Despite being blockbusters in their own way, "those obviously were not aimed at younger moviegoers and not released in the summer," Dergarabedian said. While "Jaws" is a movie classic, Spielberg recently said he deemed "The Godfather," the film "Jaws" overtook as the box office godfather at the time, stands as the "greatest American film ever made." By the time "Jaws" finished its domestic run in theaters it had made more than a quarter of a billion dollars ($260 million), which is over a billion dollars today," said Ross Williams, founder and editor of The Daily Jaws website in a new documentary "Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story." The documentary premieres July 10 on National Geographic and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Shark screen attack: From 'Jaws' to 'The Meg,' we rank the 10 best shark movies of all time Also in the "Jaws @ 50" documentary, filmmaker George Lucas recalled how Spielberg invited him and some others to see the in-development shark. 'He (Steven) wanted to show us the construction of the shark, which was impressive. So I thought, 'Great this is going to be a good movie.' It was obvious it was going to be a big hit.' Spielberg, who discusses the struggles making the film in the documentary, was skeptical. "George looked at the shark and said, 'Wow this is going to be the most successful movie ever made.' and I, of course, looked at George like, 'Well you know from your lips to you know' ... but I didn't believe that." Lucas would go on to write and direct "Star Wars," which was released in May 1977 and would break the box office record set by "Jaws." Then, Spielberg would leapfrog him with "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" in 1982. Before "Jaws," summer had been theatrical territory owned primarily by B movies and exploitation films such as 1974's "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." After "Jaws," the major Hollywood studios, which had avoided summer, now identified it as the prime releasing season, and 'Jaws' inspired hundreds of summer thrillers and F/X pictures," wrote the late Roger Ebert in his book "The Great Movies II." Spielberg himself would go on to spawn many more summer blockbusters including "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Jurassic Park," "A.I. Artificial Intelligence," "War of the Worlds" and "Minority Report" – all hitting theaters in the month of June. Two Indy adventures – "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" – released in May, the years 1989 and 2008, respectively, and "Saving Private Ryan" in July 1998. Outliers: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" landed in theaters in December 1977; other December releases were "The Color Purple" (1985) and "Schindler's List" (1993). Spielberg had "hit after hit after hit for so long, and most of the time they were summer blockbusters," Shawn Robbins, founder and owner of Box Office Theory, told USA TODAY. His hit list included thrillers, fantasy and science fiction. "Genres, in a lot of ways, evolved because of what 'Jaws' did for summer blockbusters," he said. "Jaws" also raised the stakes, by moving "the bar in terms of audiences and what kind of thrill they might get," said J.J. Abrams, in the "Jaws @ 50" documentary. For instance, Lucas in "Star Wars," sought to match the thrill audiences got when Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) kills the shark in "Jaws," said Abrams. "When you think about it, it is a bit like the Death Star moment.' Studios' desire to have a release crowned as a summer blockbuster continues today. This summer's success, so far, of "Lilo & Stitch" and "Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning" suggests the goal of a summer hit remains. "'Lilo & Stitch' has been a huge start to the summer season and one of Disney's most successful remakes that they've done," Robbins said. The financial success of "Jaws" migrated beyond the movie theater. Spielberg, along with Lucas, transformed movies into intellectual properties, which could be parlayed into merchandise, theme parks, video games, books, and TV shows, Robbins said. "They became a significant part of the pop culture fabric." ''Jaws' was the perfect movie at the right time to become an absolute sensation and in turn changed the whole model on which Hollywood based its revenue generating capabilities," Dergarabedian said. "Nothing was ever the same after 'Jaws.'" Mike Snider is a reporter on USA TODAY's Trending team. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Jaws' took a big bite out of the box office and changed Hollywood
'Jaws' took a big bite out of the box office and changed Hollywood Fifty years ago, Steven Spielberg's movie 'Jaws' made box office history, becoming a pop culture phenomenon and spawning five decades of blockbusters seeking to match the film's thrills and success. Show Caption Hide Caption Top 3 scary moments in 'Jaws' 'Jaws' turns 50 this summer and USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt celebrates with his favorite bloody moments. After "Jaws" hit the big screen 50 years ago – and smashed the then-current box office record – moviemakers and studios knew from then on they were going to need bigger budgets. The Steven Spielberg-directed film cost $12 million to make, more than three times its original budget and about four times the cost of an average film at the time. Of course, much of that involved the building of three mechanical great white sharks. "Jaws" opened June 20, 1975 on 400-plus screens across the U.S. and Universal spent $700,000 on an unprecedented TV advertising campaign, according to the 2010 book "George Lucas' Blockbusting," to drive movie lovers to theaters and create lines as a show of bloodthirsty demand. Overall, Universal spent "a whopping $1.8 million on promo," notes Empire magazine, which in its special June issue deemed the movie "unequivocally the most influential, important and game-changing summer blockbuster … ushering in new levels of pre-release publicity." Hollywood was never the same after "Jaws" and its effects "are still resonating today," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. "The sensation 'Jaws' created made the movie theater experience the epicenter of culture and spawned what would become known as the summer popcorn movie blockbuster," Dergarabedian told USA TODAY. Shark screen attack: From 'Jaws' to 'The Meg,' we rank the 10 best shark movies of all time 'Jaws' landed a Guinness world record The Guinness Book of World Records agrees. "Not only did people queue up around the block to see the movie, during its run in theatres it became the first film to reach more than $100 million in U.S. box office receipts," according to the Guinness description of its first summer blockbuster film award. In just over two months, "Jaws" surpassed previous box office leaders "The Godfather" and "The Exorcist." Despite being blockbusters in their own way, "those obviously were not aimed at younger moviegoers and not released in the summer," Dergarabedian said. While "Jaws" is a movie classic, Spielberg recently said he deemed "The Godfather," the film "Jaws" overtook as the box office godfather at the time, stands as the "greatest American film ever made." By the time "Jaws" finished its domestic run in theaters it had made more than a quarter of a billion dollars ($260 million), which is over a billion dollars today," said Ross Williams, founder and editor of The Daily Jaws website in a new documentary "Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story." The documentary premieres July 10 on National Geographic and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. George Lucas had feeling 'Jaws' would be a 'big hit' Also in the "Jaws @ 50" documentary, filmmaker George Lucas recalled how Spielberg invited him and some others to see the in-development shark. 'He (Steven) wanted to show us the construction of the shark, which was impressive. So I thought, 'Great this is going to be a good movie.' It was obvious it was going to be a big hit.' Spielberg, who discusses the struggles making the film in the documentary, was skeptical. "George looked at the shark and said, 'Wow this is going to be the most successful movie ever made.' and I, of course, looked at George like, 'Well you know from your lips to you know' ... but I didn't believe that." Lucas would go on to write and direct "Star Wars," which was released in May 1977 and would break the box office record set by "Jaws." Then, Spielberg would leapfrog him with "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" in 1982. 'Jaws' made it safe for summer blockbusters Before "Jaws," summer had been theatrical territory owned primarily by B movies and exploitation films such as 1974's "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." After "Jaws," the major Hollywood studios, which had avoided summer, now identified it as the prime releasing season, and 'Jaws' inspired hundreds of summer thrillers and F/X pictures," wrote the late Roger Ebert in his book "The Great Movies II." Spielberg himself would go on to spawn many more summer blockbusters including "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Jurassic Park," "A.I. Artificial Intelligence," "War of the Worlds" and "Minority Report" – all hitting theaters in the month of June. Two Indy adventures – "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" – released in May, the years 1989 and 2008, respectively, and "Saving Private Ryan" in July 1998. Outliers: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" landed in theaters in December 1977; other December releases were "The Color Purple" (1985) and "Schindler's List" (1993). Spielberg had "hit after hit after hit for so long, and most of the time they were summer blockbusters," Shawn Robbins, founder and owner of Box Office Theory, told USA TODAY. His hit list included thrillers, fantasy and science fiction. "Genres, in a lot of ways, evolved because of what 'Jaws' did for summer blockbusters," he said. "Jaws" also raised the stakes, by moving "the bar in terms of audiences and what kind of thrill they might get," said J.J. Abrams, in the "Jaws @ 50" documentary. For instance, Lucas in "Star Wars," sought to match the thrill audiences got when Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) kills the shark in "Jaws," said Abrams. "When you think about it, it is a bit like the Death Star moment.' Studios' desire to have a release crowned as a summer blockbuster continues today. This summer's success, so far, of "Lilo & Stitch" and "Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning" suggests the goal of a summer hit remains. "'Lilo & Stitch' has been a huge start to the summer season and one of Disney's most successful remakes that they've done," Robbins said. 'Jaws': A 'perfect movie at the right time' The financial success of "Jaws" migrated beyond the movie theater. Spielberg, along with Lucas, transformed movies into intellectual properties, which could be parlayed into merchandise, theme parks, video games, books, and TV shows, Robbins said. "They became a significant part of the pop culture fabric." ''Jaws' was the perfect movie at the right time to become an absolute sensation and in turn changed the whole model on which Hollywood based its revenue generating capabilities," Dergarabedian said. "Nothing was ever the same after 'Jaws.'" Mike Snider is a reporter on USA TODAY's Trending team. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@ What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day
Nahar Net
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Nahar Net
'How to Train Your Dragon' soars in box office debut with $83.7 million
by Naharnet Newsdesk 17 June 2025, 17:14 "How to Train Your Dragon" took flight at the box office this weekend, proving that some remakes still have teeth. The Universal live-action adaptation of the beloved animated franchise soared to a strong $83.7 million debut in North American theaters, according to Comscore estimates Sunday. The film, directed by franchise veteran Dean DeBlois, follows the unlikely friendship between a young Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) and a dragon called Toothless. The reboot easily outpaced 2019's "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World," which opened with $55 million. The latest film earned more than $114.1 million internationally, bringing the global total to $197.8 million. "This is yet another example of a live-action remake really delivering on the promise of the marketing," said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. "I think the longevity and playability of some of these films particularly in the summer has been nothing short of miraculous." "How to Train" also claimed the No. 1 spot ahead of Disney's "Lilo & Stitch," which slipped to second place after topping the charts for three weekends. That hybrid live-action remake added another $15 million, pushing its domestic total past $386.3 million. "Materialists," a modern-day New York love story starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, rounded out the top three films of the week with a $12 million debut. The romantic dramedy features Johnson as a savvy matchmaker caught between two suitors: a broke, struggling actor who happens to be her ex, and a wealthy "unicorn" who seems too good to be true. "Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning" slid to fourth place, taking in $10.3 million and avoiding a dip into single-digit territory. The John Wick spinoff "Ballerina" fell to fifth place with $9.4 million, despite strong reviews from both critics and audiences. Directed by Len Wiseman, the action film stars Ana de Armas and features Keanu Reeves reprising his role in a supporting turn. Dergarabedian said "Ballerina" could have a surge later down the line similar to 2014's "John Wick." "It took a while for that franchise to really catch on," he said. "You saw a huge outpouring of interest for the first 'John Wick' when it hit home video or streaming, I should say, and I think the same will happen here." In sixth place, "Karate Kid: Legends" earned $5 million followed by "Final Destination: Bloodlines" at seventh with $3.9 million. Wes Anderson's latest "The Phoenician Scheme" brought in $3 million eighth place. "The Life of Chuck," based on a Stephen King story, placed ninth with $2.1 million. Rounding out the top 10 was "Sinners." The Ryan Coogler film starring Michael B. Jordan, drew $1.4 million - which is impressive since the movie is available to watch at home through online and digital platforms after being released two months ago. Overall, the box office is up 23% from this point in 2024. Dergarabedian said he's looking forward to films in the coming weeks that could have a positive presence at the box office, such as "Eilo," "F1," "Superman" and "28 Days Later." Top 10 movies by domestic box office With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: 1. "How to Train Your Dragon," $83.7 million 2. "Lilo and Stitch," $15.5 million. 3. "Materialists," $12 million. 4. "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," $10.3 million. 5. "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina," $9.4 million. 6. "Karate Kid: Legends," $5 million. 7. "Final Destination: Bloodlines," $3.9 million. 8. "The Phoenician Scheme," $3 million. 9. "The Life of Chuck," $2.1 million. 10. "Sinners," $1.4 million.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
'How to Train Your Dragon' soars in box office debut with $83.7 million, beating 'Lilo & Stitch'
How to Train Your Dragon took flight at the box office this weekend, proving that some remakes still have teeth. The Universal live-action adaptation of the beloved animated franchise soared to a strong $83.7 million debut in North American theatres, according to Comscore estimates on Sunday. The film, directed by franchise veteran Dean DeBlois, follows the unlikely friendship between a young Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) and a dragon called Toothless. The reboot easily outpaced 2019's How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, which opened with $55 million. The latest film earned more than $114.1 million internationally, bringing the global total to $197.8 million. 'This is yet another example of a live-action remake really delivering on the promise of the marketing,' said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. 'I think the longevity and playability of some of these films particularly in the summer has been nothing short of miraculous.' How to Train also claimed the No. 1 spot ahead of Disney's Lilo & Stitch, which slipped to second place after topping the charts for three weekends. That hybrid live-action remake added another $15 million, pushing its domestic total past $386.3 million. Materialists, a modern-day New York love story starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, rounded out the top three films of the week with a $12 million debut. The romantic dramedy features Johnson as a savvy matchmaker caught between two suitors: a broke, struggling actor who happens to be her ex, and a wealthy 'unicorn' who seems too good to be true. Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning slid to fourth place, taking in $10.3 million and avoiding a dip into single-digit territory. The John Wick spinoff Ballerinafell to fifth place with $9.4 million, despite strong reviews from both critics and audiences. Directed by Len Wiseman, the action film stars Ana de Armas and features Keanu Reeves reprising his role in a supporting turn. Dergarabedian said Ballerina could have a surge later down the line similar to 2014's John Wick. 'It took a while for that franchise to really catch on,' he said. 'You saw a huge outpouring of interest for the first 'John Wick' when it hit home video or streaming, I should say, and I think the same will happen here.' In sixth place, Karate Kid: Legends earned $5 million, followed by Final Destination: Bloodlines at seventh with $3.9 million. Wes Anderson's latest, The Phoenician Scheme, brought in $3 million in eighth place. The Life of Chuck, based on a Stephen King story, placed ninth with $2.1 million. Rounding out the top 10 was Sinners. The Ryan Coogler film starring Michael B. Jordan drew $1.4 million, which is impressive since the movie is available to watch at home through online and digital platforms after being released two months ago. Overall, the box office is up 23% from this point in 2024. Dergarabedian said he's looking forward to films in the coming weeks that could have a positive presence at the box office, such as Eilo, F1, Superman and 28 Days Later. With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: 1. How to Train Your Dragon, $83.7 million 2. Lilo and Stitch, $15.5 million. 3. Materialists, $12 million. 4. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, $10.3 million. 5. From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, $9.4 million. 6. Karate Kid: Legends, $5 million. 7. Final Destination: Bloodlines, $3.9 million. 8. The Phoenician Scheme, $3 million. 9. The Life of Chuck, $2.1 million. 10. Sinners, $1.4 million.
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
'How to Train Your Dragon' soars in box office debut
LOS ANGELES, June 16, (AP): "How to Train Your Dragon' took flight at the box office this weekend, proving that some remakes still have teeth. The Universal live-action adaptation of the beloved animated franchise soared to a strong $83.7 million debut in North American theaters, according to Comscore estimates Sunday. The film, directed by franchise veteran Dean DeBlois, follows the unlikely friendship between a young Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) and a dragon called Toothless. The reboot easily outpaced 2019's "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,' which opened with $55 million. The latest film earned more than $114.1 million internationally, bringing the global total to $197.8 million. "This is yet another example of a live-action remake really delivering on the promise of the marketing," said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. "I think the longevity and playability of some of these films particularly in the summer has been nothing short of miraculous.' "How to Train' also claimed the No. 1 spot ahead of Disney's "Lilo & Stitch,' which slipped to second place after topping the charts for three weekends. That hybrid live-action remake added another $15 million, pushing its domestic total past $386.3 million. "Materialists," a modern-day New York love story starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, rounded out the top three films of the week with a $12 million debut. The romantic dramedy features Johnson as a savvy matchmaker caught between two suitors: a broke, struggling actor who happens to be her ex, and a wealthy "unicorn' who seems too good to be true. "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' slid to fourth place, taking in $10.3 million and avoiding a dip into single-digit territory. The John Wick spinoff "Ballerina' fell to fifth place with $9.4 million, despite strong reviews from both critics and audiences. Directed by Len Wiseman, the action film stars Ana de Armas and features Keanu Reeves reprising his role in a supporting turn. Dergarabedian said "Ballerina' could have a surge later down the line similar to 2014's "John Wick.' "It took a while for that franchise to really catch on,' he said. "You saw a huge outpouring of interest for the first 'John Wick' when it hit home video or streaming, I should say, and I think the same will happen here.' In sixth place, "Karate Kid: Legends' earned $5 million followed by "Final Destination: Bloodlines' at seventh with $3.9 million. Wes Anderson's latest "The Phoenician Scheme' brought in $3 million eighth place. "The Life of Chuck,' based on a Stephen King story, placed ninth with $2.1 million. Rounding out the top 10 was "Sinners." The Ryan Coogler film starring Michael B. Jordan, drew $1.4 million - which is impressive since the movie is available to watch at home through online and digital platforms after being released two months ago. Overall, the box office is up 23% from this point in 2024. Dergarabedian said he's looking forward to films in the coming weeks that could have a positive presence at the box office, such as "Eilo,' "F1," "Superman' and "28 Days Later.'
