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‘Supergirl’ Moves to HBO Max After Theatrical and Home Entertainment Release

Distribution

Sep 10, 2026

‘Supergirl’ Moves to HBO Max After Theatrical and Home Entertainment Release

DC Studios’ Superhero Film Moves From Cinemas and Digital Home Entertainment Into Global Subscription Streaming DC Studios’ Supergirl is entering the next stage of its release cycle, making its global streaming debut exclusively on HBO Max on September 10, 2026. The move follows a multi-stage distribution strategy that began with the film’s international theatrical rollout on June 24, followed by its North American cinema release on June 26 through Warner Bros. Pictures. The film later became available digitally on July 28, before its 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD release on September 8. Just two days later, Warner Bros. Discovery is opening the film’s subscription-streaming window through HBO Max. From Theaters to HBO Max The release provides a clear example of how a major studio film can move through several distribution windows rather than going directly from cinemas to streaming. For Supergirl, the sequence has been: Theatrical release → Digital purchase and rental → 4K/Blu-ray/DVD → HBO Max streaming Each stage gives Warner Bros. Discovery another opportunity to reach a different section of the audience while extending the commercial life of the title. Warner Bros. Uses Multiple Distribution Channels Warner Bros. Pictures handled the film’s theatrical distribution worldwide, beginning internationally on June 24 and across North America on June 26. The subsequent digital and physical releases moved the film into transactional home entertainment, where viewers could buy or rent the title independently of a subscription. Now, the HBO Max debut introduces Supergirl to the studio’s subscription-streaming audience. Warner Bros. Discovery has officially described September 10 as the film’s global streaming debut. A Major DC Studios Release Directed by Craig Gillespie from a screenplay by Ana Nogueira, Supergirl stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl. The cast also includes Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, David Corenswet and Jason Momoa. DC Studios heads Peter Safran and James Gunn produced the film. The movie forms part of the expanding DC Studios film universe and was positioned as one of Warner Bros.’ major theatrical releases of summer 2026. Why the Distribution Window Matters For distributors, Supergirl demonstrates how a major studio can maximize one title across several formats. The theatrical window establishes the film as a cinema event. Digital purchase and rental create an additional transactional revenue stage. Physical formats target collectors and home-entertainment audiences. Subscription streaming then expands access to a much larger platform audience. Rather than these channels competing with one another, they can be structured as different stages of the same distribution strategy. What It Means for Art City Distribution For Art City Distribution, Supergirl provides a useful real-world example of modern windowed film distribution. A film’s commercial journey does not finish when it leaves cinemas. Rights holders can continue distributing the same title through digital ownership, physical media and subscription platforms, with each window serving different audiences and business objectives. The September 10 HBO Max premiere therefore represents more than another streaming release — it marks the latest stage in a carefully structured distribution cycle for one of DC Studios’ largest 2026 titles.

‘Moana’ Moves From Theaters to Premium Digital as Disney Expands Home Entertainment Release

Distribution

Sep 9, 2026

‘Moana’ Moves From Theaters to Premium Digital as Disney Expands Home Entertainment Release

Disney’s Live-Action Hit Arrives on Digital Platforms Before Expanding to 4K, Blu-ray and DVD in October Disney’s live-action Moana has entered the next stage of its release cycle, becoming available on premium digital platforms from September 8, 2026, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango. The film will then expand into physical home entertainment with 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD releases on October 6. The move follows the film’s theatrical launch on July 10, 2026, creating a roughly two-month period between its cinema debut and premium home release. From Theatrical Release to Premium Digital Rather than moving immediately from cinemas to subscription streaming, Disney is first placing Moana into a transactional digital window, where audiences pay separately to purchase or rent the film. This allows the studio to create another commercial stage after theatrical exhibition while continuing to monetize audiences who want earlier access at home. The September 8 digital launch is followed by another distribution stage on October 6, when the film becomes available through 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD. Physical Media Remains Part of Disney’s Strategy Disney is also supporting the release with a limited-edition 4K UHD SteelBook, alongside standard Blu-ray and DVD editions. The home-entertainment package includes additional content such as a sing-along version, behind-the-scenes material, production features and interviews with the filmmakers and cast. For distributors, premium physical editions remain useful because they serve audiences that want ownership, higher-quality formats and collectible products rather than subscription access alone. Disney Expands the Franchise Across Multiple Products Disney is also using the home release to strengthen the wider Moana catalogue. A three-film collection containing the live-action Moana, the original animated Moana and Moana 2 is being offered digitally from September 8, with a DVD collection following on October 6. This is an important catalogue-distribution strategy: a new release creates an opportunity to generate additional value from older titles in the same franchise. A Major Title in Disney’s 2026 Slate The live-action film stars Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, and is directed by Thomas Kail. Disney released the film theatrically in the U.S. on July 10. Disney has described Moana as part of its strong 2026 summer slate, alongside titles including Toy Story 5, with the studio surpassing $4 billion at the global box office during the year. What It Means for Film Distribution From a distribution perspective, Moana demonstrates how major studio films continue to move through several commercial windows rather than transitioning directly from cinemas to streaming. The current strategy can be viewed as: Theatrical → Premium Digital → Physical Home Entertainment → Subscription Streaming Each stage targets a different consumer behavior and provides another opportunity to generate revenue from the same title. Disney has not yet announced an official Disney+ streaming date, so the September digital release should be treated as a separate transactional window rather than the film’s subscription-streaming debut. Why It Matters for Art City Distribution For Art City Distribution, the release provides a clear example of window management in modern film distribution. A successful theatrical release does not end when a film leaves cinemas. Distributors can continue building value through premium digital rentals and purchases, physical editions, franchise bundles and eventually subscription platforms. The Moana rollout demonstrates how controlling the timing of each window can extend a film’s commercial life while allowing different audiences to access the title in different ways.

‘Resident Evil’ Reboot Targets Record Box Office Opening Ahead of Global Theatrical Release

Distribution

Sep 8, 2026

‘Resident Evil’ Reboot Targets Record Box Office Opening Ahead of Global Theatrical Release

Zach Cregger’s New Film Builds Strong Advance Demand Ahead of Global Cinema Rollout Sony Pictures is preparing to launch a new chapter of Resident Evil this month, with early box-office tracking suggesting the reboot could deliver the biggest opening weekend in the franchise’s theatrical history. Industry tracking currently points to an opening of around $35 million in North America, while strong first-day ticket sales have created potential for the film to climb toward $50 million. That would put the new film comfortably ahead of the franchise’s current opening-weekend record, held by Resident Evil: Afterlife, which debuted with approximately $26.65 million in 2010. A Global Theatrical Launch Sony says Resident Evil will begin its global theatrical rollout from September 16, 2026, before opening in U.S. theaters on September 18. The film comes from TriStar Pictures, Constantin Film and Davis Films, with Sony Pictures positioning it as an exclusively theatrical release in the United States. For distributors, the international rollout gives the film an opportunity to build momentum across multiple territories before and during its North American launch. A New Direction for the Franchise The reboot is directed by Zach Cregger, whose recent horror success has helped build anticipation around the project. Rather than directly adapting one of the video games, the new film introduces an original story centered on Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a medical courier whose journey turns into a fight for survival during a disastrous night. The cast also includes Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser. Strong Presales Strengthen the Theatrical Outlook One of the most important indicators ahead of release has been the film’s early ticket performance. Reports indicate that first-day presales have been particularly strong, creating expectations that the initial $35 million tracking figure could rise before opening weekend. For a franchise that has historically opened below $27 million in North America, even the lower end of current projections would represent a meaningful step forward. Why It Matters for Film Distribution For Art City Distribution, the Resident Evil rollout provides a strong example of how established global intellectual property can be repositioned through a new creative direction and a fresh theatrical campaign. The distribution strategy combines: a recognizable international franchise, coordinated global release timing, strong advance ticket demand, exclusive theatrical positioning, and renewed audience interest around a rebooted property. The film also demonstrates why theatrical forecasting matters to distributors. Strong presales can influence screen allocation, marketing investment, premium-format positioning and expectations across international territories. If Resident Evil ultimately reaches the upper end of current projections, it would not only set a new franchise opening record — it would also show that a long-running property can regain theatrical momentum when paired with the right filmmaker, positioning and release strategy.

Distribution

Sep 7, 2026

AMC Theatres Launches Leawood Films to Expand Theatrical Distribution

The World’s Largest Cinema Exhibitor Is Expanding Into Distribution to Bring More Independent Films to Theaters AMC Entertainment is moving beyond exhibition and directly into film distribution with the launch of Leawood Films, a new distribution company designed to bring more fully financed and completed films to theaters in the United States and international markets. The company will be headquartered between Los Angeles and Leawood, Kansas, where AMC is based. Unlike a traditional film studio, Leawood Films does not plan to finance productions or develop projects from the script stage. Instead, it will focus on filmmakers who have already secured full financing or have completed films that need theatrical distribution. From Exhibitor to Distributor AMC is best known as one of the world’s largest cinema operators, with approximately 850 theaters and 9,500 screens globally. The creation of Leawood Films introduces a new role for the company: helping determine how films reach the theatrical marketplace rather than only providing the screens on which they play. AMC says the goal is to increase the supply of movies available to cinemas, particularly small and medium-sized productions that might otherwise struggle to secure theatrical distribution. Leawood Films is not being positioned as a competitor to major Hollywood studios. AMC says its existing relationships with studios and established distributors will remain its primary source of theatrical content. A Different Distribution Model for Filmmakers One of the most interesting parts of the strategy is the proposed business model. AMC says filmmakers working with Leawood Films will generally retain ownership of their intellectual property and most downstream revenue after the theatrical window. The company says this could create economics that differ significantly from traditional studio distribution agreements. Leawood Films also plans to respect a minimum 45-day window before PVOD and at least 90 days before SVOD, reinforcing AMC’s commitment to giving theaters a meaningful period of exclusivity. For independent producers, the combination of theatrical access, marketing support and continued ownership could make the model particularly attractive. AMC Builds on Previous Distribution Experience Although Leawood Films is a new company, AMC has already experimented successfully with direct theatrical distribution. The cinema chain played a central distribution role in Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, and later Taylor Swift | The Official Release Party of a Showgirl. AMC says those releases demonstrated its ability to work with competing theater chains and secure broad theatrical placement beyond its own cinemas. Leawood Films plans to use a similar collaborative approach, working with other exhibitors in both domestic and international markets. Hollywood Veterans Join the Venture AMC has brought in several experienced film executives to advise the new company, including Toby Emmerich, former chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group; Ricky Strauss, former president of marketing at Walt Disney Studios; and Kyle Davies, who previously led domestic distribution at Paramount Pictures and distribution at Bleecker Street. The venture will also work with established distribution partners including Variance Films in North America and Piece of Magic Entertainment internationally. Why This Matters for Film Distribution The creation of Leawood Films reflects an important change in the traditional relationship between producers, distributors and exhibitors. Normally, a filmmaker sells or licenses a project to a distributor, which then negotiates with cinema chains for screen access. AMC’s new model brings exhibition and distribution closer together. For films that are already financed but lack a strong route to theaters, that could potentially reduce one of the biggest barriers to theatrical release: securing enough screens and marketing support to reach an audience. AMC also says there is currently significant unused capacity across the cinema industry. By supplying additional films, Leawood Films could help theaters fill more screens while creating new opportunities for independent producers. What It Means for Art City Distribution For Art City Distribution, this development is especially relevant because it demonstrates how the global distribution business is becoming more flexible. A theatrical exhibitor can also become a distributor. Independent filmmakers can potentially retain greater control over their intellectual property. And distribution companies can build models around films that are already financed rather than assuming the full financial risk of production. Leawood Films has not yet selected its first releases, and AMC says its initial films are unlikely to arrive before 2027 or 2028. The importance of the announcement, however, is already clear: one of the world’s largest cinema companies now wants to play a more direct role in deciding which films reach the big screen.

North American Summer Box Office Hits $4.6 Billion as Theatrical Market Strengthens

Distribution

Sep 6, 2026

North American Summer Box Office Hits $4.6 Billion as Theatrical Market Strengthens

Theatrical Market Grows 26% as Major Releases, Younger Audiences and Premium Formats Drive Cinema Recovery The North American theatrical market delivered its strongest summer since the pandemic, generating approximately $4.6 billion in ticket sales between May and August 2026. That represents a 26% increase compared with summer 2025, providing another strong signal that audiences are returning to cinemas and that major theatrical releases remain an important part of the entertainment business. Major titles including Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5 helped drive the season, while a broader mix of franchise films, horror releases and original productions attracted audiences across different demographics. Younger Audiences Return to Theaters One of the most important developments was the return of younger moviegoers and female audiences. For distributors and exhibitors, this matters because long-term theatrical growth depends not only on individual blockbusters but also on rebuilding regular cinema attendance among younger generations. The stronger summer suggests that audiences will still choose theatrical experiences when studios provide a varied slate of films with clear reasons to watch them on the big screen. Premium Formats Continue to Strengthen Theatrical Value Premium cinema formats also played an important role in the season. IMAX recorded particularly strong results during the summer, supported by films such as Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Premium formats allow distributors and exhibitors to position certain releases as cinematic events, creating experiences that are more difficult to reproduce through home entertainment or streaming. This premium-format strategy has become increasingly important as studios look for ways to strengthen the value of theatrical windows. Fewer Films, but Stronger Audience Demand Despite the improvement, the theatrical market has not completely returned to pre-pandemic release levels. According to Reuters, there were approximately 34 wide releases during summer 2026, compared with 44 during the same period in 2019. Yet overall summer revenue still reached its strongest post-pandemic level. For the distribution industry, this is significant. It suggests that performance is not determined only by the number of films released. Release timing, audience targeting, marketing, premium formats and the strength of individual titles can have a major impact on theatrical revenue. What It Means for Film Distribution The $4.6 billion summer demonstrates that cinema remains an important commercial distribution window. For distributors, a healthier theatrical market creates opportunities for: stronger cinema-first release strategies, wider international and domestic rollouts, premium-format distribution, catalogue and event programming, and greater value before films move into digital and streaming windows. Analysts cited by Reuters also believe the 2026 domestic box office could exceed $10 billion, with major releases including Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three still ahead. Why It Matters for Art City Distribution For Art City Distribution, this story reflects the wider market in which film distribution operates. Distribution is not simply about delivering a film to a cinema or platform. It also requires understanding where audiences are watching, which formats create value, when titles should enter the market, and how different release windows work together. The strong summer performance shows that theatrical distribution continues to have meaningful commercial value — particularly when distributors combine strong content, strategic release timing and premium cinema experiences.

‘Cars’ Returns to Theaters for Disney and Pixar’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

Distribution

Sep 5, 2026

‘Cars’ Returns to Theaters for Disney and Pixar’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

Pixar Brings the 2006 Animated Hit Back to the Big Screen With a Special Anniversary Re-Release Disney and Pixar are bringing Cars back to theaters for its 20th anniversary, giving audiences another opportunity to experience the original 2006 film on the big screen. Disney’s fall theatrical slate lists the anniversary release beginning September 4, 2026, while cinemas in the UK begin screenings on September 5. The timing also coincides with Lightning McQueen Day, celebrated annually on 9/5 in reference to the character’s race number 95. A Major Pixar Catalogue Title Returns to Cinemas Originally released in 2006, Cars introduced audiences to Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally and the world of Radiator Springs. Over the following two decades, the film developed into one of Pixar’s most enduring properties, expanding into sequels, short films, theme-park attractions, merchandise and other entertainment products. Returning the original film to theaters allows Disney to reactivate an established catalogue title while introducing the movie to younger audiences who may never have experienced it theatrically. More Than a Traditional Re-Release The theatrical return forms part of a much wider 20th-anniversary campaign surrounding the Cars franchise. Disney has connected the anniversary with special screenings, automotive events, museum exhibitions, gaming integrations and brand collaborations. The company has also expanded its relationship with Formula 1, adding Cars to the collaboration as part of a program now extending through 2028. This broader strategy allows the theatrical re-release to operate as one part of a larger franchise campaign rather than as an isolated cinema event. Why Catalogue Distribution Still Matters For film distributors, anniversary re-releases show how established titles can continue generating commercial value many years after their original release. A recognizable film can be returned to cinemas through event screenings, anniversary campaigns, restored editions and franchise-focused programming, creating new revenue opportunities from existing content. The strategy also benefits exhibitors by giving cinemas access to familiar properties with built-in audience awareness while studios strengthen engagement around their larger franchises. What It Means for Film Distribution For Art City Distribution, the Cars anniversary is a strong example of how studios can use catalogue distribution and event cinema to extend the commercial life of intellectual property. Instead of allowing older films to exist only on streaming platforms or home entertainment, distributors can bring them back into the theatrical market when there is a strong anniversary, cultural moment or franchise opportunity. Twenty years after its original release, Cars demonstrates that successful film libraries can remain active distribution assets — capable of returning to cinemas, supporting new partnerships and reaching another generation of audiences. Source: The Walt Disney Company and Disney UK.

‘The Hunger Games’ Returns to Theaters With Five-Film Event Ahead of ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’

Distribution

Sep 3, 2026

‘The Hunger Games’ Returns to Theaters With Five-Film Event Ahead of ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’

Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment Bring the Franchise Back to Cinemas With Exclusive Footage From the Upcoming Prequel Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment are bringing all five existing Hunger Games films back to theaters from September 3–7, 2026, turning the franchise into a five-day theatrical event ahead of the release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. Each returning film will also include a different theatrical-exclusive sneak peek from Sunrise on the Reaping, which is scheduled to open in theaters on November 20, 2026. Five Films, Five Days The event is structured around one film per day: September 3: The Hunger Games September 4: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire September 5: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 September 6: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 September 7: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes The strategy gives audiences the opportunity to revisit the entire theatrical franchise immediately before Lionsgate begins the final marketing push for its next installment. Turning Catalogue Films Into a New Cinema Event From a distribution perspective, the rollout is more than a simple re-release. Lionsgate is using five established catalogue titles to create a new theatrical product, while the exclusive footage from Sunrise on the Reaping gives fans an additional reason to return to cinemas rather than simply rewatch the movies at home. Fathom Entertainment, which specializes in theatrical events and limited engagements, is handling the special cinema rollout alongside Lionsgate. Building Momentum for ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ The upcoming Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 24 years before the original Hunger Games, beginning on the morning of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. The film stars Joseph Zada, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, and Kelvin Harrison Jr., with Francis Lawrence directing. By attaching exclusive previews of the new film to each older title, Lionsgate is effectively using the franchise’s existing audience to build anticipation for its next theatrical release. A $3.4 Billion Franchise Returns to the Big Screen The five existing Hunger Games films have collectively generated more than $3.4 billion at the global box office, making the franchise one of Lionsgate’s most valuable theatrical properties. That established audience gives the studio an opportunity to generate new revenue from its catalogue while simultaneously promoting the next film. What It Means for Film Distribution For distributors, this campaign demonstrates how catalogue titles can become active marketing and revenue tools rather than simply library assets. A strong franchise can be brought back through: theatrical re-releases → special event programming → exclusive content → promotion of a new release The strategy creates value for both studios and exhibitors. Cinemas receive recognizable titles with existing fan demand, while the distributor gets another theatrical touchpoint with audiences before launching a new film. For Art City Distribution, The Hunger Games event is a strong example of how event cinema, catalogue distribution, and franchise marketing can work together as one coordinated theatrical strategy.

‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ Returns to Theaters With New Footage Ahead of ‘Doomsday’

Distribution

Sep 2, 2026

‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ Returns to Theaters With New Footage Ahead of ‘Doomsday’

Marvel Turns One of Its Biggest Films Into a New Theatrical Event With Fresh Footage and Premium Formats Marvel Studios is bringing Avengers: Endgame back to theaters on September 25, 2026, this time under the title Avengers Endgame: Encore. The new theatrical edition will not simply replay the 2019 blockbuster. Marvel is adding custom introductions, previously unseen footage and new end material connected to Avengers: Doomsday, creating a direct bridge between the two films. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026, meaning Marvel is using the Endgame re-release to rebuild theatrical momentum only a few months before its next major Avengers event. More Than a Traditional Re-Release From a distribution perspective, Endgame: Encore is particularly interesting because Marvel is turning an existing catalogue title into a new theatrical product. Rather than relying only on nostalgia, the studio is adding material that audiences cannot get from simply watching the original version at home. Director Joe Russo has described the new edition as important viewing ahead of Doomsday, with the additional material helping connect the storylines of the two films. This gives audiences another reason to purchase a cinema ticket for a movie they may already have watched several times. IMAX and Infinity Vision Strengthen the Event Strategy Premium theatrical formats are also a central part of the rollout. The re-release will be presented in IMAX as well as Infinity Vision, Disney’s premium large-format certification initiative. Some premium screenings will include additional Avengers: Doomsday material beyond the content available in regular screenings. The strategy allows Disney and Marvel to position Endgame: Encore as more than a catalogue re-release. It becomes a premium cinema event connected directly to the launch of another blockbuster. Using Catalogue Content to Promote a New Release For studios and distributors, one of the most interesting aspects of the campaign is how Marvel is using an older film to support a future theatrical release. Avengers: Endgame already became one of the biggest films in cinema history following its original 2019 release. Bringing it back with exclusive material allows Marvel to generate new theatrical revenue from the title while simultaneously marketing Avengers: Doomsday. This creates a distribution cycle where existing intellectual property helps drive demand for upcoming intellectual property. What It Means for Film Distribution The Endgame: Encore strategy demonstrates how theatrical re-releases are evolving. Anniversary screenings and classic-film revivals traditionally relied heavily on nostalgia. Major studios can now add exclusive footage, premium formats and connections to upcoming films to turn catalogue titles into active parts of their current distribution strategy. For Art City Distribution, the release demonstrates how a strong film library can continue generating commercial opportunities years after the original theatrical window has ended. A successful catalogue title can be reintroduced through theatrical re-releases, premium formats, exclusive content and franchise-driven event programming, extending its commercial life while supporting future releases.

MrBeast and James Patterson’s ‘The Most Dangerous Games’ Faces Slow Preorders Ahead of Launch

Distribution

Sep 1, 2026

MrBeast and James Patterson’s ‘The Most Dangerous Games’ Faces Slow Preorders Ahead of Launch

‘The Most Dangerous Games’ Launches With Major Promotion but Reportedly Modest Advance Sales MrBeast and bestselling author James Patterson have joined forces for a new thriller titled The Most Dangerous Games, released on September 1, 2026 through HarperCollins. The collaboration has been promoted as a major publishing event, combining one of the world’s biggest digital creators with one of the most commercially successful authors in publishing. However, early industry reporting suggests that preorders may have started more slowly than expected. According to reports citing Semafor, advance orders were still in the four-digit range shortly before release. The figure has not been officially confirmed by HarperCollins, so the book’s true commercial performance will become clearer once verified sales data becomes available. A Major Creator-to-Publishing Expansion The Most Dangerous Games is a 480-page survival thriller built around a large-scale competition in which 100 players compete for a $1 billion prize while facing extreme challenges across multiple locations. HarperCollins is releasing the title in several formats, including hardcover, paperback, digital, audiobook, and a deluxe limited edition. The project represents an important expansion of the MrBeast brand beyond online video and entertainment into traditional publishing. For publishers, collaborations of this kind offer access to enormous digital audiences and the possibility of converting social-media reach into book sales. A $1 Million Promotion Supports the Launch MrBeast is also using his established competition-based marketing model to promote the book. Buyers of qualifying English-language physical editions can register for a competition offering the chance to compete for $1 million, with registration beginning alongside the book’s release. The campaign shows how traditional publishing launches are increasingly being combined with creator marketing, competitions, direct-to-consumer promotion, and online communities. Why the Preorder Numbers Matter The reported preorder performance is especially interesting because both names involved bring large existing audiences. MrBeast has one of the biggest digital followings in the world, while Patterson already has an established book-buying audience. A slow preorder start would therefore raise an important question for the entertainment business: Can massive online reach automatically translate into sales in another media format? The answer is not always straightforward. Audiences who regularly watch free online content may behave differently when asked to purchase a book, subscription, ticket, or other paid product. What It Means for Media and Distribution From a distribution and audience-development perspective, the launch provides a useful example of how creators are expanding their intellectual property across multiple industries. A major digital audience can create awareness, but commercial success still depends on factors such as: audience conversion, pricing, retail distribution, marketing timing, format, and consumer demand. For Art City, the story highlights an increasingly important trend in modern entertainment: large creators are becoming multi-platform media brands, but audience size alone does not guarantee sales in every market. The real test for The Most Dangerous Games will come after release, when verified sales figures show whether MrBeast’s digital influence and Patterson’s publishing power can translate into a major commercial book launch.

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Finally Reaches Theaters After Ketchup Entertainment Rescues Shelved Warner Bros. Film

Distribution

Aug 31, 2026

‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Finally Reaches Theaters After Ketchup Entertainment Rescues Shelved Warner Bros. Film

Ketchup Entertainment Brings the Looney Tunes Film to Cinemas After Acquiring Worldwide Distribution Rights After spending years at risk of never being publicly released, Coyote vs. Acme has finally arrived in theaters, giving one of Hollywood’s most controversial shelved films an unexpected second life. Warner Bros. Discovery originally decided in 2023 not to release the completed film, with the studio planning to use the project as part of a tax write-off. The decision generated significant criticism from filmmakers, actors, and audiences, particularly because the movie had already been completed and had reportedly performed well in test screenings. That changed after Warner Bros. allowed the film to be offered to other buyers. Independent distributor Ketchup Entertainment ultimately acquired worldwide distribution rights for approximately $50 million and scheduled the film for a theatrical release on August 28, 2026. From Shelved Film to Theatrical Release The journey of Coyote vs. Acme is unusual because the film had already been completed when Warner Bros. decided not to distribute it. The live-action and animated production reportedly cost around $70 million, meaning a significant studio investment was at risk of remaining unavailable to audiences altogether. Public reaction eventually led Warner Bros. to allow the filmmakers to seek another distributor, creating an opportunity for Ketchup Entertainment to step in. The acquisition transformed the project from a cancelled studio title into a commercially distributed theatrical release. A Strong Opening for an Independent Distributor The decision has already produced a notable result. Coyote vs. Acme opened with approximately $15.5 million at the North American box office, finishing in second place during its opening weekend. The debut also became Ketchup Entertainment’s biggest opening weekend to date, an important achievement for an independent distributor competing against much larger Hollywood studios. The result demonstrates how an established property can still generate significant theatrical demand even after its original distributor decides not to release it. Why the Distribution Deal Matters From a film-distribution perspective, Coyote vs. Acme provides an unusual example of how distribution rights themselves can determine whether a completed film reaches audiences at all. A studio may decide that a project no longer fits its financial or release strategy, but selling or licensing those rights can allow another distributor to find commercial value in the same film. In this case, Ketchup Entertainment gained access to a completed production connected to the globally recognizable Looney Tunes brand without financing the film’s original production. Warner Bros., meanwhile, was able to monetize an asset it had previously decided not to release. Independent Distribution Creates a Second Opportunity The story also highlights the role independent distributors can play within the global film business. Smaller distributors often acquire projects that major studios no longer want to release directly, allowing those films to reach cinemas, digital platforms, or international markets through a different distribution strategy. For Coyote vs. Acme, that strategy turned a film once expected to remain permanently shelved into a theatrical release with a significant opening weekend. This illustrates an important principle for producers and rights holders: a project rejected by one distributor may still hold substantial value under a different distribution model. What It Means for the Film Industry For Art City Distribution, the Coyote vs. Acme case is particularly relevant because it demonstrates how ownership and distribution are not the same thing. Completing a film does not guarantee that audiences will ever see it. Distribution determines how — and sometimes whether — that content reaches the market. The film’s revival shows how rights acquisition, independent distribution, catalogue value, audience demand, and theatrical strategy can give a project an entirely new commercial opportunity. What began as one of Hollywood’s most controversial shelving decisions has now become a notable example of how a new distributor can bring a completed film back into the marketplace.

‘Harry Potter’ Returns to Cinemas Worldwide for 25th Anniversary

Distribution

Aug 30, 2026

‘Harry Potter’ Returns to Cinemas Worldwide for 25th Anniversary

All Eight Films Return to Theaters as Warner Bros. Celebrates 25 Years of the Franchise The Harry Potter film series is returning to cinemas worldwide as part of the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone / Sorcerer’s Stone. Official anniversary celebrations include theatrical screenings across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, with the main cinema window running between August 27 and September 3, 2026, depending on local market schedules. The first film will receive special anniversary treatment, including previously unseen behind-the-scenes material shown in theaters, while audiences in participating markets will also have opportunities to watch all eight films from the Harry Potter series on the big screen. A Global Catalogue Distribution Strategy From a distribution perspective, the anniversary rollout shows how major studios can continue generating theatrical value from established film libraries long after their original release. Rather than limiting the anniversary to streaming or physical-media promotion, Warner Bros. is bringing the franchise back into cinemas across multiple international territories. This turns an existing catalogue into a new theatrical event, giving exhibitors access to a globally recognizable brand while allowing audiences to experience the films again in a cinema environment. Event Cinema Extends the Life of Major Franchises The Harry Potter re-release also demonstrates the growing importance of event cinema as a distribution strategy. Anniversary screenings, franchise marathons, restored releases, and special-event presentations allow distributors to create new commercial opportunities from titles that audiences already know. In this case, the timing is also connected to the annual Back to Hogwarts celebration, helping the theatrical rollout become part of a wider international fan campaign. The First Film Returns With Exclusive Cinema Content Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone originally premiered in November 2001, making 2026 its 25th anniversary year. For the anniversary screenings, the first movie is being accompanied by special behind-the-scenes material that had not previously been shown in theaters. This gives fans an additional reason to return to cinemas rather than simply rewatching the film at home. What It Means for Film Distribution For the distribution industry, the anniversary campaign highlights the continuing commercial value of major film catalogues. A successful franchise can continue generating value through: theatrical re-releases, anniversary events, franchise marathons, premium experiences, streaming, physical media, and licensing. The strategy allows distributors to reach both long-time fans and younger audiences who may never have seen the original films theatrically. For Art City Distribution, the Harry Potter anniversary rollout is a strong example of how catalogue management and event-based theatrical distribution can extend the commercial life of major intellectual property for decades. Source: Official Harry Potter / Wizarding World anniversary announcements.

DAZN to Acquire EverPass Media to Expand NFL Sunday Ticket Reach

Distribution

Aug 27, 2026

DAZN to Acquire EverPass Media to Expand NFL Sunday Ticket Reach

DAZN has agreed to buy EverPass Media, taking over the commercial distribution of NFL Sunday Ticket and strengthening its presence in the United States. DAZN has reached an agreement to acquire EverPass Media, the company that distributes licensed sports content to commercial venues such as hotels and bars. Through this deal, DAZN will take control of the commercial distribution arm for the NFL’s popular Sunday Ticket package. The move is expected to help DAZN grow its U.S. operations and extend the reach of content previously distributed by EverPass to sports fans globally. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Source: Variety Source: Variety

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to Release 'Hacks' Complete Series Blu-ray Box Set

Distribution

Aug 27, 2026

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to Release 'Hacks' Complete Series Blu-ray Box Set

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will launch a complete Blu-ray collection of all five seasons of “Hacks” this fall, including exclusive bonus features yet to be announced. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has announced it will release a Blu-ray box set containing all five seasons of the series “Hacks” in time for the holiday season. The collection, titled “Hacks: The Complete Series,” will feature never-before-seen bonus material, though Universal has not yet detailed what those extras will include. The company stated that further updates about the release and its exclusive content will be shared at a later date. Source: Variety

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