Paramount Pictures has recently announced significant changes to its 2025 release calendar, igniting excitement and speculation among industry insiders and film enthusiasts alike. The standout title from this revision is Edgar Wright’s highly anticipated reboot of “The Running Man,” starring Glen Powell, which is now set to debut on November 21, 2025, right before the Thanksgiving holiday. This high-profile project will face stiff competition against other major releases, including “Wicked: Part Two,” Angel Studios’ “David,” and an undisclosed Warner Bros. film, making it a critical moment in the competitive film landscape.
In addition to blockbuster titles, Paramount is also adjusting its strategy for the awards season. A film directed by Tim Fehlbaum, which had originally premiered at prestigious film festivals such as Venice and Telluride, has had its release date moved to November 29 for a limited showing prior to a more extensive rollout on December 13. This film, starring Peter Sarsgaard and a talented ensemble cast, recounts the harrowing events surrounding a live act of terrorism during the 1972 Munich Olympics, positioning it as a considerable contender for accolades during the year-end awards.
In a notable genre shift, Paramount’s horror film “Vicious,” directed by Bryan Bertino and featuring Dakota Fanning among others, is being brought forward to February 28, 2025. Originally slated for release in August, the adjustment suggests that the film is in its final stages and ready for audiences. The storyline promises a gripping experience as it follows a woman who battles for survival throughout a night fraught with unexpected terror, encapsulated by the tagline of descending into chaos after receiving a gift from a mysterious late-night visitor.
Animated Delight and Family Features
Further expanding its portfolio, Paramount has adjusted the release date for its animated musical centered on the Smurfs. Initially planned for Valentine’s Day, the film will now take the summer release slot on July 18, 2025. With a star-studded voice cast that includes Rihanna, James Corden, and Octavia Spencer, this colorful family feature is expected to attract a wide audience during the busy summer months. Interestingly, this date also coincides with Sony’s remake of “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” hinting at a competitive box office battle.
Upcoming Reboots and New Horizons
The calendar revisions also feature a shift for the upcoming Akiva Schaffer-directed reboot of “Naked Gun,” now scheduled for August 1, 2025, featuring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson. This strategic move demonstrates Paramount’s commitment to not only reviving beloved franchises but also providing fresh narratives and interpretations to resonate with contemporary audiences.
As Paramount continues to navigate the evolving cinematic terrain, these strategic shifts reflect an ambitious approach to capitalize on diverse genres and significant release windows. By positioning key titles strategically against a backdrop of fierce competition, the studio aims to maximize visibility and box office success in a dynamic industry landscape.