- Third consecutive 'Wicked' film headlines Universal's CinemaCon showcase
- Sequel leverages emotional viral press tour momentum from 2023 hit
- Universal's 2024 slate includes 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' and AI-horror sequel 'M3GAN 2.0'
- Live orchestra enhances studio presentations with iconic film scores
The energy at Caesars Palace reached fever pitch as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo returned to CinemaCon's main stage, this time celebrating the forthcoming conclusion to their 'Wicked' saga. Fresh off the original film's $800 million global success, the duo previewed 'Wicked: For Good' with behind-the-scenes footage that left attendees reaching for tissues. Director Jon M. Chu noted the musical's three-year CinemaCon streak reflects Universal's confidence in the franchise's enduring appeal.
Universal's presentation strategy revealed key industry insights about modern film marketing. The studio's use of a 60-piece orchestra conducted by Rickey Minor demonstrated how live musical elements create immersive preview experiences – a tactic that boosted social media engagement by 40% during last year's event. This approach complements Hollywood's growing reliance on nostalgia, evidenced by refreshed scores from 'Jurassic Park' and 'Psycho' underscoring the studio's 2024 roster.
Las Vegas' role as CinemaCon's permanent host city provides a regional case study in event-driven economic impact. The Nevada Film Office reports convention-related revenue surpassed $200 million in 2023, with studios increasingly leveraging the city's integrated resort venues for maximum spectacle. Universal's MGM Grand partnership enabled elaborate displays like 30 synchronized M3GAN dancers – a viral-ready moment that trended globally within hours.
The studio's release calendar shows strategic franchise management, with 'Wicked: For Good' positioned for November awards consideration. Summer tentpoles like 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' (July) and 'How to Train Your Dragon' (June) target family audiences, while horror offerings including 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' (December) maintain year-round genre appeal. Scarlett Johansson's revelation about 15-year pursuit of a 'Jurassic' role underscores Hollywood's increased reliance on established IP.
Industry analysts note Universal's blended approach – combining A-list talent with multimedia staging – could redefine studio presentations. As streaming platforms compete for theatrical windows, such eventized showcases help theaters justify exclusive releases. With 'Wicked: For Good' projected to drive fourth-quarter ticket sales, Grande and Erivo's real-life friendship continues proving as marketable as their on-screen rivalry.
