Bridging the Gap: How Smaller Films Will Carry Theaters Through the Fall

The film industry is relying on a collection of smaller films to bridge the gap between its recent string of hits and the upcoming holiday blockbuster season. This strategy comes into play following the success of films like Weapons ($148.8 million global gross), as the market enters a period with no major tentpole releases.
The need for a bridge is a result of a highly successful but top-heavy year. While films like Jurassic World Rebirth ($828 million) and Sinners have delivered huge audiences, their theatrical runs are winding down, leaving a void in the market.
This void will be filled by a variety of smaller but potentially compelling titles. Late August and September will see the release of films like Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t!, the satire The Rose, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s One Battle After Another. The collective performance of these films will be crucial for theaters.
The gap will be fully bridged in October with the arrival of Tron: Ares. This film is expected to be a massive hit and will be followed by a strong slate of other blockbusters, including Wicked: For Good and Zootopia 2, ensuring a powerful end to the year.