Universal's Cinematic Odyssey: A Glimpse into the Future of Fandom
Universal showcased a double dose of The Odyssey at the recent CineEurope convention in Barcelona. The presentation began with an extended sequence projected in 70mm, featuring the Greeks entering Troy in a wooden horse. Veronika Kwan Vandenberg and Niels Swinkels emphasized the importance of cinema audiences in their opening remarks, highlighting the success of films like Obsession and Michael that cater to fandom.
Universal's strategy includes a diverse range of offerings, from documentaries to live concerts, tapping into the power of strong fandom. Illumination's upcoming release Minions & Monsters and the 2027 animation Not Alone, voiced by Timothée Chalamet and Selena Gomez, were introduced. Focus Features presented Sense And Sensibility and Other Mommy, a supernatural horror film starring Jessica Chastain.
One Night Only, a film set in a world where extra-marital sex is illegal except for one night a year, was also showcased. The teaser for Werwulf, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Violent Night 2, a sequel to the Christmas action comedy, were part of the lineup. DreamWorks Animation's Shrek 5 and Forgotten Island, set in the Philippines, were highlighted as key releases.
The presentation concluded with a look at upcoming IP releases, including a fourth The Mummy film, a new Murder She Wrote with Jamie Lee Curtis, Miami Vice '85 starring Michael B Jordan and Austin Butler, and Fast Forever continuing the Fast franchise. The event wrapped up with more footage from The Odyssey, leaving attendees excited for Universal's upcoming slate.