Paramount Pictures is currently reshaping its 2025 release schedule, a decision driven by a combination of strategic considerations and competitive market analysis. The most notable adjustment concerns Edgar Wright’s highly anticipated reboot of “The Running Man,” featuring Glen Powell in the lead role, which is slated for release on November 21—a date strategically chosen to coincide with the lucrative Thanksgiving weekend. Notably, this film will face stiff competition from “Wicked: Part Two,” along with a family-friendly offering from Angel Studios and a Warner Bros. event film. The decision to position “The Running Man” against such heavyweight contenders raises questions about Paramount’s confidence in the film’s potential for success.
A Look at Award Season Contenders
Shifting gears to this year, Paramount has also adjusted the release date for its awards season contender, originally scheduled for a late November premiere on September 5. This film, which underwent a successful world premiere at both the Venice and Telluride film festivals, is now set for a limited release on November 29, followed by a broader rollout on December 13. The movie, directed by Tim Fehlbaum, revolves around a tense scenario during the Munich Olympics where a live act of terrorism disrupts the coverage from the ABC Sports TV control booth. The delay could reflect a strategic alignment with the competitive landscape of awards season films, aiming to maximize visibility and impact.
Changes in Horror and Animation Releases
In a refreshing move, Paramount has elected to accelerate the release of “Vicious,” a horror film directed by Bryan Bertino that stars Dakota Fanning and an impressive supporting cast. Originally set for August 8, 2025, it has been moved forward to February 28, thanks to its early readiness for the audience. The film’s premise, involving a woman grappling for survival after receiving a mysterious gift, could resonate well in the horror genre landscapes of early spring. Following closely on this date are “Last Breath,” featuring Simu Liu and Woody Harrelson, as well as “My Dead Friend Zoe,” directed by Natalie Morales.
Additionally, the animated musical adaptation of “The Smurfs” has been shifted from its Valentine’s Day slot to a summer release on July 18. Directed by Chris Miller and Matt Landon, the film boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Rihanna and Octavia Spencer. This move away from Valentine’s Day—typically dominated by romance-themed films—suggests an effort by Paramount to secure a more favorable release window, where family-friendly films often thrive.
Ultimately, Paramount’s recalibrated 2025 release schedule reflects a calculated approach to capture audience attention and optimize box office performance. With high-stakes competition looming on the horizon, the studio’s decisions in timing and positioning suggest an awareness of market trends and audience preferences. As these films prepare to enter a fiercely competitive market, industry watchers will be keenly attentive to how these strategic shifts play out in terms of audience reception and box office returns.