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Insight of the Day: Why Big Hits Like ‘Wicked,’ ‘Beetlejuice 2’ and ‘Twisters’ Still Struggled at the International Box Office

Writer's picture: InsightTrendsWorldInsightTrendsWorld

Detailed Findings:

  • Domestic Hits Underperforming Internationally:  Movies like "Wicked," "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," and "Twisters," while successful in the US, have significantly underperformed at the international box office compared to other blockbusters.

  • Shifting International Landscape: The international box office landscape has changed due to geopolitical tensions (impacting China and Russia), the pandemic, and a rise in local film productions.

  • China's Reduced Receptiveness: China, once a major market for Hollywood films, has become less receptive to American culture, and its own film industry has grown significantly.

  • Russia's Market Closure: The war in Ukraine has largely closed off the Russian market to Hollywood films.

  • "Wicked's" International Challenges: The musical "Wicked" is less well-known internationally compared to its Broadway success in the US. Musicals also tend to perform better in English-speaking countries.

  • "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice's" Limited International Appeal: The original "Beetlejuice" was primarily a US phenomenon, and the sequel was not expected to have broad international appeal.

  • "Twisters'" Underperformance and Marketing Issues: The weak international performance of "Twisters" is surprising given the genre's usual popularity abroad. Some industry figures blame Warner Bros.' international marketing efforts, particularly in comparison to Universal's domestic campaign.

  • Lack of Diverse Appeal in North America:  These three films did not attract diverse audiences in North America, which is a factor in their limited international appeal. Opening weekend crowds were roughly 50% white, compared to more diverse audiences for films like "Moana 2" and "Deadpool & Wolverine".

  • Potential Shift in Studio Focus: The underperformance of these films internationally might lead studios to focus more intensely on the US market.

  • Impact of Strikes: The actors and writers strikes delayed releases and allowed some countries to focus on local productions, impacting the international market.

Key Takeaway:

  • The international box office landscape has become more challenging for Hollywood films due to geopolitical shifts, the pandemic's impact, and the rise of local film industries, leading to some US blockbusters underperforming overseas despite domestic success, potentially signaling a shift in studio focus towards the US market.

Trend:

  • Changing International Box Office Dynamics:  The global box office is becoming more complex and less predictable for Hollywood films.

  • Rise of Local Film Industries: Countries are increasingly producing their own successful films, reducing reliance on Hollywood imports.

  • Shifting Geopolitical Landscape:  Geopolitical tensions and conflicts are impacting the distribution and reception of Hollywood films in certain markets.

  • Marketing's Impact on International Success:  Effective international marketing campaigns are crucial for a film's success overseas.

Consumer Motivation:

  • Familiarity and Recognition (or lack thereof):  International audiences may be less familiar with the source material or cultural context of certain films (like "Wicked" or "Beetlejuice").

  • Genre Preferences:  Certain genres, like action-packed disaster films, tend to have broader international appeal than others.

  • Cultural Relevance:  Films that resonate with local cultures and values are more likely to succeed in specific markets.

What is Driving the Trend:

  • Geopolitical Tensions:  Strained relationships between the US and countries like China are impacting the reception of Hollywood films.

  • The Pandemic's Impact:  COVID-19 disrupted release schedules and allowed local film industries to gain a stronger foothold.

  • The Rise of Streaming:  Streaming platforms are providing audiences with more diverse content options, including local productions.

  • Hollywood Strikes:  The actors and writers strikes delayed releases and created opportunities for local films to fill the gap.

Motivation Beyond the Trend:

  • A desire for culturally relevant entertainment.

  • A growing sense of national pride and support for local film industries.

  • A shift in global power dynamics, with some countries becoming less reliant on American cultural exports.

Who are the people the article is referring to?

  • The article primarily focuses on international moviegoers and their reception of Hollywood films. It also refers to Hollywood studios, film industry analysts, and marketing teams.

Description of Consumers, Product, or Service the Article is Referring to and What is Their Age:

  • Consumers: International moviegoers of all ages, with varying levels of familiarity with American cultural touchstones and differing preferences for film genres.

  • Product: The article focuses on Hollywood blockbuster films, specifically "Wicked," "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," and "Twisters." It also mentions other successful films like "Inside Out 2," "Dune: Part Two," "Kung Fu Panda 4," "Deadpool & Wolverine," and "Gladiator II."

  • Service: The article refers to the theatrical distribution and marketing of films in international markets.

Conclusions:

  • The international box office is no longer a guaranteed goldmine for Hollywood films.

  • Geopolitical factors, the pandemic, and the rise of local film industries have created a more challenging landscape.

  • Marketing and cultural relevance play a crucial role in a film's international success.

  • Studios may need to adjust their strategies and expectations for the international market.

Implications for Brands:

  • Conduct Thorough Market Research:  Understand the cultural nuances and audience preferences in different international markets.

  • Tailor Marketing Campaigns:  Develop marketing strategies that are specifically designed for international audiences.

  • Invest in Local Partnerships:  Collaborate with local distributors and marketing teams to effectively reach international audiences.

  • Consider Cultural Sensitivity:  Be mindful of cultural differences and avoid content that may be offensive or poorly received in certain markets.

  • Don't Assume Universal Appeal:  Recognize that not all films will resonate with audiences worldwide.

Implication for Society:

  • Potential for a more diverse and vibrant global film landscape, with greater prominence for local productions.

  • Increased cultural exchange and understanding through film.

  • Potential shifts in the global entertainment power dynamics.

Implications for Consumers:

  • Greater access to a wider variety of films from different countries.

  • Potential for more culturally relevant and diverse cinematic experiences.

  • Increased prominence of local films and talent in their respective markets.

Implication for Future:

  • The international box office will likely remain a complex and evolving landscape.

  • Studios may need to be more selective about which films they release internationally and tailor their strategies accordingly.

  • The rise of local film industries will likely continue, creating a more competitive global market.

Consumer Trend:

  • Varying International Reception to Hollywood Films:  Not all Hollywood blockbusters are guaranteed success overseas.

  • Growing Support for Local Productions:  Audiences in some countries are increasingly embracing their own film industries.

Consumer Sub-Trend:

  • Genre Preferences Vary by Region:  Different genres perform differently in various international markets.

Big Social Trend:

  • Shifting Global Power Dynamics:  The rise of local film industries and changing geopolitical landscapes are impacting the global entertainment industry.

Local Trend:

  • Rise of Local Film Industries in China and Other Countries: These countries are producing their own successful blockbusters, reducing reliance on Hollywood imports.

Worldwide Social Trend:

  • Globalization of Entertainment:  While Hollywood's dominance is being challenged, entertainment and cultural influences continue to flow across borders, creating a complex and interconnected global market.

Name of the Big Trend Implied by Article:

  • The New World Order of the International Box Office or Hollywood's International Challenge

Name of Big Social Trend Implied by Article:

  • The Rise of National Cinemas or The Shifting Global Entertainment Landscape

Social Drive:

  • Cultural Identity and Pride:  A desire to see one's own culture and stories represented on screen.

  • Geopolitical Sentiment:  Political tensions and relationships between countries can influence the reception of cultural products.

  • Economic Factors: The growth of local economies and film industries can lead to greater investment in domestic productions.

Learnings for Companies to Use in 2025:

  • The international box office is no longer a guaranteed success for Hollywood films.

  • Cultural relevance, source material familiarity, and effective marketing are crucial for international success.

  • Geopolitical factors and the rise of local film industries are reshaping the global entertainment landscape.

  • A diverse audience in North America is important for international success.

Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025:

  • Conduct thorough market research to understand international audience preferences.

  • Tailor marketing campaigns for specific international markets.

  • Invest in local partnerships for distribution and marketing.

  • Consider the cultural context and potential sensitivities when developing and releasing films.

  • Don't rely solely on the US market for box office success.

  • Develop films with diverse casts and storylines that can appeal to a global audience.

  • Be prepared for greater competition from local film industries.

Final Sentence (Key Concept):

  • The changing dynamics of the international box office, driven by geopolitical shifts, the rise of local film industries, and varying cultural resonance of source material, are forcing Hollywood studios to rethink their global strategies and adapt to a more complex and competitive landscape where domestic success no longer guarantees overseas triumph.

What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025 to Benefit from the Trend and How to Do It:

  • Hollywood studios and production companies should conduct more in-depth research on international markets, tailor their marketing campaigns accordingly, invest in local partnerships, and develop films with diverse casts and storylines that have broader cultural appeal, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach to the global box office is no longer viable in the evolving entertainment landscape.

  • How to do it:

    • Market Research:

      • Invest in comprehensive market research:  Go beyond basic demographics and delve into cultural nuances, viewing habits, and genre preferences in specific international markets.

      • Analyze past performance:  Identify which types of films have performed well in specific territories and why.

      • Track local trends:  Monitor the success of local films and identify emerging trends that could be relevant to Hollywood productions.

    • Marketing and Distribution:

      • Tailored Campaigns:  Develop marketing campaigns that are specifically designed for each target market, taking into account language, cultural references, and local sensitivities.

      • Localized Marketing Materials:  Create trailers, posters, and other marketing materials that are adapted for different regions.

      • Strategic Release Dates:  Consider local holidays, festivals, and competing releases when scheduling international release dates.

      • Invest in Dubbing and Subtitling:  Ensure high-quality dubbing and subtitling to make films accessible to a wider audience.

    • Partnerships:

      • Local Distributors:  Partner with experienced local distributors who have a deep understanding of the market.

      • Local Marketing Agencies:  Engage local marketing agencies to develop and execute culturally relevant campaigns.

      • Local Talent:  Collaborate with local actors, filmmakers, and influencers to promote films and build connections with audiences.

    • Product Development:

      • Diverse Casting:  Cast actors from diverse backgrounds to increase a film's appeal to a global audience.

      • Culturally Relevant Storytelling: Develop stories that resonate with different cultures or explore universal themes that transcend borders.

      • Consider Co-productions:  Partner with international production companies to create films that blend Hollywood expertise with local perspectives.

      • Film in Different Locations: Utilize international locations for filming, which can add authenticity and appeal to global audiences.

    • Long-Term Strategy:

      • Build Relationships:  Foster long-term relationships with international partners and audiences.

      • Invest in Local Talent:  Support the development of local film industries by investing in training and infrastructure.

      • Adapt to Change: Be prepared to adjust strategies based on evolving market conditions and geopolitical shifts.

By implementing these strategies, Hollywood studios can adapt to "The New World Order of the International Box Office" and "Hollywood's International Challenge." They can work to overcome "Varying International Reception to Hollywood Films" and "Genre Preferences Vary by Region" by creating films that appeal to a more diverse, global audience. They can navigate "The Shifting Global Entertainment Landscape" while combating "The Rise of National Cinemas."

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