LISTEN: Box Office: ‘Predator: Badlands’ Bags Bucks for Disney; Edgar Wright Takes a Big Swing With ‘The Running Man’

The latest installment of the "Daily Variety" podcast offers an in-depth analysis of the weekend's cinematic earnings, with reporter Rebecca Rubin highlighting the unexpectedly robust opening of "Predator: Badlands." This performance underscores the audience's persistent demand for revitalized action franchises, a trend that has become a fundamental approach for major studios operating in today's film industry. This strategy often helps mitigate financial risk by leveraging pre-existing audience recognition and nostalgia.

In another segment, Jordan Moreau explores his recent feature on Edgar Wright, the celebrated director now at the helm of the upcoming "The Running Man" adaptation. Wright initially rose to prominence with the cult hit "Shaun of the Dead," a movie that expertly merged zombie apocalypse tropes with sharp British wit. His signature style, characterized by kinetic editing and a deep knowledge of genre conventions, was further demonstrated in the intricately staged "Baby Driver." An industry analyst noted, "A project instantly gains a unique identity and a built-in audience when a visionary like Wright, known for his precise and energetic filmmaking, takes the reins."

For those seeking regular insights into the business of entertainment, the "Daily Variety" podcast is widely available across major platforms. Listeners can access episodes on iHeartPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, as well as through the Variety YouTube Podcast channel and Amazon Music. This broad distribution ensures that both industry insiders and dedicated fans can easily stay informed on the latest news and trends.