Jurassic World Rebirth Tops Anticipated Summer Movies Survey
In a surprising turn of events, Fandango has revealed that "Jurassic World Rebirth" has emerged as the most anticipated movie for the summer of 2025, according to a recent survey. This announcement, made on March 25, has raised eyebrows among movie enthusiasts, who expected more expected contenders like superhero films to dominate the rankings.
The top rankings are filled with a mix of franchise favorites and fresh narratives. Coming in second place is "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," followed by "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" in third, “Superman” in fourth, and “Thunderbolts” taking fifth place. The latter half of the top ten includes “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,” “28 Years Later,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Lilo & Stitch,” and “Freakier Friday,” completing the list.
This list serves as Fandango’s latest assessment of the movie industry ahead of the highly anticipated CinemaCon, scheduled for March 31 to April 3 in Las Vegas. Fandango's survey captured the sentiments of over 5,000 moviegoers, who were categorically divided into loyal and casual moviegoers. Loyal moviegoers, those who saw five or more films this year, accounted for 41% of the surveyed group, averaging about 10 films viewed in 2024. In contrast, casual moviegoers represented 59% of the sample, watching an average of just two films in the same period.
As Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango, remarked, “As consumers’ appetite and interests continue to evolve, understanding moviegoing behaviors is essential to find new areas of opportunity and help drive industry growth.” This observation highlights the shifting dynamics of the film industry, as audiences appear to diversify their viewing choices.
"Jurassic World Rebirth," which is set to hit theaters on July 2, draws attention as it marks a soft reboot of the Jurassic franchise. This film will unfold five years post the dramatic events of “Jurassic World Dominion,” which faced mixed reviews and a less-than-stellar box office performance.
Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Audrina Miranda. The diverse storytelling and star-studded lineup appear to resonate well with audiences, making it a frontrunner amid the plethora of sequels and remakes prevalent in the summer lineup.
Interestingly, while titles like "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" and "Superman" both promise superhero action, they have not managed to captivate the attention of moviegoers like the dinosaur franchise continues to do. This trend reflects a broader sentiment that amidst a deluge of superhero narratives, audiences may be eager for a refreshing take, thus propelling the Jurassic franchise back into the limelight.
The survey also revealed that many moviegoers are not just preparing for a summer of blockbusters; instead, they are eager for more movie tickets overall. According to the findings, 88% of those surveyed expressed anticipation for seeing more films over the course of the year, signaling a potential recovery in theater attendance, which has struggled to regain its footing since the pandemic.
The report showed a demographic breakdown of respondents: 80% fell between the ages of 18-54, with 51% identifying as male and 47% female, while 2% identified as non-binary. Ethnic diversity was also noted, with 45% identifying as Caucasian, 42% as Latinx or Hispanic, 18% as Black or African American, and a notable 5% as Asian or Pacific Islander. These statistics affirm the increasingly varied audience that film studios must cater to in their marketing campaigns.
As CinemaCon approaches, the excitement mounts, not just for the films themselves but for the broader implications this summer holds for the industry. Despite challenges that have long plagued theaters in the post-COVID-19 era, hope remains. The shift towards premium large format screenings has become influential in driving attendance, as evidenced by 77% of respondents who indicated they attended at least one premium large-format showing recently.
Summarizing the vibe of this upcoming summer, it is clear that particular franchises have established deep roots in audience preferences. "Jurassic World Rebirth" has risen to the forefront not just for its nostalgia but for a narrative that retells an age-old story in a way that still captivates cinema-goers today. The cyclical nature of film interests suggests audiences crave both the familiar and the new—a balance that studios will likely continue to explore.
Ultimately, as this summer approaches, movie fans will hold their breath in anticipation to see how these films perform at the box office. Will "Jurassic World Rebirth" live up to its anticipation, and how will the other superhero films measure up? The answers remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: the landscape of film is as dynamic as ever. Let the movie-going adventures of summer 2025 commence!
