Tag: universal
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New Super Bowl Trailers from Universal’s 2025 Film Slate Include Jurassic World Rebirth, How To Train Your Dragon and M3GAN 2.0
During Super Bowl LIX, Universal Pictures showcased trailers for highly anticipated 2025 films, including Jurassic World Rebirth, M3GAN 2.0, and How to Train Your Dragon. Other notable releases include Last Breath, BLACK BAG, The Woman In The Yard, and The Ballad of Wallis Island, promising diverse genres for audiences this year.
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Creating an Accessible Oz: How NBCU is Breaking New Grounds in Production Design
The commitment to accessibility wasn’t just about enhancing the story—it was a step toward a more inclusive approach to production design. On the set of Wicked, accessibility became a core design element as the filmmakers created a wheelchair-accessible world for Nessarose, a character who uses an Ozian wheelchair. The commitment to accessibility wasn’t just about enhancing…
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Universal Filmed Entertainment Group Scores Record 25 Academy Award Nominations – A Historic Milestone for the Studio
Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) received a record 25 nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, up from 18 in 2024. Key films include Universal’s Wicked and Focus Features’ Conclave, both nominated for Best Picture. DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot also set a record with three nominations.
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NBCUniversal Scores Big with 2024 Slate, Grossing 3.76 Billion
In 2023, major studios like Universal Pictures and DreamWorks celebrated significant box office successes, with Universal’s ‘Wicked’ surpassing $700M globally and DreamWorks’ ‘The Wild Robot’ achieving a perfect critics score. Notable milestones included the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise crossing $5B and ‘Oppenheimer’ winning 7 Academy Awards.
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Universal Pictures’ ‘Wicked’ Surpasses $700M At Global Box Office
Wicked has achieved remarkable success at the box office, surpassing $700 million globally, with $240.4 million internationally and $460.6 million domestically. It set records for the biggest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation and achieved high ratings from critics and audiences. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it’s Universal’s second-highest-grossing film of 2024.
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Wicked is the Next Chapter in Universal’s Renowned History of Movie Musicals
Universal Pictures has showcased nearly a century of musical films, with “Wicked” (2024) marking a pinnacle in this legacy. This piece explores past classics like “Show Boat,” “Flower Drum Song,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which laid the groundwork for modern movie musicals, celebrating cultural significance and diversity.
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NBCUniversal Nominated for 42 Critics Choice Awards
The 2025 Critics Choice Awards nominations feature Jon M. Chu’s Wicked and Edward Berger’s Conclave leading with 11 nominations each. Hosted by Chelsea Handler and airing on January 12, the ceremony recognizes excellence in film and television, with NBCUniversal achieving notable successes across various categories in both realms.
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The World’s First Donkey Kong Country™ Area in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ is Now Open at Universal Studios Japan
The Grand Opening Ceremony for Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios Japan featured Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and USJ’s J.L. Bonnier. Guests celebrated with a countdown, entering a vibrant jungle resembling the game. The area includes attractions like Mine-Cart Madness, emphasizing family-friendly fun. This expansion showcases the collaboration between Nintendo and Universal.
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Samsung Partners with Universal Pictures on Exclusive Music Frame WICKED Edition
Samsung and Universal Pictures introduce the Music Frame WICKED Edition, a customizable wireless speaker that offers surround sound and acts as a picture frame. This limited-edition product enhances the experience of the film’s soundtrack and features exclusive photo cards and themed packaging. It is currently available online for $299.99.
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Universal Pictures’ ‘Twisters’ Becomes Peacock’s Biggest Pay 1 Film Premiere Ever
In just 14 days, “Twisters” has become Peacock’s most successful Pay 1 film launch, surpassing “Oppenheimer.” Directed by Lee Isaac Chung and starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, it opened with $81.1 million, a 98% increase over the original “Twister.” The film streams on Peacock until March 14, 2025.
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Spreading Sisterhood and the Magic of Wicked’s Social Impact Initiatives to Inspire Kindness, Accessibility, and Mentorship
NBCUniversal collaborates with Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Challenged Athletes Foundation, and the campaign “The More You Know” to promote sisterhood, mentorship, and accessibility ahead of the release of ‘Wicked’. Through PSAs and initiatives, they emphasize kindness and inclusivity, aiming to inspire young people and foster community connections.
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NBCUniversal Productions Earn Awards for Sustainability On-Screen and Behind the Scenes at the 2024 EMA Awards
NBCUniversal won three EMA Awards for environmental storytelling, celebrating productions like Twisters, Hacks, and Top Chef. Director Lee Isaac Chung emphasized sustainable filmmaking efforts during his acceptance speech. The company achieved a record 32 Gold Seals, showcasing advancements in eco-friendly practices across productions. They aim to minimize environmental impact in media.
