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Project Hail Mary Sparks Summer Box-Office Boom Amid Industry Pause

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

In the United States, Project Hail Mary became the year’s blockbuster, driving a summer box-office surge.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 earned $677 million and Pressure earned $15 million in North America.
Studios announced Toy Story 5, Disclosure Day, Obsession and Backrooms as upcoming hits.
Richard Rushfield (industry analyst) said industry layoffs paused and the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger stayed frozen.
The Odyssey drew strong pre-sales, and families filled theaters, with the author and a 10-year-old getting IMAX seats early.
At the March Oscars, Paul Thomas Anderson (director) accepted the adapted screenplay award for One Battle After Another, saying he made the film for his children.

Summary

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The Emmy nominations will be revealed on Wednesday, July 8, during a live YouTube broadcast at 8 a.m. PT.
The announcement will be hosted by Emmy winners Liza Colón-Zayas and Jeff Hiller.
The livestream will include live commentary from the author and co-host, urging viewers to join the excitement.
Fans can check the Ankler Pundits page for final Emmy forecasts and wild-card entries submitted by industry peers.
Katie Walsh predicts Chase Infiniti may earn a lead drama actress nod for The Testaments, and the expanded supporting slots could let four The Pitt actresses be nominated.

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Renny Harlin premiered Deep Water at Malta’s Mediterrane Film Festival on June 26, with wife Johanna as producer.
He said AI can cut costs by replacing pricey locations and giant sets, urging newcomers to learn it.
Harlin warned that ignoring AI will leave filmmakers stranded as the industry advances.
He noted China’s film market stalled after Covid and political shifts, with fewer Hollywood co-productions and slower audience returns.
Harlin added that Chinese viewers favor emotional, comedic stories, shaping the romance between esports characters Sam and Lilly in Deep Water.

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Story summary

In the United States, Project Hail Mary became the year’s blockbuster, driving a summer box-office surge.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 earned $677 million and Pressure earned $15 million in North America.
Studios announced Toy Story 5, Disclosure Day, Obsession and Backrooms as upcoming hits.
Richard Rushfield (industry analyst) said industry layoffs paused and the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger stayed frozen.
The Odyssey drew strong pre-sales, and families filled theaters, with the author and a 10-year-old getting IMAX seats early.
At the March Oscars, Paul Thomas Anderson (director) accepted the adapted screenplay award for One Battle After Another, saying he made the film for his children.

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