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Box Office Surge Fuels Studio Optimism for Comedy, Drama

7/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Brent Lang of Variety said the summer box-office rebound shows optimism returning after COVID and the writers’ strike.
He highlighted “Michael,” “Obsession,” “Backrooms,” and “Project Hail Mary” as audience favorites.
Sony chief Tom Rothman, Disney’s Alan Bergman, and Paramount’s Josh Greenstein voiced optimism, noting studio funding for adult dramas, comedies and genre-diverse projects.
Lang added comedy may revive, citing “Scary Movie” success and new talent from YouTube and TikTok.

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Story summary

Brent Lang of Variety said the summer box-office rebound shows optimism returning after COVID and the writers’ strike.
He highlighted “Michael,” “Obsession,” “Backrooms,” and “Project Hail Mary” as audience favorites.
Sony chief Tom Rothman, Disney’s Alan Bergman, and Paramount’s Josh Greenstein voiced optimism, noting studio funding for adult dramas, comedies and genre-diverse projects.
Lang added comedy may revive, citing “Scary Movie” success and new talent from YouTube and TikTok.