Paramount made a grand entrance at CineEurope, showcasing an exclusive extended preview of Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel, “Gladiator II.” The footage, introduced by Scott himself, was met with enthusiastic applause, with Scott assuring the audience that the film, arriving nearly 25 years after the original, is “well worth the wait.” The preview featured stars such as Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Joseph Quinn. The film is set for a global release in November.
Mark Viane, President of International Theatrical Distribution, kicked off the event with his annual humorous entrance, this time dressed in gladiator attire in a pre-recorded video. Viane, playing the character “Markimus Vianus,” donned a vest with the Paramount logo and rallied his team, humorously urging them to “distribute hell” in true gladiator fashion.
On stage, Viane reflected on Paramount’s successful year with releases like “Mean Girls,” “Bob Marley: One Love,” and “IF.” He promised the “biggest Paramount presentation ever” at CineEurope, setting high expectations for the audience.
The presentation continued with two extended 3D scenes from the upcoming “Transformers One,” set for a September release. Chris Hemsworth, who stars in the film, sent a video message expressing his excitement, describing the movie as “out of this world.” The film, directed by Josh Cooley, explores the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron on Cybertron, receiving a warm reception from the audience.
Another highlight was the prequel “A Quiet Place: Day One,” directed by Michael Sarnoski and starring Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou, and Alex Wolff. The film delves into the catastrophic first day of the alien invasion, with Nyong’o promising that audiences will be “on the edge of their seats.” The preview showcased the chaos as one of the world’s loudest cities falls silent.
CineEurope attendees also got a sneak peek at the first five minutes of “Smile 2,” the sequel to the 2022 horror hit. The preview elicited audible screams from the audience, indicating the film’s potential to replicate its predecessor’s success.
Paramount also teased the holiday release “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” featuring the introduction of the mysterious Shadow. Additional footage included scenes from the dark comedy “Savage House,” starring Richard E Grant and Claire Foy, and an animation test for the upcoming “Smurfs” film.
Although Tom Cruise did not make a surprise appearance, the presentation celebrated the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, marking one year since the world premiere of “M:I7” in Rome. The next installment, “M:I8,” is slated for release next summer.
Disney also made a significant impact at CineEurope, riding high on the success of “Inside Out 2,” which shattered records with a $295 million global opening weekend. The presentation highlighted upcoming releases, including “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Alien: Romulus,” and “Moana 2,” among others.
John Krasinski took the stage to unveil the first look at “A Quiet Place: Day One,” emphasizing the film’s departure from the Abbott family’s story. The preview showed Nyong’o’s character navigating the terrifying first moments of the alien invasion in New York, promising a gripping experience for fans.
Paramount’s presentation at CineEurope was a spectacle, with “Gladiator II” as the centerpiece. The event featured a giant cardboard coliseum and Roman legionnaires, creating an immersive experience for attendees. The extended footage of “Gladiator II” showcased Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal, with an unreleased trailer adding to the excitement. Scott’s video introduction and Viane’s comments about the film’s massive action sequences further heightened anticipation.
The studio also showcased the first five minutes of “Smile 2,” generating excitement for the horror sequel. Extended scenes from “Transformers One” were presented in 3D, and sneak peeks of “Paw Patrol 3,” “Smurfs,” and “Sonic 3” were also featured.
Despite the ongoing discussions about Paramount’s future ownership, the studio’s presentation at CineEurope was a resounding success. The extended scene from “A Quiet Place: Day One” and the enthusiastic reception of “Gladiator II” underscored Paramount’s commitment to delivering blockbuster entertainment.
