PREMIERE MAGAZINE #325

 

The Roundup with Jeff Stockton (Season 33 Round 5)

 

Round 5 featured three strong films - but not strong at the box office. Here's The Roundup....

3. Boys from the Forest

Writer Wyatt Allen obviously threw a lot of relatable material into this one. It may have been a bit too niche and a bit too Germany-specific. This didn't affect the story too much, but I'm sure it affected the box office and reviews a tad.

2. Lucifer

The film was a lot of fun in all the least predictable ways. I never thought that the DC Comics Universe would end up in a place (good or bad) that would result in a fantastical R-rated comedy musical about Lucifer.

1. Sniper

Sniper turned out to be a good old fashioned thriller. It was refreshing how it painted the "villains" in a completely unique way. 

3. Box Office

This season is going to depend a lot on the second half of the season. 

2. DC Comics Universe

Is the dominance of the DC Comics Universe at and end? If so, the studio is going to need something to pick up the baton. Marvel Universe? Video game films? Original blockbusters?

1. Profits

Round 5 was the third round in a row to end up in the red for the studio this season. 

On Location (Season 33 Round 5)

 

Boys from the Forest

- Hoyerswerda, Germany

Sniper

- Bogota, Colombia

Lucifer

- Miami, Florida, USA

Box Office Breakdown (Season 33 Round 5)

 

Boys from the Forest

Budget: $11,000,000

Total Box Office: $14,981,718

Total Profit: -$5,873,546

Sniper

Budget: $40,000,000

Total Box Office: $86,596,113

Total Profit: $13,500,236

Lucifer

Budget: $53,000,000

Total Box Office: $99,484,930

Total Profit: -$15,502,023

Box Office Facts

Boys from the Forest

"13" is not the lucky number for writer Wyatt Allen as his 13th release for the studio has ended up as his lowest grossing to date.

Sniper

Writer Nic Suzuki is off to a red-hot start to his LRF career with box office successes in each of his first three releases - Gamera in Season 31, Monopoloy in Season 32, and now Sniper in Season 33. 

Lucifer

For the first time in DC Comics Universe history, a film has failed to eclipse $100 million at the world wide box office - missing out on triple figure by just half a million dollars. It is just the third film in the cinematic universe to fail to earn profits, but the losses were slighter than the other two films (Firestorm and Watchmen).

Genre Rankings

Boys from the Forest

Drama: #356

Sniper

Action: #251

Thriller: #73

Lucifer

Dark Comedy: #3

Fantasy: #77

Musical: #14

Season 33 Round 5

Total Box Office: $201,062,761

Total Profit: -$7,875,333

Season 33 Totals

Total Box Office: $1,732,609,480

Total Profit: $102,365,592

Season 33 Summary

1. Metroid : $350,583,992

2. Power Rangers : $298,484,626

3. Starship Troopers : $226,993,893

4. Watchmen : $117,985,916

5. The Ghost Connection : $115,124,004

6. Lucifer : $99,484,930

7. The Essence : $99,316,188

8. Broadway Joe : $93,061,158

9. Sniper : $86,596,113

10. Before Love Came to Kill Us : $68,507,173

11. Night Stalker : $62,510,302

12. Love Is... : $44,107,837

13. Cedar Ridge : $31,944,330

14. Falling on the Cross : $22,927,300

15. Boys from the Forest : $14,981,718

Release: Lucifer

 

Lucifer

Genre: Dark Comedy/Fantasy/Musical

Director: Danny Boyle

Writer: John Malone

Based on DC Comics characters

Cast: Jonny Lee Miller, Justine Theroux, Julia Butters, Adeline Rudolph, Vinnie Jones, Daniel Henney, Tom Felton, Billy Idol (cameo), Sting (cameo)

Budget: $53,000,000

Domestic Box Office: $37,295,277

Foreign Box Office: $62,189,653

Total Profit: -$15,502,023

Reaction: This is not the season so far for the DC Comics Universe with both releases so far losing money for the studio - granted, they were both R-rated releases. We will have to wait until Round 10's Supergirl: Power to see if things will turn around for the label.

"Lucifer is divine chaos with a killer soundtrack. Danny Boyle directs like a man possessed, blending Bowie ballads, celestial fistfights, and drunken existential crises into something that feels like Moulin Rouge met The Sandman and did cocaine in a Miami =\nightclub bathroom. Jonny Lee Miller's Lucifer is messy, magnetic, and beautifully broken — think David Bowie by way of Hunter S. Thompson. The musical moments rip (Billy Idol’s cameo is worth the price of admission), and Julia Butters quietly steals scenes as the next-gen angel trying to figure out if free will is worth all the heartache. But yeah, it's also a lot — part musical, part comic-book fantasy, part therapy session for immortal beings with family baggage the size of Florida itself. Not everything sticks, but when it does, it burns like a good bottle of tequila." - Jaz Flores, ScreenJunkiezBuzz!

"Lucifer kicks off as a slow-burn, soaking in heavy vibes, but once Elaine hits the streets and Heaven’s war machine roars to life, it absolutely sings. It's a wicked cocktail of dark humor, religious philosophy, and action that'll have you slamming the bar for another round, all while tapping your foot to the sweet sounds of Sting and Billy Idol - who both show they can act even when playing themselves." - Dexter Quinn, Cinematic Observer Newsletter

“Lucifer is a dazzlingly uneven cocktail of celestial melodrama and glam rock excess that teeters between brilliance and indulgence. Danny Boyle’s flair for visual chaos and irreverent tone mostly holds the swirling narrative together, but the film often threatens to collapse under its own mythological weight. Jonny Lee Miller gives a charmingly rakish performance as the devil in exile, but the story’s shifts from karaoke to cosmic warfare feel more whiplash than clever. Julia Butters shines as the next-gen angel with a conscience, and the soundtrack slaps, even when the plot doesn’t. At its best, it’s a cheeky fever dream. At its worst, it’s a divine hangover.” - Rex Rockwall, The Observer Express Chronicle

Rated R for language, violence, and drug use.

Comic to Film: Lucifer

 

For the latest edition of Comic to Film, we are going to take a look at the latest R-rated offering from the DC Comics Universe - Lucifer. Danny Boyle (Open Hearts, Citizen) directs the film from a script by John Malone (Starship Troopers, Shatterhand).

Last Resort Films Jukebox: Lucifer

 

Now Showing: Lucifer

 

Lucifer

Genre: Dark Comedy/Fantasy/Musical

Director: Danny Boyle

Writer: John Malone

Based on DC Comics characters

Cast: Jonny Lee Miller, Justine Theroux, Julia Butters, Adeline Rudolph, Vinne Jones, Daniel Henney, Tom Felton, Billy Idol (cameo), Sting (cameo)

Plot: Lucifer Morningstar (Jonny Lee Miller) performs "My Way" at his Miami Beach nightclub Lux to a half capacity crowd of influencers and drunk real estate agents who barely pay any attention. After a spattering of applause, Lucifer drunkenly clarifies some information about his past to the crowd - namely that he is not a "fallen" angel - he insists that he chose to walk away. After the performance wraps up for the night, Lucifer drinks the rest of the night away in the VIP lounge as his wary, demonic assistant Mazikeen (Adeline Rudolph) reluctantly brings him more and more drinks.

Lucifer wakes in the morning hungover in the VIP booth still. He wanders out into the bright Florida sun where a street preacher is protesting his nightclub. The priest attempts to exorcise Lucifer with a plastic crucifix and a bottle of Evian water. Lucifer charms the priest, signing the priest's Bible, and even posing for a selfie. Lucifer does ask that the priest tag the nightclub in any social media post the priest makes using the picture.

From a rooftop bar, Lucifer pulls out his phone while he downs a bloody mary. He calls Sting (Sting) - yes, that Sting - to try to book him to perform a night at Lux. The conversation with the former Police frontman rapidly devolves into passive-aggression and an old grudge. Sting mentions Morocco. Lucifer hangs up and throws the phone into the ocean. 

Later, Lucifer practices "Golden Years" to a crowd of mannequins Mazikeen has set up to emulate a full crowd. One of the mannqeuins falls over at the crescendo of the song. Lucifer finishes the song anyway.

Scouts sent from Heaven - Duma (Daniel Henney) and Remiel (Tom Felton) - descend down to Hell to investigate. They enter a corridor of colossal mouths, etched into the terrain. The mouths devour sound and twist memories. Duma tries to speak—his voice is torn from his throat and warped into eerie song. He doesn’t speak again. The deeper they go, the more alive Hell becomes. It doesn’t mourn Lucifer. It remembers him. It whispers to them in his voice. Terrified, the angels flee. Back in Heaven, they arrive gasping for breath. Amenadiel (Vinnie Jones) meets them at the gate. They describe what they saw — Hell without a master, birthing its own rules. Amenadiel suggests the time has come to remind Lucifer what divine authority looks like. 

Meanwhile, Lucifer wakes up on a pool table. Mazikeen is sweeping glass off the bar and muttering about wasted potential. Lucifer dials Billy Idol’s agent: “Tell him Miami’s calling and it’s offering booze, blood, and a second chance at immortality.”

That night, Duma and Remiel arrive at Lux in full celestial regalia. A drunken tourist mistakes them for a themed drag act and tips them with crumpled singles. Lucifer greets them with tequila and scripture, quoting Revelations before realizing aloud that the section he was quoting is just some nonsense he wrote on a drunken night in Rome. Duma and Remiel deliver a warning to Lucifer to return to Hell - the dominion he created. Lucifer waves them off, informing them that he did not create Hell - it built itself around him. He then excuses himself to perform “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”. 

Michael Demiurgos (Justin Theroux), Lucifer's brother, arrives in his radiant glory from Heaven with his daughter Elaine Belloc (Julia Butters) in tow. He wanders into Lux's VIP lounge, kneeling beneath a neon sign that reads SINNERS ONLY to pray. Elaine is Heaven's reluctant heir, rebellious and far too powerful for her own safety, according to Michael. Michael confesses to Lucifer that he doesn't know what to do with her as she is not listening to him. Michael suggests that maybe she'll listen to Lucifer - he is the blueprint for rebellion after all. Lucifer is reluctant but intrigued. Lucifer tries to lecture her about restraint and responsibility but gets sidetracked when a bartender messes up his Negroni. Elaine walks off, drink in hand.

Later that night, Elaine wanders the streets of Miami - seeing both the good and the bad.  They pass a street performer doing an elaborate sand painting of Dante’s Inferno. A preacher on a corner rails about sin while taking bribes for blessings. A child shares their last slice of pizza with a stray dog. A teenager graffitis a mural of wings on the side of an old church. As she rounds the corner of a darkened alley, she finds a homeless man collapsed near a food cart, shaking, barely conscious. No one stops. No one notices. Elaine kneels beside him and places a hand over his chest. Her eyes glow faintly — not violently. Light pulses gently through her fingers. His breathing slows. The tremors stop. She smiles softly and tells him he’s safe now. From across the street, just arriving, Lucifer watches. His expression softens — not at the miracle, but at the choice to do it. Lucifer finally catches up with Elaine,  comments that she never realized how messy humanity is. Lucifer smiles, saying that at least humans always got to choose what kind of mess they want to be - something they never had in Heaven. Lucifer explains that when the Big Guy made humans, he gave them free will - but the angels, his so-called first children were simply told to obey. Together they roam the city: rooftop pools, back-alley tarot readers, abandoned churches. They perform a duet of "Bittersweet Symphony" at a dive bar karaoke night. 

Meanwhile, Amenadiel walks through Heaven's War Forge, where angels sharpen wings into blades and etch divine code into armor with stardust. He dons celestial armor as Duma and Remiel join him as he preaches cleansing the corruption that Lucifer has left behind - starting with Lucifer himself. Michael sees Amenaadiel's forces gathering, but isn't sure what he should do about it.

Lucifer and Elaine have return to Lux after their night out on the town. In the morning, Mazikeen finds Elaine sitting on the edge of Lux's roof, legs dangling over the side, watching the street below. Mazikeen sits next to her. Elaine asks what Mazikeen's role is. Mazikeen at first simply says that she is Lucifer's loyal assistant. Mazikeen then comments that Lucifer isn't easy to care about. Elaine asks how Mazikeen fell into her role. Mazikeen explains that she was bred for Hell, but Lucifer never tried to control her, he just let her be herself - so she followed him out of Hell when he left to the glittering dumpster fire called Miami Beach. Elaine asks if Mazikeen loves Lucifer. Mazikeen says she does, but Lucifer doesn't need love - he just needs someone who sticks around despite everything else. Elaine scoffs at the notion, insisting that her grandfather made love important for a reason.

After witnessing Amenadiel marching through Heaven’s war forge, Michael stands alone in a floating garden above the firmament. He kneels down, clasping his hands in prayer. He asks his Heavenly Father how he should respond to the threat of war against Lucifer. A blinding white light opens in the sky. Michael remains kneeling, still waiting for an answer. But there is no answer - no direction or command, just light. Michael is left to ponder his own question. After a long moment of thought, Michael thanks Yahweh for allowing him to figure out the answer himself. He announces that he is going to Earth to protect Lucifer - not because he's right or even deserves it, but because Lucifer is his brother. 

While the Lux staff prepares for the arrival of Billy Idol, Mazikeen and Lucifer share a drink at the bar. Then the noise begins. A motorcycle roars up to the curb outside Lux, followed by a beat-up touring van. Billy Idol (himself) steps out, dressed like the 1980s never ended. His bandmates climb out of the bus, grumbling about the Miami humidity and asking where the bathrooms are. Lucifer hurries outside to greet Billy, playfully welcoming him to Hell. 

As the crowd gathers, Billy takes the stage, opening with a rendition of "Flesh for Fantasy". Lux comes alive - for the first time. Lucifer watches the performance from his balcony. Mazikeen stands next to him, slowly leaning into him. Lucifer doesn't move away. 

Suddenly, the ceiling explodes open, glass and flame cascading down. Amenadiel crashes through, followed a group of angels including Duma and Remiel. Lucifer jokes to Mazikeen that he always knew they should arm the bouncers with swords. Elaine throws up a divine barrier around civilians. Lucifer tells her to forget about them and protect Billy Idol - he's a national treasure! Chaos erupts. Mazikeen fights off Duma with knives from the bar. Remiel has second thoughts when he sees Elaine and decides to help protect civilians as he does not want to get on the bad side of the Heavenly heir. Lucifer manifests his golden wings and takes to the air to confront Amenadiel. The two clash, battling through what remains of the club's upper levels. Lucifer uses his powers to transform Amenadiel's sword into a large snake that binds the angel's arm. Amenadiel bites the snake's head off and tackles Lucifer. They fall from the second level down onto the bar, landing with a hard crash. 

Then - a blinding white light erupts through the giant hole in the ceiling. Michael descends. Amenadiel attacks him, but Michael counters with a burst of divine energy that incinerates Amenadiel's armor. Michael then punches Amenadiel cross the face, incapacitating him. Duma and the other warrior angels all drop to one knee. Lucifer rises slowly, staring at his brother with gratitude he'll never admit to. Michael looks at Amenadiel's crumpled body on the floor and notices he's still breathing. Michael asks Lucifer if he should punch Amenadiel again. Lucifer laughs, joking that a kick should do. Michael orders Duma and Remiel to drag Amenadiel's unconscious body back to Heaven - he will deal with all of them later.

The battle is over. Lux is a ruin. Billy Idol climbs out from behind the bar, tequila bottle in hand. He mutters that he probably should start going to church now. Lucifer asks Billy to play one more song. Billy picks up a guitar and starts strumming the opening notes of "Eyes Without a Face." Lucifer turns to Mazikeen and asks her to dance with him. The two sway among the smoldering ruins of the nightclub. Across the room, Michael and Elain watch - father and daughter watching as the devil finally does something right. 

In Development

 

The Thin Man: Rounding out the Golden Age Hollywood remake The Thin Man will be Nell Tiger Free (The Beauty, Forever Hold the Peace), Peter Jacobson (Smile 2, Fly Me to the Moon), and Stephen Graham (The Omen, Fragments of Heart). Richard Linklater is directed the remake, which is also based on the source novel by Dashiell Hammett. Carl Flimmer penned the adaptation.

Cleveland: The crime drama from director Edgar Wright is also filling out its cast with the additions of Pablo Schreiber (Den of Thieves, "Halo"), Manny Jacinto (What We Were Promised, Top Gun: Maverick), Ben Schwartz (Renfield, Sonic the Hedgehog), and Thomas Middleditch (Red Lantern Corps, Splinter Cell: Blacklist). Schreiber and Jacinto will play a pair of hitmen, while Schwartz and Middleditch will play a pair of bumbling police officers. Jimmy Ellis is the writer behind the screenplay.

The Hammer of Thor: The Frost War: Several more familiar faces are set to return for the sequel to The Hammer of Thor Mark Hamill (The Hammer of Thor, Skyrim III: Dovakhiin) is back as Odin, Sophie Lowe (The Hammer of Thor, Poison Ivy: Mind Games) is back as Lady Sif, Laurie Davidson (The Hammer of Thor, Cats) is back as Fandral the Dashing, and Denis Menochet (The Hammer of Thor, The Beasts) is back as Volstagg the Valiant. Roar Uthaug is directing the film once again. The Marvel Universe film was written by Roy Horne. 

Splendour: The fact-based drama about the death of Natalie Wood has added more to its cast. Michael Pitt (Resident Evil 5, Grayson) will play Christopher Walken, Wyatt Russell (Phantasm: Awakening, The Hippie Preacher) will play the captain of the yacht, and Ron Livingston (El Dorado, Thrill of the Kill) will play a detective. Brady Corbert is directing the film.

Danya: Danya has added more talents to its voice cast the hirings of Nick Offerman (Gas Bar Blues, Nick Fury and His Howling Commandos) as a Russian police officer, Sarah Silverman (Spider-Man: Requiem, Maestro) as the manager of a successful rapper who will in turn be voiced by Riz Ahmed (Paki, Sherwood). Genndy Tartakovsky is directing from an original story by Jacob Jones.

The Legend of Zelda: The Legend of Zelda Nintendo video game franchise is finally on its way to the big screen in the form of an animated film from director Jon Watts (Duel, Inner Demons) and writer Dawson Edwards (Metroid, Before Love Came to Kill Us). Noah Schnapp (Police Story: Brother, The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass) and Florence Pugh (Beasts, Eye of the Scarecrow) are set to lead the voice cast as Link and Zelda, respectively.

From the Desk of Alfie Ellison, VP of International Development: Forbidden Planet

 

In a groundbreaking move that promises to redefine the science fiction genre, actor and producer Glen Powell has announced that his production company, Barnstorm, will partner with Last Resort Films Studio to develop an ambitious adaptation and remake of the iconic 1956 film Forbidden Planet.

The project, which will combine Powell's bold vision for modern storytelling with the rich legacy of the original, aims to reimagine the story for a new generation while staying true to the groundbreaking themes that made Forbidden Planet a beloved classic.

Forbidden Planet was originally inspired by William Shakespeare’s The Tempest and set on the distant planet of Altair IV. The story follows a futuristic crew who discover a lost, technologically advanced civilization, only to encounter a terrifying, unseen force that threatens their survival. With groundbreaking special effects for its time and a haunting score, the film became a touchstone for sci-fi fans and filmmakers alike.

“Forbidden Planet is one of those films that has had a profound influence on the sci-fi genre, inspiring everything from Star Trek to Star Wars,” said Glen Powell. “When I first saw it, I was captivated by its world-building, its philosophical themes, and its timeless questions about humanity. It’s an honor to be part of the team that will bring this story back to life and reimagine it for today’s audience.”

The new adaptation will be a mix of cutting-edge visual effects, innovative world-building, and deeper character-driven storytelling, exploring the dangers of unchecked technological power, the complexity of human emotion, and the mystery of the unknown in space. The project will also feature an ensemble cast of rising stars, with Powell himself set to play a leading role alongside other major names still to be announced.

“We’ve assembled a talented team of filmmakers, writers, and designers to ensure this remake honors the spirit of the original while pushing the boundaries of what audiences can expect from a modern sci-fi epic,” said Powell. “We’re working closely with Last Resort Films, whose track record of producing boundary-pushing films aligns perfectly with our goals for Forbidden Planet.”

The remake of Forbidden Planet will be the first project under the new partnership between Barnstorm and Last Resort Films, which plans to produce a slate of ambitious, genre-defining films over the next several years.

“We’re incredibly excited to work with Glen and the Barnstorm team,” said Phil Dolan, CEO of Last Resort Films. “Forbidden Planet is a cultural touchstone, and together, we are going to craft a version that both honors the original’s legacy and provides a fresh, thrilling experience for audiences worldwide.”

For any inquiries please contact LRF Vice President of International Development Alfie Ellison

Forbidden Planet
Project Details:
Based on the novel and film from 1956
Attached Talent:
Star Glen Powell

Release: Sniper

 

Sniper

Genre: Action/Thriller

Director: Jose Padilha

Writer: Nic Suzuki

Based on the 1993 film

Cast: Josh Brolin, Michael Pena, Demian Bichir, Adria Arjona, Ed Harris

Budget: $40,000,000

Domestic Box Office: $40,013,108

Foreign Box Office: $46,583,005

Total Profit: $13,500,236

Reaction: This one turned out to be a smartly conceived, moderate grossing film at the box office. With a $40 million budget, the studio wasn't expecting a $1 billion grosser - a solid profit is plenty at these costs.

“Sniper is a taut, brooding update of the 1993 cult favorite, transformed here into a morally complex slow-burn thriller about conscience in a world that doesn’t reward it. Josh Brolin is in peak form in a role that could’ve easily defaulted to cliché. Director José Padilha drenches the film in tension and murky geopolitics, delivering action that’s visceral but never showy, always grounded in the weight of decisions that can’t be undone. Michael Peña plays against type and Ed Harris’s late-game appearance crackles. While the plot hits familiar beats — ‘one last job,’ a betrayal, a chase — it does so with skill.” - Evelyn Shadwell, The Lexington Herald

"Sniper sticks to familiar territory but executes it with pinpoint accuracy. Between its striking cinematography and edge-of-your-seat pacing, it’s another win for writer Nic Suzuki, who’s quickly showing he can bring his A-game to any genre he touches. Sniper is further proof that Suzuki’s star is only getting brighter." - Dexter Quinn, Cinematic Observer Newsletter

"Sniper is a gritty, morally charged thriller that turns a familiar premise into something more reflective and unsettling - a far cry from the mediocre original. Josh Brolin delivers a weary, nuanced performance as a marksman questioning the meaning of his service, while Michael Peña is chillingly pragmatic as his handler. Director José Padilha brings a harsh realism to both the action and the politics, balancing brutal, grounded shootouts with tense character moments and ethical murk. The Colombian setting feels alive, and the story’s final act smartly pivots from assassination plot to personal reckoning. It’s a film that fires with precision — and leaves its impact long after the shot." - Vince DeSalvo, Empire State Tribune

Rated R for violence and language