Paramount Pictures is making notable adjustments to its 2025 film release calendar, a move that signals its ambition to dominate the box office during a competitive time of year. At the forefront of this strategy is Edgar Wright’s eagerly awaited reboot of *The Running Man*, starring Glen Powell, which is now set to debut on November 21, 2025. This release date places it directly in competition with Universal’s *Wicked: Part Two* and Angel Studios’ *David*, along with a yet-unnamed Warner Bros. event film. Such a high-stakes release plan illustrates Paramount’s confidence in Wright’s vision and Powell’s box office appeal.
In addition to the blockbuster lineup, Paramount has also made a strategic pivot regarding its awards-season contender. Originally scheduled for release on November 27, the film now has a limited opening on November 29 before a wider expansion on December 13. This approach can be seen as a thoughtful strategy to build momentum during the crowded awards season, particularly following its premiere at prestigious international festivals such as Venice and Telluride. The film’s narrative, which explores the high-pressure environment of the 1972 Munich Olympics amidst a harrowing act of terrorism, promises to captivate audiences and critics alike, featuring stellar performances from Peter Sarsgaard and Ben Chaplin.
In a bold move, the horror film *Vicious*, directed by Bryan Bertino and featuring Dakota Fanning, has been rescheduled from August 8, 2025, to February 28 of the same year. This earlier release hints at Paramount’s confidence in the film’s readiness and potential appeal, particularly in the usually quieter early part of the year for horror releases. The film’s intriguing premise—focusing on a woman grappling for survival as she delves into a nightmarish experience stemming from a late-night visitor—positions it well for audiences eager for taut narratives that blend horror with psychological depth.
On the animated front, Paramount has repositioned its forthcoming *Smurfs* musical film from Valentine’s Day to July 18, 2025. This strategic timing reflects an understanding of the family audience’s summer viewing habits. Directed by Chris Miller and Matt Landon, the film boasts an impressive voice cast featuring celebrities such as Rihanna and James Corden. The summer slot not only mitigates the risk of competing with high-profile Valentine’s releases but also targets families on school break, enhancing its box office potential.
Noteworthy is the shifting landscape wherein Paramount’s *Smurfs* will also face competition from Sony’s anticipated remake of *I Know What You Did Last Summer*. Compounding the competitive summer slate, the Akiva Schaffer-directed reboot of *Naked Gun* is now poised to release on August 1, 2025, further solidifying the season’s allure for audiences.
Paramount Pictures’ recent adjustments reflect a calculated approach to enhancing its position in an increasingly crowded film marketplace. By strategically aligning releases with competitive titles and making nimble adjustments based on readiness and audience demographics, Paramount is positioning itself to capture diverse audiences. The upcoming slate is not just a series of film releases; it encapsulates a broader strategy aimed at creating a lasting impact during a pivotal cinematic period.