What's Happening?
Director Adam Shankman is promoting his latest film, 'Stop! That! Train!', a comedy led by RuPaul and produced by World of Wonder. The film, set to open on June 12, aims to revive the experience of watching
comedies in theaters, a tradition that has been waning with the rise of streaming platforms. Shankman, known for films like 'The Wedding Planner' and 'Hairspray', emphasizes the importance of communal laughter in a theater setting, which he believes is essential for the comedy genre. The film is described as a return to the unapologetically silly comedies reminiscent of Mel Brooks and 'The Naked Gun' series. Shankman highlights the film's inclusive nature, stating it is 'unapologetically queer' but made for everyone, aiming to bring people together through humor.
Why It's Important?
The release of 'Stop! That! Train!' underscores a significant shift in the film industry, where comedies have increasingly moved to streaming services, reducing their presence in theaters. This trend has impacted the communal experience of watching comedies, which Shankman argues is crucial for the genre's success. By advocating for theatrical releases, Shankman is challenging the current industry norms and highlighting the value of shared laughter. This move could influence other filmmakers and studios to reconsider the distribution strategies for comedies, potentially revitalizing the genre's presence in cinemas. The film also represents a broader cultural push for inclusivity and diversity in mainstream media, as it features a diverse cast and themes.
What's Next?
As 'Stop! That! Train!' approaches its release date, its performance could influence future decisions by studios regarding the distribution of comedies. If successful, it may encourage more filmmakers to pursue theatrical releases for comedies, potentially reversing the trend of moving such films to streaming platforms. The film's reception will also be a test of audience appetite for traditional comedy formats in a theater setting. Additionally, the collaboration with Fandango, offering three free months of WOW Presents Plus with ticket purchases, is a strategic move to attract audiences back to theaters, which could set a precedent for similar marketing strategies in the future.
