Chris Lee, Author at MatteScreen

Paramount-Warner Merger Sparks Hollywood Civil War Over 30-Film Pledge

Chris LeeApril 30, 2026

by Chris LeeApril 30, 2026

David Ellison’s bold promise to release 30 films annually post-merger faces fierce skepticism from theater operators and A-list talent alike. David Ellison stood before thousands of exhibition professionals at CinemaCon on April 16 and made a promise no modern studio head has ever kept: release 30 films per year.......

FIAPF Revamps Film Festival Classifications, Adds Annecy and Busan

Chris LeeApril 25, 2026

by Chris LeeApril 25, 2026

Seventeen festivals now carry the official ‘A-list’ designation following the most sweeping reform of FIAPF’s accreditation process since 2007. The international film festival landscape has been significantly redrawn following the most comprehensive overhaul of FIAPF’s accreditation framework since 2007. The International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations has officially granted ‘A-list’......

Scream Franchise Crosses $1 Billion Milestone With Scream 7

Chris LeeApril 25, 2026

by Chris LeeApril 25, 2026

The slasher series becomes the first in its genre to reach the landmark figure, and only the sixth horror franchise in history to do so. LOS ANGELES — The knife-wielding specter of Ghostface has finally carved its way into the billion-dollar club. With the release of Scream 7, the long-running......

‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Brings Star Wars Back to the Big Screen in May

Chris LeeApril 24, 2026

by Chris LeeApril 24, 2026

Jon Favreau’s standalone film — starring Pedro Pascal and Jeremy Allen White — marks the first Star Wars theatrical release since 2019’s ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ LOS ANGELES — After a seven-year absence from cinema screens, the Star Wars franchise is returning to theaters on May 22 with Star Wars:......

Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ and Wayans’ ‘Scary Movie’ Lead June 2026 Theatrical Rush

Chris LeeApril 24, 2026

by Chris LeeApril 24, 2026

June shapes up as the summer’s most crowded month at the multiplex, with Spielberg’s UFO thriller, the Wayans brothers’ franchise reboot, and ‘Toy Story 5’ all vying for audiences. ——————————- LOS ANGELES — June 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most densely packed months in recent box......

‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Rockets Past $750M Worldwide at Box Office

Chris LeeApril 24, 2026April 25, 2026

by Chris LeeApril 24, 2026April 25, 2026

The animated Nintendo sequel has become a dominant global box office force, nearing the three-quarter-billion-dollar mark with weeks still remaining in its theatrical run. ——————— LOS ANGELES — The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is proving to be one of the year’s most formidable box office performers, pushing toward $750 million......

Cannes 2026 Adds James Gray, ‘Victorian Psycho’ to Official Selection

Chris LeeApril 24, 2026

by Chris LeeApril 24, 2026

The 79th Cannes Film Festival has expanded its Official Selection with 16 new titles, including James Gray’s ‘Paper Tiger’ and Judith Godrèche’s directorial debut. CANNES, France — The organisers of the 79th Cannes Film Festival have unveiled a significant new wave of titles for the Official Selection, bringing a burst......

Street Fighter’s New Posters Promise a Glorious, Campy Chaos

Chris LeeApril 23, 2026April 23, 2026

by Chris LeeApril 23, 2026April 23, 2026

Paramount just dropped seventeen new character posters for the Street Fighter reboot, and honestly, the roster is a total nostalgia trip. It’s basically a roll call of the OG arcade icons: Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, and the rest of the World Warriors are all present, alongside later favorites like Cammy and......

HBO Secures Allison Janney–Andrew Rannells Film After Sundance Secret Screening

Chris LeeApril 22, 2026April 24, 2026

by Chris LeeApril 22, 2026April 24, 2026

The Jim Rash-directed drama ‘Miss You, Love You’ found its home at HBO following a closely guarded premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. ————————— LOS ANGELES — HBO has acquired rights to Miss You, Love You, a feature film starring Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells and written and directed......

Miami Film Festival Closes 43rd Edition With Awards for ‘On the Road,’ ‘TheyDream’

Chris LeeApril 21, 2026April 24, 2026

by Chris LeeApril 21, 2026April 24, 2026

The South Florida festival wrapped its star-studded 11-day run, naming key winners in narrative and documentary categories and reinforcing its status as a premier showcase for Ibero-American cinema. —————– MIAMI — The 43rd Miami Film Festival concluded its 11-day run this week, announcing prize winners across narrative and documentary categories......