Richard Brener Discusses the Future of New Line Cinema and Horror Franchises
As horror enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Final Destination: Bloodlines, New Line Cinema’s president and CCO Richard Brener shared insights with The Hollywood Reporter about the studio’s journey and its evolution within Warner Bros.’ alternative filmmaking realm.
The Legacy of New Line Cinema in Horror and Genre Films
In the 1990s and 2000s, New Line Cinema emerged not only as a powerhouse for franchise films but also as a creator of cult classics that have stood the test of time. Its innovative storytelling became a precursor to companies like A24 and Neon, boasting a portfolio filled with iconic titles such as Nightmare on Elm Street, The Mask, Austin Powers, Mortal Kombat, Seven, Lord of the Rings, Elf, and The Conjuring series.
A Shift Toward Horror: Meeting Demand in Cinematic Trends
Today, New Line’s primary focus is on horror, a shift Brener attributes to the current cinematic climate favoring this genre. He remarked, “It’s not been a huge change… we’ve been making the same kinds of movies, whether it’s horror, comedy, or female-driven films.” However, he noted a decline in comedy productions as horror reigns supreme, stating, “Horror movies have been working more, and there are people who are nervous about comedies—perhaps unjustifiably.”
Navigating Audience Expectations: Balancing Franchise Hits with Original Content
Brener emphasized the challenge of balancing franchise filmmaking, often critiqued by audiences, against original content, which can struggle at the box office. An example is the film Companion, which received praise but did not perform well commercially. Brener explained, “I think it’s very rare to find a movie that scores as well with the audience and critics… but we’re super proud of the movie and would love to work with [writer-director] Drew [Hancock] again.”
Cult Classics: The Longevity of Horror Films
New Line understands that many solid horror films find their audiences over time. This pattern has been seen with past projects that evolved from cult favorites into genre staples, such as Dark City, Spawn, and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.
James Wan and the Future of The Conjuring Universe
Currently, James Wan serves as New Line’s horror principal and is completing his tenure with the Conjuring series by producing the upcoming ninth film, The Conjuring: Last Rites. This film, directed by Michael Chaves, will see beloved characters Ed and Lorraine Warren return, with Brener hinting at high expectations: “Early versions of the film are already testing through the roof.”
The Future Phases of the Conjuring Universe
Brener indicated that Last Rites marks the conclusion of what he terms “phase one,” expressing hope for future projects that may expand the universe beyond the Warrens. “It will be interesting to see if that means the second phase will reboot the universe or introduce new leads.”
Franchise Development: New and Existing Titles in the Pipeline
Discussing New Line’s upcoming projects, Brener revealed, “We’re also making our second Evil Dead movie with plans for a third as well. But there are fresh concepts in development that we believe will yield multiple installments.” Although fans have expressed interest in a new Nightmare on Elm Street film—the classic that helped establish New Line’s legacy—Brener acknowledged the complexities surrounding rights management: “We hope so. It’s complicated because of the rights.”
For more details, visit THR to read the full interview with Brener.
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FAQs About New Line Cinema and Upcoming Horror Films
What is New Line Cinema’s focus in recent years?
New Line Cinema has increasingly focused on horror films, capitalizing on the genre’s popularity while still maintaining a presence in comedy and female-driven narratives.
What upcoming projects are in the works at New Line Cinema?
New Line is working on the ninth installment of The Conjuring series, titled The Conjuring: Last Rites, and a second Evil Dead film, along with fresh original concepts.
How does New Line Cinema balance franchise films with original content?
The studio attempts to balance the demand for franchise films with the need for original narratives, although this proves challenging with fluctuating audience preferences.
What has been the impact of horror films produced by New Line Cinema?
New Line Cinema’s horror films are often recognized for their long-term success, transitioning from initial cult status to becoming mainstays in the genre.