The email subject line read “Abrams Returns.” My heart skipped a beat. Would it be another sci-fi epic, or something more grounded? Turns out, J.J. Abrams is indeed back, and this time it involves Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, and a title that hints at something… well, beyond.
J.J. Abrams Presents: The Great Beyond
Remember waiting in line for The Force Awakens? The buzz, the anticipation? After more than half a decade since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Abrams is stepping back into the spotlight with The Great Beyond. Warner Bros. has slated it for November 13, and the cast is stacked: Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, Samuel L. Jackson, Sophie Okonedo, Emma Mackey, and Merritt Wever.
The plot? Still shrouded in secrecy. Knowing Abrams, the “Mystery Box” technique is likely in play. This approach is less of a roadmap and more like breadcrumbs, leaving audiences guessing until the credits roll. It is a high-stakes gamble for studios, but can pay off if the movie captures people’s imaginations.
Abrams has more in the works. He’s also producing a movie starring Brie Larson and another with Dwayne Johnson. His influence in Hollywood, through Bad Robot Productions, remains a potent force.
What Is the J.J. Abrams “Mystery Box” Technique?
Think of the “Mystery Box” like a magician’s trick. The anticipation of what’s inside is often more exciting than the reveal itself. Abrams uses this to build intrigue, drip-feeding information and sparking endless speculation. It is a double-edged sword. It ignites excitement, but can also frustrate viewers if the payoff doesn’t match the build-up. It is like cooking a gourmet meal, only to have a key ingredient missing at the last moment.
Keanu Reeves Trapped in a Time Loop? Yes, Please.
I remember watching Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure as a kid, never imagining Keanu Reeves would become an action icon and a time-loop protagonist. Warner Bros. has set an August 13, 2027, release date for Tim Miller’s sci-fi film, currently untitled but previously known as Shiver. Reeves plays a smuggler stuck reliving a job gone wrong in the Caribbean, complete with pirates, mercenaries, and…sharks.
The Conjuring Universe Expands (Again)
It feels like there’s a new Conjuring movie every other year. Just when you thought the scares were over, another chapter appears. The Conjuring: First Communion is slated for September 10, 2027. Directed by Rodrigue Huart (Transylvanie, Suffer Little Children), details are scarce, but expect more supernatural thrills. Perhaps the studio will add something never seen before that raises the franchise to new heights.
How Many Conjuring Movies Are There?
As of today, there are eight films in the Conjuring Universe. That includes the core Conjuring trilogy and spin-offs like the Annabelle series and The Nun. They’ve collectively grossed over $2 billion (€1.84 billion) worldwide, solidifying their place in horror history.
[via The Hollywood Reporter]
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
With Abrams back in the director’s chair, Reeves battling time (and sharks), and another Conjuring flick on the horizon, are these sequels and franchise expansions becoming creatively bankrupting, or are they providing audiences with reliable entertainment?