Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish said a new Jackass series is in the works based the recent release of the latest film in the franchise.
“Based off the success of Jackass Forever, we are working with the creators to continue the partnership with a new series bringing even more ridiculous antics straight to Paramount+,” the chief executive said on a call with analysts Turesday following quarterly earnings.
He didn’t elaborate, but the tidbit came as the CEO described theatrical films as a great “springboard” for streaming content including spinoffs like a previously announced a live-action spinoff series of Sonic the Hedgehog, with Sega, set for the streamer in 2023. The series about Knuckles has Idris Elba returning to voice the role.
Paramount Pictures has had strong run, with theatrical revenue a bright spot at the company as movie theaters swung back into action. Revenue of $131 million compared with a meager $1 million the year earlier and included contributions from Scream, Jackass Forever and The Lost City.
Bakish also said he Par is “feeling very good about theatrical.”
“We just got some research that on the domestic side, consumer confidence is at 87%. That is the highest level since the pandemic began. We released a number of films all [opened to] number one.” The performance of The Lost City, which was aimed at an older female audience, was especially encouraging since that demo has been slower to return to theaters, unlike the young male demo that flocked to Jackass and Scream. Sonic showed the strength of a broader family audience.
“Our sense now is that the box office for 2022 will probably be down about 20% versus 2019, which we think is is pretty good.” Top Gun: Maverick – long awaited and highly lauded by theater owners who got an advanced screening at CinemaCon last week — opens Memorial Day.
“We are happy to be in the [movie] business. We think it’s a good standalone business, and clearly drives streaming,” Bakish said.
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