‘Tis the Season for Summer Blockbusters

Summary

Summary of "Here's the Scoop" Episode: ‘Tis the Season for Summer Blockbusters

Podcast Information:

• Title: Here's the Scoop
• Host/Author: NBC News
• Episode: ‘Tis the Season for Summer Blockbusters
• Release Date: July 4, 2025

Introduction In this special holiday edition of "Here's the Scoop," host Morgan Chesky delves into the vibrant world of summer blockbusters, celebrating significant movie anniversaries and exploring the current landscape of blockbuster cinema. Entertainment journalist Brian Balthazar joins Morgan to discuss the evolution of summer movies, the strategic maneuvers of major studios, and the future trajectory of blockbuster films.

---

Celebrating Movie Anniversaries

Jaws' 50th Anniversary Morgan kicks off the discussion by highlighting the monumental anniversaries in cinema, notably the 50th anniversary of "Jaws". Released five decades ago, "Jaws" is celebrated not only for its thrilling narrative but also for its cultural impact.

Back to the Future's 40th Anniversary Adding to the celebrations, Morgan notes that "Back to the Future" marks its 40th anniversary. This iconic film has left an indelible mark on pop culture, resonating with audiences across generations.

---

Discussion with Brian Balthazar

Impact of Jaws as the First Summer Blockbuster Brian Balthazar shares his perspective on why "Jaws" remains a pivotal film in cinema history:

"You can't deny how much of an impact that has had on the culture, but also me individually. So I'm going to give it to Jaws."
(01:38)

He emphasizes that "Jaws" wasn't initially anticipated to be the blockbuster it became but evolved into the archetype of the summer blockbuster through strategic wide releases and substantial box office success.

Comparison with Back to the Future While acknowledging his personal preference for "Back to the Future," Brian concedes the broader cultural and psychological influence of "Jaws," particularly its role in shaping perceptions about the ocean and sharks.

---

The Evolution of Summer Blockbusters

From Accidental Hits to Strategic Releases Brian elaborates on how "Jaws," despite being an accidental blockbuster, set a precedent for studios to strategically plan summer releases to maximize box office returns:

"It's recognized as the first summer blockbuster, but also add the word accidental... By the end of that year, it had made 190 plus million dollars. And to date, it's nearing half a billion dollars."
(02:04)

He highlights that the success of "Jaws" prompted studios to invest more thoughtfully in blockbuster strategies, paving the way for future summer hits.

Technological Advancements and Storytelling Morgan reflects on the advancements since "Jaws," noting the shift from practical effects like paper mache to sophisticated CGI and special effects. Brian concurs, pointing out that while technology now reveals more details, the mystery and suspense akin to "Jaws" remain integral to captivating audiences.

"When you're swimming in the ocean, you don't see the sharks beneath you necessarily... It does play upon a real level of mystery and suspense about the ocean."
(03:52)

---

Current and Upcoming Summer Blockbusters

Jurassic World Rebirth Brian identifies "Jurassic World Rebirth" as a standout contender for the title of this year's premier summer blockbuster. He attributes its potential success to the strategic leveraging of established intellectual property (IP).

"Jurassic World Rebirth is going to own the title, at least during the holiday weekend."
(04:03)

M3GAN 2.0 and Diversification Discussing "M3GAN 2.0," Brian explains how studios are diversifying their releases to attract varied audiences:

"M3GAN 2.0 is a great example of something... studios are very risk averse... trying to have a fresh take on an existing character or story."
(05:08)

Superman and Top Gun 3 The conversation moves to other major releases like "Superman" and the anticipated "Top Gun 3." Brian underscores Tom Cruise's enduring box office appeal, especially in international markets, which significantly contributes to a film's financial success.

"Tom Cruise, you can't underestimate his box office draw, particularly internationally."
(06:16)

Studio Strategies and Intellectual Property Brian discusses how studios increasingly prefer sequels, remakes, and adaptations of familiar IPs to mitigate risks, citing that 34 out of 50 films in 2025 fall into these categories.

"Studios are very strategic and more carefully about how much money they want to put into superhero blockbusters because there is some superhero fatigue."
(07:42)

---

Future of Summer Blockbusters

Shift Away from Superhero Fatigue Looking ahead, Brian speculates on a potential decline in superhero blockbusters due to audience fatigue. He notes that while franchises like Marvel and DC continue to produce films, there may be a strategic pivot towards reboots and restarts to rejuvenate interest.

Rise of Streaming and Adaptations Brian anticipates a trend where successful film franchises transition into streaming series, reflecting a broader industry shift towards digital consumption:

"Movies that were popular in theaters are now becoming series... rethinking... a TV show."
(08:56)

This evolution indicates a blurring line between cinematic releases and serialized storytelling, catering to diverse viewing preferences.

---

Fourth of July Headlines

AMC's Expanded Advertising Morgan transitions to current headlines, informing listeners about AMC's recent deal expansion with National Cinemedia, resulting in longer pre-show advertisements:

"You'll be sitting through 20 to even 30 minutes of trailers and commercials before the opening credits even roll."
(10:03)

This strategy is AMC's response to recovering from its worst financial quarter since 1996, aiming to boost revenue through increased ad slots.

Consumer Spending on Celebrations Highlighting economic trends, Morgan cites Capital One Shopping's data predicting that Americans will spend approximately $13.3 billion on food and drinks for Independence Day. Firework expenditures are also significant, with an estimated $2.2 billion anticipated.

Historic Celebrations in Bristol, Rhode Island The episode spotlights Bristol, Rhode Island, hosting the nation's oldest Fourth of July parade since 1785. Drawing over 200,000 attendees, the parade features Revolutionary War reenactors and high school drum lines, blending festivity with historical homage.

"It's festive, it's historic, and it just might undo that second slice of flag cake."
(11:30)

---

Conclusion Morgan wraps up the episode by acknowledging the dynamic landscape of summer blockbusters and the multifaceted nature of Fourth of July celebrations. The episode offers listeners insightful perspectives on the intersection of cinema, culture, and economic patterns during the holiday season.

Credits The episode is produced by Amanda Llewellyn, with contributions from associate producer Kathleen Rocco, audio engineer Katie Lau, supervising producer Katie Rimchen, executive producer Annmarie Fertoldi, head of audio production Bryson Barnes, head of audio Alexa Danner, senior executive producer Shalini Sharma, and executive vice president of editorial Katherine Kim.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Balthazar on "Jaws" Impact:
  "You can't deny how much of an impact that has had on the culture, but also me individually."
  (01:38)

• Brian Balthazar on Summer Blockbuster Strategy:
  "Studios are very strategic and more carefully about how much money they want to put into superhero blockbusters because there is some superhero fatigue."
  (07:42)

• Brian Balthazar on Streaming Trends:
  "Movies that were popular in theaters are now becoming series... rethinking... a TV show."
  (08:56)

---

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Here's the Scoop" episode, providing a thorough overview for those who haven't listened to the full podcast.

Transcript

[Hershey's Advertiser]

Hershey's Milk Chocolate with whole almonds makes for a wholly amazing, wholly delicious experience that's, well, holy Hershey's, everyone, to get to experience the satisfying surprise of a whole almond tucked inside creamy Hershey's chocolate. So don't wait your whole life to try Hershey's Milk Chocolate with whole almonds. And if you've already had it, then chances are you're already a lifelong fan of this confectionary delight. Find Hersey's Milk Chocolate with whole almonds wherever candy is sold.

[Morgan Chesky]

Welcome to a special holiday edition of here's the Scoop from NBC News. I'm Morgan Chesky. Happy Fourth of July, everybody. Jurassic World, Rebirth, M3GAN 2.0, Superman, and Tom Cruise. We are in the season of the summer blockbuster, and there are a couple of big anniversaries we're absolutely celebrating. You may have heard it's been 50 years, five decades, believe it or not, since the release of Jaws. You're gonna need a bigger potion. And it was 40 years ago, just this week, that Back to the Future hit the big screen.

[Hershey's Advertiser]

Hey, Doc, we better back up.

[Brian Balthazar]

We don't have enough roads to get up to 88.

[Morgan Chesky]

Roads.

[Brian Balthazar]

Where we're going, we don't need roads.

[Morgan Chesky]

So before you head out to the beach, barbecue, or plot out where to watch the fireworks, we thought, why not bring in our friend, entertainment journalist Brian Balthazar, to talk about something else she might be doing this long weekend. Going to the movies and the season of summer blockbusters. Brian, good to have you.

[Brian Balthazar]

Good to be here. Thank you.

[Morgan Chesky]

Okay, so first, let's cut to the chase. Are you more excited about the Jaws anniversary or Back to the Future?

[Brian Balthazar]

I liked Back to the Future, but I think when I think about movies that permeated the way people think and the way I think about the way I think about sharks and swimming in the ocean, I have to give it to Jaws. You can't deny how much of an impact that has had on the culture, but also me individually. So I'm going to give it to Jaws.

[Morgan Chesky]

The psychological impact alone. Dun, dun, dun.

[Hershey's Advertiser]

Exactly.

[Morgan Chesky]

Exactly. Right. Keep me honest here. Does Jaws count as the first true summer blockbuster?

[Brian Balthazar]

It is recognized as the first summer blockbuster, but also add the word accidental. It was the first accidental summer blockbuster because really, no one really saw this coming. So it was actually released in several theaters across the country at once, which sounds so standard now, but there was a little bit more of a scatteredness to movie releases at the time. And then, of course, the budget at the time was between it started out at 9 million. I think it went up to 12 million. By the end of that year, it had made 190 plus million dollars. And to date, it's nearing half a billion dollars. So you can see how studios, of course, saw what happened with that film and said, wait, how can we replicate that? That kind of dawned on them to start thinking more strategically about Blockbuster, specifically.

[Morgan Chesky]

During the summer, of course, since its release, all of these wonderful nuggets have emerged. Behind the scenes, you have a young Spielberg essentially exercising his whiz kid directorial powers. And one thing that strikes me is the fact that the shark, of course, that we don't see until a significant way into the movie. That was also by accident as well. Just because they had so many mechanical issues.

[Brian Balthazar]

Right. Nowadays, I feel like things are very much more spelled out for us. You know, we have the technology now to show us as viewers everything in great vivid detail, thanks to CGI and special effects. But back then it was like, I'm exaggerating a little bit, but it was like paper mache and scotch tape. I mean, it was. It was more than. It was more than that, but they were like, you know, what the mystery of not. And honestly, it's very relatable because when you're swimming in the ocean, you don't see the sharks beneath you necessarily, you know, but they. They very well could be down there. So it does. I think it played upon a real level of mystery and suspense about the ocean.

[Morgan Chesky]

Yeah. Tough to beat a good imagination. As far as this summer, we've already had some big releases come out. What's on your list with what's happened so far and what's coming?

[Brian Balthazar]

Well, if you think about the quintessential special effects big, everyone's going, you've gotta see it in a theater kind of blockbuster. You can't deny that Jurassic World Rebirth is going to own the title, at least during the holiday weekend. And you know, that's classic example of studios capitalizing on existing IP intellectual property and exploiting it because it has been successful. And there's every indication that it will be successful also. Because when you think about it, if you look at what's coming out that weekend, that is the biggest film coming out. You know, they could very well have released Superman that weekend, but they're waiting a little bit. So studios are saying, okay, we want to make sure. We want to hedge our bets. Megan 2.0. Now, granted, it's not expected to do as big as those two films, but studios are very strategic in thinking, okay, we Know that Jurassic is gonna own this box office holiday weekend. So let's be careful about what else we're releasing, so we're not competing with that.

[Morgan Chesky]

And I think M3gan is a good example of the zig to the Jurassic park zag as far as studios trying to get a slightly different audience to come in into the theater.

[Brian Balthazar]

Right. But it also does lean into something. 34 films this year, in the year 2025 are either sequels, remakes, their takes on existing property. And so M3GAN 2.0 is a great example of something. I don't think anyone really expected Megan to blow up the way it did. Although the marketing for that film was fantastic. It was not a high budget film. But now they're like, hey, let's replicate that. Studios are very risk averse. So they basically have done the audience testing on these already so they can go and try and have a fresh take on an existing character or story.

[Morgan Chesky]

And speaking of sequels, there's apparently a Top Gun 3 in the works.

[Brian Balthazar]

Yes, exactly.

[Morgan Chesky]

Oh, my goodness. Okay. Of course, when Maverick came out, Steven Spielberg said that it essentially saved Hollywood by bringing audiences back into the theater post pandemic. So how much faith do you have in Top Gun 3 with Top Gun Maverick kind of delivering on every level here?

[Brian Balthazar]

I think that's an interesting question because part of seeing Maverick was that you were seeing something that hadn't been seen in a while. It had been many years since the original. Right.

[Morgan Chesky]

And decade.

[Brian Balthazar]

That being said, Tom Cruise, you can't underestimate his box office draw, particularly internationally. I traveled, believe it or not, I traveled the world with Tom Cruise for his War of the Worlds tour. I traveled with Tom Cruise from Tokyo to Berlin to Paris to Marseille to London on his private jet, one of his two private jets. And I saw firsthand the sheer pandemonium that takes place internationally when Tom Cruise walks into a venue. And worldwide sales are such a huge player in the movie business, especially since 2005 to 2007. It used to be that movie studios relied on DVD sales tremendously to build up their revenue and that business collapsed. There's a book called Sleepless in Hollywood from the executive producer of Sleepless in Seattle and she chronicles. Linda Obst talks about how when that went away, studios said, we need to make that money up. They're not in the business of telling their investors they're down. So they actually invested more research and strategy into international box office sales. And that is one of the reasons you see movies based on things that are recognizable worldwide. There May have been a time it would have been surprising to see a movie about Legos, but Legos are known around the world, so make sure you make a movie that someone in China or Russia or Japan will recognize.

[Morgan Chesky]

But to your point, we still live in the land of sequels. So the summer blockbuster, what do you anticipate its path looking like over the next few years?

[Brian Balthazar]

Well, we have a good sense of it already because they're planning these things, you know, years in advance. We'll see another Avatar that's been in the works for many, many years. We'll see. I do think it's going to be interesting to see over the years if we see a decline in the number of Marvel movies and superhero blockbusters, only because is really because they're just not doing as well as they used to. So they might have to. And we've seen some course correction from the Marvel Universe and the DC Universe. So they are thinking more strategically and more carefully about how much money they want to put into superhero blockbusters because there is some superhero fatigue. That said, we have the Fantastic Four coming out again. We have Superman coming out. We're going to see another Deadpool. We're going to see all of these things. A lot of the movies and a lot of the characters you're seeing, they may do reboots or they may do restarts of some of these stories. If you look at and shifting a little bit to streaming now, you see, like, movies that were popular in theaters are now becoming series. They're rethinking. Like, the Harry Potter series is gonna be going to HBO Max. A successful film franchise will then become a TV show. So we're gonna see a lot of that kind of going back and forth of intellectual property.

[Morgan Chesky]

Love it. Brian, thanks so much for making time. I guess we'll see you at the movies.

[Brian Balthazar]

Yeah, see you there.

[Morgan Chesky]

All right, time now to take a quick break, and when we're back, we'll hit the headlines.

[Brian Balthazar]

If your small business has a problem, you could say, just my luck. But you should say, like a good neighbor, State Farm is there, and we'll help get you back in business. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

[Hershey's Advertiser]

Hershey's milk chocolate with whole almonds makes for a wholly amazing, wholly delicious experience that's well, holy Hershey's, everyone. To get to experience the satisfying surprise of a whole almond tucked inside creamy Hershey's chocolate. So don't wait your whole life to try Hershey's milk chocolate with whole almonds. And if you've already had it, then chances are you're already a lifelong fan of this confectionary delight. Find Hershey's milk chocolate with whole almonds wherever candy is sold.

[Morgan Chesky]

Welcome back to here's the Scoop. Here are some of the headlines we're watching. Continuing our movie theme, if you're planning to duck into an AMC Theater this July 4th to beat the heat, don't expect the movie to start on time. AMC just expanded its deal with National Cinemedia, adding even more platinum spot ads. That's the pricey stuff that plays right before the movie. Now you'll be sitting through 20 to even 30 minutes of trailers and commercials before the opening credits even roll. This is all part of AMC's scramble to recover from its worst quarter earnings since 1996. So yes, you'll get cool air and popcorn, but also a feature length. Wait for the actual feature. If cookouts are more your thing, get ready to celebrate with a big bill. According to Capital One Shopping, folks are expected to shell out a whopping $13.3 billion on food and drinks alone this Fourth of July. That is a lot of hot dogs, burgers and red, white and blue jello shots. Fireworks spending isn't that far behind, with $2.2 billion literally going up in smoke. And the party Prep has started early. 79% of consumers say they shopped ahead of the holiday to try and beat the rush. Hopefully they snagged a deal because even with inflation easing, the average backyard barbecue sell about 5% pricier than last year. Bottom line, celebrating freedom is definitely not free, especially when it comes with a side of chips and sparklers. And hey, after devouring your weight in hot dogs, burgers and maybe, let's just say three helpings of a flag cake, you might need to take a walk. And if you happen to be in Bristol, Rhode island, wander over to their parade. It is the nation's oldest Fourth of July parade, marching strong since, get this, 1785. That's right. This two and a half mile spectacle draws more than 200,000 people and it even features everything from Revolutionary War reenactors to high school drum lines. It's festive, it's historic, and it just might undo that second slice of flag cake. So lace up your sneakers and let freedom ring. Okay, that's gonna do it for this holiday edition of here's the Scoop from NBC News. But before we go, some credits. Our show is produced by Amanda Llewellyn and associate producer Kathleen Rocco. Katie Lau is our audio engineer. Our supervising producer is Katie Rimchen. Annmarie Fertoldi is our executive producer. Our head of audio production is Bryson Barnes. Alexa Danner is our head of audio. Shalini Sharma is the senior executive producer, and Katherine Kim is our executive vice president of editorial. Have a great weekend, Dahl. We'll be back on Monday with a brand new episode. For NBC News, I'm Morgan Chesky.

[Hershey's Advertiser]

Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds makes for a wholly amazing, wholly delicious experience that's well holy Hershey's. Everyone to get to experience the satisfied surprise of a whole almond tucked inside creamy Hershey's chocolate. So don't wait your whole life to try Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Whole almonds. And if you've already had it, then chances are you're already a lifelong fan of this confectionary delight. Find Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Whole Almonds wherever candy is sold.