Category: Press Release

Universal Pictures Announces The Epic Live-Action Reimagining Of “How To Train Your Dragon” Will Make Its Worldwide Debut At CinemaCon 2025

GLOBAL EXHIBITION COMMUNITY WILL BE THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE THREE-TIME OSCAR® NOMINEE DEAN DeBLOIS’ STUNNING TRANSFORMATION OF HIS BELOVED ANIMATED CLASSIC INTO A BREATHTAKING LIVE-ACTION SPECTACLE MORE THAN TWO MONTHS AHEAD OF ITS THEATRICAL RELEASE

THE SPECIAL SCREENING WILL TAKE PLACE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, AT THE COLOSSEUM AT CAESARS PALACE DURING NATO’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF MOVIEGOING

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND DREAMWORKS’ LIVE-ACTION HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGONOPENS IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE ON JUNE 13, 2025

LOS ANGELES – March 3, 2025 – Universal Pictures, in collaboration with the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), announced today that CinemaCon 2025 will host the worldwide debut of How to Train Your Dragon, the epic live-action reimagining of the beloved DreamWorks Animation film, written and directed by three-time Oscar® nominee and franchise creator Dean DeBlois. The global exhibition community will be the first to experience this new, action-packed summer event film on Wednesday, April 2, at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, more than two months before it opens in theaters on June 13.

“How to Train Your Dragon delivers the perfect blend of blockbuster action, breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling that defines the ultimate theatrical experience,” said Jim Orr, President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution at Universal Pictures. “Dean DeBlois has created a stunning live-action reimagining of his film, which honors his beloved animated classic while soaring to spectacular new heights. We’re thrilled to share this film with our exhibition partners first, as they will be instrumental in bringing this extraordinary adventure to audiences worldwide this summer.”

“We are thrilled that Universal Pictures has chosen to showcase this summer blockbuster for the global exhibition community,” said CinemaCon Managing Director, Mitch Neuhauser. “This movie promises to be a hit with movie fans of all ages all around the world. Seeing it in your local theatre will be an amazing experience, and the global exhibition community is excited to help promote it in the days ahead.”

Hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), CinemaCon is the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition and will take place March 31–April 3 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

About Universal Pictures’ Live-Action How to Train Your Dragon:

From three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the creative visionary behind DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, comes a stunning live-action reimagining of the film that launched the beloved franchise.

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated franchise), Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid (BAFTA nominee Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us) and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost; Snow White and the Huntsman, Shaun of the Dead) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding.

As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

The film also stars Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2), Gabriel Howell (Bodies), Bronwyn James (Wicked), Harry Trevaldwyn (Smothered), Ruth Codd (The Midnight Club), BAFTA nominee Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Murray McArthur (Game of Thrones).

How to Train Your Dragon is written, produced and directed by DeBlois. It is also produced by four-time Oscar® nominee Marc Platt (Wicked, La La Land) and Emmy winner Adam Siegel (Drive, 2 Guns).

Inspired by Cressida Cowell’s New York Times bestselling book series, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon franchise has captivated global audiences, earning four Academy Award® nominations and grossing more than $1.6 billion at the global box-office. Now, through cutting-edge visual effects, DeBlois transforms his beloved animated saga into a breathtaking live-action spectacle, bringing the epic adventures of Hiccup and Toothless to life with jaw-dropping realism as they discover the true meaning of friendship, courage and destiny.

About NATO

The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 34,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and a worldwide total of over 46,000 screens across 82 countries. NATO’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon attracts upwards of six thousand motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. CinemaCon works with the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its trade show partners. The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of movies – is the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon.

VUE CEO Tim Richards To Receive 2025 CinemaCon Award for Global Achievement in Exhibition

LAS VEGAS – (February 12, 2025) – CinemaCon announced today it will honor Tim Richards CBE, Founder and CEO of Vue, Europe’s largest privately owned cinema chain, with the Global Achievement in Exhibition Award during this year’s CinemaCon, the world’s premier showcase of theatrical exhibition hosted by the National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United). Richards will be presented with this honor at the International Day Breakfast taking place on Monday, March 31, 2025. CinemaCon will be held March 31-April 3, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

“Tim Richards and Vue are synonymous with excellence in the motion picture exhibition industry,” notes Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director, CinemaCon. “When it comes to passion, dedication or commitment in moving our industry forward, Tim really has no equal, actively championing both Vue and the industry.  As pioneers in ultra luxury seating and theater technology, Vue is continually innovating and investing in the ultimate big screen experience. We are honored to present our 2025 Award for Global Achievement in Exhibition to Tim Richards and Vue.”

Under Richards’ leadership, Vue, the number one cinema operator in the UK, as measured by box office and attendance, has also become one of the world’s leading cinema operators and the largest privately held cinema operator in Europe. The company has expanded through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, including the 2003 purchase of Warner Village Theatres in the UK.

With over 35 years of experience in cinema exhibition and extensive international development and operational experience in markets across Europe, South America, and Asia Pacific, Richards has been a respected industry commentator advocating for British and independent film throughout his career. Prior to entering the entertainment industry, Richards worked as a lawyer on Wall Street. He then joined Paramount and Universal’s joint ventures, UCI and CIC, before becoming Senior Vice President of Business Development at Warner Bros. In 1999 he founded Vue, with support from Boston Ventures, opening the company’s first cinema in Livingston, Scotland, in 2000.

In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Tim was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by His Majesty King Charles III in December 2024. Tim was previously appointed Chair of the British Film Institute (“BFI”) by the British Prime Minister in 2021, following seven years as governor on the BFI board. His leadership extends to multiple board positions across UK and European industry organizations, including BAFTA, the BFI, and the UK Cinema Association.

About CinemaCon

CinemaCon attracts upwards of six thousand motion picture professionals from all facets of the industry – from exhibition and distribution to the equipment and concession areas – all on hand to celebrate the moviegoing experience and the cinema industry. CinemaCon works with the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) and National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) as its trade show partners. The Coca-Cola Company – one of the industry’s most highly regarded and respected partners in the world of movies – is the official presenting sponsor of CinemaCon.

About Cinema United

The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. Cinema United’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners. Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com.

Cinema United Releases Statement on 2025 Oscar Nominations

“2024 was a standout year at the global box office with fans of all ages flocking to theatres to see compelling and entertaining movies of all stripes,” said Michael O’Leary, President & CEO of Cinema United. “This morning, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized the amazing achievements in motion pictures with the announcement of the Oscar nominations.  As they have done for almost 100 years, the Academy celebrates the unapparelled majesty of movies on the big screen. Congratulations to everyone that was nominated, the Oscars are sure to be, once again, a magical night for movies fans around the globe.”

National Popcorn Day 2025 Recap

I wanted to take a moment to celebrate another enormously successful National Popcorn Day for cinemas across North America! Social media lit up on Sunday, January 19th with a wide range of creative promotions tailored to the most popular movie snack there is. Among all of the exhibitors’ creative campaigns, here are select highlights:

Bryan Braunlich
Executive Director, The Cinema Foundation

The Cinema Foundation Announces National Popcorn Day Offering Free Popcorn And Major Discounts On Movie Concessions At Movie Theatres Nationwide On January 19

Fandango Celebrates National Popcorn Day as Presenting Sponsor

The Cinema Foundation will kick off its new “@ The Movies” campaign with National Popcorn Day on Sunday, January 19th. National Popcorn Day is a nationwide celebration of America’s favorite movie snack, that will feature discounted prices, unlimited popcorn refills, free popcorn with the purchase of a ticket or drink and other unique promotions at participating U.S. theatres. Fandango, the nation’s leading online ticketing service, has joined the campaign for another year as its presenting sponsor. Coca-Cola has joined as a contributing partner.

“The Cinema Foundation is proud to announce our year-long celebration of cinema, commencing with National Popcorn Day on Sunday, January 19,” says Bryan Braunlich, Executive Director of The Cinema Foundation. “This Sunday is the perfect day to catch up on all the awards contenders, along with a slate of other entertaining titles, to celebrate the excitement of going to the movies with America’s favorite moviegoing snack.”

“We are thrilled to join The Cinema Foundation for another year to celebrate National Popcorn Day in theatres nationwide on January 19th,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “The theatrical experience is unmatched, and we love elevating audiences’ moviegoing experience by helping them enjoy their favorite movie snacks at a discounted price while watching incredible stories unfold on the big screen.”

More than 30,000 screens across the country will participate in the one-day event featuring discounts on popcorn, and other concessions only in theatres. To find participating theatres and their individual offers, visit AtTheMovies.co, your local movie theatre’s website or app or visit Fandango.

As part of its year-long “@ the Movies” campaign, the Cinema Foundation’s quarterly events to promote moviegoing include:

●      Q1 2025: National Popcorn Day (January 19)

●      Q2 2025: Sneak Peek Saturday–an exclusive look at upcoming films with behind-the-scenes cinematic content and sneak peeks following CinemaCon 2025. (April 19)

●      Q3 2025: Date Night @ The Movies (August 15)

●      Q4 2025: Family Day @ The Movies (November 9)

According to a Fandango study of more than 6,000 Moviegoers, 96% of general ticket buyers said they purchased concessions during their trip to the movies with Popcorn being one of the most popular items and 61% of participants saying they like to order a variety of concessions.

For more details on participating theatres and their individual offers, visit AtTheMovies.co, your local theatre site or app or Fandango.

ABOUT THE CINEMA FOUNDATION

The Cinema Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit dedicated to strengthening the cinema industry and engaging moviegoing audiences around the country. The Foundation promotes and enhances the exhibition industry through programming, events and activities, while spearheading the development of vital industry data, research and consumer insights, education and community involvement to advance the moviegoing experience.

Since March 2022, the Cinema Foundation’s mission has been dedicated to supporting and impacting the health of the cinema sector both in the short term and for years to come, while continuously expanding its contributions to the magic of moviegoing. The Cinema Foundation builds on Cinema United/National Association of Theatre Owners’ mission and relationships and expands Cinema United’s impact in ways that help individual employees, companies and the industry as a whole. For more info, visit www.thecinemafoundation.org.

ABOUT Cinema United

The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 46,000 screens total across 82 countries. Cinema United’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners. Additional information about CinemaCon can be found at www.cinemacon.com.

ABOUT FANDANGO

Fandango digital network provides unrivaled, instant access to all things movies and TV, enhancing fan enjoyment across the entire entertainment journey. The portfolio serves more than 50 million unique visitors per month and includes leading online movie ticketer, Fandango, which tickets for 31,000 U.S. movie screens; world-renowned entertainment review site, Rotten Tomatoes; and Fandango at Home (previously Vudu), the on-demand streaming service offering the industry’s best selection of 4K UHD titles and more than 250,000 new release and catalogue movies and next day TV shows.

Will Rogers offering emergency grants to those impacted by Los Angeles fires

We have all watched with great sadness the devastating impact of the ongoing wildfires on communities across Los Angeles. The global exhibition industry is intrinsically linked with the city of Los Angeles and our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy. If you are an industry member that has been impacted by the wildfires, the Will Rogers Pioneer Assistance Fund is providing emergency grants to assist those who have been displaced or have lost their homes. Click here to learn more.

Additional resources for the Los Angeles fires can be found on the Will Rogers website, here.

To help support those impacted, Cinema United and the Cinema Foundation have made contributions to the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. If you would like to make similar contributions, please click here.

Michael O’Leary
President & CEO, National Association of Theatre Owners

ICTA Unveils Winners of the Fourth Annual North America Cinema Awards

Universal City, Califronia ( January 3, 2025 ) – The International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA), the leading global network of motion picture professionals, is thrilled to announce the winners of the Fourth Annual North America Cinema Awards (NACA), presented in partnership with Celluloid Junkie. These prestigious awards honor the most outstanding achievements in cinema design, refurbishment, and technological innovation, showcasing the very best in the moviegoing excellence.

The winners, selected by an elite panel of ICTA Board Members and industry leaders, will be celebrated in style at the ICTA Los Angeles Seminar Series on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Universal City Hilton in Los Angeles, California.

And the winners are:

These winners exemplify innovation and dedication, setting new standards for what a cinema experience can and should be. From groundbreaking designs to state-of-the-art technology and awe-inspiring refurbishments, the 2024 honorees prove that the magic of the movies is alive and thriving.

“This year’s winners have redefined what it means to create extraordinary spaces for storytelling,” said Mark Mayfield, president of ICTA. “Their commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable cinematic moments deserves a standing ovation. Congratulations to all!”

The NACA Awards highlight the ingenuity, vision, and passion driving the theatrical exhibition industry forward. ICTA created these awards to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements that continue to enhance and elevate the moviegoing experience for audiences across North America.

“Seeing the growth of the NACA awards year over year is an exciting testament to the positive direction of the cinema industry,” commented Theresa English, ICTA Secretary and NACA committee member. “Judging the entries is getting tougher each year. It’s exciting to see there were over 30 ICTA member companies represented in these award winning projects, and many more in the additional submissions.”

Don’t Miss the Celebration
The ICTA Los Angeles Seminar Series, held in partnership with the Cinema Foundation, is the ultimate gathering for cinema innovators and trailblazers. Join us January 13-15, 2025, at the Universal City Hilton in Los Angeles, where the future of cinema takes center stage.

About International Cinema Technology Association
The International Cinema Technology Association is a global network of professionals in the cinema exhibition industry. Membership includes technology providers, exhibitors, and industry consultants. Our members are on the cutting edge of new technologies and have been the driving force in digital cinema, 3D, immersive sound systems, high frame rates and laser projection. The ICTA promotes technological advancements through educational seminars and programs. Our logo stands for excellence and professionalism and signifies reliability, competence and commitment.

About The Cinema Foundation
The Cinema Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit dedicated to promoting and enhancing the cinema exhibition industry through activities such as training and education, career development, diversity and inclusion, moviegoing promotion, and data and research efforts.

Cinema United Congratulates Wicked on Golden Globes Win for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement

Official statement from Cinema United President & CEO Michael O’Leary:

“On behalf of theatre owners everywhere, we congratulate Universal Pictures for being honored with the Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement for Wicked. As its director Jon M. Chu so elegantly said, seeing a movie on the big screen indeed is a collective experience that can change hearts and minds. Going to the theatre remains the premier global entertainment experience for fans of all ages, and the Golden Globes recognizes this through this award. There really is no experience like going to the movies!“

Cinema United Releases “Strength of Theatrical Exhibition” Report Spotlighting A Bright 2025 At The Movies & Beyond

Data-Driven Report Looks Beyond the Box Office to the Health of the Movie Theatre Industry

LOS ANGELES, CA –  The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) is shining a spotlight on cinema vitality with a new report focusing on five different metrics, outside of box office numbers that are available to gauge the overall strength of the global exhibition industry. The metrics include consumer enthusiasm, investment in the marketplace, loyalty growth, more movies in theaters, and a wider genre mix with something for everyone. The findings are promising for exhibitors, studios and film fans alike.

The Cinema United report provides a collection of industry data on the increase in premium screens, the increase in domestic releases, loyalty program subscribers, industry innovations and opportunities going forward.

Highlights of the new report include:

  1. 85% of moviegoers plan to go to the movies as often or more often than they did in the past year.
  2. 76% of Americans 12-74 saw at least one movie in the theater this year.
  3. Among 10-24 years, going to see a movie on opening weekend was the #1 preferred activity, regardless of time and money.
  4. Loyalty programs saw a 12% jump in new subscriptions from 2023 to 2024.

Cinema United Chief Michael O’Leary points out, “Perhaps like no other industry, each week, the success or failure of filmed entertainment is judged through the weekly box office. This legacy tradition, however, does not paint a full picture of the strength of the industry nor of exhibition. To gauge the true viability of theatrical exhibition, you must look beyond the weekly numbers. In this report, with the help of multiple research partners, we lay out five metrics for determining the strength of the exhibition industry that factor in tandem with the box office. Theatres are financial and cultural anchors of communities of all sizes, and as 2024 draws to a close, it is important to look deeper and consider other fundamentals that illustrate the strength and bright future of theatrical exhibition.”

Cinema United Applauds 2024 National Film Registry Selections

25 Films Chosen for Recognition and Preservation by the Library of Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – December 17, 2024 – The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) today applauded the induction of twenty-five new titles into the National Film Registry, overseen by the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden. Created by Congress, the National Film Registry highlights America’s movie heritage, and the need to preserve film for future generations.  

The new selections date back nearly 130 years and include a diverse group of films, filmmakers and Hollywood landmarks. The selections span from a silent film created to entice audiences at the dawn of cinema in 1895 to the newest selected film from 2010, a drama about social media.

Popular Hollywood releases selected this year include the first Star Trek film added to the registry with “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” from 1982, as well as Eddie Murphy’s first feature film on the registry, “Beverly Hills Cop.”

The public submitted nominations of more than 6,700 titles for consideration this year. Several selected titles this year received strong public support, including: “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “No Country for Old Men,” “The Social Network,” and “Dirty Dancing.”

The selections bring the number of titles in the registry to 900. Some films are among the 2 million moving image collection items held in the Library of Congress. The National Association of Theatre Owners is represented on the Library’s National Film Preservation Board by Joseph Masher, Cinema United Board Member and CEO of Scene One Entertainment, and Michael O’Leary, Cinema United President & CEO. 

“Movie theatres are among the few places left that allow people to share a common yet unique experience,” says Masher. “Cinemas reinforce those memorable communal experiences when many of us are looking for ways to build bridges and connect. We are excited to support the Library of Congress in their passionate work, and their selections for this year’s list, which highlights audience favorites and breakthrough titles that need to be revived on the big screen.”

“For more than a century, Americans of all ages have been flocking to theatres to experience the magic of a great movie on the big screen. This list honors that legacy and is more than just a celebration of movies as an art form, it’s a recognition of an industry united in telling stories and connecting audiences for generations to come,” says O’Leary. “On behalf of theatre owners everywhere, we applaud the work of the Library of Congress and Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden for her leadership in film preservation and recognizing the power of cinema in this year’s selections for the National Film Registry.”

Films Selected for the 2024 National Film Registry 

(chronological order) 

•            Annabelle Serpentine Dance (1895)

•            KoKo’s Earth Control (1928)

•            Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)

•            Pride of the Yankees (1942)

•            Invaders from Mars (1953)

•            The Miracle Worker (1962)

•            The Chelsea Girls (1966)

•            Ganja and Hess (1973)

•            Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

•            Uptown Saturday Night (1974)

•            Zora Lathan Student Films (1975-76)

•            Up in Smoke (1978)

•            Will (1981)

•            Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan (1982)

•            Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

•            Dirty Dancing (1987)

•            Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt (1989)

•            Powwow Highway (1989)

•            My Own Private Idaho (1991)

•            American Me (1992)

•            Mi Familia (1995)

•            Compensation (1999)

•            Spy Kids (2001)

•            No Country for Old Men (2007)

•            The Social Network (2010)

Public Nominations for the National Film Registry

The public submitted 6,744 titles for consideration this year. The public can submit nominations throughout the year on the Library’s web site. Nominations for next year will be accepted until Aug. 15, 2025. Cast your vote at loc.gov/film.

ABOUT Cinema United 

The National Association of Theatre Owners (Cinema United) is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 32,000 movie screens in all 50 states, and more than 30,000 screens in 88 countries worldwide. Cinema United’s membership includes the largest cinema chains in the world as well as hundreds of independent theatre owners. Additional information about Cinema United can be found at www.theatreowners.org.

Cinema United
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