Exclusive Insights into “Weapons”at CinemaCon 2023
On Tuesday, New Line offered an exclusive glimpse of its upcoming horror film, Weapons, during a presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
A Star-Studded Horror Experience
Part of Warner Bros.’ showcase inside the impressive Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the film, directed by Zach Cregger, features a remarkable ensemble cast. Stars include Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, June Diane Raphael, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong, Alden Ehrenreich, and Amy Madigan, creating high expectations for this chilling narrative.
Teaser Presentation with Caution
Zach Cregger took to the stage to share insights about the project, though he remained tight-lipped about specific plot details to avoid spoilers. He referred to the film as “twisty and turny,” stating, “The material we’re going to show is just the tip of the iceberg.” Cregger emphasized the script’s dynamic nature, explaining how it evolves throughout the film. He also highlighted that the teaser shown at CinemaCon would remain exclusive, likely never to be publicized.
A Gripping Premise
The footage revealed an unsettling narrative, beginning with a voiceover from a young girl who discloses the chilling events that unfold when students in a classroom, led by Garner’s character, mysteriously vanish. The girl eerily states, “Mrs. Gandy’s room was totally empty, and do you know why?” She continues, “Because the night before at 2:17 a.m., every kid woke up, got out of bed and walked downstairs into the dark. And they never came back.”
Community Response and Suspense
This haunting introduction transitions to scenes depicting the children’s eerie departure into the night. Parents and local residents exhibit shock and distress during a town hall meeting, where Brolin’s character questions, “I don’t understand at all. Why just her classroom, why only hers?” Tension escalates as a community member demands to know, “Where are our children?” Meanwhile, an administrator urges Garner’s character to maintain her distance from the investigation site.
Promising Continuation of Horror
The teaser suggests that this critical moment marks just the beginning of a labyrinthine narrative, aligning with Cregger’s promise of a multifaceted story. Weapons is anticipated as the follow-up to Cregger’s successful film Barbarian, featuring a carefully crafted script that combines different storylines into a single horror epic. It is reported to share a tonal resemblance to Magnolia, a 1999 film by acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson, and explores the disturbing theme of high school students’ disappearances in a small town.
A Collaborative Effort
The project brings together the creative team behind Barbarian, with Cregger collaborating once again with producers Roy Lee from Vertigo, and J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules from BoulderLight Pictures. Miri Yoon of Vertigo also joins the production team. This horror feature drew considerable attention, ultimately being secured by New Line after a competitive bidding war that took place in January 2023.
CinemaCon 2023: Highlights
Hosted in Las Vegas by Cinema United, the rebranded organization previously known as the National Association of Theatre Owners, CinemaCon serves as a prominent annual event for cinema proprietors and Hollywood studios. The 2023 edition is taking place from March 31 to April 3, presenting an excellent opportunity for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike to explore upcoming releases.