‘Fantastic Four’ Stumbles; KCON Stirs K-pop Fans; Jason Momoa Triumphs
The summer box office has been a topic of discussion lately, with many wondering if it will hit the $4 billion mark. In a recent episode of the “Daily Variety” podcast, box office expert Rebecca Rubin delved into the performance of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” in its second weekend. The film experienced a significant drop-off from its opening weekend, leading to questions about its ability to attract a broader audience beyond the core young male demographic.
Currently, the box office is ahead of last year by about 10% but is still lagging behind 2019 numbers by 23%. With summer revenues reaching $3 billion by early August, there is uncertainty about whether the industry will reach the coveted $4 billion milestone. Analysts had been optimistic heading into the summer season, but the performance of key films like “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” has raised doubts.
In addition to box office analysis, the podcast also featured a segment on the KCON Korean culture festival in Los Angeles, where attendees shared their passion for K-pop. For many fans, K-pop is more than just a musical genre—it’s a lifestyle that embodies discipline, self-care, and community engagement.
The episode also highlighted TV critic Aramide Tinubu’s praise for Jason Momoa’s new Apple TV+ drama series, “Chief of War.” The show, which tells the story of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands in the 1700s, has been a passion project for Momoa for over a decade. Tinubu commended Momoa’s performance as a Maui warrior named Kiana, noting his dedication to the series as a creator, director, writer, and star.
Overall, the podcast episode provided insights into the current state of the box office, the cultural impact of K-pop, and the creative endeavors of actors like Jason Momoa. To listen to more episodes of “Daily Variety,” you can find it on iHeartPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
