Ahead of Memorial Day, join "MediaTalk" host Mike Reynolds as he talks to S&P's Wade Holden and Mac Mathews about their expectations for this year's summer box office. Family-friendly hits like Disney's live-action "Lilo and Stitch" and DreamWorks' "How to Train Your Dragon" are expected to lead the charge and draw families to theaters. Meanwhile, superhero fans are eagerly awaiting the release of "Superman," which could redefine the DC universe under James Gunn's direction.

The podcast also highlights the potential impact of new franchises, such as Ryan Coogler's "Sinners," the "John Wick" spinoff "Ballerina" and Brad Pitt's high-octane Formula One film. Driven by a mix of nostalgia, fresh content and blockbuster sequels, Wade forecasts this summer could surpass the $4 billion box office mark — so long as studios and moviegoers can avoid the very real threat of franchise fatigue.

More S&P Global content:

MediaTalk | Season 2 EP 14 - The Summer Box Office Begins - https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/podcasts/mediatalk-s2-ep-14

Featured experts:

Wade Holden, senior research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan

Mac Mathews, associate director of editorial, design and publishing at S&P Global

Credits:

Host/Author: Mike Reynolds

Producer/Editor: Sarah James