If you've been reading entertainment news over the past 6-12 months, then you may have felt that the Hollywood landscape was dire. People aren't buying movie tickets and the industry is scrambling. However, that is turning around and it is turning around for some very interesting films. I am calling it early, but I think that the thing that can save box office sales is clearly emerging and that thing is nudity.
I am being SO serious. Data suggests that nude scenes have declined in film in recent years and Gen Z isn't helping. Is it possible that the industry is catering to things on TikTok like Gen Z's "nomance" movement calling for only platonic relationships onscreen? Are stars and execs scared or disinterested in nudity? Or is there more concern on global box office sales and companies don't want their films to be banned or censored in more conservative countries? We don't know the reason, but I don't think it's a coincidence that film sales post-pandemic have been trudging along.
Until 2024.
Events have been big in the box office. The Barbie movie and Oppenheimer would have been big hits on their own (and they both were), but the fact that they were released at the same time led to the biggest movie-going event of 2023: Barbenheimer. Without another Barbenheimer on the horizon, what is bringing people into the theaters? What are the box office hits and what do they have in common? Well, for movies that are original IP the answer is: nudity.
2/3 of the original IP successes in 2023 so far have nudity. The Beekeeper, Anyone But You, and Challengers are the smash hits thus far. Challengers is still in theaters, but it was number one at the box office for the entire week of its release (only just now being beaten by The Fall Guy). Anyone But You and Challengers not only contain nudity, but they also play into sex and seduction.
Anyone But You is a romantic comedy like we haven't seen in a while. For years, romantic comedies have been relegated to straight-to-Netflix releases. Anyone But You got a proper theatrical run and it proved that rom-coms have still got it. Or rather, rom-coms with sexy stars are what people want to see. Between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, it is obvious what is selling this movie: sex! Not only that, but Glen goes nude. What more can you ask for when you buy a movie ticket?
Now let's look at Challengers. Challengers is a VERY unique film in our modern era to receive this kind of box office attention. Artsy films, mid-budget movies, and original ideas haven't done well (or been given the chance to do well) in mainstream theaters since before the streaming era. That's why this movie was so much fun for me to watch. I felt transported back to the era of late 90s erotic thrillers! How fun to have those again and to have a movie like that smash box office records.
Luca Guadagnino is an award-winning, Oscar-nominated director who is known for sensual films with an indie, European flair. This is by far his most successful film. What's the difference? It's much more American, for one. It also has an all-star cast featuring two young male actors on the rise who make pants rise with their flirtatious bi vibes, gay makeout, and Josh O'Connor's ass. THAT is what people are flocking to the theaters to see. They aren't here to see tennis - they are here to see sex.
It is worth noting that between Barbie, Anyone But You, and Challengers that the focus is not catering to hetero-male audiences. The girls and the gays are flocking to these films. Hollywood is finally listening to us and we are putting our money where our horniness is!
To me two hopeful trends are emerging: original IP with hot rising stars who will be the A-list team of tomorrow and nudity. Does this not feel like we are going back to the 90s in the best way? My Hollywood insiders are telling me that the industry is reacting to these films in a big way. The biggest demand from managers, production companies, and execs right now? Romantic comedies and low-to-mid budget original films that can showcase stars. Lo, for the glory days are back and they might just bring us more nudity.
