Cortex Times

Hollywood’s reboot machine is running at full speed, and Gen Z and Millennials are eating it up. This summer, Superman (the Man of Steel’s third cinematic reboot) soared to a $220 million global opening, 28 Years Later scared up $60 million domestically in just three weeks, Jurassic World: Rebirth roared to $530 million worldwide, and A Minecraft Movie—the pixelated sensation—built a staggering $955 million global haul. Fueled by younger audiences craving nostalgia with a modern twist, these films have turned 2025 into a box office bonanza, up 15% from last year. Now, this weekend’s theatrical lineup—The Fantastic Four: First Steps, I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Smurfs Movie, and Eddington—is ready to keep the party going with a quartet of reimagined classics. Grab your popcorn, because here’s why these July 25 releases (and some that are still in theaters) are must-see events.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Marvel’s First Family Gets a Cosmic Glow-Up
Marvel’s First Family is back, and this time, they’re aiming for the stars—literally. The Fantastic Four: First Steps, directed by WandaVision’s Matt Shakman, ditches the tired origin story for a swinging 1960s-inspired adventure. Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us) stretches as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby (Mission: Impossible) shines as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) blazes as Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) rocks as Ben Grimm. Facing off against Galactus and the Silver Surfer, this Fantastic Four feels like a love letter to Marvel’s roots while setting the stage for Avengers: Secret Wars.

After the 2005 and 2015 films flopped, this MCU reboot is poised to wipe the slate clean, with early ticket sales projecting a $125–$155 million domestic opening—a vibe not unlike Superman’s $220 million global launch. Gen Z and Millennials, who’ve powered superhero flicks to box office glory, will eat up Pascal’s charm, Kirby’s poise, and the retro-futuristic aesthetic. It’s a blockbuster with heart, humor, and cosmic stakes. Why see it? Because this is the Fantastic Four you’ve been waiting for, and it’s ready to light up your summer.

I Know What You Did Last Summer – A Slasher Classic Hooks a New Generation
Cue the goosebumps: I Know What You Did Last Summer is back, and it’s got a sharp new edge. This sequel/reboot, set 27 years after the 1998 film, brings back Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. as Julie James and Ray Bronson, joined by Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline and The Summer I Turned Pretty’s Lola Tung. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (Do Revenge), it follows five friends stalked by a hook-wielding killer after covering up a deadly accident. Think 90s slasher nostalgia with a 2025 twist—perfect for fans of 28 Years Later’s $60 million zombie revival.

Despite whispers of early box office struggles (like Final Destination: Bloodlines’ $283 million global take), this horror flick taps into the same Gen Z and Millennial love for scream-worthy reboots. Hewitt and Prinze bring legacy cred, while Cline and Tung add fresh blood (pun intended). Why see it? It’s a nostalgic thrill ride that’ll have you checking your rearview mirror—and your group chat—on the way home.

The Smurfs Movie – Rihanna’s Blue Crew Brings Family Fun
Get ready to feel Smurf-tastic! The Smurfs Movie, a fully animated reboot, brings the iconic blue critters back to theaters with Rihanna leading the voice cast as Smurfette. This family-friendly adventure reimagines the Smurfs for a new generation, much like A Minecraft Movie turned Gen Z and Gen Alpha nostalgia into a $955 million global juggernaut. Packed with vibrant visuals, catchy tunes, and Rihanna’s undeniable charisma, it’s a summer treat for kids and parents alike.

The Smurfs have been around since the 1950s, but this reboot feels as fresh as Lilo & Stitch’s $994 million family-fueled run. It’s got heart, humor, and just enough nostalgia for Millennials who grew up with the Smurfs on TV. Why see it? Because Rihanna’s star power and the Smurfs’ timeless charm make this a blue-tiful escape for all ages.

Eddington – Ari Aster’s Wild Western Satire
Leave it to Ari Aster (Hereditary, Midsommar) to take a Western and make it weird—in the best way. Eddington, a neo-Western dark comedy, stars Joaquin Phoenix as Sheriff Joe Cross and Pedro Pascal as Mayor Ted Garcia, set in a small town during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Think No Country for Old Men meets Midsommar with a side of social satire. While not a direct remake, it reinvents Western tropes with Aster’s signature mind-bending style, echoing Sinners’ $275 million domestic run for bold, auteur-driven films.

Gen Z and Millennials, who’ve flocked to quirky hits like A Minecraft Movie ($955 million worldwide), will vibe with Phoenix’s intensity and Pascal’s wit in this genre mash-up. Why see it? Because Eddington is the kind of film you’ll be dissecting with friends over late-night tacos—it’s strange, smart, and totally unforgettable.

Why This Weekend Rules
This weekend’s lineup is a love letter to the reboot renaissance that’s got Gen Z and Millennials packing theaters. From Superman’s superhero spectacle to 28 Years Later’s zombie chills, Jurassic World: Rebirth’s dino thrills, and A Minecraft Movie’s blocky magic, 2025 has proven that reimagined stories are box office gold. The Fantastic Four: First Steps, I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Smurfs Movie, and Eddington keep that energy alive, offering superhero epics, slasher scares, family laughs, and genre-bending weirdness.

Whether you’re a Marvel stan, a horror junkie, a family movie buff, or an indie film nerd, there’s something for you. These films tap into the same cultural wave that’s made 2025 a blockbuster year, blending nostalgia with innovation to create shared theater experiences. So, rally your crew, check showtimes on Fandango, and dive into this weekend’s cinematic smorgasbord. From the Fantastic Four’s cosmic vibes to the Smurfs’ blue-hued fun, these reboots and revivals are proof that Hollywood’s past can light up its future. See you at the movies!

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