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Rapid Insights: Cocaine Bear Offers Jumpscares and Tongue-firmly-in-cheek Humor

Posted on January 6, 2023 by Claire Turner

With a high-concept title that it wears proudly on its sleeve, this February opener is sure to turn heads. While Cokey the title character does all the work to grab your attention, the oddball group of characters ranging from tourists to cops and criminals all have backstories that root the film in some semblance of reality. Here’s what you need to know about Cocaine Bear:

Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who will show up in theaters for this horror-comedy?
Older-skewing audiences (58% 30+), with a male lean (59%). This predicted core audience demographic is attracted to key film concepts like its Dark Comedy (148), the Drug Theme (146), and Blood and Gore (123).

How does the early social chatter look?
Excited, bordering on carnivorous. Most of the chatter revolves around the film’s crazy title, and second to that, the fact that the film is inspired by true events. Cocaine Bear also has its own twitter account run by Cokey the bear himself, with pithy tweets like “Don’t coke the bear.”

What’s the film’s main attraction?
Its jumpscares. With Cokey the Ballistic Bear (129) on the loose, the film’s cops and criminals have their fingers on their triggers, while the helpless tourists can only cross their fingers and hope for the best. Life in Danger (160) is almost an understatement, with Chaotic Chase Scenes (115) and Blood and Gore (96) galore that’ll have you looking away in horror.

What makes this film stand out against others?
Its knowing humor. Inspired by True Events (111), this ludicrous story brings a moment in history to life with over-the-top antics and violence that are sure to surprise and entertain audiences. The Drug Theme (160) involving Cokey on a bender rampage matched with a delightful Dark Comedy (160) tone maxes out our freshness scale.

What genres comprise Cocaine Bear?
A broad array. The film is a combination of Thriller (115), Adventure (115), and Action (111) genres, with a palpable sense of Comedy (97) seeping in.

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*Publicly released trailers for series are evaluated using Vault AI’s algorithms – utilizing our proprietary 120K+ story element database alongside ratings performance and other datasets – to identify unique combinations of stories, themes, characters, and genre elements that will drive success.

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Based in Los Angeles and Israel, Vault AI is using a combination of machine learning and consumer insights experts to help the entertainment industry predict consumer response to content. Test your content faster and more accurately with Vault AI and get granular insights across the entire content life cycle today.

Rapid Insights: Poker Face’s Truth-Seeking, Crime-Solving Heroine Is an Ace in the Hole

Posted on January 4, 2023 by Claire Turner

Hot on the heels of Glass Onion’s success comes writer-director Rian Johnson’s first foray into showrunning, and his new series leans into the same mystery-comedy formula that has made the Knives Out franchise such a hit. Premiering on Peacock at the end of this month, the show sets up a ‘mystery-of-the-week’ format and follows the town-to-town travels of Natasha Lyonne’s Charlie, a woman with uncanny intuition who can’t help but solve the strange crimes (involving a host of familiar-faced guest stars) she encounters at every stop. Here’s what you need to know about Poker Face:

Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who will be tuning in for this mystery series?
An older audience. We’re predicting a viewership that leans female (54%) and skews heavily toward those 30+ (71%, with 42% landing in the 45+ range). This marks a more unusual deviation from the typical SVOD viewer profile; concept-wise, Poker Face seems close kin to two of Peacock’s other mystery-drama series (The Resort, One of Us Is Lying), but audience-wise, it looks substantially older (vs. 60% aged 30+ and 58% aged 30+, respectively).

What’s the show’s biggest draw?
Charlie at the center of every crime scene. She proves to be a Strong, rootworthy Female Protagonist (153) with the Ambition & Drive (141) to back up her considerable crime-solving talents. Secrets & Lies (160) don’t get past her, especially since she never backs down when Under Threat (138) or in the face of Action & Violence (137).

What will keep viewers glued to their seats?
Charlie’s impressive skill set. Both brilliant and brash, she has the unerring ability to sniff out lies; she charms with her bold Charisma & Confidence (142) and uses Psychological Manipulation (127) to make suspects reveal their secrets. And thanks to her nose for tells, she always wins big at her favorite pastime: Gambling (155). All of these stellar assets are top drivers for the series’ bingeability.

Why is Charlie on the road solving crimes?
She wants to help. Charlie is fascinated by humanity and loves to meet new people of all stripes (Social Contact, 128), and, feeling uniquely qualified thanks to her unusual crime-solving talents, she’s driven by Idealism (135) to uncover harmful truths that would otherwise lay buried. Both of her core desires are ratings draws for the show.

Which aspect of the show will help it reach a second season?
Its never-ending cycle of Murder Mysteries (121). When police-led Criminal Investigations (138) fail, Charlie picks up where they left off, and the process of collecting evidence, interrogating suspects, and Solving A Murder (149) in each new town sets up a repeatable story engine and a dependable driver of longevity.

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Rapid Insights: Sheridan’s 1923 Expands the Yellowstone Universe Further

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Claire Turner

This coming Sunday, Paramount+ is set to premiere Taylor Sheridan’s upcoming series 1923, the prequel series to Yellowstone and sequel to 1883. Two additional spin-offs — 6666 and 1883: The Bass Reeves Story — have also already been ordered. The franchise follows different generations of the fictional Dutton family who own the Yellowstone ranch in Montana, and in this upcoming spin-off, they’ll face challenges related to the rise of Western expansion, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. Here’s what you need to know about 1923 and the Yellowstone franchise:

Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who will be tuning in for this new prequel series?
For the series’ debut, we’re predicting a male skewing audience (57%) that leans older (70% aged 30+), a profile nearly identical to Yellowstone (55% male and 71% 30+, SVOD) and 1883 (59% male and 70% 30+). Sheridan’s other series outside the Yellowstone franchise have similar demographics, like Tulsa King (61% male and 66% 30+) and Mayor of Kingstown (58% male and 66% 30+). Sheridan knows his target audience, and all his series fit the bill.

What unifies the three Yellowstone franchise series?
The Dutton family. At the heart of this franchise are the different generations of Duttons and the portrayal of Family Life (141) on the Yellowstone ranch. In 1923, Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford assume the leading roles of wife Cara and husband Jacob Dutton.

What separates the three series from one another?
All three series each have their own niche. 1923 is all about the Action & Violence (160). This spin-off will be jam-packed with Gun Violence (160) and Confrontation (158), showcasing the Dutton family’s unparalleled Bravery (151). The franchise’s first prequel, 1883, focuses in on A New Beginning (154) for the Dutton family — the Dangerous Mission (160) westward that led them to settle in Montana. And lastly, the franchise’s original series Yellowstone lays the groundwork by establishing family dynamics, from themes of Working with Family (148), to Family Tension (144), to preserving a Family Legacy (123).

What kind of story will 1923 be telling?
A dynamic one. The series will fuse together elements of Western (153), War (140), and History (136) genres, all the while spanning a broad spectrum of emotions such as Rage (158) and Disgust (158) and desires like Tranquility (160) and Power (160).

What does the online chatter look like?
Excited. Fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting this new spin-off (IP Extension, 142), with spikes in social activity on our buzz meter, jumping to (128) with the teaser trailer’s drop and peaking at (133) with the official trailer’s drop.

What will drive 1923 into its second season?
The series’ time period. While the Dutton family is fictional, the series addresses important pieces of American History (139) within the era of Western expansion, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. The Dutton family is the vehicle through which the perspective of Struggling (124) Americans of the 1920s is portrayed.

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Rapid Insights: Super Mario Bros Will 1-Up the Competition by Bringing a Beloved Gaming Franchise to the Big Screen

Posted on December 9, 2022 by Claire Turner

For the first time since 1993’s infamous live-action interpretation, plumber twins Mario and Luigi will be returning to the silver screen next April in Universal Pictures’ full-length CGI adventure, and the buzz is already through the roof. Audiences have taken early notice of the film’s perfectly polished animation, stellar voice cast, and nods to defining elements across the range of Mario-based video games (from Super Mario Bros. to Super Smash Bros. to Mario Kart), and they’re beyond excited to see one of their favorite childhood franchises brought to life. Here’s what you need to know about The Super Mario Bros. Movie:

Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who will show up in theaters for this cartoon adventure?
We’re predicting a younger-skewing audience (57% <30) with a heavy family component (25% <18) and a slight lean towards males (53%). Demand is expected to be strong across key demos, with those under 30 falling in the “outstanding” range (138) and teen boys especially eager to buy tickets (153).

What’s the movie’s biggest draw?
Its Famous Franchise (121). The IP and its familiar characters have been beloved by Nintendo players for almost forty years, and they’re eager to see Mario and twin brother Luigi once again Saving the World (114) from arch-nemesis Bowser and his army of Koopas. Viewers want to see the transport pipes, fire flowers, power-granting suits, Rainbow Road, and other trappings of the games’ Fantasy Land (112) on the big screen as well as the dynamic Animated Action (116) of the heroes’ ongoing battle for the Mushroom Kingdom. This aspect of the film will be especially popular for younger theatergoers under 30.

What’s the impact of the increased role for Princess Peach?
A stronger appeal to older females. Whereas the original video games relegated Peach to the role of damsel in distress, the new movie places her front and center alongside Mario and Luigi in the middle of the action. Her greater agency within the fight against Bowser transforms her into the type of Strong Female Character (112) that helps draw in women 30+ (126).

Where does the movie’s funny tone fit in?
It’s a major draw for teens. The moments of Slapstick physical Comedy (112) and goofy humor, as when Mario falls off the platform and is hit in the face by a sucker fish, add to the film’s sense of unruly fun and engage younger viewers (160) much more than the cartoon action would alone.

How important is the movie’s voice cast?
Essential in driving online chatter. Twitter has been increasingly abuzz about this movie since last week’s official trailer drop, and the names of the core cast appear alongside the long-running video game characters in the list of top terms tweeted. While Chris Pratt (voicing Mario), Seth Rogan (Donkey Kong), and Anya Taylor-Joy (Princess Peach) all factor into the conversation, fans seem especially excited for Jack Black’s energetic turn as villain Bowser. Additionally, the part of the trailer in which Donkey Kong repeatedly slaps Mario has become an oft-shared viral meme.

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Rapid Insights: The Bad Guy Centers on a Darkly Funny Mafia Revenge Story

Posted on December 7, 2022December 7, 2022 by Claire Turner

Vault recently acquired a number of international data sets to round out our global market capabilities, and in honor of this new expansion, this week we wanted to spotlight an intriguing new Italian dramedy releasing worldwide Thursday on Amazon Prime. Arising from the streamer’s recent local production ramp-up in the country, the series revolves around a staunchly anti-Mafia Sicilian prosecutor named Nino Scotellaro who finds himself wrongfully convicted of working for the very criminal organization he despises. Here’s what you need to know about The Bad Guy:

Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who in the US will be tuning in for this new series?
For the show’s American debut, we’re predicting a heavily male audience (65%) that leans older (57% aged 30+), a profile nearly identical to the streaming viewership of similar pitch-black, male-led dramedies The Boys and Barry.

What type of show is The Bad Guy?
A gritty cocktail with a twist of dark humor. The series starts with a Crime (133) Thriller (110) base derived from its Mafia milieu, adds flavors of Action (114) and Western (122) pulled from its protagonist’s thirst for revenge, and finishes it off with a hint of Comedy (92) squeezed from his increasingly questionable decisions as his vengeance snowballs.

What will draw in American viewers?
Scotellaro’s Machiavellian plot. The protagonist’s decision to Seeka complicated yet satisfying Revenge (146)against those who falsely accused him, a risky path that places his Life in Danger (123), is the top driver of interest among US audiences and generates a compelling sense of suspense and intrigue. The show’s localized depiction of the Sicilian Mafia (Criminal Organization, 142) also stands out domestically.

Which aspect of the show will appeal in its native Italy?
Scotellaro’s reversal of fortune. While, like Americans, Italians will be drawn to the show’s Mafia aspects and its protagonist’s revenge plot, they’re also uniquely pulled toward the lawyer’s Life-Changing Decision (127) that will alter his trajectory and sink him ever farther into moral ambiguity. After the wrongful guilty verdict costs him everything he has, Scotellaro decides to transform from upstanding public prosecutor into the very type of ‘bad guy’ he once pursued.

What aspects of the series are fresh for US and Italian audiences?
Across the board, Dark Humor (135 US, 159 IT). Both US and Italian audiences will be amused by the twisted, comedic nature of the series which separates it from other crime thrillers. Among Italian audiences, elements of suspense and action-filled thrills – Seeking Revenge (153), Life-Changing Decision (145), and Dangerous Mission (142) – will excite most.

What could help The Bad Guy land a second season?
Its unique viewpoint. The show is narrated from The Accused’s POV (129), providing the audience with an intimate look at Scotellaro’s perspective as a once-esteemed lawyer now reviled as a falsely-convicted felon. This narrative choice allows viewers to connect with the show’s protagonist and provides fodder for his continuing story. At the same time, the Action & Violence (129) that undergirds his storyline will help keep the series’ predominantly male audiences interested for future seasons.

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Rapid Insights: Three Pines, Many Murders

Posted on November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 by Claire Turner

Author Louise Penny’s bestselling series of crime novels is making the jump to streaming this week with a brand new adaptation on Amazon Prime. Named for the fictitious French Canadian village where all the action takes place, the show stars Alfred Molina as Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, a beloved detective investigating a series of murders who, along the way, digs up the town’s long-buried secrets and discovers his own hidden ghosts. Here’s what you need to know about Three Pines:

Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who will be tuning in this Friday?

We’re predicting a streaming audience that’s mostly female (63%) and heavily older (72% aged 30+)–a new viewership segment compared to Amazon’s other recent crime dramas, which all lean male thanks to their much grittier feel (Bosch: Legacy, Reacher, Too Old to Die Young).

Which aspect of the story will best draw in viewers?

The terror of a vanished child. The show’s longer-term arc–which does not appear in the original novels–traces the emotional toll of A Missing Loved One (160) and the strength of a Mother-Child Relationship (132) put to the test after the daughter of a local woman disappears. This storyline will help shine a spotlight on the horrifying epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women throughout North America and authorities’ often reprehensible failure to thoroughly investigate or take action.

What will help propel the show into its already-ordered second season?

The episodic Murder Mysteries (127). As the death rate in Three Pines grows, Chief Inspector Gamache must go about Solving each Murder (132), Searching for the Truth (114), sifting for clues, and uncovering forensic evidence (CSI, 111) to finally unravel the multiple cases of whodunnit. Viewers will be eager to see each new investigation, and the evergreen list of small-town suspects with a murderous grudge will provide plenty of story engine for future seasons.

What’s the impact of the small-town setting?

Increased bingeability. Having all the murders take place within the insular village of Three Pines sets up a limited pool of suspects and makes each case more absorbing, allowing the townfolk’s Troubled Pasts (132) and varying levels of Emotional Turmoil (131) to bubble to the surface. The Seasonal Setting (129) (the harsh Canadian winter) adds another layer of challenges for the Chief Inspector, increasing the village’s feel of isolation and threatening to bury everything under the snow.

Which aspect of the show will viewers be talking about?

The suspense. Chief Inspector Gamache and the inhabitants of Three Pines all have various skeletons hidden in their closets just waiting to come to light, and with at least one killer on the loose, anyone in the small village could become the next victim. These Secrets & Lies (122) and the general sense of Life in Danger (120) are the show’s top drivers for social buzz.

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Rapid Insights: The Last of Us Series Leverages the Emotional Storytelling that Made the Video Game So Popular

Posted on November 23, 2022 by Claire Turner

In mid-January, HBO will be premiering a big-budget new action-drama series–said to be the biggest TV production ever filmed in Canada–based on the 2013 PlayStation video game of the same name. The show stars a pair of Game of Thrones alums as Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a mismatched duo thrown together by circumstance who must survive brutal conditions, ruthless killers, and infectious zombies on a trek across post-pandemic America. Here’s what you need to know about The Last of Us:

Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who’ll be tuning in to watch this show?
Older men. We’re predicting a male-skewing audience (56-59%) leaning 30+, with the HBO linear broadcast bringing in even more mature viewers (89% aged 35+) than HBOMax streaming (61% aged 30+). These demos are nearly identical to those for fellow HBO hit House of the Dragon, likely because of the shared violence and dark sci-fi. In contrast, the action-focused, video game-based Halo series leans much more male (68%), while the more relationship-driven Walking Dead zombie franchise is roughly gender-balanced (51% male).

What does the online chatter look like?
Eager. Thanks to the game’s popularity (IP Extension, 120), there’s lots of fan anticipation for this show; every time a new piece of information drops, there’s a big spike in social activity, peaking with the release of the full-length teaser trailer last September (which maxed out our buzz meter at 160).

What kind of story will The Last of Us be telling?
A hard-core one. The show will fuse together elements of multiple intense, heart-pounding genres, including Sci-Fi (132), War (125), Adventure (124), Action (121), and Horror (118), and the story will traffic in Terror (116) and Fear (111) as Joel and Ellie fight to stay alive in a dangerous hellscape.

What will be the show’s big draw?
Its post-apocalyptic environment. This Distinctly Realized World (132) full of cannibalistic Zombies (129), a widespread, deadly strain of the mutated Cordyceps fungus, and hostile human survivors more inclined to kill than cooperate (Life in Danger, 133) will put Joel and Ellie’s Survival Skills (122) to the test and keep viewers glued to their seats.

What will help The Last of Us secure a second season?
Joel and Ellie’s close relationship. While the dangers they face will be the show’s initial draw, the series’ ultimate longevity is largely dependent on their evolving Partnership (132) and Camaraderie (121), with father-figure Joel’s Protectiveness (130) over teen Ellie serving as its heart. Their drive to establish meaningful Social Contact (121) and a makeshift Family (121) will keep viewers coming back.

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Rapid Insights: National Treasure Adds a New, Younger Twist to the American History-Based Franchise

Posted on November 16, 2022 by Claire Turner

Next month, Disney+ will release a series-length continuation of National Treasure, a wildly successful action-adventure film franchise from the mid-2000s. The new show will honor what came before–including with familiar faces, as actors Justin Bartha and Harvey Keitel will reprise their original supporting roles–while still adding a fresh twist by focusing on a younger, more diverse group of treasure hunters led by Jess, a twenty-year-old Dreamer trying to solve a deep family mystery. Vault predicts this new series will reinvigorate the franchise, striking ratings gold with audiences. Here’s what you need to know about National Treasure: Edge of History:

Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who will be tuning in for the show’s premiere?
We’re predicting an audience that will lean female (54%) and be heavily older (67% aged 30+), the latter potentially thanks to the popularity of its name-brand IP Extension (144) with older Millennials, who would’ve seen the original Nicolas Cage movies as teens.

How important is the core National Treasure brand?
Essential. The essence of the first two films is baked right into the DNA of this spin-off, with the plot again centered around a Dangerous Mission (160) to solve a series of hidden clues leading to a missing treasure, all while Emotions are Running High (160) against a backdrop of adrenaline-filled chase sequences (Action & Violence, 160). This epic, race-against-time scavenger hunt, with our heroes pitted against a nefarious antagonist (this time played by Catherine Zeta-Jones), is a foundational ratings driver. At the same time, other elements unique to the franchise–its links to hidden facets of American History (152) and its incorporation of Myth & Fantasy (121) in the form of fantastical rare and ancient relics–will make the show bingeworthy.

What will be the impact of the show’s younger cast?
Increased ratings. While the original National Treasure movies focused on a pair of more fully-fledged professional heroes (played by Nicolas Cage and Diane Kruger), Edge of History has chosen to age down its lead characters and make the show more family-friendly and diverse. Consequently, Jess, the young Strong Female Protagonist (160) at the story’s core, and the Teen Friendships (160) she maintains with her treasure hunting comrades, will be a crucial part of why Disney+ subscribers will check out the series.

What will keep viewers coming back?
Jess’s family mystery. It will help propel Edge of History into a second season. This extended arc, with Jess doggedly Searching for the Truth (125) about her Family’s Secret (134) past–everything she knows about her parents is a riddle solvable only by finding the historical treasure–will provide the long-term emotional stakes and story engine needed to drive longevity.

What type of viewing experience will hook viewers?
A balanced one. Streaming audiences will be lured in by the tension and suspense (Terror, 144; Fear 138) that swirl around the show’s high-stakes treasure hunt adventure, but it’s the more positive emotions like Optimism (123), Joy (123), and Love (123) arising from the young team’s deep, mutually-supportive friendships that will keep them watching.

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Rapid Insights: M3GAN’s AI-Gone-Wrong Story Will Scare Up Audiences

Posted on November 11, 2022 by Claire Turner

Though Universal’s upcoming new Blumhouse horror film doesn’t open until January, its recently released trailer has exploded into the cultural zeitgeist thanks to its titular creepy doll’s surprising and unexpectedly hip gyrations. The movie has become a viral meme on social media, with users scoring the doll’s killer dance moves to various pop songs and pushing it into the sweet spot between impressive robotics and uncanny valley. Fitting naturally into this theme is the film’s storyline, which focuses on the unsettling, life-size, humanoid doll with advanced AI whose prime directive–to keep a little girl from feeling lonely–turns deadly. Here’s what you need to know about M3GAN:

Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

Who will be buying tickets to M3GAN next January?
We’re predicting an even gender split (50% male / 50% female) and a slightly older audience skew (53% aged 30+), likely due to the movie’s dual prevailing genres. The film registers not only as Horror (133)–attracting the stereotypically female genre fanbase–but also as Sci-Fi (130) thanks to its doll-shaped robotic AI, which typically appeals more to older men.

What’s the film’s main attraction?
The killer toy at its center. The titular Evil Doll (160) and the idea of AI Gone Wrong (137) are by far the top drivers of demand, with viewers eager to see the mesmerizing, newly self-aware M3GAN cut loose, cut a rug, and cut anyone who approaches her little girl into bloody pieces. The presence of an evil, humanlike-but-not-human entity is paramount in this subgenre, with the same driver also rising to the fore in the recent Child’s Play (2019) (Evil Doll, 160) and Annabelle Comes Home (Evil Doll, 139). Thanks especially to the murderous violence wrought by M3GAN, this core aspect will be the #1 motivation for men of all ages to hit the theater.

What will differentiate M3GAN from other creepy doll movies?
The emotional family backstory. Doll M3GAN is originally born of love and Family Grief (129), created by a brilliant roboticist to serve as a protector and companion for her newly-orphaned ten-year-old niece Cady. The poignant relationship between aunt and niece and their shared sense of mourning not only defines the film’s freshness score, adding a deeper well of emotion that will set M3GAN apart from more straightforwardly horror titles, but will also act as the main viewership driver for women, especially those 30+. Younger women are also strongly drawn to the primarily Female Cast (105 total, 156 for women <30) featured in this storyline.

How have all the memes impacted social buzz?
They’ve helped sustain interest. M3GAN saw a big spike in online search with the trailer drop, and, though the volume has leveled off a bit, a steady stream of tweets and other social media chatter has since focused on the hilarity of her smooth dancing moves (“lmaooooo” is a commonly associated tag). Invested fans have even established an online rivalry between M3GAN, possessed doll Annabelle (of The Conjuring franchise), and knife-wielding Chucky (from Child’s Play).

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Rapid Insights: Willow Will Combine Magic, Adventure, and Friendship in an Epic Emotional Journey

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Claire Turner

Later this month, Disney+ will release a long-awaited, series-length sequel to its 1988 cult classic hit Willow, and fans of the original film could not be more excited–especially as lead Warwick Davis will be reprising his role as the titular magician. This epic fantasy adventure series will pick up the story many years after the saga’s first installment, dropping back in on the protagonist–now older, wiser, and a fully-fledged sorcerer–as he leads an unlikely group of heroes on a dangerous quest to rescue a prince. Here’s what you need to know about Willow:

Vault AI uses index scores to describe the impact a given story/theme/element will have on specific KPIs:
≤79 Disappointing 80-89 Challenging 90-109 Average 110-119 Promising 120+ Outstanding

How will Willow fit in among other recent fantasy series?
It will land younger and be a bit more gender-balanced. Where other recent successes in the medieval epic realm, such as Lord of the Rings, House of the Dragon, and The Witcher, have leaned into the stereotypical fantasy fanbase of older men (54-56% male / 63-64% aged 30+), Willow is predicted to lure in a few more women and play less heavily to the older crowd (52% male / 57% aged 30+).

What kind of viewing experience will best draw in audiences?
An emotional one. Willow scores very highly across a wide range of sentiments, including Joy (138), Anticipation (138), Sadness (138), Love (133), Disapproval (133), and Grief (123), and all are key components of the show’s expected ratings. This wide-ranging tonal approach will take viewers on a deeply moving journey of highs and lows right alongside the main characters.

What’s the most compelling aspect of the plot?
A Dangerous Mission (160) set in an enchanted kingdom. Story-wise, audiences will primarily tune in to see the show’s perilous central quest, undertaken by a motley group of underdogs and unlikely heroes. The Bravery (140) and courage they must demonstrate as they engage in the epic Good vs. Evil (137) battle that’s a hallmark of the genre—in this case, with evil represented by a wicked queen and her supporting forces of darkness—and the surrounding backdrop of Myth & Fantasy (133) and mystical creatures will together prove to be a powerful draw.

What about this unlikely group of heroes?
They’ll help push the show into a second season. Longevity for Willow will primarily be driven by the Friendship (127) and Team-Up (114) of its six central characters, especially between the titular Nelwyn sorcerer and newcomer princess Kit, as well as their collectively potent desires for interpersonal relationships, Romance (127), Social Contact (124), and Family (115).

How important is the original Willow movie to the success of its follow-up series?Very. The 1988 film is a well-loved cult classic, and this original IP Extension (124) – ranked as Outstanding just behind the top 5 ratings drivers – will drive up ratings for the follow-up series significantly. The same goes for Willow’s comps that also have baked-in IP Extensions (The Lord of the Rings, 113; House of the Dragon, 114) as well as comps that are Based on a familiar Book (The Witcher, 114, The Wheel of Time, 117). Bringing this beloved film back to life will have nostalgic viewers on the edge of their seats, popcorn in hand.

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