Paramount’s Untitled ‘Longlegs’ Movie With Nicolas Cage Lands Early 2028 Release

Why It Matters

An early‑2028 MLK weekend slot gives Paramount a high‑visibility launch window, leveraging proven franchise earnings and Nicolas Cage’s box‑office draw to boost its summer slate. The move also pits the film directly against Disney’s untitled release, intensifying competition for holiday audiences.

Key Takeaways

• Paramount sets Jan 14 2028 release, targeting MLK weekend box office
• First “Longlegs” earned $127.9 M worldwide, $48 M net profit
• Film opened with $22.4 M, best domestic debut for Neon
• $10 M financing from C2 backed the original’s production
• MLK weekend historically yields $30‑$46 M openings for Paramount hits

Pulse Analysis

The decision to anchor the *Longlegs* sequel on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend reflects a strategic push by Paramount to capture one of the most profitable holiday windows in the U.S. calendar. Historically, the four‑day MLK period has delivered strong opening numbers for the studio, with *Cloverfield* (2008) setting a $46.1 M benchmark. By securing the Jan 14 2028 slot, Paramount not only locks in a high‑traffic date but also positions the film against Disney’s untitled offering, setting the stage for a competitive box‑office showdown.

The original *Longlegs* proved that modest budgets can translate into outsized returns when paired with savvy marketing and a compelling auteur vision. Financed at $10 M by C2, the film generated $22.4 M in its opening weekend and amassed $127.9 M globally, delivering a $48 M net profit. Neon’s high‑single‑digit‑million marketing spend amplified word‑of‑mouth buzz, turning the title into a cultural moment. Those metrics give Paramount a data‑driven confidence that a sequel, bolstered by Nicolas Cage’s star power, can repeat or exceed the first film’s financial trajectory.

From an industry perspective, the *Longlegs* sequel underscores a broader trend: studios are increasingly banking on franchise extensions and recognizable talent to anchor their release calendars. Cage’s recent resurgence—highlighted by strong performances and award buzz—adds a premium to the project’s marketability. Moreover, an early‑2028 launch gives Paramount a runway to build momentum ahead of the summer blockbuster season, potentially influencing downstream slate decisions and advertising spend. If the sequel mirrors its predecessor’s profitability, it could reinforce the viability of mid‑budget, auteur‑driven projects in a market dominated by high‑budget tentpoles.