New Line Cinema president and chief creative officer Richard Brener recently gave a broad-brush update on the studio’s current slate and strategy. In an enlightening interview, he outlined plans for a new Friday movie, hinted at the direction of The Conjuring franchise’s second phase, and spoke about the difficulties of dealing with corporate mergers. With a storied career at New Line, Brener provided an insider’s perspective on the studio’s changing priorities and the creative fervor that drives future releases.
The first big news is the proposal for a new Friday film, one that many fans have been waiting years to see. The first Friday movie, starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, came out in 1995 and became a cultural phenomenon, with sequels that further solidified its place in comedy lore. Although Brener would not reveal plot information, he said that any revival of the Friday universe has to stay true to the original while also being attractive to modern-day audiences. As Brener sees it, the motivation is to find an organic means of updating the humor and making sure the characters remain fresh. That balance, he said, is key to respecting the legacy that has engaged fans for decades.
In the horror realm, the Conjuring universe keeps growing. New Line, under Brener’s guidance, is undertaking what he calls “Phase Two” of the Conjuring franchise. Though he was careful to steer clear of spoilers, Brener teased out greater world-building and a sense of willingness to venture into fresh areas of the supernatural world developed in previous films. This new phase promises to explore more intensely the mythology, drawing on historical as well as modern settings. Brener intimated that audiences can look for greater stakes, more complex storytelling, and maybe even surprising crossover. Referencing the staying power of supernatural horror, he expressed optimism that the Conjuring franchise will go on to deliver scares and stories that are among the best in a crowded market.
But creative extensions and franchise stalwarts are not the only things on Brener’s mind. He also candidly discussed surviving what he referred to as “corporate merger hell.” Studio consolidations in recent years have tested film executives to preserve brand identity and creative autonomy in the face of changing corporate configurations. Brener said the secret is to build strong relationships within the parent company and to make sure New Line’s unique voice is not lost. He envisions maintaining an agile strategy, promoting risk-taking, and supporting innovative ideas. “We must be both stewards of our heritage and innovators,” he averred, referencing New Line’s tradition of taking risks in storytelling in the form of such franchises as The Lord of the Rings and A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Brener’s remarks indicate a tightrope walk of keeping cherished properties and seeking new creative paths. While a successful comedy franchise like Friday guarantees familiarity and nostalgia, ongoing innovation in horror through The Conjuring indicates that New Line is not coasting on its successes. Adaptation and reinvention are seen by Brener as pillars of remaining relevant within the present climate, particularly when consumers are calling for innovative ideas and experiences that continue to resonate on both big and small screens.
In an increasingly acquisition- and technologically driven film industry, the role of Brener at New Line requires strategy and passion alike. Whether bringing back old comedies, guiding hit horror franchises into new places, or adapting to corporate change, New Line’s purpose is still to entertain. According to Brener, the future lies in projects that simultaneously respect tradition and embrace reinvention, ensuring that fans, old and new, will find something to celebrate in the studio’s latest offerings.
