Exploring Directors in Superhero Films and Nostalgia for Karate Kid

Big-name agents haven’t been this bullish on indie film in years, while Marvel can barely crack $450 million per movie. So what’s changed? Dealmakers’ Ashley Cullins joins Elaine Low and Sean McNulty to dissect why optimism surged out of Cannes, and how Mubi, fresh off a splashy $24 million acquisition for Jennifer Lawrence’s latest, is viewed as a market signal. Meanwhile, Sean weighs the quality issues and audience shifts plaguing Marvel and its budget catch 22. Plus: Why directors are the new IP, and whether Fantastic Four reboot can turn the Marvel tide.

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