Fandom culture transforms cinema experience for fans and filmmakers

In 2024, the release of the film adaptation of Stephen Schwartz’s stage musical phenomenon marked a notable event in the intersection of cinema and pop culture fandoms. The movie, which features Ariana Grande, is generating immense excitement largely fueled by her fan base, creating a dynamic that is reshaping audience engagement with cinema. Unlike traditional viewership, many fans approach screenings as interactive events, attempting to recreate the lively atmosphere of live concerts, leading to debates around cinema etiquette. Critics argue that these interactive tendencies disrupt the movie-watching experience, suggesting a collision of expectations between traditional film viewing and the participatory nature of pop concerts. This trend highlights a broader shift in the film industry as blockbuster releases are increasingly framed as experiences rather than mere movies. The massive success of other events, like the Barbie movie, further demonstrates this shift. In recent months, this fandom-based approach has sparked discussions among audiences, revealing deep-seated rivalries within fan communities as they clash over their beloved stars. Attempts to leverage the star power of artists like Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez have not always yielded expected box office success, indicating that while fandom engagement is powerful, it can also be unpredictable and complex, creating challenges for filmmakers. Despite contrasting reactions, the trend of fandom cinema seems to be firmly established in the industry, shaping the future landscape of how films are consumed and experienced.