Inside Hollywood’s Hottest Topics: Richard Brener Talks the New ‘Friday’ Movie, ‘Conjuring’ Phase Two, and Navigating Corporate Merger Challenges

In the ever-changing world of Hollywood, Richard Brener stands out as a constant figure. After 30 years at New Line Cinema, he has seen it all—from the highs of major hits to the lows of corporate shake-ups. Brener started his career as a temp, eventually becoming the president and chief creative officer of New Line, where he’s played a key role in producing some of the biggest comedies and horror films of the last few decades.

Brener’s rise began in 1998 with the success of Adam Sandler’s The Wedding Singer. Since then, he has helped bring to life beloved titles like Wedding Crashers, Horrible Bosses, and the acclaimed Conjuring horror franchise. Under his guidance, New Line has produced five of the top ten horror films ever made. This year, he’s managing a significant portion of Warner Bros. Discovery’s film slate, focusing heavily on sequels and reboots in the horror genre.

Amidst his busy schedule, Brener reflects on his journey. He recalls a moment of missed opportunity with the film American Pie, which they attempted to acquire but lost out on. He notes how the studio landscape has changed and how New Line has maintained a commitment to producing innovative sequels like Mortal Kombat II and The Conjuring: Last Rites.

Looking back at the past, Brener remembers how New Line was once dubbed "the wildest studio" in the 1990s, despite its stability in leadership. He describes lively Christmas parties that drew filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, often making them want to collaborate with New Line. However, there were also difficult times, especially during the 2008 downsizing when the company shrank from 600 employees to just 40.

Brener’s perspective on success has shifted over the years. He emphasizes that low test scores for films can be misleading and that many successful movies struggled during early screenings. New Line continues to evolve, focusing less on comedies and more on horror, as that genre has seen greater audience engagement lately.

Despite criticisms about relying on sequels, Brener insists that New Line takes their sequels seriously, striving to keep their stories fresh and engaging. He points out they’re not just focused on sequels; they also produce original films, showcasing a balance in their output.

As for the future, Brener is tight-lipped but enthusiastic about upcoming projects like Final Destination and new entries in the Conjuring universe. He’s keen on exploring fresh narratives that can open doors for multiple installments.

In the business of filmmaking, Brener has learned three critical lessons: script issues will show up onscreen, the audience’s response is essential, and it’s best to hold back from too many interviews!

Brener’s journey reflects the resilience and innovation necessary to thrive in Hollywood’s fast-paced environment. With plans for new films and a focus on quality storytelling, New Line Cinema looks poised to continue its legacy under his leadership.

For more on industry insights and trends, check out The Hollywood Reporter here.

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