What factors beyond IP explain today's box office bifurcation?

[Natalie_J]

I work in film distribution, and the current box office trends are incredibly polarized, with massive openings for established franchises and certain horror films, while mid-budget dramas and comedies struggle to find an audience theatrically. The traditional summer and holiday release windows seem less defined now. For others analyzing this market, what are the key factors driving this bifurcation beyond just IP recognition, and is the success of certain original films a sign of changing audience appetites or more about specific marketing and release strategies in the streaming era?