June is shaping up as one of the summer’s richest stretches at the multiplex, and it is anchored by a master returning to original storytelling. Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ opens June 12, headlining a month that also delivers a beloved animated sequel and a fresh take on a DC icon.

Spielberg goes original

‘Disclosure Day’ is an original science-fiction story built around a government conspiracy to cover up the arrival of extraterrestrial creatures — classic Spielberg territory, blending spectacle with everyman wonder. In an era dominated by franchises and IP, a brand-new sci-fi premise from the director who practically invented the modern blockbuster is its own event, and a test of whether original films can still draw a summer crowd.

The sequels roll in

The franchises are not far behind. Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 5’ arrives June 19, and if recent post-pandemic animated sequels like ‘Inside Out 2,’ ‘Moana 2’ and ‘Zootopia 2′ are any guide, it could be one for the record books — animated sequels have been among the most reliable box-office juggernauts of the era. Then Warner Bros.’ ‘Supergirl’ lands June 26, centered on Superman’s cousin Kara Zor-El, with Milly Alcock in the lead.

A summer firing up

The slate arrives with momentum. ‘Scary Movie’ just scored the best opening in the Wayans franchise’s 26-year history with $55 million domestically and $105.5 million worldwide, and industry insiders believe the summer could gross more than $4 billion — the strongest since before the pandemic. After lean years, the theatrical business is showing real signs of life.

Why it matters

A healthy June matters beyond ticket sales. A strong original like ‘Disclosure Day’ performing well would encourage studios to keep funding non-franchise filmmaking; a ‘Toy Story 5’ blowout reinforces the pull of animation; and a hit ‘Supergirl’ steadies DC’s reboot. The month is a referendum on what kinds of movies still bring people out.

The bottom line

With Spielberg’s original sci-fi leading the charge and tentpoles like ‘Toy Story 5’ and ‘Supergirl’ close behind, June gives moviegoers a reason to keep coming back. In a summer already off to a hot start, it could be the month that confirms the theatrical comeback is real.

Photo: Conor Lawless / BY via flickr