Convention - CinemaCon 2024 : Lionsgate Thrills the audience with a Slate Full of Surprises and Crowd-Pleasers

By Mulder, Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, Coliseum, 10 april 2024

As the dazzle of Las Vegas shone brightly outside, inside Caesars Palace, the glitz was just as spectacular at CinemaCon 2024 where Lionsgate rolled out an exciting new slate of films. Following the energetic presentation by Warner Bros., Lionsgate took the stage to much anticipation, poised to unveil their lineup for the next couple of years to theater owners and industry insiders. Here’s the detailed rundown of what Lionsgate showcased, keeping to the chronological order of their reveals.

The panel kicked off with a nod to Lionsgate’s 2023 hits, including blockbusters like John Wick: Chapter 4 and The Hunger Games. Highlight reels reminded the audience of the studio’s capability to blend critical acclaim with box office success. This retrospective set the stage for discussing future projects, reinforcing Lionsgate’s dedication to building on proven franchises.

The presentation then transitioned to a series of high-profile project announcements and updates:

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Borderlands
The session began with an exciting preview of Borderlands, directed by Eli Roth and starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black among others. The footage promised a raucous blend of action and humor with a visually rich world that captures the essence of the beloved video game. Blanchett’s portrayal of Lilith is particularly anticipated, and the preview’s rock opera vibe suggests a cinematic experience full of energy and epic battles.

The Crow (2024)
Next up was the much-awaited reboot of The Crow, featuring Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven. The presentation highlighted the film’s return to the graphic novel's roots different from the 1994 movie adaptation. The new trailer showcased a grittier, more visceral narrative focusing on the romance between Eric and Shelly (played by FKA Twigs) and the subsequent quest for vengeance fueled by supernatural guidance.

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The Strangers: Chapter 1
Lionsgate provided a first look at The Strangers: Chapter 1, the origin story of the masked intruders terrorizing a young couple in a secluded location. This preview hinted at a darker tone, with more intense suspense and horror elements than previous iterations. It left the audience buzzing about the potential revival of this cult favorite franchise.

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Never Let Go
Halle Berry took to the stage to promote Never Let Go, directed by Alexandre Aja. This horror thriller delves into the story of a mother and her two sons living in isolation, plagued by a monstrous presence in the surrounding woods. Berry’s discussion on her role preparation, including learning survival skills, intrigued the audience and set high expectations for a gripping, survivalist horror film.

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The Grey
Guy Ritchie’s The Grey was another highlight, with Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González starring in this stylish heist film set in a tropical locale. The footage featured the trio’s chemistry and Ritchie’s signature mix of fast-paced action and quick-witted humor, promising another crowd-pleaser.

Lionsgate's panel also shone a spotlight on upcoming expansions to their major franchises and some intriguing new projects:

Highlander: Directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Henry Cavill, this reboot is set to deepen the lore of the original film series with potential multiple entries planned.

Now You See Me 3: With Ruben Fleischer at the helm, the third installment of the magical heist franchise aims to introduce new characters while bringing back the beloved original cast.

The Blair Witch Remake: A fresh take on the horror classic is in the works, with Jason Blum producing, aiming to reimagine the story for today’s audience.

Monopoly: Produced by Margot Robbie, this adaptation seeks to translate the competitive spirit of the board game into a narrative film experience, though details remain sparse.

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Before diving deep into their film previews, Lionsgate highlighted upcoming innovations in theatrical presentation, including advanced laser projection systems by Barco. This technology promises to enhance the visual experience, ensuring that each film is not only a narrative but also a visual spectacle.

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The panel concluded with teasers for further narrative expansions within the John Wick universe and updates on the Michael Jackson biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, starring Jaafar Jackson, which is sure to attract significant attention upon its release.

As CinemaCon 2024 progresses, Lionsgate has clearly set a high bar for excitement and audience engagement with its compelling mix of returning favorites and new ventures. With a strategy that balances innovation with the continuation of beloved narratives, Lionsgate

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