At this year’s CinemaCon, hosted in the grand Coliseum at Caesars Palace, Walt Disney Studios not only lived up to expectations but surpassed them with a dazzling presentation of their upcoming slate. The event, pivotal for setting the stage for cinema’s most highly anticipated releases, saw Disney captivating the audience with extended footage, celebrity appearances, and strategic announcements that promise a thrilling array of cinematic treasures for the near future. As the final big studio presentation of CinemaCon 2024, Disney’s segment was the crescendo to the event’s buildup, featuring a robust lineup of titles across a variety of genres—from superhero sagas and animated adventures to sci-fi horrors and biographical dramas. Here’s what Disney unveiled:
Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon
Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon
Deadpool & Wolverine
Kicking off with a bang, the presentation spotlighted the much-anticipated merger of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, bringing the audience to its feet with nine minutes of raw and raucous footage. The scene set at Deadpool's surprise birthday party, interrupted by the Time Variance Authority's intervention, promises an irreverent and wild ride into the multiverse. Slated for release on July 26, 2024, this film marks a bold continuation of Marvel’s R-rated ventures.
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Captain America: Brave New World
Anthony Mackie reprises his role as Sam Wilson in a thriller that challenges him to assemble a new Avengers team under the wary eye of Harrison Ford’s President Thaddeus Ross. Showcasing a blend of intense action sequences and deep narrative stakes, this film aims to echo the political undertones of The Winter Soldier. Expectations are set high for its debut on February 14, 2025.
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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Disney presented 13 minutes of visually stunning footage from this next chapter in the Apes saga, set generations after the fall of humanity. The film focuses on Noah, a young ape propelled on a dangerous journey after his tribe is brutally attacked. With a release date of May 10, 2024, the film continues the legacy of its predecessors with a promise of high stakes and deeper animalistic intrigue.
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Inside Out 2
Pixar returns with a sequel to its hit film Inside Out, exploring the emotional complexities faced by Riley, now a teenager. The first 35 minutes of the film were shown, revealing the introduction of new emotions who navigate the challenges of adolescence’s turmoil. Amy Poehler, returning as the voice of Joy, shared her love for the character and the film’s deeper exploration of mental health. Inside Out 2 is set to release on June 14, 2024.
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Alien: Romulus
Under the direction of Fede Álvarez, with Ridley Scott producing, Alien: Romulus brings the franchise back to its horror roots. The footage highlighted a tense scenario aboard a claustrophobic spaceship infested with Xenomorphs, aiming to blend classic Alien elements with new-age cinematic technology. The film’s scheduled release on August 16, 2024, is highly anticipated by fans eager for a true sci-fi thriller.
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Moana 2
The presentation peaked with a look at Moana 2, which sees Auliʻi Cravalho return as the titular heroine in a new oceanic adventure. The footage included a vibrant musical performance, hinting at new songs and expansive storytelling. With Dwayne Johnson also reprising his role as Maui, the film is set to explore new themes of heritage and legacy, releasing on November 27, 2024.
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The event was further enlivened by appearances from industry heavyweights such as Dwayne Johnson, who spoke passionately about his cultural connection to the character of Maui and received CinemaCon’s Spirit of the Industry award. Barry Jenkins discussed his directorial venture into the animal kingdom with Mufasa: The Lion King, emphasizing the film's emotional depth and his personal connection to the story.
Disney’s CinemaCon presentation not only showcased their dynamic 2024-2025 lineup but also reaffirmed their commitment to the theatrical experience. With a blend of nostalgia-driven sequels and innovative new properties, Disney is set to captivate audiences worldwide, promising a resurgence in cinema attendance and a thrilling continuation of beloved stories.
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As exhibitors and fans alike look forward to the release of these films, Disney’s strategic display at CinemaCon has effectively set the stage for what could be a record-setting year at the box office. The anticipation for these titles is palpable and marks a promising horizon for the cinematic world, with Disney continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling and film-making.
Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon
Copyright : Photos by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon