Cinemacon - CinemaCon 2025: Sony Pictures Declares Theatrical Ambitions with a Monumental Slate of Films, Franchises, and Filmmakers

By Mulder, Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, 31 march 2025

Sony Pictures made a commanding return to the spotlight at CinemaCon 2025, officially inaugurating the studio presentations at The Colosseum with what could only be described as an emphatic declaration of faith in theatrical exhibition. In a packed room of exhibitors, press, and international industry professionals, the studio laid out a bold, extensive, and meticulously crafted slate that emphasized both high-concept original content and franchise continuity. Hosted by Sony Pictures Motion Group Chairman Tom Rothman, the presentation unfolded with a clarity of vision and a celebration of film craftsmanship that few studios in the current landscape manage to consistently deliver. Rothman, known for his pointed statements and old-school showmanship, opened the evening by reaffirming his studio’s dedication to cinema as an art form built for the big screen. The most important factor in the health of real movies is the films themselves, he remarked, setting the tone for what would be a 90-minute journey through some of the most anticipated projects in development and production today.

The event began with a historical milestone: the world premiere of the trailer for 28 Years Later, directed by Danny Boyle, who appeared on stage alongside longtime collaborator Alex Garland. Boyle not only confirmed the return of the seminal post-apocalyptic universe but stunned the room by revealing that the new film is merely the first entry in a brand-new trilogy. The second film has already been shot, and the third is in development. Nia DaCosta, director of the second installment titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, joined the panel to share insights into her radically different take on the material. Describing her creative freedom and highlighting Ralph Fiennes’ unpredictable and bold performance, she teased a film that diverges tonally and structurally from its predecessors. The decision to re-enter the 28 Days Later universe after nearly three decades is not only a remarkable act of franchise rejuvenation but a carefully calibrated move to address audience demand for mature, auteur-driven genre filmmaking.

Sony’s presentation continued with equal force as it pivoted to animation and its crown jewel franchise: Spider-Man. First up was Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, with confirmation that the film will release on June 4, 2027. The movie will resume precisely where the cliffhanger of the previous entry left off, completing what has become a groundbreaking animated trilogy. Sony also revealed the next live-action installment of the web-slinger saga, helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton, with a working title of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Set for release on July 31, 2026, the announcement was accompanied by a video message from Tom Holland, who shared an amusing anecdote about his son’s first word being Spider-Man. The studio’s dual investment in both animated and live-action continuities illustrates its deep-rooted strategy of expanding the Spider-Man brand across formats and tones, maintaining its status as a transmedia juggernaut.

Original filmmaking was also honored during the showcase, with the presence of director Darren Aronofsky, who introduced his latest film Caught Stealing. Set in the 1990s and starring Austin Butler, the project promises to be a stylized crime thriller with Aronofsky’s signature psychological edge. The director emphasized the period setting and his admiration for Butler’s commitment to the role, suggesting a dark, immersive experience unlike anything in his previous oeuvre. Kogonada, another filmmaker known for refined, meditative storytelling, then presented A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. While only a teaser was shown, the film is positioned as a tender, visually poetic drama and a tonal counterpoint to the rest of the night’s high-octane presentations.

The animation segment of the evening expanded with the debut of GOAT, a new animated comedy directed by Tyree Dillihay and featuring none other than NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who appeared in a pre-recorded message. The film, backed by Curry’s production imprint, explores themes of perseverance and mentorship within the framework of a stylized sports narrative. Sony followed that with one of the most strategically notable parts of the night: its ongoing investment in anime. A trio of major titles was confirmed: a new Demon Slayer film, a continuation of Chainsaw Man, and a mysterious third title titled Scarlett. This anime-focused strategy highlights Sony’s awareness of the growing international market for Japanese animation, a trend the studio is clearly leveraging to expand global box office reach.

The horror and thriller genres were not neglected, with first glimpses at the upcoming Insidious film and the reimagined I Know What You Did Last Summer, which will release on July 18. Rothman also confirmed the imminent release of Until Dawn, an adaptation of the beloved horror video game. Further diversifying the slate, new footage and details were revealed for Klara and the Sun, starring Jenna Ortega, and The Bread Winner, with comedian Nate Bargatze taking on a dramatic role. In terms of franchise continuity, the studio acknowledged ongoing work on Jumanji 3, and confirmed Starship Troopers is being rebooted under the direction of Neill Blomkamp. In perhaps one of the most buzzed-about moments of the night, Rothman referenced a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda, though no footage was shown.

One of the evening’s climactic reveals came with the return of the Karate Kid franchise. Titled Karate Kid: Legends, the new film stars Ben Wang—who was also honored as CinemaCon’s Star of Tomorrow—and Ralph Macchio, who reprises his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso. First-look scenes were shown to thunderous applause, and the trailer was confirmed to drop the following day. Macchio spoke candidly about returning to the role, signaling an intergenerational passing of the torch that aligns with the studio’s strategy of nostalgia-fueled franchise evolution. With Cobra Kai nearing its end on streaming, this theatrical project may represent the definitive cinematic return of the brand.

Closing the presentation was a project of epic ambition: The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event, directed by Sam Mendes. This four-part theatrical saga will follow the lives of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr individually, each in their own film. Mendes detailed how a Beatles-themed show he attended in Las Vegas with his children sparked the idea, and emphasized that the project will enter principal photography soon, with a release plan in April 2028. The cast was brought on stage to roaring cheers: Harris Dickinson as John, Paul Mescal as Paul, Barry Keoghan as Ringo, and Joseph Quinn as George. The films are designed to be consumed collectively as a theatrical binge, an unprecedented model that redefines how legacy biopics can be structured and experienced.

By the end of the presentation, Sony Pictures had not only reaffirmed its leadership in theatrical innovation but also showcased a slate that was as diversified as it was ambitious. From multi-film artistic ventures to fan-centric genre fare, from original dramas to anime powerhouses, the studio’s CinemaCon 2025 panel stood as a strategic masterclass in appealing to both global markets and domestic audiences. Rothman closed the show by reiterating the studio’s philosophy: that great films stem from great filmmakers, and that the theatrical experience remains cinema’s most powerful stage. In an industry still navigating post-pandemic shifts, Sony's aggressive reaffirmation of theatrical dominance sent a message that was loud, clear, and impossible to ignore: the movies are not just back—they’re only just getting started.

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