Cinemacon - CinemaCon 2025 : Amazon MGM Studios Delivers a Cinematic Spectacle Packed with Star Power, Bold Projects, and Theatrical Ambitions

By Mulder, Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, 02 april 2025

CinemaCon 2025 officially blasted off in true blockbuster style as AmazonMGM Studios took center stage in Las Vegas with a powerhouse presentation that combined jaw-dropping sneak peeks, a cavalcade of A-list talent, and a clear declaration: AmazonMGM is in the theatrical game to win. The studio, which continues to expand its reach and identity post-merger, delivered an electrifying two-hour event brimming with spectacle, surprises, and sincerity. Whether it was stars cracking jokes live onstage, or intense, emotional monologues played across the big screen, the overall theme remained consistent—these are films that must be seen in theaters.

The event launched, fittingly, with the very first footage from Project Hail Mary, based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel. The cinematic adaptation, led by Ryan Gosling and helmed by the inventive duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The LEGO Movie), was a showstopper. The footage showcased a visually majestic and emotionally gripping space survival epic. Gosling plays Ryland Grace, a man who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory and a mission to save humanity. The sneak peek emphasized the grandeur of deep space visuals, the loneliness of isolation, and an intriguing bond between Grace and an alien creature—depicted with breathtaking VFX and a clear sense of wonder. Lord and Miller’s signature blend of humor and heart was evident, but this is their most grounded and dramatic work to date. Gosling, onstage with the filmmakers, charmed the audience by joking that “only CinemaCon and my mom have seen this footage,” and emphasized that “you cannot watch this on a TV—we tried, it didn’t fit.” His witty yet impassioned defense of the theatrical experience echoed throughout the showcase.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and AmazonMGM Studios, followed up with a brief but impactful speech, noting that the studio has 14 theatrical titles in active development for 2026 alone. Kevin Wilson, the studio’s head of theatrical distribution, took over to walk through the lineup and introduce each segment, setting up a rollercoaster of genre-spanning reveals and talent appearances.

Immediately after Project Hail Mary, the spotlight turned to a surprise double feature: behind-the-scenes footage and first-look scenes from Verity, based on Colleen Hoover’s dark and wildly popular novel, and The Thomas Crown Affair, headlined by Michael B. Jordan. The Verity segment began with a heartfelt on-screen message from the cast and crew, thanking fans of the book for their passion. The sneak peek that followed was eerie, sensual, and intensely psychological. It depicted the eerie atmosphere of the house where a ghostwriter (played by a still-unannounced actress) uncovers disturbing truths about a woman presumed to be in a vegetative state. The tension simmered through unsettling silences and tight close-ups—clearly aiming for a prestige-thriller vibe. Then came the teaser for The Thomas Crown Affair, led by Jordan’s magnetic presence. Stylish, elegant, and dripping with intrigue, the footage teased high-stakes heists and psychological cat-and-mouse dynamics. Think Ocean’s Eleven meets Inception, with a tech-savvy twist.

Next up, director Luca Guadagnino took the stage alongside actors Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri to present After the Hunt, a mysterious and emotionally charged drama. Garfield, clearly moved, said he’d waited “15 or 20 years” to collaborate with Guadagnino, calling him a “radical artist.” Edebiri, riding high from her breakout success, described the shoot as “transformative.” The sneak peek revealed a somber, introspective film revolving around academia, secrets, and desire. Guadagnino’s signature use of intimate close-ups and stark compositions filled the screen. One powerful scene featured Garfield’s character delivering a lecture while wrestling with a hidden trauma, his voice trembling, while Edebiri’s character observed silently from the back of the lecture hall. Garfield said plainly: “It’s a film that demands to be seen in a theatre,” earning a wave of applause.

The mood shifted to adrenaline as Chris Pratt burst onto the stage strapped to the actual prop chair used in his upcoming film Mercy. A high-concept thriller, the film centers around a man trapped in a chair rigged to explode unless he can escape in four minutes—mirroring the live countdown Pratt humorously played out on stage. The sneak peek was pulse-pounding and claustrophobic, with the camera never leaving Pratt’s side as he used everything from a spoon to the edge of a table to disarm the trap. The film’s blend of intensity and gallows humor gives it a distinctive identity—somewhere between Buried and Phone Booth, but infused with Pratt’s charm.

From tension to sheep—yes, really—the presentation took a delightful detour with a preview of Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie. Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson appeared via video message, introducing this eccentric detective tale in which Jackman voices a sheep solving a murder among his flock. The sneak peek leaned into its oddball premise with warm visuals, a whimsical score, and a distinct visual palette reminiscent of Paddington or Fantastic Mr. Fox. Talking sheep, mystery, and a surprisingly poignant tone make this an unexpected highlight and potential family hit.

Then came Crime 101, which saw Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry join writer-director Bart Layton onstage. Based on Don Winslow’s short story, this crime thriller pits Hemsworth’s slick thief against Berry’s dogged detective in a game of cerebral one-upmanship. Layton stressed that the film was “imagined for the big screen from the very beginning.” The footage shown lived up to that claim—coastal heists under golden light, gritty shootouts in dim diners, and stylized transitions reminiscent of Heat and Michael Clayton. It was moody, mature, and compelling.

AmazonMGM also spotlighted Is God Is, with stars Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, and Vivica A. Fox taking the stage after the first footage rolled. Adapted from Aleshea Harris’ acclaimed stage play, this film is an unflinching exploration of revenge and generational trauma told through the eyes of two sisters. The preview showed a stylistically bold approach—graffiti-text graphics, fourth-wall breaks, and highly stylized violence. Fox, playing the enigmatic “God” figure, delivers a monologue that sent shivers down the spine and earned spontaneous applause in the room.

A brief video message from Mahershala Ali introduced Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, described as a deeply personal, multigenerational drama exploring the emotional legacies of family. Though footage was minimal, the emotional tone and Ali’s commitment suggest a potential awards contender in the making.

Excitement continued to build as the event turned toward blockbuster territory, with a behind-the-scenes reel and teaser trailer from Masters of the Universe, shot on location in London. Though plot details remain tightly under wraps, the footage gave a glimpse of a dazzlingly constructed Eternia, power sword battles, and a surprisingly earnest tone—a far cry from the camp of the 1987 version. The character of He-Man, still not publicly cast, appears only in shadow, but the world-building is rich and immersive.

Finally, AmazonMGM closed the presentation with an extended trailer for The Accountant 2, which sees Ben Affleck return as Christian Wolff. The footage doubled down on the first film’s mix of brutal action and intricate math-based crime solving. In one standout sequence, Wolff calculates the most efficient way to disable a warehouse full of attackers—switching between algebraic formulas and sniper headshots. It’s slick, satisfying, and sets up the sequel to dig deeper into the character’s psyche.

All told, AmazonMGM Studios’ CinemaCon 2025 presentation was an ambitious, energetic, and well-curated mix of genres and tones. From existential space journeys and romantic thrillers to cerebral dramas and sheep-led detective stories, the showcase embodied the vast potential of theatrical cinema in the streaming age. With 14 titles confirmed for 2026 and a slate brimming with originality and star wattage, AmazonMGM didn’t just show up—they showed out. This wasn’t just a pitch for movies. It was a love letter to cinema itself.

For a limited time you can check the official photos in our Flickr page

Photos : Getty Images for Cinemacon