Cinemacon - CinemaCon 2025: Disney Closes the Show with a Star-Studded Showcase of Blockbusters, Surprises, and Cinematic Ambition

By Mulder, Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, 03 april 2022 to 04 april 2025

CinemaCon 2025 reached its grand finale in spectacular fashion as Disney Studios took center stage at The Colosseum inside Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, delivering what many attendees are already calling the most electrifying and densely packed presentation of the entire convention. With the air buzzing with anticipation and a full house of exhibitors, press, and industry professionals, Disney pulled out all the stops in a studio showcase that was not only heavy on content, but rich in star power, first looks, and a clear reaffirmation of the company’s unwavering commitment to theatrical exhibition. Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, and Andrew Cripps, Head of Theatrical Distribution, anchored the session with authority and warmth, guiding the audience through an ambitious slate that spanned beloved franchises, daring originals, and genre-defining tentpoles across all their brands—Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel, Pixar, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures, and more.

The presentation kicked off with an exclusive sneak peek at the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, set to hit theaters on May 23. The clip teased a faithful yet modern retelling of the heartwarming Hawaiian tale, with visual effects that bring Stitch to vivid, mischievous life and an evident emphasis on emotional authenticity. Disney appears to be treading carefully to honor the spirit of the original, while appealing to a new generation. This early look struck a chord with the audience, hinting at a potentially big summer hit that blends nostalgia with heartfelt storytelling. But before the crowd could settle, the energy shifted dramatically with the surprise arrival of Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis for Freakier Friday, the long-awaited sequel to the 2003 body-swap comedy that became a generational favorite. The two actresses, reunited on stage, were met with enthusiastic applause. Lohan shared how early test screenings yielded overwhelmingly positive reactions, while Curtis, ever the showwoman, stressed how the film was built for the big screen, celebrating the collective joy of a theater-going experience. The new film promises to double the chaos with not one, but two swaps, and the exclusive scene shown hinted at a wilder, more emotionally resonant ride than its predecessor, with a tone that balances humor and generational tension with genuine warmth.

Disney then took a sharp turn into the realm of science fiction spectacle with Tron: Ares, introduced by a dazzling lightshow that bathed The Colosseum in neon hues before Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges took the stage. Leto, visibly passionate, reminisced about his childhood obsession with Tron, describing the original film as a vision of the future during the tech-excited 1980s. Bridges, the heart and soul of the franchise, received a warm reception and expressed gratitude for returning to the digital frontier. Perhaps the biggest surprise in this segment was the reveal that the film’s score would be composed by industrial rock legends Nine Inch Nails, signaling a darker, edgier sonic direction. The footage that followed revealed an immersive visual world that pushes the franchise’s signature aesthetics to new heights—sleek, cerebral, and loaded with intensity. The stakes appear higher, and the digital world more dangerous than ever.

From neon grids to brutal survival, Disney pivoted next to Predator: Badlands, the latest entry in the Predator saga under 20th Century Studios. Elle Fanning, visibly excited and somewhat nervous, made her first public remarks about the film, calling it one of the most demanding roles of her career. She spoke candidly about her admiration for Prey, the previous installment, and how it set the tone for a more grounded, character-focused approach. What truly shocked the room was her revelation that her character forms an uneasy alliance with the Predator itself—a bold narrative twist that challenges the creature’s traditional role as a merciless hunter. The exclusive trailer premiered to gasps and cheers, showcasing sweeping desert landscapes, gritty combat, and a moody, almost mythic tone that promises a reinvention of the franchise’s mythos while staying true to its primal thrills.

The presentation shifted gears again with the debut footage of Deliver Me From Nowhere, a Searchlight prestige drama chronicling the creation of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska album. Introduced by its stars Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong—both riding high on recent critical acclaim—the film promises a tender, introspective look at the creative process and the intimate relationships behind one of Springsteen’s most emotionally raw records. White noted that the film had the blessing of Springsteen himself, while Strong described his character as the Lewis to Bruce’s Clark, highlighting the emotional support and artistic collaboration at the heart of the story. Directed by Scott Cooper, the film feels poised to be a festival darling and a major awards contender, blending music, biography, and psychological depth into something genuinely moving.

Legendary filmmaker James L. Brooks then took the stage to present Ella McCay, a character-driven political dramedy starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Mackey. Brooks, recipient of the Cinema Vérité Award, was in high spirits, delivering a memorable line—Heaven is big auditoriums full of folks eating popcorn…and the butter is French—which brought down the house. The footage revealed a witty, thoughtful film about generational ideals, political ambition, and family ties, with Curtis and Mackey displaying remarkable chemistry. It’s a rare kind of adult drama that feels both timely and timeless, and Brooks’ touch promises warmth and insight in equal measure.

The Searchlight segment also introduced The Roses, a bold reinterpretation of The War of the Roses starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch. The trailer shown hinted at an emotionally charged black comedy, with Colman and Cumberbatch fully embracing their roles as a couple locked in an elegant but savage domestic war. Visually lush and dramatically intense, the film appears to walk a fine line between satire and tragedy—classic Searchlight territory that could play well to both audiences and critics alike.

Marvel Studios brought the thunder—literally—with Thunderbolts, introduced by a surprise ensemble appearance from Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Florence Pugh, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, and Hannah John-Kamen. The footage showcased a gritty, team-up dynamic rooted in moral ambiguity and psychological tension. The group of antiheroes appear to be navigating missions where no clean victories exist, and the visuals carried a grounded, espionage-infused tone reminiscent of The Winter Soldier. Kevin Feige also appeared via a pre-recorded message from the set of Avengers: Doomsday, stoking further anticipation for the next monumental crossover. But what truly raised eyebrows was the first look at The Fantastic Four: First Steps, teasing a fresh, stylized take on Marvel’s first family. Though brief, the footage suggested a film rich in personality, retro-futurism, and cosmic wonder.

Pixar took the stage with Elio, with Zoe Saldana introducing the 3D footage. The animated film features a young boy mistakenly chosen as Earth’s ambassador to the galaxy and dives deep into themes of identity, belonging, and discovery. The 3D footage wowed with vibrant color palettes and inventive alien designs, positioning the film as a cosmic sibling to Inside Out with an emotional core that should resonate across age groups. Saldana’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the clip proved Pixar still excels at combining heart with innovation.

Another animated highlight came with Zootopia 2, which Disney humorously dubbed ZinemaCon for the day. Ke Huy Quan introduced his new character, Gary the Snake, bringing comic flair and energy, while Quinta Brunson was revealed as the voice of Dr. Fuzzby. The footage displayed Disney’s signature blend of satire, worldbuilding, and heart, with new characters expanding the vibrant metropolis of Zootopia. The sequel looks set to match—if not exceed—the cultural relevance of the original, diving into new societal metaphors through the lens of a clever animal kingdom.

To cap off the rollercoaster ride, Disney turned to its most ambitious cinematic universe: Avatar. A pre-recorded message from James Cameron introduced the final segment of the presentation, dedicated to Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third chapter in the saga. Zoe Saldana returned to the stage, visibly moved, to talk about where Neytiri is headed next in this visually breathtaking world. The film will introduce two new Na’vi clans and delve deeper into the sociopolitical intricacies of Pandora, adding fresh layers to its lore. A 3D scene was shown, leaving the crowd in awe with its visual sophistication and emotional power. With a release set for December 19, it’s already positioning itself as the year’s most anticipated visual epic.

With a presentation that spanned genres, tones, and universes—anchored by marquee talent, top-tier filmmakers, and unmistakable ambition—Disney’s CinemaCon 2025 showcase reaffirmed its dominance as the most versatile and theatrical of all Hollywood studios. It wasn’t just a slate reveal—it was a statement of intent: that despite the rise of streaming and changes in audience habits, Disney believes in the magic of the big screen more than ever. CinemaCon 2025 ended not with a whimper, but with thunderous applause, neon dreams, and the promise of a future full of storytelling magic.

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

Photos : Getty Images for Cinemacon