Cinemacon - CinemaCon 2025: A Grand Showcase of Cinematic Futures

By Mulder, Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, 04 april 2025

CinemaCon 2025, held from March 31 to April 3 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, reaffirmed its status as the premier gathering for the global motion picture theater industry. This year's convention was marked by a palpable sense of unity and optimism, as studios, exhibitors, and creatives converged to celebrate the enduring allure of the big screen. The event featured an array of exclusive presentations, first-look trailers, and star-studded appearances, all underscoring the industry's commitment to theatrical experiences.​

Sony Pictures made headlines with the announcement of a four-part Beatles biopic directed by Sam Mendes, with each film focusing on a different band member's perspective. The cast includes Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Harris Dickinson, and Joseph Quinn, and the project has been described as the first bingeable theatrical experience, set for release in April 2028. Sony also revealed titles like Spider-Man 4: Brand New Day, scheduled for 2026, and Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, now set for 2027, maintaining the studio's strong presence in the superhero genre.​

Lionsgate's presentation was highlighted by a performance from The Weeknd, promoting his upcoming film Hurry Up Tomorrow. The studio also showcased Ballerina, a spin-off from the John Wick universe starring Ana de Armas, who underwent extensive training to deliver the film's intense action sequences. Furthermore, Lionsgate confirmed the development of John Wick 5 and an animated prequel, expanding the franchise's universe and appealing to its dedicated fanbase.​

Warner Bros. Discovery offered a diverse lineup, headlined by James Gunn's upcoming Superman reboot. Gunn shared personal anecdotes about his inspiration for Krypto, Superman's canine companion, adding a heartfelt touch to the presentation. The studio also previewed One Battle After Another, an epic collaboration between Leonardo DiCaprio and director Paul Thomas Anderson, described as a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. Furthermore, Warner Bros. introduced Weapons, a horror film by Zach Cregger that delves into themes of generational trauma and supernatural elements, promising a chilling cinematic experience.​

Universal Pictures set a high bar with a live 43-piece orchestra performing iconic scores from its filmography, creating an immersive atmosphere that captivated attendees. The studio unveiled a compelling slate, including Jurassic World Rebirth, a continuation of the beloved franchise that explores new ecological dynamics and promises groundbreaking visual effects. The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon also garnered attention, showcasing the emotional depth and visual splendor expected from the summer release. Additionally, Universal teased M3GAN 2.0, the sequel to the 2023 horror hit, featuring a live dance performance that highlighted the film's blend of horror and pop culture appeal.​

Amazon MGM Studios made a strong impression with its commitment to theatrical releases, announcing plans to debut 15 major films annually by 2027. The studio presented Project Hail Mary, a sci-fi adventure starring Ryan Gosling, and teased a new direction for the James Bond franchise, described as a fresh, exotic chapter. Additionally, Amazon MGM revealed Deliver Me from Nowhere, a biopic featuring Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen, focusing on the creation of the iconic album Nebraska.​

Paramount Pictures paid tribute to the late Val Kilmer with a moment of silence led by Tom Cruise, setting a respectful tone for its presentation. The studio showcased The Running Man, an adaptation of Stephen King's dystopian novel, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell. The film's trailer highlighted Wright's signature visual style and satirical edge, generating significant buzz. Paramount also announced Roofman, a potential awards contender featuring Channing Tatum, and revealed plans for new installments in the SpongeBob SquarePants and Smurfs franchises, indicating a strategic blend of innovation and nostalgia.​

Disney's presentation was a spectacle of its own, featuring footage from Avatar: Fire and Ash, which introduced two new Na'vi clans and continued the franchise's tradition of visual innovation. Marvel Studios unveiled clips from Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the latter introducing Julia Garner as Silver Surfer and hinting at the arrival of Galactus. Disney also announced a live-action adaptation of Zelda, scheduled for release in 2027, and provided updates on upcoming projects like Elio and Tron: Ares, the latter featuring performances by Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges, accompanied by a dynamic light show that captivated the audience.​

CinemaCon 2025 demonstrated the film industry's resilience and adaptability, with studios embracing both innovation and tradition to captivate audiences. The event's emphasis on theatrical experiences, coupled with diverse and ambitious projects, suggests a promising future for cinema. As the industry navigates evolving consumer behaviors and technological advancements, CinemaCon remains a vital platform for collaboration and celebration among filmmakers, exhibitors, and audiences worldwide.​

Photos : Getty Images for Cinemacon