CinemaCon 2025 is in full swing at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest and greatest from the film industry. This year, Amazon MGM Studios took center stage with a late-night presentation that left audiences buzzing with excitement. The event not only highlighted Amazon MGM's dynamic film slate but also emphasized the studio's commitment to the theatrical experience, a sentiment that resonates deeply in a post-pandemic world.
As the lights dimmed, attendees were treated to a sneak peek of upcoming releases, including the much-anticipated sequel, The Accountant 2, starring Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal. Affleck, who reprises his role as Christian Wolff, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It does feel great to continue the story of The Accountant…In some ways, I feel like the character never left me.” The teaser showcased Wolff navigating a high-stakes scenario involving a murder investigation alongside his estranged brother, setting the stage for a thrilling return to the big screen on April 25, 2025.
Another highlight of the Amazon MGM panel was the reveal of Project Hail Mary, featuring Ryan Gosling as an inexperienced astronaut thrust into a mission to save humanity. The film, based on Andy Weir's novel, promises a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, reminiscent of Weir's previous work, The Martian. Gosling teased the audience with glimpses of his character’s journey, stating, “This may be very hard for you to understand, but some people are not good at this.” The film is set to release on March 20, 2026.
In addition to these big titles, Amazon MGM teased their plans for the beloved James Bond franchise. While details remained scarce, the studio assured fans that they are “committed to honoring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh installment.” This announcement comes after much speculation regarding the future of the franchise following Daniel Craig's departure.
Meanwhile, the excitement at CinemaCon wasn’t limited to Amazon MGM. Universal Pictures and Focus Features also made waves with their presentations, showcasing a variety of upcoming films. Among the highlights was the world premiere of How to Train Your Dragon, which garnered positive reactions from the audience, with many calling it a must-see for fans of the original animated series. The live-action adaptation promises to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling, and Universal has already greenlit a sequel, set for release on June 11, 2027.
Universal's panel also featured an exclusive look at the latest trailer for Jurassic World Rebirth, presented by director Gareth Edwards and stars Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali. The trailer hinted at thrilling dinosaur encounters, reminiscent of classic scenes from the franchise. Johansson, who expressed her long-time desire to join the Jurassic series, stated, “This time I went to Steven Spielberg directly and told him I’ll play any role, even if I was eaten in the first five minutes.”
Warner Bros. took the opportunity to showcase their upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated Superman reboot. James Gunn and Peter Safran introduced the new cast, including David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, who are set to bring fresh energy to the iconic characters. The excitement was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the new direction for the beloved superhero.
Lionsgate also made headlines with their presentation, which kicked off with an extended look at Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas. The studio revealed plans for several new adaptations, including a reimagining of American Psycho and the next installment in the Hunger Games series, titled Sunrise on the Reaping.
As the convention progresses, the focus remains on the theatrical experience, with studios eager to demonstrate their commitment to bringing audiences back to cinemas. The pandemic has significantly altered the landscape of film distribution, and CinemaCon 2025 serves as a crucial platform for studios to showcase their strategies for recovery and growth.
With a renewed emphasis on theatrical releases, Amazon MGM has committed to producing 12-14 theatrical releases annually, a move that aims to reassure theater owners and audiences alike. This commitment was echoed in their late-night presentation, which aimed to showcase their dedication to the cinematic experience beyond 2025.
As CinemaCon 2025 unfolds, industry insiders and fans alike are left with a sense of optimism about the future of film. The presentations have highlighted not only exciting new projects but also the resilience of the industry as it adapts to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. With the promise of thrilling stories and beloved characters returning to the big screen, audiences have much to look forward to in the coming years.
