CinemaCon: Studios Unleash Blockbuster Previews

The annual CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas is currently underway, showcasing upcoming films from major studios to theater owners. While the event is known for its elaborate presentations, this year's focus is on the actual film slate and industry trends.

Universal Pictures is receiving positive attention for its commitment to maintaining longer theatrical windows before films shift to PVOD, a move that theater owners widely support. This year, the studio is expected to feature footage from Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day" and Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey."

Paramount Pictures is navigating concerns regarding its potential merger with Warner Bros. Cinema United is actively campaigning against the merger, citing historical evidence from the Disney-Fox acquisition that suggests mergers lead to reduced film production. Paramount, however, states the combined entity would maintain current release numbers.

Amazon MGM Studios is looking to replicate the success of "Project Hail Mary" with a robust 2026 slate, including potential projects like Nicolas Cage's "Madden" and Michael B. Jordan's "The Thomas Crown Affair." New distributors like Angel Studios and Sony Pictures Classics are also participating in an inaugural CinemaCon Showcase.

Lionsgate, despite not having a main presentation, is expected to reveal a strong 2026 slate, including a Michael Jackson biopic and a new "Hunger Games" installment. Anticipation is high for first looks at major blockbusters like "Avengers: Doomsday" and DC films, alongside potential updates on Sony's Spider-Man universe and Warner Bros.' "The Hunt for Gollum."