The CinemaCon 2024, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) in the US, wrapped up successfully after four days brimming with thrilling announcements, captivating presentations, dynamic demonstrations, and insightful discussions. Hosted at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, this event provided an unparalleled platform for industry leaders to convene and delve into the ever-changing landscape of cinema.
Movie enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement over the forthcoming slate of movie announcements from industry giants such as Disney, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Universal & Focus Features, and Paramount, all featuring a surprising array of star power during their presentations.
While some studios chose a more reserved approach, others went all out, unveiling explosive action sequences, beloved characters, and intriguing new projects. Here’s a glimpse at some of the hottest trailers and announcements that have us eagerly anticipating a trip to the cinema:
Walt Disney Studios kicked off their presentation at CinemaCon 2024 with a captivating 13-minute exclusive footage reel from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, showcasing the film’s expansive and visually stunning world. This was followed by an exciting 9-minute preview of Deadpool & Wolverine and an extended 35-minute sneak peek of Pixar’s highly anticipated Inside Out 2. Attendees were also treated to two exclusive clips from Fede Álvarez’s upcoming film, Alien: Romulus.
In addition to these sneak peeks of previously announced tentpole films, Disney Studios unveiled a lineup of top titles slated for release from late 2024 to early 2025. Among these announcements are Moana 2 set to debut on November 26, 2024, Mufasa: The Lion King premiering on December 19, 2024, and Captain America: Brave New World hitting theaters on February 13, 2025.
Warner Bros. electrified CinemaCon 2024 with an extended sneak peek at Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, setting the stage for an epic cinematic experience. Following this, the panel reached its pinnacle with the debut of the highly anticipated first official trailer for Joker 2: Folie à Deux. As expected, the film promises to delve deep into the toxic yet captivating relationship between Arthur and Harley, interspersed with dreamy dance and song sequences.
The audience was also treated to further revelations, including insights into Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, set to premiere on September 5,2024, and The Watchers, directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan and releasing on June 13, 2024. Additionally, attendees were thrilled by the unveiling of the first trailer for Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi adventure Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, slated to hit theaters on January 30, 2025.
Lionsgate made waves at CinemaCon this year with a plethora of exciting announcements. Among them was the confirmation of the sequel Now You See Me 3, featuring the original cast, and a thrilling remake of the horror classic The Blair Witch Project, helmed by Jason Blum. Additionally, they unveiled plans for a live-action adaptation of ‘Naruto’, a film based on the classic board game ‘Monopoly’, and an adaptation of the beloved video game ‘The Sims’.
The presentation also provided a sneak peek into this year’s upcoming blockbusters, including The Crow, Borderlands, The Strangers: Chapter 1, and Never Let Go.
Looking ahead to the first half of the 2025 slate, Lionsgate teased audiences with Guy Ritchie’s next film, In the Grey, slated for release on January 16, 2025. The film stars Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal as two extraction specialists tasked with rescuing a negotiator from a perilous situation. Also on the horizon are John Wick Presents: Ballerina, hitting theaters on June 5, 2025, and the eagerly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic Michael, scheduled for release on April 16, 2025.
Universal made a splash at CinemaCon with several exciting announcements. They revealed that the sequel to Five Nights at Freddy’s is set for release in fall 2025, following the mixed yet highly successful reception of the first installment, which grossed nearly 300 million dollars worldwide. This success naturally paves the way for the studio to expand on this franchise.
Furthermore, Universal showcased new projects such as Despicable Me 4, The Wolf Man, the disaster film Twisters, and Wicked, featuring Ariana Grande. The audience was also treated to a glimpse of Robert Egger’s adaptation of Nosferatu, which left a lasting impression with its initial images. Additionally, attendees were captivated by the debut trailer for the remake Speak No Evil, starring James McAvoy.
Paramount Pictures started with a major announcement: a crossover event featuring Transformers meeting G.I. Joe in an upcoming film. Additionally, the audience was treated to the first trailer for Transformers One.
The studio also unveiled plans for two new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2 and an R-rated live-action adaptation titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin. A new ‘Star Trek’ film is on the horizon for release next year, and Glen Powell is set to star in Edgar Wright’s remake of ‘The Running Man.’ Additionally, fans can anticipate a new installment in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise currently in development. A final trailer for IF starring Ryan Reynolds was also showcased.
Fans of the blue hedgehog were delighted with the unveiling of the first teaser trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 during the event. However, the teaser for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2, featuring Paul Mescal facing off against attacking wildlife like a rhino and vicious baboons, along with Pedro Pascal, was exclusively presented at the colosseum stage in Caesars Palace, according to Variety.
Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, Kino Check, discussingfilm.com, Variety
The horror genre staged a triumphant comeback following the pandemic, led by the 2021 release of A Quiet Place: Part II, which garnered a staggering US$297.4M worldwide (with over US$2.5M from UAE alone). Beyond renewing confidence in the cinematic medium, this extraordinary achievement prompted film studios to reevaluate their horror movie release strategies.
This momentum carried into 2022, as notable titles like Scream V, Smile, and Nope achieved remarkable success, captivating audiences on both the global and regional box office fronts.
2023, marked by the successful release of a series of horror films such as M3gan, Evil Dead Rise, and The Boogeyman. Alongside these, new releases such as Insidious: The Red Door, Cobweb, and Talk to Me are delighting in prosperous theatrical runs in.
However, the tale doesn’t conclude here! The horror landscape of 2023 is by no means finished, as the most exciting moments are still ahead, especially with Halloween looming on the horizon. From the highly awaited reboot of the classic psychological horror masterpiece, The Exorcist: Believer, to the spine-chilling tenth installment of the renowned SAW franchise, here’s a look at the horror movies set to grace the remainder of 2023:
The Nun 2 – 07 September 2023
A Haunting In Venice – 14 September 2023
SAW X – 05 October 2023
The Exorcist: Believer – 13 October 2023
Five Nights at Freddy’s – 26 October 2023
Thanksgiving – Expected 17 November 2023
The movie follows a serial killer in Massachusetts who attempts to make a carving board out of unsuspecting victims. The film continues the Grindhouse universe, and just like Machete and Hobo with a Shotgun, it is based on one of the fake trailers in the Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino collaboration from 2007.
Salem’s Lot—TBA 2023
Based on Stephen King’s novel, the movie follows a writer who goes to a small town, only to find out that it’s being overrun by vampires. The movie stars Pilou Asbæk in the role of Richard Straker, Lewis Pullman as Ben Mears, Spencer Treat Clark as Mike Ryerson, and Nicholas Crovetti as Danny Glick.
Dark Harvest—TBA 2023
Based on Norman Partridge’s eponymous novel, Dark Harvest concerns a specter named Sawtooth Jack who goes up against violent gangs of boys hoping to take down the supernatural creature once and for all. The horror movie boasts a stellar cast, with the likes of Elizabeth Reaser, Jeremy Davies, Luke Kirby, and Ezra Buzzington.
With these exceptional upcoming titles, audiences can look forward to more thrilling and chilling experiences as the genre continues to evolve and captivate viewers worldwide.
Source: Screen Rant, Collider, VOX Cinemas
