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
Lionsgate and Blumhouse join forces in ‘Imaginary,’ spearheading our compilation of the most eagerly awaited horror films of 2024.
Though Halloween may still be a distant specter on the calendar, the spine-tingling allure of horror knows no season. Reflecting on 2023, it was undeniably a year of resurgence for the genre on the silver screen, solidifying its status as Hollywood’s dependable cash cow, particularly in the wake of underperforming superhero flicks.
Regionally (especially in the UAE & KSA), horror reigned supreme, with blockbusters such as Evil Dead Rise ($3.94M), Nun II ($2.43M – UAE only), Insidious: The Red Door ($1.47M – UAE only), Romancham (Malayalam) ($1.48M – UAE), Five Nights at Freddy’s ($5.86M), and M3gan ($2.17M) dominating the 2023 box office charts.
But as we peer into the murky depths of 2024, a fresh wave of terror awaits, promising both new nightmares and the resurrection of beloved franchises. The new roster includes work from acclaimed filmmakers such as M. Night Shyamalan, Robert Eggers, Tim Burton and Jordan Peele etc.
So, sharpen your claws, brace yourself for the darkness, and prepare to unleash your most blood-curdling screams (or retreat beneath the safety of your covers) as these spine-tingling spectacles beckon you to the edge of your theater seat. After all, there’s nothing quite like experiencing the chilling terror of these films in the immersive atmosphere of the cinema.
Imaginary – 7 March 2024
Imaginary unfolds through the eyes of a woman who returns to her childhood home, to discover that the imaginary friend that she left behind has a life of its own and is unhappy that she abandoned him. Are you ready to have the memory of your favorite childhood toy ruined forever?
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – 21 March 2024
Who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters are back, baby! This time, they’re facing off against ‘The Death Chill,’ a frosty threat that’s giving New York City a serious case of the shivers. With the OG team and some fresh faces, get ready for a ghostly adventure that’ll send chills down your spine!
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 – 21 March 2024
Hold onto your honey pots, folks! The unexpected smash hit ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey’ is back with a vengeance in its sequel. This time, everyone’s favorite bear is taking the slash-and-dice route, promising even more brutality and weirdness. Who’s gonna make it out alive this time? Your guess is as good as ours!
The First Omen – 04 April 2024
Holy hell! ‘The First Omen’ is here to give you nightmares. Set before the events of the classic horror flick ‘The Omen,’ this prequel follows Margaret, played by Nell Tiger Free (yep, the Baratheon girl from Game of Thrones), as she discovers that not everything behind the church gates is as holy as it seems.
The Watchers – 6 June 2024
Get ready to be on the edge of your seat with ‘The Watchers.’ Inspired by A.M Shine’s gripping novel, this film takes you on a chilling ride through the eerie landscapes of the Western Irish Countryside. With Ishana Night Shyamalan at the helm and a stellar cast, get ready for fear and suspense like never before!
A Quiet Place: Day One – 27 June 2024
Curious how it all began? ‘A Quiet Place – Day One’ takes you back to ground zero, showing the day those deadly death angels first descended upon Earth. Led by the phenomenal Lupita Nyong’o, this installment promises chaos, terror, and some Stranger Things alum thrown in for good measure!
Longlegs – 11 July 2024
FBI Agent Lee Harker is on the case in ‘The Unseen.’ Dive into an unsolved serial killer mystery filled with unexpected twists and occult elements. As Harker races against time, the stakes—and the body count—keep getting higher!
Alien: Romulus – 15 August 2024
Buckle up for an otherworldly adventure! ‘Alien: Romulus’ introduces us to a fresh batch of characters facing off against the universe’s most terrifying beings – Xenomorphs. The seventh installment in the legendary franchise takes us on a whole new journey, stepping away from the prequels and into uncharted territory.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – 5 September 2024
Tim Burton is back to haunt your dreams with ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.’ Join a grown-up Lydia Deetz as she returns to her once quaint, now ominously transformed home with her own family. But when chaos ensues, is it time to summon that mischievous poltergeist again? You might want to say his name—twice!
Terrifier 3 – 24 October 2024
Director Damien Leone is set to redefine horror with ‘Terrifier 3,’ pledging elevated levels of violence and gore. The film aims to explore the origins of the menacing antagonist, Art the Clown, and reintroduce pivotal characters like Sienna Shaw. Leone’s vision for the franchise ensures a chilling and gripping cinematic journey.
Smile 2 – 18 October 2024
Remember that unsettling smile that crawled out of your nightmares in 2022? Get ready for another round of psychological horror and spine-tingling scares as the origins of the entity are explored even further. New characters will be drawn into the nightmarish cycle, each facing their own inner demons alongside those terrifying smiles.
Thread: An Insidious Tale – TBA
The next installment of the Insidious saga unfolds with Thread: An Insidious Tale, slated for 2024. This spinoff, starring Kumail Nanjiani and Mandy Moore, delves into the perilous repercussions when a couple tamper with time to avert tragedy. Penned and directed by Jeremy Slater, anticipate a riveting journey into the abyss of fear and desperation.
But hold up, because there’s more! Here are some more that might sneak up and become the sleeper hits we all love and eagerly anticipate sequels for, just like ‘Talk to Me,’ ‘Smile,’ or ‘Barbarian’:
Source: IMDb, SCREENRANT
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