CinemaCon 2024 Round-Up

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:

 

Disney Studios

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.

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

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 Pictures and Focus Features

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

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

 

 

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Latest Trailers and Commercials From Super Bowl 2024

The grand spectacle of the Super Bowl returned with a bang, this time finding its stage at the illustrious Allegiant Stadium nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 11, 2024. Drawing in an astounding audience of over 123 million viewers, this year’s Super Bowl proved to be a veritable goldmine for brands eager to captivate and enthrall potential customers.

Among the titans vying for attention were the movie trailers that graced the commercial breaks. From the tantalizing glimpse of Hugh Jackman donning the iconic yellow and black suit as Wolverine in the first Deadpool & Wolverine trailer, to the ominous portrayal of day one of an alien invasion in A Quiet Place: Day One, this year’s trailer releases sparked anticipation and excitement among cinema enthusiasts. On the branding front, Apple’s double feature, alongside the likes of Uber, Microsoft, and a cavalcade of others, captured the spotlight

Here are the movie trailers and standout advertisements that graced the screen during this monumental event:

 

Trailers:

A Quiet Place: Day One – 27 June 2024

Ever wondered where it all started? The next Quiet place movie shows us the day when the death angels first fell on earth. The 30 second trailer feature Lupita Nyongo in New York, where all hell breaks loose.

 

Despicable Me 4 – 5 July 2024

The recent Super Bowl trailer for the movie featured the mischievous Minions, who, despite the full release of the Despicable Me 4 trailer weeks prior, had a playful encounter with AI. In the teaser, they humorously targeted Gru actor Steve Carell and Will Ferrell, who voices Gru’s nemesis, Maxime Le Mal.

 

The Fall Guy – 2 May 2024

The teaser for this action-packed film promises it all: Ryan Gosling stars as a veteran stuntman on a mission to locate his missing double in a movie directed by his ex-girlfriend, Emily Blunt.

 

Kung Fu Panda 4 – 11 April 2024

Jack Black returns as Po, the Dragon Warrior, on a quest to find his successor and become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. But obstacles arise, including a formidable sorceress with her own agenda!

 

Deadpool & Wolverine – 25 July 2024

One of the year’s most eagerly awaited movie trailers premiered during Super Bowl LVIII, heralding the return of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool and Wolverine in the highly anticipated “Deadpool 3,” promising a blood-pumping adventure like never before.

 

 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes – 10 May 2024

The apes meet the chiefs! The trailer for the fourth movie of the blockbuster series featured on Sunday, transporting viewers to a time much after the 21st century. In this world, Apes are now the dominant species, with human beings on a near feral existence.

 

Wicked – 26 November 2024

Viewers of the game were treated to anwicked delight during an early commercial break. The sneak peek showcased the initial encounter between the two characters, with Grande’s audible gasp upon seeing Erivo’s green appearance, exclaiming, “You’re green!”

 

Twisters – 18 July 2024

Fans are taking a poignant journey down memory lane, honoring the legacies of Bill Paxton and Philip Seymour Hoffman, both dearly departed. With over 100 million viewers captivated, the latest trailer hints at a thriller poised to serve as a stark reminder of the pressing issue of climate change.

 

If – 16 May 2024

The Super Bowl trailer for the movie picked a humorous approach, featuring Randall Park portraying John Krasinski’s Jim, as a revisit to a classic prank from The Office. Directed by Krasinski himself, the movie follows a girl on a magical adventure to reconnect all Imaginary Friends (IF’s) with kids.

 

Monkey Man – 5 April 2024

Following the game’s overtime, a commercial break teased Dev Patel’s upcoming thriller, Monkey Man, marking his directorial debut and produced by Jordan Peele.

 

Inside Out 2 – 14 June 2023

Almost ten years after Inside Out first hit theaters, Pixar is bringing back Riley and her Emotions for a sequel. Super Bowl 2024 offered a glimpse into Riley’s teenage years, with a special look at Inside Out 2. The teaser shows Riley facing a range of emotions, including the new addition of Maya Hawke’s Anxiety.

 

Commercials: 

Apple 

Apple’s double feature comprises two ads. The first showcases the company’s CEO, Tim Cook, engaging in a FaceTime call with Ludacris, Lil Jon, and Taraji P. Henson, discussing their recent dinner. In the second spot, USHER takes the stage as the performer for the Super Bowl 2024 halftime show.

 

 

“Javier In A Frame”– Google

This year, the tech giant collaborated with Adam Morse, a renowned blind filmmaker from Britain, to illustrate the benefits of AI-powered accessibility tools, such as Google’s Guided Frame, in enhancing navigation and usability for everyone in today’s modern  world.

 

“Hello Down There” – Squarespace

Squarespace has tapped Martin Scorsese for its “Hello Down There” Super Bowl spot, which imagines human life consumed by the digital world.

 

That T-Mobile Home Internet Feeling

Fans of Scrubs were in for a treat with this clever ad! The minute long venture shows Zach Braff and Donald Faison, sing praises about T-Mobile cable to Jason Momoa. However, it’s Momoa’s remarkable singing skills that ultimately capture the spotlight.

 

Your Every AI CoPilot – Microsoft

Microsoft has debuted its Super Bowl advertisement, highlighting the company’s AI Copilot tool with the slogan “Your everyday AI companion.” The assistant is reimagined as an intelligent office aide assisting in tasks such as sorting emails, automating tasks on apps, and so much more..

 

Dina & Mita – Doritos

Dina and Mita (Olivia Negron and Patricia Mauceri) grandmothers of star Jenna Ortega chase after Ramirez, who has taken the last bag of Doritos at a supermarket.

 

State Farm Insurance– Agent State Farm

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Agent State Farm, a special agent who will go to great lengths to be a great neighbor in State Farm’s action movie spoof-style ad.

 

Pringles – Mr. P

Chris Pratt stars in the spot for the Kellanova brand where he shares a resemblance to the Pringles mascot Mr. P.

 

Oreo – Twist

Oreo is returning to the Super Bowl with a new campaign starring Kris Jenner, which plays up the experience of twisting an Oreo cookie. The spot is aimed at engaging with fans by tapping the unique passion points of the 110 year-old brand.

 

Worth Remembering –Uber Eats 

Uber Eats’ ad features a celebrity-packed cast, including Friends’ David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston, Usher, David and Victoria Beckham, and Jelly Roll. The Super Bowl commercial serves as a reminder that forgetting is common, emphasizing Uber Eats’ ability to deliver almost anything, anywhere.

 

Volkswagen

Volkswagen will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a Super Bowl 2024 ad. The brand teased the documentary-style “Arrival” spot on YouTube.

Source: The Verge, EW, Brand Innovators, USA TODAY,  The Guardian

 

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