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 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:
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.
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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Most Anticipated Movies of 2024
The 2023 edition of CinemaCon drew to a successful close after four days of thrilling presentations, demonstrations, and discussions, which offered an unparalleled opportunity for industry leaders to come together and discuss the future of cinema.
CinemaCon attendees were privy to exclusive product presentations, cutting-edge technology demonstrations, and thought-provoking panel discussions featuring experts from various sectors of the industry, including studio executives, theatre operators, and technology providers.
Leading studios, including Disney, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery, presented their latest trailers for upcoming theatrical releases, and as always, the event concluded with the ‘Big Screen Achievement Awards’ – held in honor of celebrities whose contributions to the industry have helped shape cinema into what it is today.
If you missed any of the presentations, fear not! Here are the latest trailers that were released during the event:
Sony Pictures set the tone for CinemaCon 2023 by showcasing a variety of major movie trailer releases and announcements. Some of the notable titles that were unveiled included Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Gran Turismo: The Movie, The Equalizer 3, and Insidious: The Red Door.
The Equalizer 3
Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington presented the first trailer of The Equalizer 3, in which he reprises the role of former government assassin Robert McCall. The film is described as the “final chapter” in the story, indicating that it could be the last with Washington as Robert.
The film is set to release in cinema on 31 August 2023.
Gran Turismo: The Movie
Orlando Bloom and Stranger Things star David Harbour presented a new trailer for Gran Turismo: The Movie. The film is based on the life of Jann Mardenborough, a real-life Gran Turismo player who became a professional racer. Archie Madekwe plays Mardenborough in the film. It also stars Djimon Hounsou as Mardenborough’s father. Harbour plays Jack Salter, a retired race car driver, who trains Jann.
The film is set to release in cinema on 10 August 2023.
Insidious: The Red Door
CinemaCon 2023 attendees were treated to an extended trailer for Insidious: The Red Door.The new footage showed an adult Dalton (Ty Simpkins) being haunted by a wide variety of demons while now attending college. At the request of his wife Renai (Rose Byrne), father Josh (Patrick Wilson) accompanies him to help move into his college dorm where he realizes that Dalton’s connection to “the Further” is coming back in full force.
The film is set for release in cinema on 6 July 2023.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Fourteen minutes from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was shown at CinemaCon 2023 as the studio is still finishing the movie. The latest trailer shows Miles Morales as he returns for the next chapter of the Oscar-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
The film is set to release in cinema on 1 June 2023
Other movies showcased by Sony Pictures included Kraven the Hunter (5 October 2023), Dumb Money (19 October 2023) and Napoleon (21 November 2023).
Warner Bros. Discovery presented a slew of trailers and announcements on 25 April, the second day of the mega event. Here is a look at the studio’s upcoming releases including three DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies — The Flash, Blue Beetle and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
The Flash
Ezra Miller plays two versions of Barry Allen in different realities. While Ben Affleck appears as Batman in his own reality, Michael Keaton returns as the Dark Knight in an alternate reality in the story. Sasha Calle’s Supergirl and Michael Shannon’s General Zod are also seen in much more detail in the new trailer.
The film is set to release in cinema on 15 June 2023.
Blue Beetle
The Blue Beetle footage shown at CinemaCon 2023 was very similar to the trailer that was recently released. However, it did give us an even better look at the villainous Carapax. The trailer shows what fans have already seen, which is Xolo Maridueña’s Jamie Reye getting his hands on an alien object that looks like a mystical scarab which turns him into a superhero.
The film is set to release in cinema on 17 August 2023.
Barbie
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling joined director Greta Gerwig for an extended trailer release of Barbie.
The film is set to release in cinema on 20 July 2023.
Other movies showcased by Warner Bros. Discovery included: Dune: Part Two (2 November 2023), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (19 December 2023), Wonka (14 December 2023), The Color Purple (24 December 2023), The Nun II (7 September 2023), Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (TBA).
Disney brought Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Animation and Pixar films to CinemaCon 2023. Among these were MCU films Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Marvels, animated movie Elemental, and highly anticipated movies The Little Mermaid and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
A Haunting in Venice
The third instalment in Kenneth Branagh’s Hercule Poirot movies had its first teaser trailer release at CinemaCon 2023.
The film is set to release in cinema on 14 September 2023.
Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins
The maverick Taika Waititi is ready with his sports comedy film Next Goal Wins. It is about the American Samoa football team, known infamously for its 31-0 loss to Australia in a FIFA game in 2001. The film follows Michael Fassbender’s Thomas Rongen, a coach who is hired to help the team qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The film is set to release in cinema on 16 November 2023.
Elemental
Pixar’s Elemental is an animated film about residents of Element City, each of whom belong to an elemental group — land, air, water and fire. The extended 20-minute clip focussed on a fire element character, Ember, from the time she was a baby to her younger years. Unable to control her temper, she causes a disaster which brings her in conflict with water-element character Wade.
The film is set to release in cinema on 15 June 2023.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny concluded Disney’s slate of presentations at the event. Attendees got to see an action-packed clip from the upcoming film. The clip followed Harrison Ford’s Indy and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Helena in pursuit of Mads Mikkelsen’s antagonist character Jürgen Voller through Tangier in Morocco.
The film is set to release in cinema on 29 June 2023.
Other movies showcased by Disney included: The Creator (28 September 2023) and Wish (21 November 2023).
Paramount Studios showcased their 2023 and 2024 slates of highly anticipated movie titles during their presentation at CinemaCon 2023.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
CinemaCon 2023 was treated to a brand new look at Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The footage was extended from the already-released teaser.
The film is set to release in cinema on 3 August 2023.
The studio showcased a full 20 minutes of the upcoming film Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, starring Tom Cruise and set to release on 11 July 2023, along with the first trailer for Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, which is scheduled for release on 19 October 2023, and a first look at A Quiet Place: Day One, set to release on 8 March 2024.
Universal and Focus Features presented their films after Disney on Day 3 of CinemaCon 2023.
Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan took to the stage to introduce Oppenheimer, one of the most-anticipated movies of 2023. Nolan said that a full trailer may be attached to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 theatrical release. A five-minute reel was then shown to attendees. Cillian Murphy plays J. Robert Oppenheimer in the film. Matt Damon essays Major General Leslie Groves. Among the A-list star cast of the film are Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, David Dastmalchian, and Rami Malek among others.
The film is set to release in cinema on 20 July 2023.
Fast X
Vin Diesel made a surprise appearance at CinemaCon 2023 to announce that Fast X – Part 2 will be released in theaters in 2025. The announcement was made after the first part of the movie, Fast X, which is set to be released in cinemas on 18 May 2023. The event came to a close for the day following a trailer of Fast X.
Other titles showcased by Universal and Focus Features included: Drive-Away Dolls (22 September 2023), Kung Fu Panda 4 (6 March 2024), Wicked (November 2024).
Source: Lifestyle Asia, DiscussingFilm
