The Intriguing Dynamics of CinemaCon: A Look Behind the Scenes

Tom Cruise’s enduring portrayal of Ethan Hunt showcases a role as dynamic as the annual CinemaCon gathering. This Las Vegas convention serves as a pivotal platform where rival studios strategically evaluate each other’s upcoming film line-ups. Unlike in many industries, executives from competing studios freely attend one another’s presentations, facilitating a unique opportunity to glean insights and anticipate potential trends.

“It’s incredibly important,” says a veteran studio executive, reminiscing about years spent at CinemaCon. “Imagine if automakers were allowed to obtain an early peek of a competitor’s line-up and even prototypes. We are all jockeying for position… Something may come out of CinemaCon that you didn’t expect to pop, so it can help inform how you date your films.”

Highlights from This Year’s CinemaCon

The excitement around this year’s CinemaCon was palpable, particularly during Sony’s opening presentation, which captivated attendees with dynamic highlights from upcoming projects. Notably, the “Karate Kid: Legends”stage performance and the introduction of new talent, including Paul Mescal and Joseph Quinn as part of a Beatles-themed project, drew significant attention. However, some critics remarked on the presentation’s lack of cohesion.

Sony’s movie chief, Tom Rothman, energized the crowd by bringing acclaimed director Sam Mendes onto the stage to discuss four upcoming films centered on the Beatles, all slated for release in April 2028.

This year’s CinemaCon was especially rich in insights, thanks to the return of Sony and the inaugural showcase of Amazon MGM Studios. Presentations took place in the grandeur of the Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace, which accommodates over 4,100 attendees.

Reactions and Industry Insights

As studios compile their insights, they often include feedback on audience reactions. For example, one exhibitor praised Rothman’s vivacious style, noting, “Tom Rothman was wild and might be attempting a second career as a comedian.” Sony’s opener set the tone for the convention, which spanned from March 31 to April 4.

Competitor observations are also critical; for instance, Universal’s approach at CinemaCon stood in stark contrast to Warner Bros. by allowing talent to take the spotlight rather than lingering under executive comments. The standout films included “Jurassic World Rebirth,””Shrek 5,”and “Wicked: For Good,”which received enthusiastic responses from the audience.

Warner Bros. generated buzz with Brad Pitt’s performance in “F1,”described as a highlight of the convention, thanks to an enthralling ten-minute preview. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, it struck a chord with attendees, showcasing the high stakes of cinematic storytelling.

Additionally, the unveiling of James Gunn’s new Superman film, the first project greenlit under his leadership at DC Studios, was met with mixed reactions. Although some exhibitors expressed skepticism, others found the presentation engaging, albeit lengthy.

Emerging Titles at Amazon MGM Studios

Amazon MGM Studios made waves during its debut at CinemaCon, particularly with “Project Hail Mary,”featuring Ryan Gosling and directed by the renowned duo Christopher Miller and Phil Lord. The film, a gripping space epic based on a bestselling novel, promises to deliver a visually stunning experience, with a release scheduled for March 20, 2026.

Despite the impressive star power, some presenters noted a disconnect in how the films were linked to the theatrical experience. “They are trying but something lacks, like their presentation,” remarked one exhibitor.

Industry Comparisons and Future Prospects

Paramount, known for its elaborate stunts at CinemaCon, highlighted Cruise’s somber tribute to his late co-star Val Kilmer. His acknowledgment of McQuarrie’s direction for “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning”earned him accolades from peers across the industry.

Overall, the standing ovations were reserved for Universal and Disney, which garnered impressive feedback for their respective presentations. Disney’s lineup, featuring anticipated titles like “Lilo & Stitch,””Zootopia 2,”and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,”was particularly well-received, validating the studio’s stronghold in audience engagement.

“Reactions were out of this world for Disney… The audience was ablaze to see multiple scenes of Avatar: Fire and Ash (in 3D), showcasing the visual spectacle that it is.”

Amid all this, a studio executive aptly noted the paradox of competitors being allowed into each other’s presentations, questioning, “It’s a weird thing, right, that they let in the competitors? We’re not the customers.”

This article first appeared in the April 16 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. For more insights, click here to subscribe.