CinemaCon 2023: Navigating Executive Turmoil in Hollywood

This year’s CinemaCon unfolds against a backdrop of significant leadership changes across Hollywood studios. Many executives might be gracing the stage at the colossal Colosseum theater in Caesar’s Palace for what could be their final appearances in their current roles.

Returning Faces and Change at Sony

Among the more stable figures is Tom Rothman, chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group. Rothman will kick off the preeminent event on Monday night, presenting Sony’s upcoming movie slate to an audience of theater owners gathered in Las Vegas. Multiple sources suggest that Rothman’s position is secure, despite the absence of a formal announcement regarding contract extension.

Another notable figure, Josh Greenstein, co-president of Sony Motion Picture Group, will also be part of the presentation. However, his future is uncertain amid speculation he could transition to Paramount following the anticipated Skydance-Paramount merger, currently under federal review. Greenstein’s longstanding relationship with Skydance leaders David Ellison and Dana Goldberg raises the likelihood of this shift, although it remains unofficial. Greenstein is still contracted with Sony, sharing his co-president responsibilities with Sanford Panitch.

Warner Bros. Faces Scrutiny

The atmosphere in the Colosseum might take a sharp turn the following day when Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy from Warner Bros. take the stage. The duo has faced heavy criticism due to several significant box office failures. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that their superior, David Zaslav, is actively seeking potential replacements, with Greenstein being a strong candidate for the role.

Insider information suggests that Zaslav aims to pivot focus towards major intellectual properties, distancing the studio from the filmmaker-centric projects championed by Abdy and De Luca, such as Ryan Coogler’s Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. Allies of Abdy and De Luca assert that they are professionals who have accepted the uncertainty surrounding their futures. Their forthcoming presentation could address the looming concerns directly.

Highlighting New Ventures at DC Studios

DC Studios co-heads Peter Safran and James Gunn are slated to showcase upcoming projects, including a new Superman film, which Gunn directed. Safran is also generating buzz regarding aspirations to broaden his role at Warner Bros. beyond the DC franchise, making this presentation a crucial point for his career.

Universal and Amazon MGM Studios Steps into the Spotlight

In contrast, Universal Pictures, which will present on Wednesday afternoon, experiences relatively calm waters in regards to executive stability. Meanwhile, Amazon MGM Studios will make its debut at CinemaCon later that evening, albeit amid recent turmoil. Jennifer Salke, the head of Amazon MGM Studios, was dismissed just before the event, leading to speculation about the internal power dynamics under the leadership of Mike Hopkins, who is not planning to appoint a successor. Instead, he has empowered Courtenay Valenti and Vernon Sanders.

This shift occurs as Amazon seeks to make significant strides into the theatrical domain following its acquisition of the James Bond franchise, a move that has long been awaited by fans eager for updates on the next installment.

Paramount’s Transition and Disney’s Successes

Paramount is facing its own transformation as Thursday’s presentation is set to likely mark the farewell for Brian Robbins, co-CEO of Paramount Global and CEO of Paramount Pictures. Recognized for his adaptive leadership, Robbins has helped steer the studio through turbulent times.

Finally, The Walt Disney Company will conclude presentations on Thursday with Alan Bergman, chairman of Disney Studios, expected to reflect on the company’s successes and challenges, including the disappointing results of the live-action Snow White. Despite these setbacks, Disney has consistently led the market share, bolstered by hits like Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Mufasa: The Lion King.

Looking ahead, significant shifts are anticipated at Lucasfilm, potentially leading to a change in leadership by CinemaCon 2026. As for the beloved franchise Avatar, the upcoming release of Fire and Ash in December is expected to generate considerable excitement amongst theater owners and audiences alike, representing a fitting conclusion for this year’s convention.