Highlights from CinemaCon: New Trailers and Exciting Film Announcements

After an exhilarating four days filled with seven major presentations from the most influential Hollywood studios, CinemaCon has officially wrapped up. This vibrant industry event, held in the dazzling city of Las Vegas, serves as a platform for studios to unveil the latest films on the horizon, showcasing a plethora of exciting news, never-before-seen footage, and exclusive sneak peeks.
Attending CinemaCon can feel overwhelmingly thrilling, as audiences are whisked from one blockbuster presentation to another. For instance, the day kicked off with Universal Pictures showcasing the full feature of How to Train Your Dragon, only for attendees to be captivated hours later by an extensive preview of Jurassic World Rebirth, Wicked: For Good, and Megan 2.0. As the evening rolled around, MGM took to the stage, offering tantalizing glimpses of upcoming projects including Masters of the Universe and the next chapter of James Bond.
The excitement didn’t stop there. The following morning, Paramount Pictures took their turn with thrilling previews from Mission: Impossible and new adventures with SpongeBob SquarePants. Not to be outdone, Disney later showcased glimpses from Elio, Thunderbolts, and Fantastic Four, adding to the buzz surrounding the event.
While many of these films were impressive and garnered attention, the true magic of CinemaCon lies in the unexpected discoveries and delightful surprises. Audiences were treated to reveal after reveal, learning about exciting new projects that had previously been under the radar and fostering a growing anticipation for films already on their radars.
For those who wish to experience some of the excitement firsthand, all participating studios have collaborated to present a curated, 70-minute program of highlights from CinemaCon. This special event will be screened in theaters nationwide on April 22 and 24. More information regarding this opportunity can be found here.
Among the standout projects highlighted at CinemaCon were:
- Project Hail Mary: Based on Andy Weir’s captivating novel, this film is being brought to life by acclaimed filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller, featuring Ryan Gosling in the lead role. The emotionally charged footage suggests it could be the best sci-fi film of 2026.
- Final Destination Bloodlines: Fans of the franchise will be thrilled by the gruesome and innovative kills showcased at the event, elevating already high expectations for this installment.
- The Running Man: Directed by Edgar Wright, this adaptation of Stephen King’s work stars Glen Powell and promises a thrilling viewing experience, leaving audiences eager for its release.
- A Big Bold Beautiful Journey: This unique film features Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie as they embark on a surreal adventure, guided by their GPS devices into magical recollections of their pasts. The trailer has transformed it into one of this year’s most anticipated films, set to premiere on September 19.
- The Long Walk: From the director of The Hunger Games, this Stephen King adaptation follows a group of boys in a chilling competition where only one can survive. With Mark Hamill playing the antagonist, the film promises a blend of intensity and thought-provoking themes, opening on September 12.
- Predator: Badlands: Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, this new addition to the Predator franchise depicts the iconic creature as a reluctant hero amidst a world of more fearsome foes, with Elle Fanning portraying a key character who aids him.
- The Bride!: A fresh take on the classic Bride of Frankenstein story, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and featuring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, this film will be unlike any other, mixing elements from various genres.
- Weapons: This mysterious project from Barbarian director Zack Cregger centers around a teacher facing a bizarre situation when all her students go missing, setting the stage for a riveting narrative.
- Now You See Me, Now You Don’t: The third installment of the Now You See Me franchise promises to elevate the magic and heist elements that fans have come to love.
- Nobody 2: The sequel to the hit film starring Bob Odenkirk showcases his character’s struggle with a crime syndicate during what’s supposed to be a family vacation, set for release on August 15.
- Avatar: Fire and Ash: James Cameron unveiled the first footage of this highly anticipated sequel, evoking excitement with its breathtaking visuals and emotional depth.
- Mercy: Chris Pratt stars as a law enforcement officer caught in a web of AI-driven justice when he is wrongfully accused of his wife’s murder, creating a compelling narrative packed with tension.
- Ballerina: Starring Ana de Armas, this John Wick spinoff showcased thrilling action sequences that left audiences eager for its release on June 6.
- Him: This sports horror film follows a college football player as he navigates a dark path of cult-like influences in his quest to recover from an injury.
- Black Phone 2: The sequel to the chilling horror hit reunites the original cast and crew, teasing a dark turn where the villain may return from the dead.
These highlights represent just a fraction of what CinemaCon had to offer. Other notable films that captured attention include Masters of the Universe, Tron: Ares, Thunderbolts, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Superman, Wicked: For Good, Jurassic World Rebirth, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Freakier Friday, and How to Train Your Dragon. Overall, it was an eventful CinemaCon, brimming with anticipation for the cinematic delights that lie ahead.