CinemaCon Edition

Key Points:

• DC Studios’ CinemaCon presentation lacked major updates on The Batman Part Two and the Superman sequel, with only a teaser for Clayface and a promising new Supergirl clip, while casting news about Adria Arjona in Man of Tomorrow sparked speculation about her role as Wonder Woman.
• Marvel’s presentation was a highlight, featuring an overwhelmingly positive response to the Avengers: Doomsday trailer that showcased many beloved characters, including some previously thought to have exited the MCU, alongside the announcement of “Infinity Vision,” a new premium theater certification.
• Star Wars revealed the first 20 minutes of its first film in seven years, with mixed reactions due to some use of visual effects resembling a Zoom meeting, though fans of The Mandalorian are expected to enjoy the movie; meanwhile, epic trailers from Dune: Part Three, The Odyssey, and The Social Reckoning impressed attendees.
• Paramount and Warner Bros. showcased strong upcoming slates and star appearances, including Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, and Jason Momoa, with David Ellison pledging increased film output and a commitment to theatrical windows, though some exhibitors remain skeptical about the Warner-Paramount merger.
• Controversy surrounded theater chains Alamo Drafthouse and AMC for policies perceived as detrimental to the moviegoing experience, such as phone usage during screenings and increased lobby advertising, while Sony executives criticized theater owners for prioritizing short-term profits over audience engagement.