Jeri Jacquin
Here we are on the third day, and the hits keep on coming. Next to the stage is Universal and Focus Features with their slate of films. This is going to be huge for me since four of the films I am really eager to see are covered.
It seems Snoop Dogg is going to get his chance at the bio-pic scene, and he’s making it known by showing up in the theatre to give us “Drop It Like It’s Hot.” Joined onstage to talk about the film directed by Craig Brewer, Jonathan Davis stepped out to talk about it. The film is being produced by Brian Grazer. Snoop says, “After my brothers told their story in STRAIGHT OUT OF COMPTON, it’s my turn!” He also happened to mention that the fire department was sent out to his bungalow ‘a few times’ due to the ‘smoke.’ Way to go, Snoop! The film is slated for 2027.
I couldn’t be any more excited about Christopher Nolan onstage talking about his upcoming film THE ODYSSEY. He told the audience he had wanted to make an “epic IMAX format” movie since he was a kid. The story is about family and homecoming, and anyone into the story will understand it. The cast includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, and Tom Holland.
No CinemaCon would be complete without a visit from the world’s favorite yellow…ummm…dudes. Illumination big boss Chris Meledandri brings to the screen MINIONS & MONSTERS. Think Minions on horseback, minions on airplanes, minions dressed up like Vikings, I think you get the drift. Christoph Waltz makes a vocal ‘appearance’. The film is out July 1, 2026. Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner take on two people trying to find love in ONE NIGHT ONLY.
OTHER MOMMY is due in theatres this October with Jessica Chastain as a child is being watched by, you guessed it, the other mommy. If that’s too cute, how about a little Christmas upheaval with VIOLENT NIGHT 2. Santa has his naughty list, and he’s on it. Because of that, Santa loses his mojo. David Harbour returns, along with Jared Harris. When a kid asks what happened, he replies, “Maybe I killed too many people, I don’t know.” What a fun way to start the holiday season, right?
Ben Stiller is bringing the Fockers back with FOCKER IN-LAW. Being outdone, Robert DeNiro walks onto the stage, bringing the audience to a huge uproar. After a bit of back and forth, Stiller decides to joke with DeNiro, “We’ll see you in 15 years for the next one, Project: Hail Focker.” The film focuses on Stiller, who is now a father who is having to deal with their kid bringing home someone to meet the parents. Ariana Grande and Skyler Gisondo are also in the film.
Focus Features, one for bringing some of my favorite stories to the screen, is up with director Georgia Oakley’s SENSE AND SENSIBILITY. I don’t care how many renditions are done of this film; I love them all. Robert Eggers WERWULF stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily Rose-Depp. The film looks and feels very dark, and Taylor-Johnson does transform. The film is seen to be brutal and everything one would expect of a goth-like werewolf film. I’m interested in seeing how this film plays out.
Another film on my wish list is Steven Spielberg’s DISCLOSURE DAY. Spielberg’s first time at CinemaCon is introduced by Colman Domingo. It is not a shock to hear that he believes we are not alone in the universe, especially with his films about extraterrestrials. He also says that DISCLOSURE DAY is closer to the truth than the fiction of CLOSE ENCOUNTERS. “It is an experience. All you need to get from the beginning to the end is a seat belt,” Spielberg says.
Next for presenting last of the evening is Amazon MGM Studios, the stage takes off with Jon Batiste playing piano and footage of THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR. Clips shown include Adria Arjona and Kenneth Branagh. Jordan tells the audience that he’s been wanting to make this film for years. He also shared that he saw both McQueen and Brosnan’s versions of the film.
I’m not surprised to see Ryan Gosling come on stage with Mike Hopkins, Head of Amazon MGM Studios, and they speak on the success of PROJECT HAIL MARY. Just crossing $525 million, Gosling tells the audience that the film has been extended in theatres. That means I’m going to see it for a third time! More Rocky and Grace is all anyone needs.
Now for MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE. Now, I get I’m no spring chicken, but I do remember my kids watching the cartoon. “I have the power!!!!” rang out. I am well aware of the story. Not a cartoon, the new offering begins with Adam in a police car until Beastman starts a fight. Then Teela adds to the beginnings of the adventure, especially with the return to Eternia. Don’t worry, Jared Leto’s Skeletor is there as well. Director Travis Knight and stars Nicholas Galitzine and Camilia Mendes are there as well. The film is in theatres on June 5th.
Jason Statham is back with a video introducing the audience to BEEKEEPER 2, referring to all of us in the audience as CinemaCon nerds. That gave me the best laugh. The film also stars Jeremy Irons and Pom Klementieff. Sharing a bit of the film, it is what Statham does best, especially with flamethrowing a guy, saying, “Don’t be so hot-headed!” Release slate is January 15, 2007.
Head of Film at Amazon MGM Studios, Courtenay Valenti, takes on the questions about James Bond. “Now, I know you’re all wondering when we’re going to announce who’s playing James Bond. Don’t get too excited. Please know that we’re taking the time to do this with care and deep respect…I can tell you this: when you pair one of the most beloved franchises in history with a world-class filmmaking team, including brilliant director Denis Villeneuve, you are setting the stage for something truly worthy of the Bond legacy. That film is coming, and when the time is right, we’ll have much more to share.” So…we wait!
For the family, Hugh Jackman and Nicholas Braun talk about the film THE SHEEP DETECTIVES. Jackman tells everyone that “the film will surprise you with how funny it is and how much it will move you.” You have to trust Wolverine on that, right? The film will be in theatres on May 8th.
Director Gareth Evans is remaking the 1967 film A COLT IS MY PASSPORT, no release date has been set yet. It’s the story of a Vietnam Vet who takes on a mob boss in the 1970s. I can’t wait to see that era on screen. Another film waiting for release is YOUR MOTHER YOUR MOTHER staring Mahershala Ali says the film is brutally intimate. VERITY is a film starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson with an emotional plot and shocking horror. The film is set to be in theatres on October 2nd.
For a comedy that looks like it will have us in stitches, Pete Davidson and John C. Reilly star in HOW TO ROB A BANK. The group of robbers decides it’s smart to post their robberies on the internet. The film also stars Nicholas Hoult and Zoe Kravitz. Look to be robbed on September 4th.
SPACEBALLS 2 is set for release in April of 2027. The film is directed by Josh Greenbaum, but it is the writers who caught me off guard. Mel Brooks, obviously, but none other than Olaf himself, Josh Gad. Other names everyone might remember are Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Lewis Pullman, and Rick Moranis, who was brought on stage by Spaceball troopers! Getting the band back together, theatre seats will be sold out for weeks for this one.
Henry Cavill (insert swoon here) came to CinemaCon via video message to talk about HIGHLANDER. He tells the audience that they are halfway through production. He says, “We are creating something truly special.” Dave Bautista is seen in a clip as Kurgan and saying he is a very big fan of the HIGHLANDER original. Russell Crowe has his moment telling Cavill, “This is your purpose, you are the one.”
One more day of CinemaCon 2026, which leaves the last two studios. Paramount will start off the morning and end with Walt Disney Studios!
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