A yearly gathering for studios and theater owners
CinemaCon returned to Las Vegas from April 13 to 16, 2026. Cinema United organized the event at Caesars Palace, bringing together major Hollywood studios, theater owners, and international distributors.
Companies such as Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Paramount Pictures presented their upcoming slates, while exhibitors attended to preview films that will shape future release schedules.
Warner Bros. unveils new footage, including Dune: Part Three
Warner Bros. presented a mix of franchise titles and new projects. The studio showcased Dune: Part Three, the next installment in Denis Villeneuve’s science fiction trilogy based on Frank Herbert’s work.
During the presentation, director Denis Villeneuve and cast members including Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya introduced the film’s opening footage. The studio screened roughly the first seven minutes of the film for attendees.
The sequence depicts a large-scale battle involving the Fremen on a rain-covered planet. Ships descend from orbit before a sudden attack destroys part of the fleet. Ground forces then face heavy fire from concealed weapons emerging from the terrain, resulting in significant losses.
The film continues the story of Paul Atreides, with the narrative set years after the previous installment and focusing on the consequences of his rule. Dune: Part Three is scheduled for theatrical release in December 2026.
Warner Bros. also confirmed Practical Magic 2 and introduced new titles including The Great Beyond and Digger, the latter starring Tom Cruise. Nicole Kidman also appeared on stage during the presentation.
Sony presents Resident Evil reboot and genre titles
Sony Pictures debuted the first footage from its reboot of Resident Evil, a franchise based on the long-running video game series.
Director Zach Cregger leads the project, which returns to a “survival horror” tone associated with the original games. Sony plans to release the film in September 2026. The studio also presented additional genre-focused titles, including thriller and horror productions.
Franchise films continue across studio presentations
Studios highlighted several established properties during their showcases. Producers confirmed Paddington 4, continuing the series based on the British children’s character.
Filmmakers also previewed a sequel to Godzilla Minus Zero, expanding the latest iteration of the long-running Godzilla franchise. Across presentations, studios screened footage from projects in science fiction, drama, and suspense.
International productions, including Indian titles, expand presence
CinemaCon 2026 included multiple international projects seeking wider distribution. The Indian production Ramayana began its global promotional rollout during the event. The film adapts a classical epic into a large-scale production.
Another Indian project, Toxic, was also introduced as part of international expansion efforts. Producers presented both films to industry attendees with a focus on global audiences.
Industry discussions take place alongside presentations
CinemaCon also hosted industry panels and closed-door discussions. Participants addressed theatrical release windows, box office recovery, and competition from streaming platforms.
Industry figures referenced Jerry Bruckheimer in connection with filmmaker-exhibitor initiatives focused on release strategies and exhibition practices.
Business developments and scheduling changes
Attendees discussed a potential combination involving Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. as part of broader industry conversations.
The event also saw scheduling changes. Independent distributor Row K did not proceed with its planned presentation. Sony Pictures Classics took over the slot and introduced its upcoming titles.
A platform for upcoming releases
Across the four-day event, studios presented footage, introduced projects, and engaged directly with theater owners. Exhibitors used these previews to assess upcoming releases and plan programming.
CinemaCon continues to serve as a central platform connecting film distribution and theatrical exhibition, combining film promotion with industry coordination.
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