15 Films a Year and a Promise to Make It Worth It
Amazon MGM Studios came to CinemaCon 2026 with confidence, commitment, and one of the more memorable promises of the entire convention. From a live musical performance to a slate packed with franchise muscle, prestige titles, and some surprising swings, the panel made one thing abundantly clear: this studio is not playing games when it comes to theatrical releases.
Amazon MGM didn’t open with a hype reel or a studio executive in a suit. They opened with a piano. Acclaimed pianist Jean Baptiste took the stage for a special live performance that immediately established the room’s vibe. It was classy, unexpected, and it got the attendees’ attention before the panel began. It set the stage for a night of grand promises and special presentations.
Amazon MGM made a sweeping commitment during the panel to release 15 theatrical features every year. It’s an ambitious commitment for a studio still finding its cinematic identity. But it’s a commitment exhibitors need to hear. Even more so, the studio made it clear that it’s not the audience’s job to keep theaters open. It’s the studio’s job to make films worth coming out for. The refreshing, honest statement set the tone for everything that followed.
The Films: Everything Announced
The Thomas Crown Affair
One of the first major moments of the panel came when Michael B. Jordan stepped out to talk about his upcoming remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. Jordan was warm, candid, and clearly genuine when he talked about his connection to the original film; he shared that he has loved it since he was 12 years old. This film is a personal investment. No trailer was shown, but Jordan’s passion for the material was enough to have the room intrigued. The Thomas Crown Affair is scheduled to be released in the United States on March 5, 2027.
The Beekeeper 2
Jason Statham is back, doing exactly what Jason Statham does best. He is an absolute force of nature, but this time, with bees. That’s really the pitch, and honestly, it works. Beekeeper 2 looks like everything fans of the first film wanted, dialed up. The Beekeeper 2 is scheduled to be released theatrically in Germany on January 14, 2027.
Masters of the Universe
This was the special presentation of the panel, and it delivered! The footage shown had the room buzzing, and the fight choreography alone looks like it’s going to be a genuine large-scale spectacle that demands a big screen.
Nicholas Galitzine plays He-Man, and based on what was shown, he looks great in the role. Idris Elba appears as Man at Arms, and he’s chewing up every scene. His daughter Teela, is played by Camila Mendes. Skeletor, played by Jared Leto, was probably the largest disappointment of the upcoming film. While Leto’s Skeletor is given some comedic elements, the voice used doesn’t match the camp energy of the 80s animated version.
Overall, the film looks like it is going to be a fun adventure with known and loved characters. Masters of the Universe will be exclusively in theaters on June 5, 2026.
The Sheep Detectives
An extended trailer was shown for The Sheep Detectives. The film is set to hit theaters on Mother’s Day Weekend. Based on the extended look shown at CinemaCon 2026, this film has charm and heart to spare.
Hugh Jackman’s character is a sheepherder who reads mystery novels to his sheep. After his death, his flock decides to put their knowledge to work to solve the case. This film features the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, and Rhys Darby.
A Colt Is My Passport
Details were sparse, but the title alone carries a Western energy. This 1967 Yakuza drama remake is directed by Gareth Evans and stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Tim Roth, Jack Reynor, and Lucy Boynton. A Colt is My Passport is expected to be released in theaters in 2027.
How to Rob a Bank
Pete Davidson stars in what looks like a high-energy, chaotic romp. The trailer leaned hard into the chaos, and Davidson seems perfectly cast in the space. If you like your action with a heavy dose of comedy and unpredictability, this is the film for you. How to Rob a Bank follows a crew of influencers who live-stream their bank robberies on social media, gaining internet stardom for evading the law. The movie is directed by David Leitch and is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on Sept. 4, 2026.
Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother
Starring Mahershala Ali, this film is a powerful story of a man doing what he has to do to protect his family. The trailer was a gut punch. Ali is an actor who can do absolutely anything, and the action sequences on display here are genuinely on fire. First thought after watching: Marvel needs to get it together. Ali plays an assassin dealing with the loss of his wife, struggling raising his daughters, and reconciling his work and his morality. In addition to Ali, the film stars John Cho, Tramell Tillman, and Giancarlo Esposito. This directed Bassam Tariq film does not currently have an official release date.
Verity
Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson star alongside Josh Hartnett in a film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2018 novel “Verity.” This romantic thriller appears loaded with twists. The trailer had the kind of energy that makes you grab your armrest and yell, “WHAT’S GOING ON!” Verity will be released exclusively in theaters on Oct. 2, 2026.
The Chosen: Crucifixion
This special theatrical presentation chronicles the final day of Jesus’ life. This announcement drew reactions from those who were already in The Chosen fandom. This standalone feature film finale of The Chosen franchise is scheduled to release in theaters on March 12, 2027.
Spaceballs: The New One
Rick Moranis, Josh Gad, and Bill Pullman took the stage together for a Spaceballs presentation that had the room absolutely lost it. The fact that this exists and that Rick Moranis is part of it is the kind of surprise CinemaCon is made for.
This sci-fi spoof film is directed by Josh Greenbaum and features returning stars Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet, Bill Pullman as Lone Starr, Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa, and Mel Brooks as Yogurt/Skroob. New cast members include Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, and Lewis Pullman. Spaceballs: The New One is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 23, 2027.
Highlander
The iconic franchise is getting a new life on the big screen. The Highlander presentation confirmed the project is moving forward, though specific details on cast and release date were kept close to the chest. This action fantasy, directed by Chad Stahelski, is set to star Henry Cavill as the immortal Scottish warrior.
I Play Rocky
A film about the making of Rocky. This behind-the-scenes, inside-Hollywood story could either win over audiences or fall flat. The story of how Rocky got made is interesting, and if the film captures even a fraction of the Rocky underdog spirit, it could be something very special for Rocky fans and those interested in that era of film making. And, you can’t beat this casting of Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone is brilliant. This bio-drama film is set for a limited theatrical release on November 13, 2026
Amazon MGM came to CinemaCon 2026 with something to prove and a lineup that largely backs it up. The commitment to 15 theatrical releases a year is significant, but the real statement was philosophical. The studio understands that theatrical survival depends on filmmakers and studios holding up their end of the deal. Give audiences something worth leaving the house for.
While the studio didn’t deliver huge surprises, it presented great trailer after great trailer. Between Mahershala Ali’s powerhouse action drama, the chaotic energy of Verity, the Spaceballs reunion nobody saw coming, Michael B. Jordan’s heartfelt passion project, and a strong Masters of the Universe presentation, Amazon MGM is standing firm on its promise. They’re not just asking you to show up. They’re promising to give you a reason to.