30 Films, Big Promises, and a Slate Worth Talking About

Paramount Pictures had a lot to prove at CinemaCon this year. And while many were sold on an impressive slate of films, questions still lingered surrounding the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and its potential impact on Hollywood.

The presentation opened with a short written and directed by Jon M. Chu, John Wick, and produced on the Paramount lot. The short featured cameos from stars and characters like Timothée Chalamet, James Cameron, Sonic the Hedgehog, McKenna Grace, and more. All culminating in a reveal of Tom Cruise sitting atop the Paramount water tower narrating the whole thing. It was giving them blind with star power.

After the star-studded short, David Ellison took the stage to address the issue at the forefront of each audience member’s mind, but first, he softened the crowd with a self-deprecating joke about his film, Flyboys. Their reaction allowed him to move forward with confidence. Ellison, Paramount Skydance CEO, discussed the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger by committing to a combined minimum output of 30 theatrical releases per year across both studios once the merger is finalized. This increased output, along with a minimum 45-day theatrical window and a 90-day window before any film moves to subscription video on demand.

While the concerns of Ellison’s business practices and political leanings are still many, his commitments to volume and theatrical windows are meant to be a sign of goodwill towards the industry, but will that be enough?

Every Announcement

Before getting to the big announcements, Paramount Studios co-chairs Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg came out to reaffirm commitments to theatrical windows but also promise exhibitors that the studio is focused on supporting original films and revitalizing core franchises. The duo gave an impressive list of active development projects which include, The High Side starring Timothée Chalamet, directed by James Mangold; Star Trek and Transformers franchise entries; World War Z; Paranormal Activity from James Wan and Jason Blum; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 a follow up to Mutant Mayhem from Seth Rogan; Possession starring Margaret Qualley and Callum Turner; Long Legs with Nicolas Cage; Tomorrow Tomorrow Tomorrow directed by Sean Hader and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones; Get Lite, Teyana Taylor’s feature directorial debut; and The Naughty List, an animated original from Robert Rodriguez.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4

Paramount shared a video greeting from the Sonic 4 team. They confirmed the franchise is racing back to theaters, and Jim Carey is returning as Dr. Robotnik. The room erupted.

No other details were shared.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is scheduled for theatrical release in March 2027.

Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour LIVE in 3D

This presentation brought director James Cameron and Billie Eilish together on the Dolby Coliseum stage to discuss their collaboration on a concert film capturing Eilish’s tour, but Cameron had a vision that would make this production a cinematic experience. He built new 3D cameras and technology specifically for this film. The CinemaCon audience received a Dolby 3D extended preview of footage from the upcoming release, and it was received with excitement.

Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour LIVE in 3D is In Theaters May 8, 2026.

Call of Duty

Director Pete Berg sent a video greeting personally confirming that he and writer Taylor Sheridan are working together on the Call of Duty film. While specific details are still under wraps, this film, based on a best-selling video game franchise, is going to be more grounded in a modern-day context. While the crowd seemed interested, several shifted in their seats at the thought of glorifying military conflict after the announcement of a possible draft.

Along with Call of Duty, the studio confirmed a G.I. Joe film is in active development, along with another film in the Top Gun franchise with Tom Cruise attached. The mention of Cruise seemed to ease the sting of three possible propaganda films.  

Call of Duty is targeted for a Summer 2028 release.

Scary Movie 6

The Wayans brothers are back, and they brought the energy to the CinemaCon. Paramount head of domestic theatrical distribution Shaun Barber joined Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Anna Faris on stage to present the sixth installment of the franchise. Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Ivory Wayans all return as writers and producers, with Anna Faris and Regina Hall reprising their beloved roles as Cindy and Brenda. The film is directed by Michael Tiddes. Before introducing footage of the upcoming horror comedy, Marlon Wayans pulled out a comedically long scroll to apologize in advance to everyone who might get their feelings hurt by the film. The room loved it.

“We’re gonna do what we always do. We’re gonna make fun of everybody because we’re equal opportunity offenders,” Marlon Wayans.

Scary Movie 6 is slashing its way into theaters on June 5, 2026.

Jackass: The Final Chapter

As the crowd recovered from laughing too hard at the previous footage, Johnny Knoxville walked onto the stage, and the room was immediately reinvigorated. He was there to announce the final Jackass film. Knoxville explained that knowing this was the last film motivated the crew to make this the best Jackass film ever. The trailer shown at Cinemacon had some of Jackass’s more legendary stunts and teased the new chaos to come. Knoxville and the audience got a little emotional.

Jackass: The Final Chapter is available in theaters on June 26, 2026.

Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie

This animated comedy film is directed by Cal Brunker and features an ensemble voice cast that includes McKenna Grace, Terry Crews, Jennifer Hudson, Fortune Feimster, Jameela Jamil, Bill Nye, Paris Hilton, and Snoop Dogg. This is the third film in the children’s series franchise, and the CinemaCon exhibitors are anxious to get more films for children in their theaters.

Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on Aug. 14, 2026.

The Angry Birds Movie 3

Jason Sudeikis is back as Red in this upcoming animated film directed by John Rice. In this film, he is tackling fatherhood. While details are still under wraps, footage was shown at CinemaCon, and laughter rang throughout the coliseum.

The Angry Birds Movie 3 flies into theaters on Dec. 23, 2026.

Street Fighter

This video game action comedy is directed by Kitao Sakurai. The ensemble cast includes Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Roman Reigns, David Dastmalchian, Cody Rhodes, Andrew Schulz, Vidyut Jammwal, Eric André, 50 Cent, and Jason Momoa.

As the announcer rolled an old tube television out on a cart, he instructed the audience to travel back to 1993. It was at that moment that the audience realized the next film to be announced. As each Street Fighter cast took the stage, excitement grew. One by one, they came to the stage: David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, Callina Liang as Chun-Li, 50 Cent as Balrog, Roman Reigns as Akuma, Olivier Richters as Zangief, Andrew Schulz as Dan, Cody Rhodes as Guile, Noah Centineo as Ken, and Eric Andre as Don Sauvage. The footage shared had explosions, expertly designed fight choreography, and real comedic energy. 50 Cent said this film has to be seen on a big screen!

Street Fighter arrives in theaters on 16, 2026.

A Quiet Place Part III

John Krasinski appeared via a pre-recorded message to announce the latest installment in his horror franchise. He and Emily Blunt are returning, and they will be joined by Jack O’Connell, Jason Clarke, and Katy O’Brien. Details are still under wraps, and no footage was shown, but the audience responded positively to the addition of this thriller to the Paramount Studios lineup.

A Quiet Place Part III is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 30, 2027.

​Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story

This Jonathan Levine-directed bio-drama stars David Corenswet as John Tuggle, the 1983 New York Giants draft pick whose impact on his team inspired this story. While the CinemaCon crowd seemed interested, many hope it will entice ticket sales. The film is set for a Christmas Day release, so it is primed for awards season as a prestige biopic.

Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story is in Theaters on December 25, 2026.

K-Pop Superstar: The Movie

This upcoming Benson Lee-directed musical comedy about a Korean-American girl who secretly enters a K-pop competition, and her family would not approve. There are details still under wraps, but a sizzle reel was shown at CinemaCon, and the crowd seemed intrigued. This is sure to be a theatrical event for K-pop fans.

K-Pop Superstar: The Movie is coming to theaters in 2027.

Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol

This Ti West-directed Christmas classic stars Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge alongside Ian McKellen as the ghost of Jacob Marley, Andrea Riseborough as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tramell Tillman as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Robert Strange as the Ghost of Christmas Future.

Depp took the Dolby Coliseum stage to introduce this dark reimaging of the Charles Dickens novel. Depp commented on being surprised by the warm reception.

The trailer shown was gothic, moody, and visually stunning, and more comedic than expected.

Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol starts haunting theaters on November 13, 2026

Children of Blood and Bone

This upcoming adventure fantasy film is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and is based on a 2018 novel by Tomi Adeyemi. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Tosin Cole, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, and Thuso Mbedu.

This presentation was perfect to end the Paramount presentation because it was a showstopper. Prince-Bythewood brought the entire cast to the stage as African drummers, and dancers filled the stage. Each cast member walked out and spoke personally about why this film matters to them.

“Black girls deserve to see themselves in worlds of wonder, power, and imagination,” Regina King said.

The footage shown from this West African-inspired epic  was breathtaking. The story is steeped in magic, mythology, and ancestral power. This film is going to be an experience.

Children of Blood and Bone is scheduled for theatrical release on Jan. 15, 2027.

Heart of the Beast

The presentation closed with this David Ayer-directed adventure film starring Brad Pitt, J.K. Simmons, and Anna Lambe. And it immediately pulled on heartstrings. The story follows a combat veteran and his dog, a retired combat scout dog, who both suffer from PTSD. The pair survives a plane crash and has to survive the Alaskan wilderness. Bring tissues.

Heart of the Beast is in theaters on Jan. 15, 2027

Paramount came into CinemaCon 2026 with a lot to answer for, specifically the impending merger and the loss of jobs in the industry. They responded with the promise of a quantity of quality films and a commitment to longer theatrical windows and telling original stories. From the emotional story of John Tuggle to the suspense of A Quiet Place and the awe-inspiring spectacle of Children of Blood and Bone, Paramount reminded everyone in that room why the theatrical experience still matters.

While Ellison’s commitments lent comfort to some, the real promise was in the footage. Paramount isn’t afraid to take big swings on originality, but they will also blind you with stars.

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