CinemaCon 2025 kicked off in Las Vegas with a major presentation from Sony Pictures, showcasing an ambitious slate of films and projects that highlight the studio’s commitment to theatrical releases. Here’s a detailed recap of the key announcements and highlights from the event.
Sony Pictures’ Presentation Highlights
Sony Pictures opened the convention with a dynamic session led by filmmakers and executives, emphasizing their dedication to supporting theaters. The studio unveiled an impressive lineup of upcoming films spanning multiple genres, franchises, and bold new concepts.
Spider-Man Franchise Updates
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day: Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in this MCU installment directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Described as a “fresh start” for the franchise, it follows the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home and is set to release on July 31, 2026.
- Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse: The third chapter in Miles Morales’ animated journey will debut on June 4, 2027. The film promises to be a “massive finale” to the beloved Spider-Verse trilogy.
The Beatles Biopic Series
Sony announced an unprecedented cinematic event: four biographical films directed by Sam Mendes, each focusing on a different member of The Beatles. The cast includes:
- Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney
- Harris Dickinson as John Lennon
- Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr
- Joseph Quinn as George Harrison
All four films will be released consecutively in April 2028, creating what Mendes and Sony CEO Tom Rothman described as “the first bingeable theatrical experience”.
Karate Kid: Legends
A continuation of the Karate Kid franchise, this film introduces kung fu prodigy Li Fong (played by Ben Wang), who moves to New York City after a family tragedy. It is set for release on May 30, 2025.
28 Years Later Trilogy
Danny Boyle officially unveiled 28 Years Later, a sequel to his cult-classic zombie saga. The second installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, will release in January 2026, while plans for a third film are still underway.
Other Major Announcements
Sony revealed several additional projects:
- Darren Aronofsky’s crime drama Caught Stealing, starring Austin Butler.
- Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Klara and the Sun.
- Wes Ball’s live-action Legend of Zelda adaptation.
- Takashi Yamazaki’s English-language debut Grandgear.
- Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, set for release on October 29, 2025.
Industry Updates
Beyond film announcements, CinemaCon marked significant shifts in the industry:
- The National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) rebranded as Cinema United, reflecting the growing importance of international markets.
- Sony reiterated its commitment to theatrical windows and collaboration with exhibitors to ensure long-term success for theaters.
Sony Pictures delivered a powerful opening presentation at CinemaCon 2025 with announcements that promise excitement for audiences and optimism for theater owners. From Spider-Man adventures to Beatles biopics and franchise revivals like Karate Kid, Sony showcased its dedication to keeping cinema vibrant in an era increasingly dominated by streaming platforms.