CinemaCon 2025 kicked off with a bang thanks to Sony Pictures, as the studio rolled out an ambitious slate of films, spanning horror, animation, IP revivals, and a historic cinematic event with Sam Mendes’ The Beatles. From fan-favorite franchises to bold new originals, Sony made it clear: the future of theatrical is alive, creative, and coming in hot.
28 Years Later Sets Off a New Apocalypse
Danny Boyle and Alex Garland officially kicked off the event with 28 Years Later, the long-awaited sequel to the cult-classic zombie saga. The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes. Boyle confirmed the trilogy plan, revealing The Bone Temple (directed by Nia DaCosta) is completed, while the third entry awaits financing. DaCosta teased a radically different tone and confirmed Bone Temple debuts January 2026.
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse Web-Swings into 2027
Sony Animation returned to the multiverse with Beyond the Spider-Verse, the third chapter in Miles Morales’ journey. The creative team revealed the film picks up immediately after Across the Spider-Verse, and is being optimized for large format screens—Sony’s first such move for an animated feature. A teaser showcasing explosive new visuals and emotional stakes brought the house down.
RELATED: The Deleted Song That Still Haunts Moana 2’s Directors
Brand New Day for Spider-Man
In a surprise closer, Spider-Man: Brand New Day was announced with Tom Holland returning as Peter Parker. Director Destin Daniel Cretton promised an emotional fresh start for the character, and though no footage has been shot, Holland sent a video message teasing big reveals when the film swings into theaters July 31, 2026.
Sam Mendes to Direct Four Beatles Films
In a jaw-dropping reveal, Sam Mendes will direct not one, but four theatrical Beatles biopics—each focused on a single band member. The films, supported by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the estates of Lennon and Harrison, will premiere in 2027 and 2028. The cast includes Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Harris Dickinson, and Charlie Rowe.
Big Returns: Karate Kid Legends, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Resident Evil
Sony is going all-in on IP. Karate Kid Legends brings together Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan for a multigenerational passing of the torch. I Know What You Did Last Summer sees Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. return alongside a new cast. Meanwhile, a new Resident Evil film was announced, directed by Zach Cregger (Barbarian), promising a true survival-horror experience.
Original Films & Animation Shine
Other major highlights included:
- Caught Stealing, a late ’90s NYC-set dramedy starring Austin Butler, directed by Darren Aronofsky.
- A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, a time-warping romantic fantasy starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell.
- GOAT, a sports comedy starring and produced by NBA champion Stephen Curry about a literal goat trying to make it in animal sports.
- Grand Gear of Dawn, the first English-language project from Godzilla Minus One’s Takashi Yamazaki.
- New Demon Slayer movies (Infinity Castle) releasing as a trilogy, plus Chainsaw Man and Scarlet hitting theaters in 2024–2025.
RELATED: Barlow & Bear on MOANA 2, Disney Magic, and Writing With The Rock
More Blockbusters on the Horizon
Sony also spotlighted other major productions in development and on the release slate, including:
- Starship Troopers, a new adaptation from Neill Blomkamp that returns to the source material with modern VFX and grounded storytelling.
- Jumanji 3, directed by Jake Kasdan and scheduled for Christmas 2026, continuing the billion-dollar franchise.
- Anaconda, referenced amid legal drama, suggesting a potential reboot is being weighed.
- Klara and the Sun, based on the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Kazuo Ishiguro.
- The Rooster, a family comedy written, produced, and starring comedian Nate Bargatze.
Theatrical Windowing Message
Sony leadership focuses on the topic of theatrical exclusivity, emphasizing the need for smarter windowing strategies to restore long-term box office health. Sony’s executives emphasized collaboration with filmmakers and exhibitors, alluding to innovation backed by respect for cinema’s legacy, but never made an actual commitment.
Considering Sony’s lack of their own streaming service, they could have made a bold statement and publicly committed to longer windows rather than rushed to digital/streaming services. But at least they acknowledged the problem.
For live updates from CinemaCon, be sure to follow me on social media.
What film are you most excited to see from Sony’s CinemaCon showcase? Do you think The Beatles theatrical universe will change biopics forever? Is 28 Years Later the sequel we’ve all been waiting for? Let us know your thoughts on social media.
KEEP READING: Randall Park Dives Into the Netflix’s New Whodunit, THE RESIDENCE, and the Art of Comic Timing
