CinemaCon 2025 was ablaze with Lionsgate’s high-energy, star-studded presentation, showcasing a bold, diverse lineup of upcoming films. From the John Wick universe’s expansion to long-awaited sequels, bold new adaptations, and musical surprises, Lionsgate made it clear: theatrical storytelling is alive and well.
Ballerina Takes the Spotlight
Ana de Armas, crowned CinemaCon’s Action Star of the Year, gave an electrifying breakdown of her intense physical prep for Ballerina, the highly anticipated John Wick spin-off. Director Len Wiseman and de Armas emphasized the film’s emotional grit and balletic brutality.
As Wiseman noted, the goal was “to trick the audience in the best way,” leaning into the action genre’s tropes only to subvert them with elegance and shock. Lionsgate promised early screenings to exhibitors and teased an extended scene that left the crowd stunned.
The Long Walk Marches Toward Awards Season
Francis Lawrence brought Stephen King’s dystopian novel The Long Walk to life, joined by breakout star David Jonsson and cinema legend Mark Hamill. Lawrence, deeply passionate about the project, focused on the brotherhood and emotional intensity at the story’s core. Jonsson called the experience “career-affirming,” while Hamill relished his villainous turn, remarking, “If people hate your guts, you’ve done your job.”
The film’s official release date was confirmed for September 12, 2025, accompanied by a chilling first trailer that drew comparisons to The Hunger Games and Stand By Me.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping Begins
Lawrence also revealed early development details for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, based on Suzanne Collins’ just-released novel. With casting underway and shooting set to begin in July, Lawrence described it as “a return to form,” promising a protagonist fans will rally behind and a vividly realized arena filled with advanced tech and visual spectacle. Lionsgate unveiled the animated logo, lighting up social media with anticipation.
A New Magic Trick: Now You See Me 3
Ruben Fleischer (of Zombieland and Uncharted fame) took the reins on Now You See Me 3, bringing both legacy stars and fresh talent like Ariana Greenblatt and Justice Smith into the fold. Fleischer stressed practical effects and real sleight-of-hand, with a trailer showcasing globe-trotting heists and high-stakes illusions. Lionsgate confirmed they’re already developing a fourth installment due to excitement around the new direction.
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The Housemaid Delivers Twisted Thrills
Paul Feig pivoted from comedy to psychological thriller with The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar. The TikTok-famous Frieda McFadden novel got a fierce adaptation filled with betrayal, tension, and morally grey characters. Sweeney called it “unputdownable,” while Seyfried said playing her role was “career-affirming.” Feig teased wild moments and unexpected turns, promising something “bananas.”
Hurry Up Tomorrow Blurs Reality With Art
The Weeknd’s (Abel Tesfaye) Hurry Up Tomorrow, directed by Trey Edward Shults and co-starring Jenna Ortega, closed the show on a hypnotic high. Described as a “visceral, cinematic experience,” the film explores the psychological duality of Tesfaye’s character through a surreal, music-driven lens. A haunting trailer debuted, set to the title track from his new album, cementing this as one of the year’s most experimental theatrical events.
Power Ballads, Angelic Tech Bros, and Animated Wick
Other highlights included:
- Good Fortune, a comedic body-swap film featuring Aziz Ansari, Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, and Keke Palmer.
- Power Ballad, a music-infused dramedy starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas with viral potential written all over it.
- An animated John Wick prequel about the infamous “impossible task,” and a Donnie Yen-led Wick spin-off that’s officially in development.
Final Notes and Big Teases
Lionsgate confirmed development on multiple returning franchises including The Strangers, Greenland II, and Shadow Force. Meanwhile, Luca Guadagnino’s American Psycho adaptation, co-written by Scott Z. Burns, is deep in pre-production with a lead actor announcement coming soon.
Which Lionsgate film are you most hyped for in 2025? Does The Long Walk have the potential to be the next Hunger Games? Would you watch an animated John Wick prequel in theaters? Sound off with your thoughts on social media!
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