Warner Bros. Pictures made a thunderous return to CinemaCon 2025, presenting a bold vision for the theatrical future across genres—from animation and horror to prestige dramas and superhero spectacles. With powerhouse directors, beloved IPs, and new originals, the studio emphasized its commitment to cinematic storytelling on the biggest screen possible.
A New Era Begins With Superman
The biggest highlight of the presentation was Superman, the launchpad for DC Studios’ new cinematic universe under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran. Gunn, joined by stars David Corenswet (Clark Kent), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), and Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), unveiled heartfelt insights into their character work and shared a world-exclusive sneak peek.
Gunn described the film as “a story that’s both utterly human and utterly fantastic,” filled with sci-fi spectacle, heartfelt themes, and a celebration of kindness. Brosnahan praised Gunn’s collaborative approach, while Corenswet revealed how surreal it felt to don the cape. Brosnahan summed it up best: “Superman is cool because he does the right thing, and in 2025, that might just be revolutionary.”
Nearby Theatrical Releases
Launching this week globally, Minecraft brings the pixelated phenomenon to life on the big screen. Directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite), the film stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Jennifer Coolidge. Co-CEO Michael De Luca shared that early ticket sales are strong and positioned the movie as the perfect family spring break outing.
Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s latest collaboration, titled Graveyard Shift, is a love letter to blues music and Mississippi’s cultural legacy. Shot on IMAX cameras, Coogler called it his “most personal film to date,” inspired by his late grandfather and uncle. Jordan plays dual roles in what promises to be a visually and emotionally powerful experience.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another Unites DiCaprio, Del Toro, and More
PTA returns with One Battle After Another, a political and cultural epic shot for IMAX starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and more. The cast, live on stage, described it as both humorous and harrowing. DiCaprio noted the film taps into “something buried in the American psyche.” Exclusive footage showcased PTA’s signature blend of grandeur and intimacy.
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Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride Reimagines Frankenstein
Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jessie Buckley introduced The Bride, a radical, IMAX-shot take on The Bride of Frankenstein. Featuring Christian Bale, Penélope Cruz, and Peter Sarsgaard, the film explores the monstrous and the human through a feminist lens. Gyllenhaal called it a “punk love story,” and Buckley described the experience as “like plugging into an electrical current.” A sneak peek showcased haunting visuals and thematic ambition.
Horror Dominates With Final Destination: Bloodlines and The Conjuring: Last Rites
New Line Cinema head Richard Brener celebrated 30 years at the studio by teasing Final Destination: Bloodlines and The Conjuring: Last Rites. Both horror films aim to thrill loyal fans. Brener also confirmed Mortal Kombat 2 is on the way with Karl Urban as Johnny Cage.
Zach Cregger Returns With Twisted Horror in Weapons
Following his breakout Barbarian, Zach Cregger previewed Weapons, calling it “twisty, turny, and unpredictable.” Starring Josh Brolin and Julia Garner, the film is a genre experience built for big screens, and Cregger emphasized the unique electricity of watching horror in packed theaters.
Brad Pitt Races to the Finish in F1
Director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer unveiled the first ten minutes of F1, the Formula One racing drama starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. Shot during real Grand Prix races with support from Apple and F1 teams, the footage promises an immersive, heart-pounding experience tailored for IMAX.
Warner Bros. Pictures Animation Roars Back
Animation chief Bill Damaschke revealed five films in production, including:
- The Cat in the Hat, voiced by Bill Hader and featuring America Ferrera.
- Winter in Spring, a musical twist on Mean Girls.
- Monkey Claus, a Melissa McCarthy-led holiday comedy.
- Dynamic Duo, a puppet-animation hybrid DC project.
- Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, a Seussian adventure through creativity.
Final Takeaway
Warner Bros. left no doubt they’re all-in on theatrical storytelling. Whether it’s the grounded nobility of Superman, the absurd humor of Minecraft, the monstrous romance of The Bride, or the pulse-pounding realism of F1, WB’s 2025-2026 slate is built to pack theaters, spark conversation, and create moments that matter.
Which Warner Bros. 2025 release are you most hyped for? Will Superman live up to its promise as the start of a new DC era? And could The Bride become next year’s genre-defying breakout hit? Let us know on social media!
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