Sundance, Cannes, Comic-Con, etc. These are just some of the events movie fans can count on to hear major, breaking news. Another one is undoubtedly CinemaCon, a convention in Las Vegas taking place from April 13-16. It’s the place theater owners go to see what’s coming to their businesses in the future, so most of the film studios show up and put on a great, big show. As a result, there are always mountains of movie news.
In the past, CinemaCon was where we got the title of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, where James Cameron announced five Avatar movies, where The Batman Part II was made official, where we saw the first footage from Project Hail Mary, and so much more. So, what’s in store this year? We won’t know for sure until we’re seated at Caesars Palace, which we will be, but here are 15 things we hope to see or learn.
The first footage from The Legend of Zelda
We’ve seen images of the actors playing Link and Zelda in what we believe to be the most crucial movie Nintendo has ever made. But what is it about? What does it look like? With the film set for release in May next year, this would be the time to show it at CinemaCon and get people excited.
When it could happen: Sony presentation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. PT Monday, April 13
The Future of Marvel
Avengers: Doomsday will surely play a big role in Disney’s presentation this year, which is exciting. But maybe we’ll get a hint of what’s to come beyond that. Secret Wars? X-Men? Blade? Who knows. Disney also has D23 and Comic-Con to consider, so maybe CinemaCon won’t be the place. But it could also be where we get our first hints.
When it could happen: Disney presentation, 2:30-4:30 p.m. PT Thursday, April 16
More on the plot to Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The first trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day gave us a good idea of what’s going on with Peter Parker in the film, but who is he fighting? What are the stakes? We’d imagine we get to see and hear more about the film at the event.
When it could happen: Sony presentation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. PT Monday, April 13
Anything beyond Star Wars: Starfighter
Disney will certainly wow theater owners with footage from this year’s The Mandalorian and Grogu and, probably, next year’s Star Wars: Starfighter. But could we also hear what’s next after that? Again, Disney has two other conventions to consider, so that information might be held back, but there’s always a shot.
When it could happen: Disney presentation, 2:30-4:30 p.m. PT Thursday, April 16
An update on Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse
Almost all major news on the Spider-Verse films has been specifically broken at CinemaCon over the years. And, since we actually got to see footage from the third film at last year’s event, we expect even more this year.
When it could happen: Sony presentation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. PT Monday, April 13
What’s the story of Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil?
There’s been lots of buzz recently about Resident Evil, Zach Cregger’s follow-up to the Oscar-winning Weapons, having test screenings. That means marketing is in the works, so we’ll probably see a trailer at CinemaCon and learn what stories from the franchise inspired the filmmaker.
When it could happen: Sony presentation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. PT Monday, April 13
First footage from Clayface
Supergirl is sure to be the big focus in terms of DC films at CinemaCon, but it would be wild if the company ignored it has a second film, Clayface, also coming out this year. We should see footage from that and, maybe, get some news on Man of Tomorrow.
When it could happen: Warner Bros. presentation, 4:30-6:30 pm PT, Tuesday, April 14
The plot of J.J. Abrams’ new movie
There have been tons of rumors about the plot of The Great Beyond, J.J. Abrams’ first film since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. And, with it coming out this fall, we’re sure we’ll get to see what Glen Powell is up to at the event.
When it could happen: Warner Bros. presentation, 4:30-6:30 pm PT, Tuesday, April 14
Anything on The Batman Part II
CinemaCon was where Warner Bros. announced The Batman Part II was happening… and that was way back in 2022. With the film set to start shooting later this year, we’d love to hear a little something about it at the event. Though more likely, it’ll be featured at next year’s CinemaCon.
When it could happen: Warner Bros. presentation, 4:30-6:30 pm PT, Tuesday April 14
The title of the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated film
Paramount sees the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a major franchise moving forward, recently putting a new live-action film into development. But a sequel to the animated Mutant Mayhem has been in production for years, so surely there’s footage—and maybe a title—to reveal to show the studio’s commitment to the brand.
When it could happen: Paramount presentation, 9:45-11:30 a.m. PT Thursday, April 16
Who is returning for Fast Forever?
Vin Diesel has always had a big presence at CinemaCon, and with news that the 11th Fast and Furious film is finally coming together, he could very well show up to give theater owners an update on this massive franchise. He’ll be back next year for sure, though, with the film set for release in 2028.
When it could happen: Universal presentation, 4:00-6:00 p.m. PT, Wednesday, April 15
Official news on the Lord of the Rings movies
Warner Bros. made big news recently by announcing a second live-action Lord of the Rings film is in the works. That could be expanded on, but more likely, the studio might update theater owners on what is happening with the first film, The Hunt for Gollum, which is coming in 2027.
When it could happen: Warner Bros. presentation, 4:30-6:30 pm PT, Tuesday, April 14
Anything on Star Trek
Star Trek is another priority franchise for Paramount, and if the studio’s new leaders want to impress theater owners about their future films, they could reveal what, specifically, is happening with the Final Frontier.
When it could happen: Paramount presentation, 9:45-11:30 a.m. PT Thursday, April 16
Are those Avatar sequels happening?
This is probably less likely after an article earlier this week, but Disney will definitely address the 2025 release of Avatar: Fire and Ash in its presentation. It could, after that, mention if more sequels are coming or not.
When it could happen: Disney presentation, 2:30-4:30 p.m. PT Thursday, April 16
Anything on the new film from the Daniels
Oscar-winning directors the Daniels have been very quiet since the release of Everything Everywhere All at Once. We know they have a big event film coming and that Ryan Gosling was briefly attached, so we’d love to hear something about it to get our curiosity piqued.
When it could happen: Universal presentation, 4:00-6:00 p.m. PT, Wednesday, April 15
First footage from Godzilla Minus Zero
Bonus! This is one we know is going to happen, as it’s been previously announced. And, considering the first film is one of our favorites in recent memory, we couldn’t be more pumped
When it will Happen: State of the Industry presentation, 9:00-11:00 a.m. PT, Tuesday, April 14
Of course, those are just a few of the things that could happen or be revealed. Really, there’s so much more; it’s impossible to predict, so keep an eye here next week as we report from CinemaCon.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
