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- Paramount’s big moments and headline announcements
- First look: Children of Blood and Bone — an African-set fantasy event
- Johnny Depp returns in Ebenezer: new Dickens adaptation
- Big tentpoles and franchise scheduling
- True-story drama and sports biopics shown in preview
- What was missing from the lineup
- Leadership promises and the future of theatrical windows
- Trailers, tech, and short takeaways from the show floor
- Industry reaction and how exhibitors responded
Paramount opened its biggest CinemaCon stage since the Skydance tie-up with a bold, star-packed presentation. The studio mixed franchise teases, high-profile talent, and merger promises to court theater owners and the press in equal measure.
Paramount’s big moments and headline announcements
Onstage came a mix of familiar faces and fresh projects. Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, Billie Eilish, and James Cameron all factored into the show. Behind the fanfare were strategic declarations about the studio’s output and theatrical strategy.
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- Top Gun 3 is officially in development with Tom Cruise attached and a script underway.
- Paramount reiterated plans tied to the Skydance alliance and its pending Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.
- Studio executives promised a steady slate of movies and a guaranteed theatrical window for exhibitors.
First look: Children of Blood and Bone — an African-set fantasy event
A standout preview was the adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s novel, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The footage framed a sweeping fantasy world grounded in African culture and myth.
Cast and creative team
- Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, and Tosin Cole lead the ensemble.
- Supporting roles include Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Idris Elba, and Viola Davis.
- Adeyemi co-wrote the screenplay with Prince-Bythewood.
Paramount staged a vibrant presentation with drummers, dancers, and a short Q&A. Cast members explained why the story matters. The film promises action, ritual, romance, and bold visual effects. It is set to arrive in theaters on January 15, 2027.
Johnny Depp returns in Ebenezer: new Dickens adaptation
Johnny Depp walked the CinemaCon stage to present his take on A Christmas Carol. This marks his return to major-studio cinema after high-profile industry setbacks.
- The film is titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol.
- Cast includes Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley, and Ian McKellen.
- Release date is November 13, 2026.
Depp offered measured remarks about stepping into an iconic role and cited classic performances as touchstones. The film promises a familiar but theatrical approach to the holiday tale.
Big tentpoles and franchise scheduling
Paramount mapped out several major release dates and trailers for franchise films and new properties. The studio leaned on established IP while debuting fresh adaptations.
- Call of Duty—Taylor Sheridan teams with Peter Berg on a film now dated for June 30, 2028.
- New entries teased in the Star Trek, World War Z, and A Quiet Place franchises.
- Street Fighter and Jackass offerings were previewed for audiences.
Other announced projects include a fresh Longlegs movie from Oz Perkins and Sian Heder’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow among an expanded slate.
True-story drama and sports biopics shown in preview
Paramount screened clips from films inspired by real events. One highlight told the underdog NFL tale of John Tuggle, the final pick who fought to make the roster.
- Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story features Michael Shannon and Corenswet.
- The film follows Tuggle’s struggle to secure a role with the New York Giants and his impact on the team.
- Paramount positions the film as a holiday release with emotional, sports-driven beats.
What was missing from the lineup
Attendees noticed a few absences. One of the most anticipated omissions was any substantial update on Damien Chazelle’s untitled project.
- The Chazelle film reportedly stars Cillian Murphy, Daniel Craig, and Michelle Williams.
- No title, footage, or release date was offered at CinemaCon.
- David Ayer’s Heart of the Beast did get a first look with Brad Pitt and a rugged survival story.
Leadership promises and the future of theatrical windows
Executives used the platform to address the industry’s long-running questions about release windows and content volume. David Ellison and other leaders spoke about commitments tied to the studio merger.
- Production pledge: Ellison stated the combined studios will aim for at least 30 films per year.
- Theatrical window guarantee: Paramount announced a minimum 45-day exclusive theatrical window, followed by SVOD access at about 90 days.
- Exhibitor groups have pushed for longer windows and firm guarantees if the merger proceeds.
During the presentation, a sizzle reel narrated by Tom Cruise celebrated Paramount’s legacy and future. The segment featured cameo appearances and cinematic set pieces designed to reassure partners and audiences alike.
Trailers, tech, and short takeaways from the show floor
- Jackass best and last debuted with outrageous stunts and a first trailer.
- The Street Fighter trailer had premiered earlier, feeding buzz into Paramount’s showcase.
- James Cameron revealed new 3-D techniques used on a Billie Eilish concert film, and disclosed some AI assistance in background work.
- Paramount flagged more sequels and revivals, including a new World War Z and Star Trek film.
Industry reaction and how exhibitors responded
The room reacted warmly at times and skeptically at others. Studio executives were greeted with applause when discussing legacy and rights, but exhibitors pressed for hard guarantees.
Cinema United and other exhibitor organizations remain vocal about preserving theatrical windows and the volume of films available to theaters. Their stance could shape regulatory review of the studio merger.
