by Rosa Parra

Paramount Pictures

• The presentation began with a montage of actors and directors the studio has already committed to working with, narrated by Tom Cruise. The final shot showed Cruise sitting atop the water tower, reinforcing the message Paramount aimed to convey. Paramount is more than just a name; it represents the studio’s goals. Once the merger is finalized, they plan to release 30 films across both studios. Each film will have at least a 45-day theatrical release window, with future plans to extend this to 90 days. 

• Announcing numerous upcoming projects set for release in 2027 and 2028. There will be another Top Gun film, serving as a follow-up to Top Gun: Maverick. Sonic 4 is scheduled for March 2027, with Jim Carrey reprising his role as Robotnik. Another Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is currently in development. A Quiet Place Part III is slated to launch on July 30th, 2027, featuring the addition of Jack O’Connell, among others. The Call of Duty movie, directed by Peter Berg, is expected to debut in the summer of 2028.
• The first 2026 film to be released and showcased is the upcoming Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour Live in 3D, directed by James Cameron and starring Billie Eilish. Both discussed how the movie is best experienced in theaters. We received 3D glasses and previewed some footage. Cameron explained how his camerawork was designed to highlight Eilish and give her a new dimension. The footage conveyed a strong sense of immersion, making viewers feel as if they were attending the concert in person. I believe this film will resonate especially with her fans, particularly those who haven’t attended her concerts. It looked impressive. 

• The cast of Scary Movie demonstrated that R-rated comedies can be financially successful at the box office. The Wayans brothers and Anna Faris are outstanding. Marlon Wayans preemptively apologizes to anyone who might be offended by the film, showing a scroll listing various groups, including white people, black people, Mexicans, Mexicants, white people, Diddy, Diddy’s cleaner, and baby oil. Notably, most mentions are of white people. We are then shown a longer trailer and a scene from the movie, which looks hilarious. The entire audience, including the press, was laughing nonstop. It was the first time I saw everyone thoroughly enjoying the footage. I can’t wait to watch it myself—I’m already sold. Wazzupp! Additionally, the Caesar’s Palace promotion for the film features statues with gold chains bearing the word “wazzupp,” which is quite amusing. 
• Jackass: Best and Last will be released on June 26, marking the final Jackass film ever. I’ve never been a fan of this series or movies, so it didn’t resonate with me at all. It seems quite painful, and honestly, I’m relieved to hear it’s the last installment, so these men don’t have to keep hurting themselves. 

• Regarding animated films, Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie is set to release this summer on August 14th. The trailer seemed okay, but I recognize I am not part of the target audience. Additionally, The Angry Birds Movie 3 is scheduled for release in December 2026 and appears promising. 
• Street Fighter is set to be released this October, and the cast gathered on stage to watch a new trailer. Just before the footage was shown, 50 Cent appeared. He hasn’t featured as prominently in the advertising as the other cast members and arrived notably late. His tardiness was briefly acknowledged, which was quite amusing to observe. The footage itself looks decent, with nothing particularly extraordinary or thrilling. 

• Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story is set to release this Christmas. It feels like a familiar sports feel-good movie with David Corenswet and Michael Shannon. The trailer was promising! While I don’t think the film offers anything groundbreaking, it appears to be well made. It’s caught my interest.
• Heart of the Beast, directed by David Ayer and starring Brad Pitt, is an action-adventure survival film about a man and his dog. Meanwhile, KPop Superstar: The Movie is set to release on Valentine’s Day 2027. 
• Ti West will direct Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol and then introduces the film’s star, Johnny Depp, who receives a standing ovation. Depp takes the stage to talk about his experience playing this role and his initial doubts about portraying a character that has been seen before (noting he has played similar roles, like Willy Wonka). We are then shown a trailer, which I didn’t mind. However, I must admit that this character doesn’t differ much from others he has played. It’s clear I’m watching Depp act, and it didn’t resonate with me. 

• Finally, performers enter the stage with drums and dancers filling the space. As the music plays, the screen displays the cast announcement alongside their respective characters. When the spotlight reaches the center of the stage, Chiwetel Ejiofor walks on as King Saran. Children of Blood and Bone, starring Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Edris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, and Thuso Mbedu, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, is a film adapted from Tomi Adeyemi’s sci-fi fantasy novel set in a fictional African kingdom full of magic. The presentation was fantastic! The trailer was equally impressive, and I can’t wait to see the film early next year. Hell yeah! Coming January 15, 2027.