Jonathan Sim
CinemaCon brought a wide-ranging mix of announcements from Angel Studios, Sony Pictures Classics, and StudioCanal, each carving out a distinct identity while reinforcing a shared commitment to theatrical releases. From faith-driven epics and historical dramas to restorations of beloved classics and bold franchise revivals, the three studios delivered a slate that balanced nostalgia with risk-taking originality.
Angel Studios leaned heavily into emotionally driven storytelling while branching into more commercial genres. One of the biggest announcements was Angel and the Badman, a remake of the classic Western starring Zachary Levi, Neal McDonough, and Tommy Lee Jones, scheduled to arrive in October.
The studio also unveiled a trailer for Runner, an action thriller starring Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson. The film follows a desperate race against time to transport a life-saving liver to a sick little girl while dangerous enemies close in, and it is scheduled for release on September 11.
Historical drama also played a major role in Angel’s presentation. The Brink of War stars Jeff Daniels as Ronald Reagan, alongside Jared Harris and J. K. Simmons, in a politically charged story rooted in real-world tensions.
Other projects highlighted include Drummer Boy, an ambitious war musical, and Hershey, starring Alexandra Daddario and Finn Wittrock, which explores the legacy of the iconic chocolate brand. The studio also screened a trailer for Zero A.D., continuing its focus on biblical narratives.
Young Washington is set for a July 3 theatrical release, timed to Independence Day weekend on the United States’ 250th anniversary, with its star, William Franklyn-Miller, appearing at the presentation to build excitement. The film also stars Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, Joel Smallbone, and Kelsey Grammer.
Sony Pictures Classics took a more restrained but equally impactful approach, focusing on the power of legacy and preservation. The studio announced that The Piano will return to theaters on July 24, giving audiences another opportunity to experience Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning film on the big screen.
In addition, Trainspotting is set for a 4K restoration and theatrical release beginning June 5, bringing Danny Boyle’s influential classic back into theaters for a new generation.
The studio also highlighted their upcoming movies, I Swear and Unidentified. They showed a clip from Gail Daughtry & the Celebrity Sex Pass, which features Zoey Deutch‘s character realizing she must have sex with her celebrity hall pass, Jon Hamm, to save her own relationship. Clips were also shown from Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty and The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, starring John Turturro.
StudioCanal delivered one of the most eclectic and attention-grabbing presentations of the group, mixing provocative new projects with major franchise expansions and reboots. Among the most talked about titles was Everybody Wants to Fuck Me, a film starring Taron Egerton that immediately drew laughs for its bold title alone.
The studio also confirmed that a fourth installment in the Paddington series is in development along with an animated project, continuing the success of one of its most beloved family franchises. Speaking of, a new installment in the Shaun the Sheep series is in the works. A trailer was shown for Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, in theaters September 18.
The company is also revisiting genre classics with remakes of The Howling and Escape from New York, signaling a renewed interest in horror and science fiction properties with established fan bases. Horror fans also got a first look at The Ice Cream Man, a new project teased by Eli Roth that appears to lean into his signature visceral style.
On the legacy side, Terminator 2: Judgment Day will return to theaters for its 35th anniversary, continuing the trend of eventized re-releases that draw audiences back to the big screen.
StudioCanal is also expanding into family and children’s content with new takes on Mr. Men and Pippi Longstocking, while Danny Boyle arrived onstage and offered a glimpse at his upcoming project Ink, with footage of its opening scene suggesting another visually dynamic effort from the director. The film stars Jack O’Connell, Guy Pearce, and Kerry Condon.
Taken together, the presentations from these three studios highlight a theatrical landscape that is both diverse and strategically targeted. Angel Studios is continuing to build its audience through inspirational and accessible storytelling, Sony Pictures Classics is reinforcing the value of revisiting great films in a theatrical setting, and StudioCanal is embracing bold ideas, recognizable properties, and genre experimentation. The result is a lineup that reflects both the past and future of moviegoing, with studios finding new ways to bring audiences back into cinemas.
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