Preview
- Paramount Pictures made its presentation to the 2026 CinemaCon crowd.
- Among the movies promoted were ‘Street Fighter’ and ‘Scary Movie’.
- There was also a look at a new ‘Christmas Carol’ adaptation.
Given the tumultuous behind-the-scenes business activity of first the Skydance/Paramount acquisition and now the combined studios’ ongoing mission to buy Warner Bros., it’s fair to wonder how much of that will be referenced at the company’s 2026 CinemaCon presentation.
But as is more likely, we’re expecting a focus on movies including the new ‘Scary Movie’ entry and a fresh take on the ‘Street Fighter’ video game.
Unlike some of its competition, Paramount doesn’t have many of its big hitter franchises with ready entries, though we’ll likely get something from the early 2027 arrival of the fourth ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ movie.
Related Article: Netflix Out of Bidding War for Warner Bros., Paramount Seemingly Wins
Following a looong sizzle reel (narrated by Tom Cruise and ending with him chilling out on the lot's iconic water tower), freshly minted Paramount/Skydance boss David Ellison took the stage to enthuse about storytelling and –– cross it off your bingo card! –– further confirm that a merged Paramount and Warner Bros. would commit to 30 movies a year theatrically, with healthy 45-day release windows.
There was also a lot of chat about the IP-based movies they're developing –– expect more 'Star Trek', 'Transformers', 'World War Z' and 'Top Gun', plus a 'Call of Duty' movie. Oh, and following the success of the first film via Neon, the studio is the new home of the 'Longlegs' franchise. And we also learned that classic antagonists Shredder and Kang will show up in the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem' sequel, due in 2027.
‘Sonic the Hedgehog 4’
There wasn't much on the fourth 'Sonic' beyond a quick video from the set that confirms Jim Carrey will be back. There was also a mention of Kristen Bell, who voices Amy Rose.
‘Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour'
Eilish and director James Cameron (yes, that James Cameron) took the stage to showcase the tour movie (Live in 3D in case you forgot), with Cameron talking up how they developed new 3D tech to make the film –– and make it look amazing. He calls it a "VIP experience".
The audience were given 3D glasses to watch some new footage from the tour movie.
‘Scary Movie’
Next to take the stage was the 'Scary Movie' cast (well, Marlon and Shawn Wayans and Anna Faris) discuss the new reboot (or sixth film) in the horror spoof series. "Nobody is safe" seems to be the mantra here, and the Wayans introduced some fresh footage from the movie.
That "nobody is safe" also applies to the genre titles this one takes pot shots at, including 'Sinners', 'M3GAN' and more.
‘Jackass: Best and Last’
The new –– and final? –– 'Jackass' saw main man Johnny Knoxville trying to convince us all that it really is the last one. Guessing they're all getting a little too old for the crazy stunts.
‘Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie’
In what could be considered tonal whiplash, the next film to be name-checked was the latest 'Paw Patrol' movie, with a quick teaser.
‘The Angry Birds Movie 3’
The new 'Angry Birds' film was also given a very brief check-in, and we learned that this one is about fatherhood.
‘Street Fighter’
The cast for the latest attempt to kick off a franchise based on the classic video game title arrived on stage to discuss it. Wrestler-turned-actor Cody Rhodes showed up dressed in costume as Guile.
They introduced the first trailer for the movie, which you can see above.
Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story
The new movie from Jonathan Levine stars 'Superman's David Corenswet and focuses on the enduring impact John Tuggle had on his team and teammates after being drafted by the New York Giants.
Corenswet appeared via video to introduce the film, talking about how he was inspired by Tuggle's story but was also conflicted as an Eagles fan playing a Giants icon.
'Heart of the Beast'
The new David Ayer movie features Brad Pitt as a former Navy SEAL and his retired combat dog who attempt to return to civilization after a catastrophic accident deep in the Alaskan wilderness.
Following a quick look at K-Pop Superstar: The Movie, it was on to...
‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’
The new movie from Ti West (who has been better known for more brutal horror in the past) features Johnny Depp as Scrooge. Some footage was screened. Unsurprisingly, it's leaning into the scarier elements of the story. Happy Christmas?
‘Children of Blood and Bone’
Gina Prince-Bythewood's new film adaptsTomi Adeyemi's novel, featuring a woman blessed with magical powers by the gods and living in a place where you are forbidden to use them, teams up with a princess to summon the gods and bring down the oppressive regime.
A musical performance preceded the cast (including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Thuso Mbedu) and Prince-Bythewood to the stage to talk up the film. We also got footage.
The footage shows Viola Davis' Mama Agba and her allies smacking around some tax collectors. The film is a story about the struggle to bring back magic in a kingdom where magic users are routinely executed. The magic users have Targaryen-like white hair. We see one magician summon a tree fighter to battle enemy warriors. The movie looks unique.
Noticeably absent? 'Avatar: Ang, The Last Airbender', which Paramount originally planned for theaters and then decided to shove to its streaming service. But the biggest news? It recently leaked online....
And with that, Paramount is done!
