Paramount Brings Cameron, Street Fighter & Johnny Depp to CinemaCon 2026

Paramount Pictures took over the Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon 2026 with one clear mission: remind exhibitors that the theatrical experience isn’t just alive—it’s the foundation of its future. With a presentation that blended bold promises, major star power, and a slate built for every audience, the studio made it clear it’s going all in on the big screen.
The morning kicked off with a show-stopping reel—Paramount’s love letter to cinema—directed by Jon M. Chu and featuring a wide range of filmmakers and talent that define the studio’s creative community. It set the tone for what would become one of the most talked-about presentations of the week.

Paramount Chairman and CEO David Ellison then took the stage, delivering a passionate message about his love for film and the importance of theatrical exhibition. Speaking directly to exhibitors, Ellison emphasized that the theatrical model remains not just culturally significant, but essential for building long-lasting franchises. He doubled down on that commitment with a major promise: following the anticipated merger with Warner Bros., the combined studios aim to release at least 30 films annually—with every title receiving a full theatrical rollout and a minimum 45-day exclusive window.
Ellison then welcomed Paramount Pictures Co-Chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, who laid out the vision for a “new Paramount”—one anchored by a robust, four-quadrant slate spanning action, animation, comedy, drama, horror, and epic fantasy. Central to that strategy is a commitment to delivering consistent theatrical content year-round, scaling up to 15 films annually while continuing to invest in both major franchises and bold original storytelling.

That philosophy was immediately put into action as the presentation rolled into its first major highlight. Billie Eilish joined James Cameron on stage to debut Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard & Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), offering an extended look at an immersive concert experience built specifically for theaters using custom 3D technology. Designed to feel like the final stop on her tour, the film hits theaters May 8, 2026.
Paramount’s President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution, Shaun Barber, then addressed exhibitors, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between studios and theaters in bringing audiences back to cinemas.

From there, the tone shifted into full comedy mode as Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Anna Faris took the stage to unveil an extended trailer for the latest installment in the Scary Movie franchise. The irreverent humor that made the series a cultural staple was front and center, with the film set to hit theaters June 5, 2026.
Comedy continued with the arrival of Johnny Knoxville, who introduced Jackass: Best and Last, teasing what’s being billed as the final chapter of the long-running franchise. The film debuts June 26, 2026.
Family audiences were next on the agenda, with back-to-back looks at PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie and The Angry Birds Movie 3, arriving August 16 and December 23, 2026, respectively—reinforcing Paramount’s commitment to all-ages entertainment.

One of the biggest crowd reactions of the presentation came with Street Fighter, as director Kitao Sakurai was joined by cast members including Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Andrew Schulz, Eric André, and 50 Cent to debut the world premiere trailer. The high-energy reveal tapped directly into fan nostalgia while delivering a modern, theatrical edge. The film opens October 16, 2026.
Sports drama entered the spotlight as Phil Simms introduced Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story, followed by a message from David Corenswet and exclusive footage from the film, which chronicles the emotional journey of New York Giants player John Tuggle. The film arrives December 25, 2026.

The presentation continued with Heart of the Beast, a survival thriller directed by David Ayer and starring Brad Pitt, offering a tense first look at a story driven by survival, loyalty, and resilience.
A tonal shift followed with K-Pop Superstar: The Movie, a vibrant, music-driven coming-of-age story set for release on February 12, 2027, highlighting Paramount’s push toward global audiences.
Director Ti West then introduced Johnny Depp, who took the stage to unveil Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, a darker, stylized reimagining of the classic tale, arriving November 13, 2026.

Closing out the presentation in epic fashion, director Gina Prince-Bythewood joined an all-star cast including Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Regina King to debut new footage from Children of Blood and Bone, positioning the fantasy adaptation as one of the studio’s biggest cinematic events when it hits theaters January 15, 2027.
By the end of the presentation, Paramount had delivered more than just a slate—it delivered a statement. Across every genre, every reveal, and every appearance, the message was clear: these stories are built for the big screen. And at CinemaCon 2026, Paramount Pictures made it known that theatrical isn’t just part of the plan—it is the plan.





