Sony Pictures kicked off CinemaCon 2023 in spectacular fashion with an amazing presentation laying out the studio’s plans for the year. During the presentation, which showcased a wide variety of films ranging from dramas like DUMB MONEY to action flicks like BAD BOYS 4, and the upcoming GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE sequel, Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman exclaimed that Sony is the “only studio dedicated to the theatrical.” And the rollout of the 23 films set for release this year alone made a strong case.
But those not in attendance for CinemaCon don’t have to feel left out, as we have put together a rundown of the major reveals and awesome moments from the extensive presentation, which includes SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, Ridley Scott’s NAPOLEON, and a bundle of Rated R movies…
Rated R Movies
Sony Pictures has long had a reputation of being a studio not afraid of pushing boundaries, and that trend will continue throughout 2023 with a wide range of “R rated content.” This includes the upcoming Jennifer Lawrence comedy, NO HARD FEELINGS.
Those in attendance were treated to a first look from the upcoming KRAVEN THE HUNTER presented by the movie’s lead actor, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who revealed that the highly-anticipated comic book movie will, in fact, be rated R. The teaser, which was the first footage ever shown for the upcoming October 6th release, received a massive reaction from the crowd.
The Sony presentation also featured a surprise Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony for Denzel Washington, who was presented the honor by Antoine Fuqua, his longtime collaborator and director of THE EQUALIZER 3. The pair were also on hand to announce that the third installment in the action franchise will land in theatres on September 1st.
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
With the long-awaited release of SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE right around the corner, it was all but guaranteed that the latest movie from Sony PIctures Animation would receive a lot of attention at CinemaCon 2023, and boy did it! Kemp Powers, one of three directors working on the sequel to Academy Award® winner SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, was on hand to hype up the movie before showing 14 minutes of footage that showed off familiar characters, new faces, and multiversal drama that brings the feels.
The footage received a big reaction from the crowd, and rightfully so, considering pretty much everyone in the world is champing at the bit to finally see the next set of adventures for Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy, and the infinite number of other heroes who make up the Spider-Society.
Moviegoers just have to wait another month-and-a-half until we get a chance to feast our eyes on the amazing and spectacular sequel when it opens June 2nd at AMC Theatres nationwide in a variety of formats.
Hidden Gem: Napoleon
It seems like we have been talking about Ridley Scott’s NAPOLEON, formerly known as KITBAG, for years now, but it looks like we’ll be discussing the upcoming historical epic even more in the months to come now that we know how and when we’ll be able to watch it. The movie, which is slated for a worldwide release during Thanksgiving weekend, will follow French military commander and political leader Napoleon Bonaparte (Joaquin Phoenix) as he works his way up the ranks and rises to power in the early 19th Century, as well as his volatile relationship with Empress Josephine (Vanessa Kirby).
At the conclusion of the Sony Pictures presentation, Tom Rothman described NAPOLEON as a movie that “shouts big screen,” and the footage shown at CinemaCon makes a strong case for that claim. With a scope that compares to Scott’s 2000 Academy Award winner, GLADIATOR, brutal fights and depictions of war, and heavy use of practical effects, this could be the next epic drama audiences and critics are talking about for years to come.
The world will get to see Ridley Scott’s vision come to life when NAPOLEON opens in theatres November 22nd.
These movies were just part of Sony Pictures presentation, as other upcoming films like GRAN TURISMO, THE MACHINE, ANYONE BUT YOU, and more were shown off to the audience. That audience also received kind words from Tom Rothman as he closed out the event, saying:
“We would be nothing without you all, without your houses. … Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
This is just the beginning of AMC Theatres coverage of CinemaCon 2023, as presentations from Warner Bros., Walt Disney, Universal, Paramount, and Lionsgate will follow in the days to come. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and check AMC Scene for updates about all the big reveals and updates on those anticipated movies coming to AMC Theatres later this year.
