Closing out the convention with a bang is none other than Walt Disney Studios, which includes animated and Marvel titles as well. There has been a lot of chatter online about what we can expect, and having them last on the docket just amplified the buzz even more, as journalists had to wait the full week to see what they were unveiling. Let’s take a look at one of the most anticipated slates from CinemaCon 2025!
Thunderbolts**
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Marvel Studios showcased new footage from Thunderbolts, opening with the team bickering inside a van before crashing straight into a mission. The scrappy, grounded action emphasizes brute force over superpowers, resulting in a brutal, close-quarters fight sequence.
Valentina Allegra de Fontaine attempts to officially assemble the team at Avengers Tower, but the dysfunctional group refuses—until the mysterious Sentry (Lewis Pullman) violently makes his presence known. With darker tones and destructive stakes, Thunderbolts looks positioned as a major MCU event.
Lilo & Stitch (Live-Action)
Release Date: May 23, 2025
No footage was shown for Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, but anticipation remains high for director Dean Fleischer Camp’s reimagining of the animated classic. Lots of online conversation arose when the casting for this was underway, but regardless, it’s a fun kids’ film, so we can expect the box office numbers to be through the roof.
Pixar’s Elio
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Pixar debuted dazzling footage from Elio, following a lonely boy who’s accidentally transported into the “Communiverse,” a vibrant gathering of alien species. Bursting with color and creativity, the footage showcased psychedelic visuals unlike anything Pixar has done before.
Elio teams up with a larva-like alien named Gordon to stop a robotic invasion, blending heartfelt friendship with cosmic spectacle. Despite behind-the-scenes challenges, Elio looks visually bold and emotionally promising.
The Fantastic Four: The First Steps
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Marvel revealed new footage establishing the Fantastic Four as beloved heroes in an alternate MCU reality. Family dynamics take center stage, especially as Sue Storm announces her pregnancy, grounding the story emotionally.
The arrival of the Silver Surfer brings dire warnings of Galactus’ impending destruction. As Reed Richards struggles with doubt and responsibility, the film sets up a race against time to save Earth, ending with the Surfer soaring away from catastrophe.
Freakier Friday
Release Date: August 8, 2025
CinemaCon audiences saw an extended scene from Freakier Friday, featuring a multigenerational body swap involving Tess, Anna, and their children. Comedy ensues as old feelings resurface and romantic confusion reigns.
With returning stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, the footage leaned heavily into nostalgia, charm, and broad comedy, promising a fun continuation of the beloved original.
Predator: Badlands
Release Date: November 7, 2025
The first footage from Predator: Badlands teases a radical evolution for the franchise. A young Predator crash-lands in hostile territory and finds himself hunted rather than hunter.
Elle Fanning plays a mysterious ally as the Predator faces gangs, new weaponry, and a massive kaiju-like creature. Director Dan Trachtenberg appears to be expanding the mythology in bold new directions.
Tron: Ares
Release Date: October 10, 2025
Disney brought CinemaCon to the Grid with electrifying footage from Tron: Ares. The film bridges the digital and real worlds as Lightcycles tear through New York City and portals open between dimensions.
The trailer ends with the creation of Jared Leto’s rogue program, Ares, accompanied by a pulsating Nine Inch Nails score, setting up a sleek, high-energy collision of worlds. I’m sure Tron fans will be pleased with this adaptation!
Zootopia 2
Release Date: November 26, 2025
No footage details were revealed, but Disney confirmed the return of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for another animated mystery. Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin are set to return to their fan favorite roles! While it is an animated flick, it really landed with adults due to the humor and life message for kids.
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Release Date: December 19, 2025
James Cameron unveiled jaw-dropping footage introducing the Ash People, a violent new Na’vi tribe. The visuals push cinematic boundaries, featuring aerial warfare, emotional conflict, and escalating tension within Jake and Neytiri’s family.
Themes of rage, faith, and survival dominate as the saga expands into darker territory, culminating in massive sky-bound action unlike anything seen before.
Deliver Me From Nowhere
Release Date: TBA
CinemaCon attendees were treated to the first footage from the Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere. Jeremy Allen White stars as Springsteen during the creation of Nebraska, capturing a quiet, introspective chapter of the artist’s life.
The footage highlights Springsteen’s creative isolation, personal struggles, and collaboration with manager Jon Landau (Jeremy Strong), ending on a powerful performance of “Born to Run.” The film promises an intimate portrait rather than a traditional cradle-to-grave biopic.
