Amazon MGM Studios made a high-profile debut at CinemaCon, thrilling audiences with star-studded previews. However, despite the buzz surrounding the future of James Bond, the highly anticipated franchise update remained largely under wraps.

Since 1962, the Bond films have been controlled by the Broccoli family, known for their tight grip on the franchise. That changed earlier this year when producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson sold creative control to Amazon MGM for a reported $1 billion (£760 million)—a move that shocked fans and industry insiders.

A New Era for Bond?

Despite intense speculation about prequels, spin-offs, and reboots, Amazon MGM’s CinemaCon presentation provided little new information. Chris Hemsworth, often rumored as a potential Bond, attended to promote his upcoming thriller Crime 101, but no casting news was revealed.

Amazon MGM executives Courtenay Valenti and Sue Kroll briefly addressed the franchise’s future, stating:

“We are committed to honoring the legacy of this iconic character while bringing a fresh, exotic new chapter to audiences worldwide.”

They noted that new Bond producers Amy Pascal (Spider-Man franchise) and David Heyman (Harry Potter series) were hard at work in London, unable to attend the event.

Amazon’s Theatrical Vision

While Bond remained mostly in the shadows, Amazon MGM Studios showcased a blockbuster lineup for the coming years:

• Ryan Gosling’s Project Hail Mary – A sci-fi epic where he plays an astronaut trying to save humanity.
• Chris Pratt’s Mercy – A thriller about an AI-driven justice system.
• Masters of the Universe – A highly anticipated fantasy adventure.

Amazon MGM remains committed to the theatrical experience, with plans to release 15 movies a year by 2027 and 14 films already lined up for 2026.

As fans eagerly await details on Bond’s next mission, one thing is certain—Amazon is betting big on the future of cinema.

Universal Pictures has officially announced the release date for Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated mythological epic, The Odyssey. The film is set to premiere on July 17, 2026, and will be presented in cutting-edge IMAX technology, promising a visually breathtaking cinematic experience.

At CinemaCon, Universal’s President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution, Jim Orr, hailed Nolan’s approach to the legendary Greek tale, calling it a “visionary reimagining of Homer’s classic.”

“This will be a monumental film—one that redefines the genre and brings ancient storytelling to life in ways never seen before,” Orr added.

Featuring an ensemble cast led by Matt Damon as Odysseus, the film also stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Lupita Nyong’o in key roles. As Odysseus embarks on his perilous 10-year journey home from the Trojan War, he encounters mythical creatures, vengeful gods, and unimaginable trials.

The film will be shot using next-generation IMAX film technology, allowing audiences to experience the grandeur of ancient Greece with stunning detail and realism. This marks the first time Homer’s epic will be brought to life in IMAX, elevating the storytelling to an immersive new level.

Following the success of Oppenheimer, which won Best Picture, Nolan returns with a project of unprecedented scale and ambition. With his signature practical effects, historical depth, and groundbreaking visual style, The Odyssey is expected to be one of the defining cinematic events of the decade.

Sony Pictures and filmmaker Zach Cregger are gearing up for a chilling revival of the Resident Evil franchise, with Euphoria star Austin Abrams emerging as the frontrunner for the lead role.

Cregger, best known for his breakout horror hit Barbarian, has penned the script and is set to direct the upcoming film. The reboot is expected to steer the franchise deeper into horror, moving away from its previous action-heavy adaptations. Co-written by Shay Hatten (John Wick: Chapter 4, Army of the Dead), the film is rumored to blend horror with elements of a wilderness survival thriller.

Sony is wasting no time, planning a summer shoot in Europe, with Cregger already scouting locations. The project is backed by Constantin Film, Vertigo Entertainment, and PlayStation Productions, with key producers including Robert Kulzer, Roy Lee (Barbarian), and Miri Yoon (Weapons).

If cast, Resident Evil would reunite Abrams with Cregger, as the actor also stars in the upcoming horror ensemble Weapons alongside Josh Brolin and Julia Garner. Abrams, known for roles in The Walking Dead, This Is Us, and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, has been steadily climbing Hollywood’s ranks. His latest project, Wolfs, an Apple TV action comedy starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, further cements his versatility.

Unlike past Resident Evil films, this reboot aims to deliver a darker, more terrifying experience, staying true to the survival horror roots of the original Capcom video games. With a promising cast and a visionary horror director at the helm, this new iteration could redefine the franchise.