CinemaCon 2026, taking place from April 13 to April 16 in Las Vegas, has officially begun, with Day 1 setting the tone for what lies ahead in theatrical Hollywood. As the industry’s most important exhibition event, CinemaCon brings together studios, exhibitors and distributors to present exclusive footage and trailers that define the upcoming slate.
The opening day made one thing clear — studios are arriving with confidence, using first-look footage not just to tease films, but to establish scale, tone and audience expectations months ahead of release.
From horror reboots to multiverse storytelling and prestige drama, CinemaCon Day 1 trailers offered a diverse snapshot of where the big screen is headed next.
Resident Evil — A Return to Pure Survival Horror
One of the most talked-about reveals from CinemaCon Day 1 was Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil, which takes a distinctly different approach from previous adaptations.
The trailer opens in isolation — a snow-covered setting and an abandoned house — immediately establishing a grounded, atmospheric tone. As the footage unfolds, the horror escalates through disturbing imagery, including grotesque creatures and claustrophobic encounters that emphasize dread over spectacle.
A standout sequence sees the protagonist pursued across a deserted street by a horde closing in from above, delivering a moment of scale while maintaining the film’s survival-focused intensity. This version of Resident Evil appears to prioritize fear, tension and immersion over franchise mythology.
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse — Multiverse Conflict Intensifies
Sony also unveiled new footage from Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, continuing directly from the previous film’s cliffhanger.
The trailer places Miles Morales in an alternate dimension where he confronts a darker version of himself, shifting the narrative toward internal conflict as much as external stakes. Visually, the film continues to push boundaries, layering animation styles to create a constantly evolving aesthetic.
The emotional drive remains central, with Miles attempting to return to his original universe while allies like Spider-Gwen and Peter B. Parker rally to support him. As part of the CinemaCon Day 1 lineup, the footage reinforced the franchise’s reputation for combining visual innovation with character-driven storytelling.
The Social Reckoning — A High-Stakes Digital Thriller
Among the more grounded presentations on CinemaCon Day 1, Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Reckoning introduced a continuation of the world first explored in The Social Network.
The trailer focuses on a whistleblower narrative, gradually building tension through dialogue and performance. Rather than relying on visual spectacle, the film leans into its characters, with Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White at the center of a story about accountability and exposure.
The tone suggests a thriller shaped by real-world anxieties, positioning the film as a timely exploration of power in the digital age.
Insidious: Out of the Further — A New Chapter in Fear
The Insidious franchise returned to the spotlight on CinemaCon Day 1 with Out of the Further, introducing a new story while maintaining the core mythology of the series.
The trailer builds tension through atmosphere — shadowy interiors, slow reveals and a growing sense of unease. At the center is a mother who discovers her ability to access The Further, leading to increasingly unsettling encounters.
Rather than relying on quick scares, the footage suggests a more sustained, immersive approach to horror, reinforcing the franchise’s identity while pushing its intensity further.
Klara and the Sun — A Quiet, Reflective Sci-Fi Vision
Standing apart from the larger-scale presentations, Klara and the Sun offered a quieter moment during CinemaCon Day 1.
Directed by Taika Waititi, the film focuses on a solar-powered companion navigating human relationships in a technology-driven world. The trailer emphasizes subtlety, with a focus on performance and emotional nuance rather than spectacle.
With Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams leading the cast, the film presents a more introspective take on science fiction, offering contrast within a lineup largely driven by scale and franchise recognition.
CinemaCon Day 1 wasn’t limited to major studio tentpoles. Earlier presentations from Angel Studios, Sony Pictures Classics and StudioCanal expanded the scope of what’s coming to theaters, showcasing a mix of historical drama, action thrillers, indie cinema and franchise development.
Angel Studios opened the day with a lineup focused on historical and faith-driven narratives. Among the standout reveals was The Brink of War, a Cold War drama centered on Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, alongside Runner, an action-driven thriller starring Alan Ritchson. The studio also previewed projects ranging from a Western remake (Angel and the Badman) to a Milton Hershey biopic and a Christmas war musical, highlighting its niche yet consistent production identity.
Sony Pictures Classics leaned into its arthouse positioning, showcasing festival-acquired titles and upcoming releases, including new works from established filmmakers and a Cannes-bound Pedro Almodóvar project. The presentation emphasized performance-driven storytelling and global cinema, offering a counterbalance to the larger studio spectacle.
StudioCanal delivered some of the biggest announcements of the day, confirming that Paddington 4 is officially in development alongside an animated expansion of the franchise. The studio also revealed plans to reimagine classic properties like Escape From New York and The Howling, while continuing its investment in literary adaptations and original storytelling.
The presentation also included first looks at upcoming projects like Danny Boyle’s Ink and the animated Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, further underlining the diversity of content being prepared for theatrical audiences.
As the event continues through April 16, the trailers unveiled so far have already set expectations high, offering a glimpse into a slate that aims to combine scale, innovation and emotional engagement for the big screen.
Read More: