Tag: ella-mccay

  • Emma Mackey to Play the White Witch in ‘Narnia’

    (Left) Emma Mackey in season 1 of 'Sex Education'. Photo: Jon Hall/Netflix. (Right) Tilda Swinton as Jadis in 'The Chronicles of Narnia'. Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
    (Left) Emma Mackey in season 1 of ‘Sex Education’. Photo: Jon Hall/Netflix. (Right) Tilda Swinton as the White Witch in ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Emma Mackey will be Jadis, ‘Narnia’s White Witch.
    • Greta Gerwig is directing the movie.
    • The movie has scored a rare theatrical release from Netflix for 2026.

    Like the titular kingdom itself, details on the ‘Narnia’ movie planned by Greta Gerwig are slowly starting to drip out, as the information freeze begins to thaw.

    19417

    Recently, we learned that Meryl Streep is in talks to play heroic, and somewhat messianic lion character Aslan in the movie, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, the forces of darkness have found their leading lady.

    Rising star Emma Mackey, known for Netflix’s ‘Sex Education’ series has landed the role of Jadis, the White Witch, seeing off competition from the likes of ‘The Substance’s Margaret Qualley.

    It’s the first properly confirmed –– if not officially announced yet –– piece of casting, but there have been plenty of rumors in the past; the likes of Natalie Portman, Daisy Ridley, Brie Larson, and Selena Gomez have all shown interest in Gerwig’s project, and the director talked to recent ‘AnoraOscar winner Mikey Madison about a role.

    Related Article: Meryl Streep in Talks to Voice Aslan for Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ Movie

    What are the ‘Narnia’ novels?

    2005's 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. Photo: Walt Disney Pictures.
    2005’s ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’. Photo: Walt Disney Pictures.

    In case the various film and TV adaptations have passed you by (the TV series was largely on the BBC in the UK, but the movies were big fantasy productions by 20th Century Fox in an era when studios were looking to capitalize on the success of ‘The Lord of the Rings’), the ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ is a series of seven books by British author C.S. Lewis.

    Illustrated by Pauline Baynes and originally published between 1950 and 1956, the series is set in the fictional realm of Narnia, a fantasy world of magic, mythical beasts, and talking animals.

    It narrates the adventures of various children who play central roles in the unfolding history of the Narnian world. Except in ‘The Horse and His Boy,’ the protagonists are all children from the real world who are magically transported to Narnia, where they are sometimes called upon by Aslan to protect Narnia from evil. The books span the entire history of Narnia, from its creation in ‘The Magician’s Nephew’ to its eventual destruction in ‘The Last Battle.’

    Possibly the most famous tome in the set (and the one more normally adapted) is ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.’

    As for Jadis, she’s a nasty sort known for freezing Narnia in an endless winter (where Christmas never comes –– boo! hiss! etc.), and turning her enemies into statues. She’s the main antagonist of both ‘The Magician’s Nephew’ and ‘The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.’

    What’s the story of Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ movie?

    'Barbie' Director/Writer Greta Gerwig attends a Photo Call at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Photo Credit: Caroline McCredie Photography.
    ‘Barbie’ Director/Writer Greta Gerwig attends a Photo Call at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Photo Credit: Caroline McCredie Photography.

    Gerwig’s movie will adapt the sixth novel in the ‘Narnia’ series, the aforementioned ‘The Magician’s Nephew,’ which chronologically takes place first in the series. The novel tells the origin of Narnia and is centered on youngsters Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, who discover the magical world through Digory’s uncle’s magic.

    Daniel Craig, per Deadline, has been in talks to play Uncle Andrew, while Charli XCX had been linked to potentially playing Jadis –– the role that Mackey has now landed.

    If Gerwig’s first ‘Narnia’ movie is a success, she may end up adapting the others.

    The biggest development for the movie before casting started was that Gerwig had managed to swing an exclusive two-week Imax global run in 90 countries across 1,000 auditoriums in advance of the movie’s drop on Netflix.

    That’s pretty much unheard of in terms of Netflix releases, which has been loathed to give even its biggest talents more than a cursory theatrical release, mostly preferring to drive subscribers to its servers. So it’s a big vote of confidence in the writer/director (but then, again, when you’ve made ‘Barbie,’ it buys you some clout.)

    Where else have we seen Emma Mackey?

    Emma Mackey in season 1 of 'Sex Education'. Photo: Jon Hall/Netflix.
    Emma Mackey in season 1 of ‘Sex Education’. Photo: Jon Hall/Netflix.

    Mackey, as mentioned before, broke out big playing Maeve Wiley in ‘Sex Education,’ which was a big hit on Netflix and ran between 2019 and 2023.

    Since then, she’s exploded into the movie sphere, with the likes of ‘Death on the Nile’ and Emily.

    But perhaps most pertinent to this latest job is her role as one of the Barbies in Gerwig’s 2023 smash hit named for the doll.

    Coming up, Mackey has indie dramas ‘Hot Milk’ and ‘Alpha’ and will also be seen in James L. Brooks’ new political comedy ‘Ella McCay,’ playing the title character.

    She has also been working on J.J. Abrams’ mysterious new blockbuster project.

    So, when will Greta Gerwig’s ‘Narnia’ movie be on screens?

    Narnia will release in Imax on Thanksgiving Day 2026, so November 26th and debut on Netflix on Christmas Day 2026.

    Tilda Swinton as Jadis in 'The Chronicles of Narnia'. Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
    Tilda Swinton as Jadis in ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

    List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ Movies On Amazon

    KohpU5gL
  • CinemaCon 2025: Disney Presentation

    Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    Preview:

    • Disney brought several movies to its CinemaCon 2025 presentation.
    • The likes of ‘Tron: Ares,’ ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ and more were showcased.
    • ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ also showed footage, alongside Pixar’s Elio, Freakier Friday and the new, live-action/CG ‘Lilo & Stitch

    While it is still looking to rebuild its fortunes, Disney can at least look back on 2024 as one with several big hits, especially ‘Inside Out 2’ and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine.’

    But it will have to prove that this year’s slate can match past successes. Luckily, the Mouse House has more strings to its bow than even the likes of Universal or Warner Bros., and heavy hitters including Pixar, Marvel and James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ series primed and ready with new entries, plus the return of ‘Tron’ to the grid… er, cinemas.

    Predictions also include a potential hint on more ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ casting, following the viral chair back video of last week.

    Disney's 2025 slate shown at CinemaCon 2025.
    Disney’s 2025 slate shown at CinemaCon 2025.

    Let’s run down what was actually showcased…

    Following the usual stuff about sponsors and theater owners (got to play to the crowd!), the Disney presentation signaled the end of CinemaCon’s studio events and began with the traditional sizzle reel of upcoming movies, framed in amusing fashion by having ‘Lilo & Stitch’s titular blue troublemaker wander through the rest of the slate.

    Getting the presentation off to its formal stage start was Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.

    He was joined by Andrew Cripps, head of theatrical distribution at the studio to unveil the typically packed schedule of movies the studio will have across the rest of the year, and to extol the fact that Disney movies are Disney movies are typically in theaters an average of three weeks longer than any other studio.

    Related Article: ‘Mission Impossible’ and ‘The Running Man’ Lead the Paramount Presentation

    After a quick self-pat-on-the-back for 2024’s success rate, it was into the first live-action portion, starting with…

    Lilo & Stitch

    2025's live-action 'Lilo & Stitch'. Photo: Walt Disney Pictures.
    2025’s live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’. Photo: Walt Disney Pictures.

    The latest animated-to-live-action conversion project faces additional pressure following ‘Snow White’s poor showing at the box office this past month. With Disney bosses pushing pause on a planned ‘Tangled’ live-action movie, ‘Lilo’ will need to perform in order to keep that particular strand of the company’s strategy alive beyond ‘Moana,’ due next year.

    Some fresh, sneak peek footage from the new movie was screened for the crowd, featuring Stitch on a trip with Lilo and family; they go to a restaurant where the little blue alien causes the requisite chaos even as Lilo tries to teach him to behave. Some of what was shown has already popped up in the trailer, including Stitch squirting her with a soda gun.

    ‘Lilo & Stitch’ will invade cinemas on May 23rd.

    09WVcRj0XLnutwlOC7lnf2

    That was followed by…

    Freakier Friday

    (L to R) Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan were ushered on stage to promote this sequel to the 2003 original, which moves the story forward and features even more body-switching chaos than last time as Curtis’ Tess and Lindsay’s Anna Coleman switch places with their teenage daughter/granddaughter.

    Curtis and Lohan cued up a look at some brand new footage from the movie, which according to the duo has been playing well with test audiences.

    Curtis says that the film was…

    “Made to be seen on a big screen.”

    The scene played showed Tess and Anna trying to win back Anna’s boyfriend –– but in different bodies.

    ‘Freakier Friday’ brings body swap chaos to theaters on August 8th.

    rBtDmSMFyDDrNjeX5V55g5

    Before knew it, it was on to…

     ‘Tron: Ares

    (L to R) Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    The studio went all out with a light show to promote the third ‘Tron’ movie, and also brought Jeff Bridges and new franchise face Jared Leto to the stage.

    Bridges said,

    “To be back on the grid was incredible, and working with Jared… It was a great time.”

    For his part, Leto said he was obsessed and this was everything he wanted from a movie. It took him to a world he had never seen before.

    Leto described his character, Ares:

    “An advanced program that crosses over to real world to fulfill his directive.”

    After confirmation of Nine Inch Nails doing the music for the new movie, we got a look at some new footage.

    What was screened was a look at Ares riding his bike in the real world, with Bridges’ Kevin Flynn narrating. We also see him ask Ares, “Are you ready? Because there is no coming back…”

    ‘Tron: Ares’ departs the grid for our world on October 10th.

    WgcJH0Zv93ssQ3nT4Jtgz2

    And from computer chaos to an assassin!

    The Amateur

    Rami Malek as Heller in 20th Century Studios' 'The Amateur'. Photo by John Wilson. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
    Rami Malek as Heller in 20th Century Studios’ ‘The Amateur’. Photo by John Wilson. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    With ‘The Amateur’ due on screens next week, its chunk of the presentation was minimal, limited to a full version of the scene in the pool we glimpse in the trailer, but show full-length here. It was followed by the trailer.

    ‘The Amateur,’ as mentioned, will find a way into theaters on April 11th.

    CRr1il42r35lBPrjswxVt6

    Next?

    Predator: Badlands

    Elle Fanning at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Disney.
    Elle Fanning at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Disney.

    The new ‘Predator’ movie from ‘Prey’s Dan Trachtenberg immediately looked interesting, since the Predator creature is more of a protagonist in this one, and it takes place on a new planet where he’s been exiled and must fight his way back.

    Star (no, not as the Predator!) Elle Fanning arrived on stage to confirm that this movie breaks new ground in the ‘Predator’ universe. She also said something unprecedented happens. Her character is not being chased, she teams up with Predator and you see him in new light.

    She cued up the first trailer for the new movie, which sees the Predator battling a giant, nearly invincible beast with Fanning’s help.

    ‘Predator: Badlands’ stalks into cinemas on November 7th.

    o6vQXKWvq6T8UYAzN0mSj1

    From aliens to alienation…

    Deliver Me from Nowhere

    (L to R) Jeremy Strong and Jeremy Allen White at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Jeremy Strong and Jeremy Allen White at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    The buzzy Bruce Springsteen biopic stars ‘The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong and both were on stage to hype it.

    Strong, for the record, plays Jon Landau, Springsteen’s manager and producer. He said he sees the role as Lewis to Springsteen’s Clark.

    White, meanwhile, explains that the movie charts Springsteen’s teenage years to around 1982.

    Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen in 'Deliver Me From Nowhere.' Photo: 20th Century Studios.
    Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen in ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere.’ Photo: 20th Century Studios.

    We got a first look at the trailer for the new movie, which is directed by Scott Cooper. The footage wraps up showing Springsteen in concert performing ‘Born to Run.’

    ‘Deliver Me from Nowhere’ has yet to announce when it’ll be delivered to theaters.

    zGKvdY2uPhXFZl7RYYZ6U4

    And next up?

    Ella McCay

    (L to R) Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    (L to R) Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    James L. Brooks’ new comedy drama stars Emma Mackey as an idealistic young politician who juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor (Albert Brooks).

    She co-stars with Jamie Lee Curtis, and the latter returned to the stage alongside Mackey for the presentation.

    Brooks, meanwhile, received the Cinema Vérité Award on stage and called for more movies to have a 35-day window in theaters.

    Director James L. Brooks receives the Cinema Vérité Award at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    Director James L. Brooks receives the Cinema Vérité Award at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    He also had a great quote about previewing movies with audiences:

    “A woman came up to me and said the loveliest words: ‘they’re crying in the ladies toilet.’ Compare that to data.”

    After Brooks’ emotional speech, we got a first look at the movie itself. The scene that played took place in a bar, where Curtis’ character takes Ella to meet her father, Woody Harrelson. They haven’t spoken in years after he dated her friend.

    That was followed the trailer.

    ‘Ella McCay’ will be in cinemas on September 19th.

    ZdI8jUr4o56vWbUrbCbB5

    From there, it was time to look at team Searchlight’s output, following a victory lap for the awards success of ‘A Real Pain’ and ‘A Complete Unknown.’ The studio arm’s new offering is…

    ‘The Roses’

    Based on based on the 1981 novel ‘The War of the Roses’ by Warren Adler, the film movie Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, Zoë Chao and Kate McKinnon.

    Unlike the 1989 version, this Jay Roach-directed sees Cumberbatch and Colman as a successful chef and her businessman husband whose lives start to fall apart when he’s fired.

    Things go from bad to worse, and as we saw in the trailer that played, it gets to the point where she has him at gunpoint.

    ‘The Roses’ fights for its place in theaters on August 29th.

    Talking of guns, we moved on to one of the studio’s biggest… Marvel!

    First up was the next movie from the prolific superhero franchise.

    Thunderbolts*

    (L To R) David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    (L To R) David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    The ‘Thunderbolts*’ portion of the show kicked off with a funny bit about the cast being MIA –– Wyatt Russell appeared to have lost a lot of cash in the casino with co-star Julia Louis-Dreyfus hoping the movie makes money so they can pay his debts!

    But the main five –– Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Russell, Hannah John-Kamen and Louis-Dreyfus emerged from the audience to head on stage and talk up the movie before introducing some fresh footage.

    The scene featured the Thunderbolts driving through New York as Harbour’s Red Guardian tries to bond with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). The team has to fight their way through bad guys to Avengers tower.

    (L To R) Hannah John-Kamen, Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Wyatt Russell in 'Thunderbolts*'. Photo: Marvel Studios.
    (L To R) Hannah John-Kamen, Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Wyatt Russell in ‘Thunderbolts*’. Photo: Marvel Studios.

    We got an extended look at the Avengers Tower scene where Louis-Dreyfus gathers the gang –– after having sent them to kill each other and being frustrated that they teamed up.

    There was also a very brief look at the introduction of Sentry (Lewis Pullman). And following that? A sizzle reel of scenes from the movie, which appears to be full of chaotic fun.

    ‘Thunderbolts*’ heads to cinemas on May 2nd. Less than a month for this one, folks!

    ySD9fRBhzaiO2TcznWDp2

    That was followed by Marvel boss Kevin Feige, currently in the UK on the set of ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ (which is “days away from the start of production”) confirming the appearance of the original X-Men team in the new movie.

    He also cued up an early look at…

    The Fantastic Four: First Steps

    (L to R) Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios' 'Fantastic Four: First Steps'. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 Marvel.
    (L to R) Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch in 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios’ ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios. © 2025 20th Century Studios / © and ™ 2025 Marvel.

    Marvel’s First Family (played by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach) are introduced via a talk show piece on how they came to be the super-team they are.

    We also got our first look at Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, who cautions that planet Earth is “marked for death.” Kirby’s Sue Storm says they’ll “fight the threat as a family”.

    ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ flies into theaters on July 25th.

    z9uHs9M5vfCiKZCJCNg4I6

    To switch tracks (but still be galactic rather than Galactus), it was the turn of the animation arm(s).

    Elio

    Zoe Saldaña at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    Zoe Saldaña at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    Pixar’s latest finds a young lad dreaming of being abducted by aliens.

    Zoe Saldaña, who plays the title character’s Aunt Olga, arrived on stage to talk about the new ‘toon.

    A scene from the movie was shown in 3D, showing Elio brought on board an alien spaceship that is more like a living planet via a tractor beam, where he meets the vessel’s AI. He’s been recruited to join the universe’s smartest creatures to work together as a collective… But have they made a mistake? Elio meets and bonds with a young alien creature.

    ‘Elio’ heads into space (and theaters) on June 20th.

    nych8Y2Kfdm5g4LKNmJR03

    Next was…

    Zootopia 2

    Ke Huy Quan introduces 'Zootopia 2' at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    Ke Huy Quan introduces ‘Zootopia 2’ at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    Thanksgiving sees the return of Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), the mismatched buddy duo of rabbit police officer and crafty fox. This time around, they’re on an undercover mission to stop a murderous reptile (Ke Huy Quan’s Gary).

    In a video introduction, we got Bateman changing the show’s title to “ZinemaCon” and there are animal jokes about theaters –– AMZ, Pandango, Fur D X, followed by giving other Disney movies critter-like makeovers (‘Thundercolts,’ ‘Sealio,’ ‘The Fantastic Fur.’)

    'Zootopia 2'. Photo: Disney.
    ‘Zootopia 2’. Photo: Disney.

    Quan arrived on stage to discuss the sequel and his role as Gary the snake. And that Judy and Nick go to a therapy animal (played by ‘Abbot Elementary’s Quinta Brunson) to sort their strained friendship –– which we saw in a scene from the movie. That was followed by a scene of Nick and Judy at Marsh resort trying to track down Gary.

    ‘Zootopia 2’ goes wild in theaters on November 26th.

    ySgIjSYPTLnkhYIvB5lCe4

    For the big finish, another giant Disney salvo…

    Avatar: Fire and Ash

    Zoe Saldaña at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    Zoe Saldaña at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    James Cameron appeared via video from New Zealand, where he’s still at work on the latest ‘Avatar’ outing. He was sorry he isn’t there in person, but he did tell the crowd he’d sent some footage.

    He promised “increased emotional heart and soul,” and that the Sully family will be put through the wringer (again) as they face the Ash People. We’ll also meet the Wind Traders.

    Saldaña (who has been part of the franchise since the 2009 original) returned to the stage to introduce the footage.

    Zoe Saldaña at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    Zoe Saldaña at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    We saw Jake and wife Neytiri (Saldaña) flying a dragon creature to Wind Traders’ ship where Miles “Spider” Socorro (Jack Champion), the son of Miles Quaritch, lives now.

    That preceded a reel of other scenes, including Jake telling Neytiri they can’t live in hate, humans attacked the Na’vi, a shot of the whale-like creatures we met in ‘The Way of Water,’ the return of Stephen Lang’s Quaritch and Varang, the Na’vi leader of the volcano-dwelling Ash People threatening  Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), the daughter of Dr. Grace Augustine’s Na’vi avatar who was adopted by the Sully family.

    ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ welcomes us back to Pandora on December 19th.

    FWuSGLyAAvtzTcYFpQsOf6

    And that’s all, folks!

    (L To R) Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Wyatt Russell, and Hannah John-Kamen at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
    (L To R) Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Wyatt Russell, and Hannah John-Kamen at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.

    Editorial Note: Moviefone Editor in Chief Jami Philbrick contributed to this reporting.

  • CinemaCon 2024: Disney Presentation

    Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Shawn Levy, Barry Jenkins, Amy Poehler and Kevin Feige at Disney's 2024 CinemaCon Presentation.
    (L to R) Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Shawn Levy, Barry Jenkins, Amy Poehler and Kevin Feige at Disney’s 2024 CinemaCon Presentation. Photo: Disney.

    Preview:

    • Disney, as expected, went big on Pixar and Marvel.
    • The likes of ‘Deadpool’, ‘Inside Out 2’ and more were showcased.
    • ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ also showed footage.

    Disney might not be enjoying quite the same cinematic dominance as it once did, but it still has some heavy hitters thanks to the likes of ‘Avatar’, ‘Star Wars’ and more.

    Before the main presentation, we were treated to a PSA from no less than Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in their ‘Deadpool and Wolverine‘ outfits, reminding the audience not to silence cellphones (it included a skit about Deadpool trying to spoil Marvel’s upcoming Avengers movie ‘Secret Wars’, but being interrupted by a ringing phone, leading to a filthy rant.)

    Disney Co-Chair Alan Bergman kicked things off by saying that while every movie can’t be on the level of ‘Avatar’, but that the company continues to invest in event movies. A timeline on screen certainly attested to that, with confirmations of the various ‘Avatar’, Marvel and other titles.

    And talking of event movies…

    Related Article: ‘Gladiator’, ‘Transformers’ and More Headline the Paramount CinemaCon Presentation

    Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

    Proximus Caesar (voiced by Kevin Durand) in 20th Century Studios' 'Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes.'
    Proximus Caesar (voiced by Kevin Durand) in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    First up was the next generation of the ‘Apes’ franchise, which has the unenviable task of following the Matt Reeves films.

    Set decades after those movies, Wes Ball’s new effort is focused on the young ape known as Noah, and a couple of footage clips looked truly impressive –– Weta’s effects team once more working wonders on the motion capture apes.

    ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ is in theaters on May 10th, so not too long to wait now.

    BpuUJgMCZye2tUP8ysYd46

    Switching things up, we swim to…

    The Young Woman and the Sea

    Daisy Ridley as Trudy Ederle in Disney’s live-action 'Young Woman and the Sea'.
    Daisy Ridley as Trudy Ederle in Disney’s live-action ‘Young Woman and the Sea’. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    This based-on-truth tale stars Daisy Ridley as Trudy Ederle, the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel. Directed by Joachim Rønning and written by Jeff Nathanson, a new trailer for the movie was shown, which you can find below:

    Z7PyZaJh

    ‘The Young Woman and the Sea’ paddles into theaters on May 31st.

    NkEbbKXSwFQ8meCy0FQ825

    Next up was Pixar’s next big sequel…

    Inside Out 2

    Amy Poehler at Disney's 2024 CinemaCon Presentation.
    Amy Poehler at Disney’s 2024 CinemaCon Presentation. Photo: Disney.

    The return to the world of a young girl’s head has been a controversial one so far, with several of the voice cast deciding not to return after low pay offers.

    But Amy Poehler is back as main character Joy, here confronting some new emotions as her charge Riley enters the tween/teenaged stage.

    Poehler was present to introduce roughly 35 minutes from the start of the film and enthuse about how much Joy means to her.

    As you might expect from Pixar, the footage went over very well, packed full of emotional power. (The likes of Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri and Paul Walter Hauser are among the new voices for this one.)

    ‘Inside Out 2’ will be out on June 14th.

    fU4L404ZwBeJA3cbXNCT82

    And so we leave the sweet animation world for somewhere very different…

    Marvel: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine‘ and more

    Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige at Disney's 2024 CinemaCon Presentation.
    Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige at Disney’s 2024 CinemaCon Presentation. Photo: Disney.

    Kevin Feige walked on stage to talk about upcoming Marvel output. In keeping with Disney’s new mandate of quality over quantity, there is only one main movie from the MCU gang this year.

    Feige cracked that they had Deadpool design a popcorn bucket to tie-in with ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ and can’t wait for us to… experience it. The mind shudders.

    ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ will be with us on July 26th.

    FW15JuJGFTtwqnkn4XqPf5

    Feige moved on to future movies. He dropped word that the ‘Thunderbolts’ movie is actually titled ‘Thunderbolts*’ and that the asterisk will be explained at some point soon. That movie will be with us on May 5th, 2025.
    Then it was time to look further –– Feige mentioned that his team is developing two of their movies to shoot with IMAX cameras, including ‘The Fantastic Four’, which will finally kick off production in a couple of months.

    Anthony Mackie and Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige at Disney's 2024 CinemaCon Presentation.
    (L to R) Anthony Mackie and Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige at Disney’s 2024 CinemaCon Presentation. Photo: Disney.

    The Marvel boss moved on to ‘Captain America: Brave New World‘, citing the influence of ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. He described the movie thus far as fast-paced and grounded and focused on Sam Wilson.

    With that, Anthony Mackie took the stage, to a salute from Feige –– “you should always salute your captain.” Mackie was to show the audience a clip. Cut the check!

    The footage has Harrison Ford’s Thunderbolt Ross –– who is now President –– telling Sam Wilson that he wants him to help rebuild the Avengers. There’s also a moment where a mind- controlled former super-soldier Isiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) tries to kill the Prez.

    ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ arrives on February 14th next year.

    38PIIqJ72BWyVUfWZQqug4

    And in case you thought Team Marvel didn’t somehow find time to hype ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ one more time, director Shawn Levy closed out the company’s section of the Disney presentation with 9 minutes from the movie.

    As could have been predicted, the ‘Deadpool’ footage is chaotic, funny and meta. We won’t give away too much here but suffice to say it’s everything you might be hoping (or fearing), including a shot of Chris Hemsworth’s Thor crying over Wade Wilson’s body. (“That happens in the distant future”, our hero is told.)

    Hey! Talking of the future, next up…

    Alien: Romulus

    Xenomorph in 20th Century Studios' 'Alien: Romulus.' Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
    Xenomorph in 20th Century Studios’ ‘Alien: Romulus.’ Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    The new entry in the ‘Alien’ franchise comes from Fede Alvarez, and if you’ve seen the first teaser, you know it’s very much in the horror mode.

    Nine minutes of footage was screened for the audience. It was largely a scene featuring a legion of involved a series of small Facehuggers attacking scientists in a cryo Lab. One of the creatures manages to swim like a shark through some water and escape the lab. As the clip ends, many Facehuggers escape and start filling the ship…

    We also see a scene of an alien explosively birthing itself from the chest of a human victim, all while the ship it is aboard is crashing though the walls of a giant structure.

    ‘Alien: Romulus’ heads to theaters on August 16th.

    YKUhZEUMhFOvSbejPM47l3

    From strange creatures to strange filmmaking…

    Kinds of Kindness

    Fresh of Oscar victory (and box office success), the Searchlight team arrived to promote Yorgos Lanthimos’ next collaboration with stars Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe. They confirmed that the movie will debut at Cannes but didn’t offer much beyond the trailer that has already been shown online.

    ‘Kinds of Kindness’ is due in theaters on June 21st.

    XaZ021ZNetOzcc6jTpVju

    The movie was simply mentioned along with a batch of other Searchlight releases, including ‘The Amateur’, starring Rami Malek (due out April 11th next year) and ‘Nightbitch,’ which has Amy Adams starring (and will be out on December 6th).

    A little more attention was given to…

    Ella McCay

    ‘Ella McCay’ is the latest film from James L. Brooks, who has quite the cast attached to his latest film, about a young politician juggling life and work as she prepares to try and take over for her mentor.

    Here’s the list (many of which have been announced): Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks, Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, Jack Lowden, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn and Rebecca Hall.

    The movie has yet to lock down a release date.

    ZdI8jUr4o56vWbUrbCbB5

    And the next big title for Disney?

    Mufasa: The Lion King

    Director Barry Jenkins at Disney's 2024 CinemaCon Presentation.
    Director Barry Jenkins at Disney’s 2024 CinemaCon Presentation. Photo: Disney.

    We already knew that Barry Jenkins was working on this prequel to the 2019 photo-realistic remake of the animal drama.

    Jenkins headed on stage to explain how incredibly personal Mufasa is to him, and how he watched the original hand-drawn animated version hundreds of times as a kid and then with his nephews. He sees the new movie as a chance to share a similar message and feeling with a new generation.

    “This is a massive f*****g film,” Jenkins said, “and it was my job to fill it with massive heart.” He jokes that he can’t share who is performing the music for the movie because Disney won’t let him.

    He debuted the first trailer from the movie, on which he’s been working for 3/12 years. It is, as you would expect, full of lion goodness.

    ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ is in theaters on December 20th.

    j5102Q48KHBLhpCkVy1Dq

    And finally? Time to rock.

    Moana 2

    Dwayne Johnson at Disney's 2024 CinemaCon Presentation.
    Dwayne Johnson at Disney’s 2024 CinemaCon Presentation. Photo: Disney.

    By which we mean, of course, The Rock. Dwayne Johnson was on stage with a phalanx of Polynesian dancers to introduce the animated sequel to the 2016 hit.

    This new movie was famously adapted from the planned TV series featuring the character, and Johnson explained how his performance as demigod Maui was inspired by his grandfather.

    He was surprised on stage by receiving the NATO Spirit of the Industry and seemed genuinely touches.

    Johnson wrapped things up by showing some ‘Moana 2’ material. “You’re welcome!”

    The footage has Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) singing about how happy she is to be home. But before long, she’s off on another adventure.

    ‘Moana 2’ makes landfall in theaters on November 27th.

    BCm3cnMl8HXZvmnyJ2l2j1

    And that’s it for Disney and the big CinemaCon studio presentations!

    Dwayne Johnson at Disney's 2024 CinemaCon Presentation.
    Dwayne Johnson at Disney’s 2024 CinemaCon Presentation. Photo: Disney.

    Upcoming Disney Movies:

    Buy Disney Movies On Amazon

  • James L. Brooks Gathers Cast for New Film ‘Ella McCay’

    (Far Left) James L. Brooks. (Center Left) Emma Mackey in Netflix's 'Sex Education.' (Center Right) Oscar® nominee Jamie Lee Curtis arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023. (Far Right) (L to R) Woody Harrelson as Marcus in director Bobby Farrelly's 'Champions,' a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features.
    (Far Left) James L. Brooks. (Center Left) Emma Mackey in Netflix’s ‘Sex Education.’ (Center Right) Oscar® nominee Jamie Lee Curtis arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023. (Far Right) (L to R) Woody Harrelson as Marcus in director Bobby Farrelly’s ‘Champions,’ a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features.

    Preview:

    • James L. Brooks is working on a new movie, dramedy ‘Ella McCay’.
    • Albert Brooks, Jamie Lee Curtis and Ayo Edebiri are among the cast.
    • The film will follow a young politician juggling family and work issues.

    It has been 13 years since James L. Brooks directed a film –– that would be 2010’s ‘How Do You Know’ –– but since then, he has kept busy producing movies and TV series by other people, including ‘The Edge of Seventeen’, and ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’, not to mention his continued association with ‘The Simpsons’.

    You can imagine, then, the excitement at the news that Brooks is gearing up to get back behind the camera himself, and he’s gathering an exciting, eclectic cast for the new project, titled ‘Ella McCay’.

    What’s the story of James L. Brooks’ new film?

    Director, producer, and screenwriter James L. Brooks.
    Director, producer, and screenwriter James L. Brooks.

    According to Deadline, the new movie, ‘Ella McCay’ follows an idealistic young politician who juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor.

    Who is in line to star in James L. Brooks’ new film?

    Ayo Edebiri from 'The Bear.'
    Ayo Edebiri from ‘The Bear.’ Photo courtesy of FX.

    The cast Brooks has in negotiations includes the likes of Albert Brooks (quite the force in writing and directing himself, along with his acting career), Jamie Lee Curtis, ‘Sex Education’s Emma Mackey (who appears likely to star in this one), Woody Harrelson, ‘The Bear’ breakout Ayo Edebiri, and Spike Fearn, most recently seen in ‘Aftersun’ and ‘The Batman’.

    That’s quite the ensemble, blending rising stars with established talents, and could be the most anticipated cast for the director for some time.

    Related Article: Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olson Talk Basketball Comedy ‘Champions’

    James L. Brooks’ new movie: the studio speaks

    Director, producer, and screenwriter James L. Brooks.
    Director, producer, and screenwriter James L. Brooks.

    20th Century Studios, which has produced a lot of Brooks’ previous work, has jumped at the chance to be back in business with him.

    Here’s what 20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell had to say about the new movie:

    “As one of the most empathetic dramatists of our time, James Brooks has set the bar across film and television for decades. From ‘Broadcast News’ to ‘The Simpsons,’ Jim is also a foundational element in the bedrock of 20th, and we couldn’t be more proud to support him in his long awaited return to the director’s chair.”

    When will James L. Brooks’ new film be in theaters?

    Since this one hasn’t even started shooting yet, there is no word of a release date. But depending on when production kicks off, it could be in theaters later next year or in 2025.

    Jamie Lee Curtis poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actress in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
    Jamie Lee Curtis poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actress in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

    Other James L. Brooks Movies:

    Buy James L. Brooks Movies on Amazon

    VIwSJegN