In theaters on October 10 via Walt Disney Studios is ‘TRON: Ares’, the third entry in the franchise about artificial beings existing on a computer grid.
The ‘Tron’ movies have always been about humanity’s connection to –– and issues with –– technology, and as AI dominates headlines, the time seems right for a new entry to the venerable franchise, which has so far only put out two entries.
Yet the latest suffers from some very basic issues, especially when it comes to its script, but does have enough entertainment value.
The new movie’s script, written by Jesse Wigutow (David DiGilio receives a “story by” credit) makes the whole affair feel like a video game that has some impressive graphics, but not quite enough power to make it work fully. It’s loaded up with coincidence and contrivance along the lines of many basic would-be blockbusters.
And while it doesn’t lean too heavily on nostalgia, there’s a chunk of it near the end which, while it allows for a welcome return, does tend the drain the tension.
Director Joachim Rønning, meanwhile, has experience with this sort of big scale movies, but he can only do so much to inject humanity into the overall result.
Jared Leto actually tones things down, Ares naturally being a more muted character until he starts to evolve. He’s perfectly serviceable in the role, and even funny towards the end.
Greta Lee enjoys some decent moments, but is mostly saddled with a character you feel like came straight off the peg in terms of story arc.
Evan Peters has fun as the villainous Julian Dillinger, but spare a thought for poor Gillian Anderson who pop ups for a couple of scenes as his mother but is essentially a walking cliché.
‘TRON: Ares’ follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares (Jared Leto), who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.
Moviefone has compiled a list of the most anticipated movies opening in theaters and/or streaming in September and October of 2025, which not only includes major studio releases but also smaller independent films that you won’t want to miss.
Paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) take on one last terrifying case involving mysterious entities they must confront.
(L to R) Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin, Adria Arjona and Dakota Johnson in ‘Splitsville’. Photo: Neon.
When his wife Ashley (Adria Arjona) asks for a divorce, Carey (Kyle Marvin) runs to his friends (Dakota Johnson and Michael Angelo Covino) for support, only to learn that the secret to their happiness is an open marriage; that is, until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.
Michael Strassner in Jay Duplass’s ‘The Baltomrons’. Courtesy of Jon Bregel. An Independent Film Company Release.
After cracking a tooth on Christmas Eve, newly sober Cliff (Michael Strassner) embarks on an unexpected May/December adventure through Baltimore with Didi (Liz Larsen), his emergency dentist.
(L to R) Ruby Cruz, Zoey Deutch, and Jonah Hauer-King in ‘The Threesome’. Photo: Vertical.
Connor (Jonah Hauer-King) is a kind and unassuming young man, who, along with his long-time crush Olivia (Zoey Deutch), engages in a threesome with a sweet, alluring stranger named Jenny (Ruby Cruz). This encounter sparks a relationship between Connor and Olivia, leading them to plan a life together. However, their romance faces challenges when Jenny reappears, thrusting all three into a difficult journey toward true accountability and adulthood.
(L to R) Orlando Bloom as “Boxer” and John Turturro as “Boz” in the Psychological Thriller film, ‘The Cut’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
A retired boxer (Orlando Bloom) intends to return to the ring for one last shot at the title, but first he must make the weight. Holed up in a room in Las Vegas with an unscrupulous trainer (John Turturro), he embarks on an intensive and illegal weight-cutting program.
When Mary (Michelle Dockery) finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial strife, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.
(L to R) Joshua Odjick as Parker, Jordan Gonzalez as Harkness, David Jonsson as McVries, Cooper Hoffman as Garraty, and Charlie Plummer as Barkovitch in ‘The Long Walk’. Photo Credit: Murray Close/Lionsgate.
Every year, fifty teenage boys meet for an event known throughout the country as “The Long Walk.” Among this year’s chosen crop is “Maine’s Own,” Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman). He knows the rules: that warnings are issued if you fall under speed, stumble, sit down. That after three warnings- you get your ticket. And what happens then serves as a chilling reminder that there can be only one winner in the Walk. The one that survives.
Dev Patel appears in ‘Rabbit Trap’ by Bryn Chainey, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute. Photo: Andreas Johannessen.
When a musician (Rosy McEwen) and her husband (Dev Patel) move to a remote house in Wales, the music they make disturbs local ancient folk magic, bringing a nameless child to their door who is intent on infiltrating their lives.
(L to R) Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest in ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’. Photo: Bleecker Street.
Now estranged, Spinal Tap (Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest) are forced to reunite for one final concert, hoping it will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll.
Rebekah Kennedy as “Abigail” in the horror film, ‘Traumatika’, a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Saban Films.
A young boy’s night terrors become reality when his mother begins showing signs of demonic possession. What he’s about to experience will haunt him for the rest of his life and claim countless lives across generations.
Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell) are single strangers who meet at a mutual friend’s wedding and soon, through a surprising twist of fate, find themselves on a funny, fantastical, sweeping adventure together where they get to re-live important moments from their respective pasts, illuminating how they got to where they are in the present… and possibly getting a chance to alter their futures.
(L to R) Jeremy Ray Taylor as “Julian” and Josh Duhamel as “Tommy Ward” in the action comedy ‘London Calling’, a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.
After fleeing the UK from a job gone wrong, a down on his luck hitman (Josh Duhamel) is forced to babysit the son (Jeremy Ray Taylor) of his new crime boss (Rick Hoffman) and show him how to become a man.
Omari Hardwick in ‘Xeno’. Photo: Blue Fox Entertainment.
When a fearless teenage girl (Lulu Wilson) stumbles upon a mysterious alien crash-landed in the desert near her home, she discovers that it’s not the kind of extraterrestrial she expected—it’s powerful, unpredictable, and on the run. As government agents (Omari Hardwick) close in, she must protect her new otherworldly friend while uncovering a secret that could change the fate of both their worlds.
Madelaine Petsch as Maya in ‘The Strangers — Chapter 2’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
On the final day of their cross country road trip, a couple’s vehicle breaks down, forcing them to take refuge in a remote Airbnb. As night falls, three masked strangers terrorize them until dawn. The film stars Madelaine Petsch, Gabriel Basso and Ema Horvath.
Emma Thompson in ‘Dead of Winter’. Photo: Vertical.
A widowed fisherwoman (Emma Thompson), traveling alone through snowbound northern Minnesota, interrupts the kidnapping of a teenage girl. Hours from the nearest town and with no phone service, she realizes that she is the young girl’s only hope.
(L to R) Mark Wahlberg and LaKeith Stanfield in ‘Play Dirty’. Photo: Prime Video.
Expert thief Parker (Mark Wahlberg) gets a shot at a major heist, but to pull it off he and his team must outsmart a South American dictator, the New York mob, and the world’s richest man.
Maddie Hasson in Bleecker Street and LD’s ‘Bone Lake’. Credit: Bleecker Street and LD Entertainment.
A couple’s romantic vacation at a secluded lakeside estate is upended when they are forced to share the mansion with a mysterious and attractive couple. In this darkly hilarious and seductive horror story, a dream getaway spirals into a nightmarish maze of sex, lies, and manipulation, bringing terrifying secrets to light and triggering a bloody battle for survival.
(L to R) Guy Pearce and DeWanda Wise star in ‘KIlling Faith’. Photo: Film Bridge International.
In the summer of 1859, a widowed physician (Guy Pearce) reluctantly agrees to take a recently freed slave (DeWanda Wise) and her mysterious Caucasian daughter on a five-day journey through the bloody West to find a distant town’s Faith Healer. The woman believes her daughter is possessed. The doctor believes she simply carries The Sickness. Either way the fact remains that every living thing the girl touches mysteriously dies.
A highly sophisticated Program called Ares (Jared Leto) is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.
(L to R) Daniel Bernhardt and Patton Oswalt in ‘Deathstalker’. Photo: Shout! Studios.
The warrior Deathstalker (Daniel Bernhardt) is tasked by an old witch lady to obtain and unite the three powers of creation – a chalice, an amulet, and a sword – lest the evil magician Munkar get them and use them for nefarious purposes. After obtaining the sword, Deathstalker joins with other travelers going to the Big Tournament to determine the strongest warrior. The false king holds the true princess in captivity, and plots to have Deathstalker killed, and Deathstalker must fight to free the princess.
(L to R) Mark Coles Smith as “Leo,” Maximillian Johnson as “Stan,” Joel Nankervis as “Will,” and Lee Tiger Halley as “Teddy” in the thriller film ‘Beast of War’. Photo courtesy of Well Go USA Entertainment.
When their boat is sunk while crossing the Timor Sea during World War II, a young troop of Australian soldiers must find a way to survive the harsh seas on a quickly shrinking life raft. Hundreds of miles from anywhere, they must confront interpersonal conflicts, enemy attacks, and the advances of one very large, very hungry great white shark.
Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a brilliant but egotistical scientist, brings a creature (Jacob Elordi) to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.
‘Pets on a Train’ opens in theaters on October 17th. Photo: Viva Pictures.
When a train unexpectedly starts up, taking only pets with it, the animals discover that Hans, a badger with a grudge is behind it all. While the crash seems inevitable, the animals can count on Falcon, a roguish Raccoon who will do anything to save them.
(L to R) Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller in ‘Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost’. Photo: Apple TV+.
Ben Stiller tells the story of his parents—comedy icons Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara—exploring their impact on popular culture and at home, where the lines between creativity, family, life, and art often blurred.
(L to R) Keanu Reeves as Gabriel, Seth Rogen as Jeff, and Aziz Ansari as Ari in ‘Good Fortune’. Photo Credit: Eddy Chen.
A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy capitalist (Seth Rogen).
Four years after escaping The Grabber (Ethan Hawke), Finney Blake (Mason Thames) is struggling with his life after captivity. When his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake, the siblings become determined to solve the mystery and confront a killer who has grown more powerful in death and more significant to them than either could imagine.
Tessa Thompson stars as “Hedda Gabler” in ‘Hedda’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
Hedda Gabler (Tessa Thompson) finds herself torn between the lingering ache of a past love and the quiet suffocation of her present life. Over the course of one charged night, long-repressed desires and hidden tensions erupt—pulling her and everyone around her into a spiral of manipulation, passion, and betrayal.
Two conspiracy obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company (Emma Stone), convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
(L to R) Margaret Qualley and Ethan Hawke in ‘Blue Moon’. Photo: Sony Pictures Classics.
On the evening of March 31, 1943, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke) confronts his shattered self-confidence in Sardi’s bar as his former collaborator Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) celebrates the opening night of his ground-breaking hit musical “Oklahoma!”.
‘Last Days’ opens exclusively in US theaters on October 24th. Photo: Tanasak “Top” Boonlam.
Determined to fulfill his life’s mission, 26-year-old John Allen Chau (Sky Yang) embarks on a dangerous adventure across the globe to convert the uncontacted tribe of North Sentinel Island to Christianity, while a detective from the Andaman Islands races to stop him before he does harm to himself or the tribe.
Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen in ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere.’ Photo: 20th Century Studios.
Bruce Springsteen (Jeremy Allen White), a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom, struggles to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past
(L to R) Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Hall H Panel for ‘TRON: Ares’. Photo: Disney.
Preview:
‘TRON: Ares’ showed off some new footage at Comic-Con.
Director Joachim Rønning was present at the panel.
The movie will land on October 10th.
With much of Disney’s other big franchises –– Marvel especially –– skipping the San Diego Comic-Con this year, it’s up to ‘TRON: Ares’, the latest entry to feature A.I. Programs and humans mixing, to fly the genre flag.
A highly sophisticated Program called Ares (Leto) is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.
What happened at the ‘TRON: Ares’ panel?
(L to R) The cast and crew of ‘TRON: Ares’ at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Hall H Panel. Photo: Disney.
The ‘Ares’ panel began with a digital light display and bots floating around the screens of Hall H, with suited Programs on stage.
Before any of the filmmakers or cast arrived, a new trailer played for the crowd.
Director Rønning brought Leto, Peters, Anderson, Turner-Smith and Bridges on stage to discuss the movie.
Leto admitted he was already in the tank for ‘Tron’ before taking the role:
“At the end of the day, I am an official ‘Tron’ super fan. If I wasn’t on the stage, I would be in the audience, for sure, watching this panel right now, cheering like all these crazy people out here.”
He also called Jeff Bridges a hero, a sentiment surely everyone in the crowd would share.
Rønning was also enthused to work on the movie:
“Well, it’s ‘Tron’. So, I was immediately drawn into it. I love the franchise, the movies, I think, in many ways, are masterpieces. And, you know, I always dreamt about making science fiction. I think the topic is super interesting, and they had a twist to it.”
(L to R) Jeff Bridges, Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Hall H Panel for ‘TRON: Ares’. Photo: Disney.
A couple of new clips were shown, including Leto’s Ares in a light chase with Turner-Smith’s Athena, and one set in the digital world of the Grid, which has been expanded by Peters’ Julian Dillinger (a name that should set alarm bells ringing in ‘Tron’ fans’ minds).
The panel ended with the debut of Nine Inch Nails’ new tie-in single, “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” (Trent Reznor and his group supply the music for the movie).
This is what Leto had to say about the soundtrack:
“The music for ‘Tron’ has always been such an important part. When we were talking about music for this film, there was really only very few people you could think about that could fill those shoes and Nine Inch Nails absolutely did it. I mean, they made music that’s going to live a lifetime.”
When will ‘TRON: Ares’ be in theaters?
The third instalment of the ‘Tron’ franchise will bring the Grid to screens on October 10th.
(L to R) Jodie Turner-Smith, Evan Peters and Gillian Anderson at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 for ‘TRON: Ares’. Photo: Disney.
2025 San Diego Comic-Con runs July 24th-July 27th. Photo: Comic-Con International.
Preview:
San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is taking place at the San Diego Convention Center from July 24th through July 27th.
Neither Marvel nor DC will have studio panels, but there are still plenty of other great film and TV projects being highlighted.
Notable panels include ‘Predator: Badlands’, ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, ‘The Long Walk’, and more.
Legendary filmmaker George Lucas will also be making an appearance on Sunday.
San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is right around the corner, and with Marvel and DC opting to skip out on studio panels this year, it might seem like there is no reason to attend. That, however, could not be further from the truth, as there are still many incredible projects being showcased this year.
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Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are packed to the brim with can’t miss panels, including ‘Predator: Badlands‘, ‘Peacemaker‘ Season 2, ‘The Toxic Avenger‘, and ‘Star Trek’. On Sunday, legendary filmmaker George Lucas will make an appearance at the famed Hall H, alongside Guillermo del Toro, to offer a sneak peek of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.
Peter Dinklage as “Toxie” in the action, comedy, horror film, ‘The Toxic Avenger’, a Cineverse release. Photo courtesy of Yana Blajeva/Legendary Pictures.
‘The Toxic Avenger’ reimagining is taking over Hall H on Thursday July 24th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. San Diego Comic-Con attendees will get an exclusive first look at the film, but that is not all. Writer and director Macon Blair, Lloyd Kaufman, and cast including Peter Dinklage, Elijah Wood, Jacob Tremblay, and Taylour Paige wil be on hand to discuss behind-the-scenes stories. The panel features a live Q&A, and exclusive footage from the upcoming film.
Synopsis: When a downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze, is exposed to a catastrophic toxic accident, he’s transformed into a new kind of hero: The Toxic Avenger. Now, Toxie must rise from outcast to savior, taking on ruthless corporate overlords and corrupt forces who threaten his son, his friends, and his community. In a world where greed runs rampant… justice is best served radioactive.
Friday, July 25th
‘The Long Walk’
Mark Hamill at The Major in ‘The Long Walk’. Photo: Lionsgate.
Master storyteller Stephen King’s first novel finally hits the big screen in ‘The Long Walk‘, from visionary director Francis Lawrence (‘The Hunger Games’ franchise films) and adapted by screenwriter JT Mollner (‘Strange Darling‘). Cast and filmmakers will participate in this Hall H panel from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Friday, July 25th for an in-depth Q&A session and first look at the intense, chilling, and emotional thriller that challenges audiences to confront a haunting question: How far could you go?
Synopsis: Every year, fifty teenage boys meet for an event known throughout the country as “The Long Walk.” Among this year’s chosen crop is sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty. He knows the rules: that warnings are issued if you fall under speed, stumble, sit down. That after three warnings… you get your ticket. And what happens then serves as a chilling reminder that there can be only one winner in the Walk. The one that survives.
‘Predator: Badlands’
Elle Fanning from ‘Predator: Badlands’ at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
Director Dan Trachtenberg (‘Prey‘) joins stars Elle Fanning (‘A Complete Unknown‘) and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi(‘Upright’) immediately following the panel for ‘The Long Walk’ in Hall H for an exclusive look at ‘Predator: Badlands’, the latest chapter in the legendary franchise. Hear firsthand stories from the set, insights into the film’s new setting and characters, and get a sneak peek at never-before-seen footage.
Synopsis: The film is set in the future on a remote planet, where a young Predator (Schuster-Koloamatangi), outcast from his clan, finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.
After learning all about ‘Predator: Badlands’, stay in your Hall H seats and step into the Grid as director Joachim Rønning (‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil‘) and the cast of ‘TRON: Ares‘ take the stage to discuss the highly anticipated next installment in the Tron saga. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, get character insights, and have an exclusive first look at footage from the film.
Synopsis: A highly sophisticated Program called Ares is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.
Saturday, July 26th
‘Project Hail Mary’
Ryan Gosling in ‘Project Hail Mary’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
Phil Lord (director and producer), Christopher Miller (director and producer), Ryan Gosling (actor and producer), Drew Goddard (screenwriter and executive producer), and Andy Weir (author and producer) give an exclusive first look at the most anticipated sci-fi thriller movie event of 2026 in Hall H on Saturday, July 26th from 2:15pm to 3:15pm.
Synopsis: Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, ‘Project Hail Mary‘ follows a science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship, lightyears from home, with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: to solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction . . . but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.
Peacmaker Season 2
(L to R) John Cena and Danielle Brooks in ‘Peacemaker’ season 2. Photo: Jessica Miglio/Max.
The HBO Max series ‘Peacemaker’, from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television, returns for a highly anticipated second season on August 21. Fans that attend the SDCC 2025 panel, which immediately follows the ‘Project Hail Mary’ panel, will be treated to exclusive sneak peek footage from the new season and a conversation with James Gunn (co-head of DC Studios, executive producer, writer, director) and actors John Cena (Peacemaker, executive producer), Danielle Brooks (Adebayo), Jennifer Holland (Harcourt), Freddie Stroma (Vigilante), Steve Agee (Economos), Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.), Sol Rodriguez (Sasha Bordeaux), and Tim Meadows (Langston Fleury).
Synopsis: The continuing story of Peacemaker – a compellingly vainglorious man who believes in peace at any cost, no matter how many people he has to kill to get it – in the aftermath of the events of ‘The Suicide Squad‘.
Sunday, July 27th
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
The perfect way to close out San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is to attend the final Hall H panel at 11:00am on Sunday, July 27th. Legendary filmmaker George Lucas, Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro, and Academy Award-winning artist Doug Chiang explore the power of illustrated storytelling and offer a sneak peek of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, moderated by Grammy, Emmy, Academy Award-nominated, and Golden Globe Award-winning artist, Queen Latifah.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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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…
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.
(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!
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.
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!
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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.
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.
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To switch tracks (but still be galactic rather than Galactus), it was the turn of the animation arm(s).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn in 1982’s ‘Tron’. Photo: Buena Vista Distribution.
Preview:
Jeff Bridges says he’s heading to the ‘Tron: Ares’ set to shoot a role.
He didn’t specify if he’ll be back as Kevin Flynn.
Jared Leto and Gillian Anderson are among the stars of the new movie.
It surely would not be a ‘Tron’ movie without Jeff Bridges, who played Kevin Flynn in the 2982 original movie about a programmer named Kevin Flynn who is drawn into the virtual world of The Grid inside his computer to compete in various challenges and to battle a malevolent program.
Bridges returned for 2010’s ‘Tron: Legacy’, playing both Flynn and Clu, the program he created in the past to oversee the Grid system that ends up turning into a threat himself.
“I’m heading off to play a part in the third installment of the ‘Tron’ story; I’m excited about that. It’s wild. Jared Leto is the star of this third one, and I’m really anxious to work with him, I’ve admired his work.”
Bridges doesn’t specify whether he’ll be Flynn or appearing as Clu in flashback (since he was vanquished in ‘Legacy’). Our guess would be the former.
But he did talk about his thoughts on the technology involved in the new movie:
“I’m really excited to see what the technology is going to be all about this time. When I did ‘Tron: Legacy,’ we had to put all these dots on our face and all these kinds of things. And that’s probably all passé. I had to see myself as a young guy or as another character, but the same guy, but it was gonna be digitally created. I think it was de-aging, but I didn’t like the way I looked in it; I felt like I looked more like Bill Maher than myself; it was kind of bizarre! I hear there’s even less A.I. stuff in this. It’s going to be more a practical set, and they’re beautiful; there are beautiful sets that I’ve seen.”
Written by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne, the script follows Leto’s computer program Ares on a journey from the digital world to that of humans.
There remains no word on whether Bridges’ fellow ‘Legacy’ stars Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde will be back, though we’d especially have to doubt Wilde’s return for anything other than a cameo given her busy directing career.
‘Andor’s Beau Willimon has joined ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’.
James Mangold is co-writing and directing the movie.
A group of other ‘Star Wars’ and Disney movies just landed release dates.
Given the critical success of the first season of ‘Star Wars: Andor’ in 2022, it’s perhaps not shocking that a key component of that show’s creative team would be snapped up to work elsewhere in Lucasfilm’s universe.
And now, The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Beau Willimon –– previously most famous for creating Netflix’s ‘House of Cards’ and who was on Tony Gilroy’s writing team for ‘Andor’ –– is aboard to co-write what is still known as ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ with director James Mangold.
(L to R) Director James Mangold, and Dave Filoni at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ looks to dig into a time a long, long, looong time ago in that galaxy far, far away.
Announced in April last year at Star Wars celebration, the film has been wrapped in secrecy since then.
Here’s what Mangold said at the time:
“When I first started talking to Kathy Kennedy about doing one of these pictures, what occurred to me was thinking about what kind of genre of movie within ‘Star Wars’ I wanted to do. And I thought about a biblical epic, like a ‘Ten Commandments’, about the dawning of the Force. Where did the Force come from, when did we discover it, when did we learn how to use it?”
It’s certainly one we’re excited to see.
What is happening with ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’?
(L to R) Director James Mangold, Dave Filoni, and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
But with Willimon aboard to co-write, the new ‘Star Wars’ effort should now pick up some momentum.
When will ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ be in theaters?
The movie has yet to confirm a release date, though given Mangold’s schedule, we can’t imagine it’ll be before 2027. And Lucasfilm/Disney have been busy filling release dates recently…
What release date information has been released for upcoming Disney films?
While ‘Dawn of the Jedi’ is not yet at a point that it can aim for a release date, Disney has confirmed some the release news for various projects.
Fellow ‘Star Wars’ big screen effort ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ has now May 22nd, 2026, date, with Disney and Lucasfilm figuring that the armored warrior and his little green pal can win the Memorial Day weekend that year.
In Pixar news, ‘Toy Story 5’ will see Woody, Buzz and the gang back for a new entry on June 19th, 2026.
And the live-action version of ‘Moana’ is on the move, shifting later in the year partly because of the release of ‘Moana 2’ (which is out November 27th this year), and the new movie will now land on July 10th, 2026.
‘Tron: Ares’, meanwhile, is set for October 10th, 2025.
Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Crown’ season 4. Photo: Des Willie.
Preview:
Gillian Anderson is the latest person cast in ‘Tron: Ares’.
Shooting has now kicked off on the movie following a delay.
The movie should be on screens next year.
It has been a long road to the screen for the third ‘Tron’ movie. In development since the second film, 2010’s ‘Tron: Legacy’, arrived, ‘Tron: Ares’ (as it is currently called) has faced multiple challenges so far, not the least of which was being shut down before it could begin shooting last year when the writers and actors’ strikes hit.
But now, it has turned a corner (or swerved on a right angle given how the iconic Light cycles work), and the cameras are finally rolling on the long-anticipated sequel, which follows both ‘Legacy’ and the 1982 original ‘Tron’, which sees humans drawn into a virtual world.
Now, with Jared Leto starring as a character called Ares, it looks like the opposite will be happening, and Gillian Anderson is the latest addition to the cast, playing an unknown role.
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What’s the story of ‘Tron: Ares’?
A scene from ‘Tron: Legacy’ directed by Joseph Kosinski.
Written by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne, the script follows Leto’s computer program Ares on a journey from the digital world to that of humans.
There’s no word yet on whether Jeff Bridges (who starred in the original and also showed up in ‘Legacy’) or ‘Legacy’ stars Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde will be back, though we’d especially have to doubt Wilde’s return for anything other than a cameo given her busy directing career.
“Today was supposed to be our first day of principal photography on ‘Tron: Ares’ (a movie subsequently about AI and what it means, and takes, to be human). Instead, we are shut down with over a hundred and fifty people laid off. It’s indefinite, which makes it exponentially harder for everyone. The AMPTP, SAG-AFTRA and WGA need to speed up the negotiating process and not leave the table until it’s done. This is Hollywood. We close deals for breakfast. Why do we suddenly have all the time in the world when every day is so precious? These tactics are extremely frustrating. It’s time for diplomacy so we can get back to work –– under conditions that are fair to everybody.”
When will ‘Tron: Ares’ be in theaters?
Disney has yet to confirm whether the film –– which will require plenty of post-production work –– will maintain a 2025 release date, but the fact that it’s now shooting is a hopeful sign.
SAG-AFTRA members walk the line in Northhampton on 9/21. Photo courtesy of SAG.
Preview
The latest talks between the striking actors’ union and the studio representatives have ended without much progress.
The actors are seeking a similar new deal to what the writers recently secured, albeit with their own extra points.
Studio representative body the AMPTP claims that the gap between the parties is “too great” right now.
Just when it looked like there was hope for an end to the actors’ strike following the resolution of the writers’ industrial action (the new contract for writers was officially ratified by 99% of the WGA membership on Monday), some cold water was thrown by news yesterday that performers’ union SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers that represents studios were “too far apart” on talks for their own deal.
The actors have now been officially on strike since July 14th, essentially bringing Hollywood production in the States and elsewhere in the world to a standstill with the impact felt in shut down movies, delayed release dates and a shaken-up TV schedule, networks filling fall slots with reality shows and series that had already been in production.
And, as has been the case throughout the strike, the two sides are waging a war of words to present their side of negotiations.
SAG-AFTRA members Nia Vardalos and Octavia Spencer walk the line at Disney Studios in Burbank, CA on 9/20. Photo courtesy of SAG.
Here’s what SAG-AFTRA’s leadership told members in its latest release:
“We have negotiated with them in good faith, despite the fact that last week they presented an offer that was, shockingly, worth less than they proposed before the strike began. These companies refuse to protect performers from being replaced by AI, they refuse to increase your wages to keep up with inflation, and they refuse to share a tiny portion of the immense revenue YOUR work generates for them. The companies are using the same failed strategy they tried to inflict on the WGA –– putting out misleading information in an attempt to fool our members into abandoning our solidarity and putting pressure on our negotiators. But, just like the writers, our members are smarter than that and will not be fooled.”
The actors’ union has been pushing for various new deal points, including protection against the use of AI to replace some performers and an 11% increase in minimum payments (by comparison, both the Directors Guild and the writers secured 5).
AMPTP put out its own statement on the talks
WGA + SAG-AFTRA members walk the line at Paramount on Sept. 20. Photo courtesy of SAG-AFTRA.
The alliance offered its usual publicity blast to explain its side of the matter:
“SAG-AFTRA’s current offer included what it characterized as a viewership bonus that, by itself, would cost more than $800 million per year – which would create an untenable economic burden. SAG-AFTRA presented few, if any, moves on the numerous remaining open items. After meaningful conversations, it is clear that the gap between the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA is too great, and conversations are no longer moving us in a productive direction.”
We would expect this back-and-forth to continue for some time, with little forward movement (and it feels like the studios are once more the main sticking point). So, if you were hoping that your favorite show or that movie you were anticipating would be back on the schedule soon, we’d say patience is a virtue.
Joachim Rønning on the set of Netflix’s ‘Marco Polo.’ Photo: Phil Bray/Netflix.
We’ve already seen plenty of big movies delayed, either in terms of their release dates moving or production being shut down mid-flow. But another hefty casualty is seeing its shoot curtailed before it has even begun.
‘Tron: Ares’, the latest chapter of the sci-fi saga (which began in 1982 with the original and continued in 2010 with ‘Tron: Legacy’), was supposed to have been shooting today, but obviously can’t start because both the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, which represents actors and other performers, are on strike for a better deal from studios, which have so far refused to truly consider the unions’ demands.
Joachim Rønning on the set of Netflix’s ‘Marco Polo.’ Photo: Phil Bray/Netflix.
Rønning opened his post by talking about the tougher side of filmmaking:
“The absolute best moments of my career have been watching an actor perform in front of the camera – taking the scene and the text to a higher place. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with amazing talent. It’s a huge part of why I’m a filmmaker. However, like myself, being an actor or a writer, means you’re a freelancer. And I can tell you, the constant uncertainty is not for everyone. To that end I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for a better safety net.”
The director then went on to discuss writers and A.I.:
“Many of my best friends are writers. Everything starts with the story. Everything starts with you. That must continue. And that means that AI needs to be regulated. There is no doubt about the threat the technology poses to all creatives.”
He also turned his attention to his frustration with the movie’s delay:
“Today was supposed to be our first day of principal photography on ‘Tron: Ares’ (a movie subsequently about AI and what it means, and takes, to be human). Instead, we are shut down with over a hundred and fifty people laid off. It’s indefinite, which makes it exponentially harder for everyone. The AMPTP, SAG-AFTRA and WGA need to speed up the negotiating process and not leave the table until it’s done. This is Hollywood. We close deals for breakfast. Why do we suddenly have all the time in the world when every day is so precious? These tactics are extremely frustrating. It’s time for diplomacy so we can get back to work –– under conditions that are fair to everybody.”
A scene from ‘Tron: Legacy’ directed by Joseph Kosinski.
It’s probably best at this point to say, what will be the story of ‘Tron: Ares’. Written by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne, the script follows Jared Leto’s computer program Ares on a journey from the digital world to that of humans.
