Sony Pictures came out swinging at CinemaCon in Las Vegas this week, unveiling major new projects while studio chief Tom Rothman used his time on stage to call out what he sees as the movie industry’s biggest problems. Rothman delivered a pointed message to theater owners, taking aim at high ticket prices and the growing stack of ads before films that, he said, drive audiences away from theaters.
During the presentation at Caesar’s Palace on Monday, Sony debuted exclusive footage from Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, the final chapter in the Miles Morales trilogy. The company also revealed that Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black will return for a new Jumanji film, officially titled Jumanji: Open World. Other projects shown included early scenes from Zach Cregger’s live-action Resident Evil movie and confirmation of an animated, R-rated Bloodborne adaptation led by (woke AF) YouTuber JackSepticEye. *sigh*
But Rothman’s mood turned serious when he spoke directly to theater operators, presenting what he called a “three-point plan to save the movies.” He began by acknowledging that “admissions are clearly down from pre-COVID levels” and that the entire industry must work harder to draw audiences back.
First, Rothman urged studios and exhibitors to enforce longer theatrical windows, arguing that rapid streaming releases undercut box office earnings. He followed by telling theater owners to “get rid of the endless advertising” and shorten pre-show content, saying moviegoers lose patience long before the feature begins. Lastly, he addressed affordability, stating bluntly that “going to the movies must become affordable again.”
His remarks earned modest applause from the CinemaCon crowd, but industry insiders noted the pointed challenge Rothman laid down. “Easy it’s not,” he said to close his address. “It’s hard. I am rooting for you because you have been wonderful.” The message from Sony’s chief was unmistakable. The business might be bouncing back a little, but it is far from secure, and Hollywood’s biggest players seem ready to fight for the future of the box office.
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Chris Braly
I'm one opinionated, based geek. I try to steer this tiny ship and can often be heard monthly on the Comic Book Page Previews Spotlight podcast with several fellow "comic book nerds." Follow me on Twitter @ChrisBraly. My preferred adjectives are brilliant/beautiful.
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