Sony Pictures to theater owners: Don’t get multiplexes a body bag just yet.
The lone major movie studio without its own streaming service kicked off the 2025 edition of CinemaCon with a robust presentation of titles coming between now and 2028 that place an emphasis on the theatrical experience.
“I want everyone to know that Sony will work with you,” said Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman, who singled out the increasing cost of movie tickets with the ever-shortening window between a film’s theatrical life and its streaming afterlife as two major areas in need of improvement.
“If theaters and studios manage for the long term to do the right things, the future will be bright,” Rothman pointedly added.
At the same time, two of the big tentpoles on Sony’s slate reflect the realities of the streaming era. May 30 brings the release of Karate Kid: Legends, the continuation of a big-screen franchise that came roaring back to life courtesy of the Netflix’ Cobra Kai, which wrapped up its six-season run in February.
But April 2028 is when the studio goes full binge-mode. That month, Sony plans to drop four films about the beloved mop-topped quartet The Beatles in theaters back-to-back-to-back-to-back.
“It’s the first bingeable theatrical experience,” Rothman said of the ambitious project, which is being overseen by Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes. He also promised exhibitors that all four movies would “dominate the culture that month” and “drive patrons of all ages to your theaters multiple times.”
“We need big cinematic events to get people out of the house,” Mendes added.
