CinemaCon 2026 Day Three Brings Spielberg, Nolan, Universal Spectacle, and Amazon MGM Surprises

CinemaCon 2026 hit another high point on Day Three as Universal Pictures, Focus Features, and Amazon MGM Studios delivered a packed schedule of footage reveals, star appearances, and major crowd-pleasing moments. FlickDirect was there throughout the day to cover every major announcement, exclusive screening, and standout presentation. For continuing coverage, interviews, and breaking news, visit FlickDirect’s CinemaCon hub.

The day began with an advance screening of DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, which left a strong early impression. Even in rough-cut form, the film’s emotional core, visual ambition, and heartfelt storytelling were already clear. While some animation remained unfinished, the screening suggested DreamWorks could have another major crowd-pleaser on its hands when the film is completed.

Universal and Focus Features then took over the Colosseum and immediately raised the energy level. If there was one studio that fully understood how to work the room this year, it was Universal.

The presentation opened with DJ Green Lantern warming up the crowd before introducing Snoop Dogg, who performed several hits and spoke about the upcoming biopic based on his life. Snoop also confirmed that Jonathan Daviss will portray him in the film, drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Christopher Nolan followed, taking the stage to discuss The Odyssey. Nolan joked that it might be easier to list which actors were not in the film, but he made a point of praising Matt Damon’s commitment to the role. The footage screened for attendees looked every bit as ambitious and visually sweeping as fans would expect from Nolan tackling Greek mythology.

Jack Black then brought another burst of energy while discussing his return as Bowser in the next Super Mario Bros. film. Universal also screened footage from Minions and Monsters, which delivered far more laughs than expected and won over much of the crowd.

Additional footage included the romantic drama One Night Only and Violent Night 2, starring David Harbour. Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro also appeared to introduce the latest installment in the Focker franchise, Focker in Law, which will also feature Ariana Grande.

One of the afternoon’s most memorable moments came when Coleman Domingo and MPA Chairman Charles Rivkin presented Steven Spielberg with a special America250 Award. Following a lengthy standing ovation, Spielberg joined Domingo on stage for a conversation about his new film Disclosure Day.

The footage shown from Spielberg’s latest project was one of the emotional highlights of the day. Even in brief form, it suggested another deeply personal and visually compelling film from one of cinema’s most celebrated directors.

After a dinner break, attendees returned to the Dolby Colosseum for Amazon MGM Studios’ presentation, which leaned heavily into crowd interaction and franchise excitement.

One of the first surprises came when attendees were handed foam He-Man swords ahead of footage from the upcoming Masters of the Universe adaptation. Before that, Michael B. Jordan took the stage to discuss The Thomas Crown Affair, which he is producing, directing, and starring in, before screening a clip.

Phil Lord, Ryan Gosling, and Chris Miller then took the stage to thank exhibitors for supporting Project Hail Mary, creating one of the presentation’s funniest moments by passing handwritten thank-you cards and flowers through the audience.

Amazon MGM also screened footage from The Beekeeper 2, How to Rob a Bank, and Verity, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. While the studio declined to reveal the next James Bond actor, executives assured attendees that the process remains active.

To close out the night, audiences got first looks at I Play Rocky, new footage from Highlander, which arrives in 2027, and a lively on-stage appearance from cast members promoting Spaceballs: The New One.

By the end of Day Three, CinemaCon 2026 had fully settled into blockbuster mode. Universal delivered the convention’s strongest presentation so far, but Amazon MGM also gave exhibitors plenty to be excited about as the week heads toward its final stretch.