Tensions run high in Las Vegas as studios and exhibitors clash over content shortages, streaming windows, and who’s to blame for the box office slump
Las Vegas, April 6: CinemaCon is traditionally a celebration of cinema’s magic and the enduring power of the big screen. But this year’s event turned into a battleground, as long-simmering tensions between movie studios and theater exhibitors came roaring back.
After five turbulent years — marked by a pandemic and historic labor strikes — the film industry was hoping for a clean slate. Instead, 2025’s box office is already 10% down from 2024, with recent flops like Snow White and Mickey 17 igniting blame games over what’s derailing the moviegoing business.
Studios accuse exhibitors of failing to innovate, blaming outdated venues and a lack of dynamic pricing. Theater owners, on the other hand, say the real issue is Hollywood’s obsession with short theatrical windows and an overreliance on streaming.
Here are five major takeaways from a CinemaCon that laid bare the movie industry’s identity crisis.
1. The Battle Over Theatrical Windows Heats Up
AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron reignited the push for longer exclusive theatrical runs, advocating a return to 60-day windows. Michael O’Leary of Cinema United echoed the call, arguing that blockbusters are surviving, but mid-tier films are drowning without longer runs.
Disney’s distribution chief Andrew Cripps, to the crowd’s delight, reaffirmed his studio’s support for theatrical longevity, noting, “We leave our films in cinemas longer than anyone else — and that’s intentional.”
2. “Us vs. Them” Is Back
Last year’s CinemaCon was a post-strike lovefest. This year, things turned sour. Theater owners criticized studios for churning out content tailored to streaming and neglecting traditional genres. Studios, meanwhile, grew frustrated with what they saw as a lack of exhibitor appreciation for costly promotional efforts. “It’s back to ‘us vs. them’ again,” one studio executive sighed.
3. Amazon MGM to the Rescue?
With fewer wide releases post-pandemic and the loss of 20th Century Fox still felt, exhibitors are starved for content. Enter Amazon MGM. In its first-ever CinemaCon appearance, studio chief Mike Hopkins pledged to release 15 major films annually by 2027, with 14 already slated for 2026 — a potential lifeline for cinemas desperate for fresh, diverse content.
4. Star Power Isn’t What It Used to Be
Attendees were less dazzled by Hollywood royalty this year. Leonardo DiCaprio and Scarlett Johansson received underwhelming receptions. Only Tom Cruise — who honored the late Val Kilmer — and Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande stirred genuine excitement. The subdued reactions raised eyebrows about whether theater owners still see star power as a box office guarantee.
5. “Survive Till ‘26” Is the New Mantra
Once it was “Survive till ’25.” But now, industry hopes are pinned on 2026, when mega-franchises like Avengers, Spider-Man, Minions, and Toy Story return, along with films from Christopher Nolan and Steven Spielberg. Will it be a blockbuster comeback — or another year of unmet expectations?
As studios and exhibitors exit CinemaCon 2025, one thing is clear: the path to recovery is more fractured than ever. But with enough collaboration — and content — the industry still has a shot at turning things around.