From The Mandalorian’s big-screen debut to Toy Story 5 and The Devil Wears Prada 2, Disney’s CinemaCon presentation reminded Hollywood why the studio has ruled the global box office for nearly a decade.
Disney closed out CinemaCon 2026 in Las Vegas with a commanding showcase that underlined why the studio has dominated the global box office for nine of the past ten years. With over 4,000 industry members packed into The Dolby Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace, the studio unveiled exclusive footage, surprise celebrity appearances, and a slate of upcoming releases that spans galaxies, toy boxes, and the cutthroat world of high fashion.
Alan Bergman, chairman of Disney Entertainment Studios, opened the presentation by reminding exhibitors of the studio’s extraordinary 2025 performance. Three of Hollywood’s biggest films came from Disney’s stable: Zootropolis 2 earned nearly $1.9 billion globally to become the highest-grossing Hollywood animated film of all time, Avatar: Fire and Ash brought in $1.5 billion, and Lilo & Stitch crossed the billion-dollar threshold. Combined, Disney pulled in close to $6.6 billion globally in 2025, outpacing its nearest competitor by over $2 billion.
The Mandalorian Takes Flight
Director Jon Favreau took the stage to discuss Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, the first Star Wars film in almost seven years, arriving exclusively in cinemas on May 22. Advance tickets go on sale imminently, and attendees were treated to the final trailer, plus an unprecedented 18-minute opening sequence from the film. Starring Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and Jeremy Allen White, the film follows Din Djarin and Grogu as they assist the fledgling New Republic against scattered Imperial warlords. With a score by Ludwig Göransson and writing by Favreau, Dave Filoni, and Noah Kloor, the return to a galaxy far, far away promises to be one of the year’s most anticipated theatrical events.
Fashion, Toys, and Family Adventures
The Devil Wears Prada 2 received significant attention, with Anne Hathaway delivering a special video message before exclusive footage screened for attendees. Opening May 1, the sequel reunites Meryl Streep, Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci twenty years after their iconic roles, returning to the sleek offices of Runway Magazine under the direction of David Frankel.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen brought nostalgic joy to the presentation, appearing onstage to discuss Toy Story 5, which opens June 19. Directed by Andrew Stanton and featuring Randy Newman’s fifth score for the franchise, the film pits Woody, Buzz, and the gang against Lilypad, a disruptive new tablet device with her own ideas about playtime. Exclusive clips demonstrated the franchise’s continued ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with contemporary anxieties about technology’s role in childhood.
A New Vision for Premium Cinema
Beyond the film slate, Disney unveiled Infinity Vision, a new certification initiative for premium large format screens designed to ensure top-tier visuals and sound. Andrew E. Cripps, head of theatrical distribution, emphasized that cinemas offer something irreplaceable, noting that Disney films play an average of 57 days in cinemas, far longer than competitors. With 37 billion-dollar titles under its belt, four times as many as any other studio, Disney’s commitment to the theatrical experience remains unwavering.
Dwayne Johnson also appeared to discuss Moana, Disney’s live-action reimagining opening July 10, joined by Catherine Lagaʻaia, who makes her big-screen debut as the titular heroine. The presentation reminded everyone that when it comes to must-see theatrical experiences, Disney continues to set the standard others chase.
Image: via Unsplash.
