Disney CinemaCon 2026 wrapped up in Las Vegas with one of the most ambitious theatrical slates the studio has unveiled in recent memory. From jaw-dropping superhero team-ups to beloved animated franchises returning to the big screen, Disney CinemaCon 2026 delivered a clear message to exhibitors: the magic of movie theaters is far from over. With stars, filmmakers, and studio executives taking the stage, the presentation was a love letter to cinema and a roadmap for what’s headed to a screen near you over the next twelve months and beyond.
Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment Alan Bergman opened the showcase by laying out an impressive lineup of films spanning all seven of the company’s studios, emphasizing Disney’s ongoing commitment to theatrical storytelling. “At all seven of our studios, it’s about high-quality storytelling with heart and humor that resonates around the world and stands the test of time,” Bergman told the audience, “and there’s nobody that does it like Disney.”
Disney’s 2026 Theatrical Slate: A Year of Blockbusters
Bergman unveiled a packed release calendar that kicks off in summer and stretches well into 2027. The full Disney CinemaCon 2026 slate includes:
- Moana (live-action) – July 10, 2026
- Super Troopers 3 – August 9, 2026
- The Dog Stars – August 28, 2026
- Whalefall – October 16, 2026
- Wild Horse Nine – November 6, 2026
- Hexed – November 25, 2026
- Avengers: Doomsday – December 18, 2026
- Ice Age: Boiling Point – February 5, 2027
- Gatto (Disney and Pixar) – March 5, 2027
This roster demonstrates Disney’s strategy of balancing tentpole franchises with original and mid-budget titles, ensuring there’s something for every kind of moviegoer throughout the year.
The Mandalorian and Grogu Lands on the Big Screen
One of the most anticipated reveals of Disney CinemaCon 2026 came courtesy of director Jon Favreau, who brought Star Wars fans the first extended look at The Mandalorian and Grogu. The filmmaker screened a remarkable 17 minutes of footage from the film and debuted the final theatrical trailer, simultaneously announcing that tickets would go on sale the following Friday.
Favreau’s presentation reaffirmed why the Mandalorian saga resonates so deeply with audiences. Taking the Star Wars universe from streaming to the silver screen marks a significant moment for the franchise, and the CinemaCon footage reportedly thrilled exhibitors and press alike.
Toy Story 5 Brings Woody and Buzz Back to Theaters
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen took the stage together to introduce new footage from Toy Story 5, drawing one of the loudest receptions of the entire presentation. The two legendary voice actors reminded audiences why Pixar’s flagship franchise has endured for nearly three decades. “We will all see you at the movies… June 19,” Hanks said, marking the official release date for what promises to be another emotional installment in the beloved series.
Moana Sets Sail as a Live-Action Spectacle
Catherine Laga’aia joined Dwayne Johnson to introduce fresh footage from Disney’s live-action reimagining of Moana. The duo energized the CinemaCon crowd, with Johnson using the moment to share a heartfelt message about the film’s themes.
“The hero of our story is not a princess, she’s a warrior. All men of all ages, we should empower and support and champion all women. That’s what real masculinity looks like,” Johnson told the audience.
The live-action Moana is positioned as one of the summer’s biggest family-friendly releases, and the CinemaCon response suggests Disney has another live-action hit on its hands.
The Dog Stars, Hexed, and Ice Age Round Out the Slate
Director Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, was also featured at Disney CinemaCon 2026. Starring Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Josh Brolin, the post-apocalyptic thriller arrives in theaters August 28 and represents Disney’s continued investment in prestige, adult-skewing dramas alongside its blockbuster fare.
Several casting announcements also generated buzz:
- Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones were revealed as the leads of Disney’s original animated film Hexed.
- Queen Latifah, Denis Leary, and Ray Romano are returning for Ice Age: Boiling Point, the next chapter in the long-running animated franchise.
Avengers: Doomsday Steals the Show
If there was one moment that defined Disney CinemaCon 2026, it was the Marvel presentation. Robert Downey Jr. took the stage alongside directors Joe and Anthony Russo, Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige, and a returning Chris Evans, signaling the most ambitious crossover event in Marvel history.
An Unprecedented Crossover
According to the official synopsis, Avengers: Doomsday will bring “beloved heroes from three distinct universes” into a “deadly collision course” against “an existential threat unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.” The film is poised to redefine the Marvel Cinematic Universe as we know it, weaving together characters from the Sacred Timeline, the Fox X-Men universe, and other corners of Marvel’s multiverse.
The confirmed cast reads like a who’s who of modern superhero cinema:
- Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth
- Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie
- Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, Letitia Wright
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Wyatt Russell, Sebastian Stan
- Channing Tatum, Simu Liu, David Harbour
- Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, James Marsden, Tom Hiddleston
- Joseph Quinn, Lewis Pullman, Kelsey Grammer
- Danny Ramirez, Winston Duke, Alan Cumming
- Wesley Holloway, Hannah John-Kamen, Rebecca Romijn
- Alex Livinalli, Mabel Cadena, and Tenoch Huerta Mejia
Trailer Highlights Revealed at CinemaCon
Attendees were treated to a sneak peek of the Doomsday trailer, which featured scenes with Doctor Doom and Thor, Mystique, Gambit, and Shang-Chi. The trailer also teased the mysterious return of Chris Evans as Captain America in a charged scene between him and Thor. While the trailer has not yet been released to the general public, the CinemaCon reaction suggests upcoming Marvel movies are about to dominate the cultural conversation once again.
Introducing Infinity Vision: A New Premium Theatrical Standard
Perhaps the most forward-thinking announcement to come out of Disney CinemaCon 2026 was the launch of Infinity Vision, a new premium large format certification designed specifically for movie theaters. Andrew Cripps, Head of Theatrical Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios, explained the initiative in a statement:
“Disney’s standards for production quality are second to none, with every single detail of a film finely tuned for an immersive experience. Infinity Vision certification extends that commitment to the theaters themselves, representing a shared effort between The Walt Disney Studios and the exhibition community to help audiences quickly find the very best screens in their area to experience our films in exactly the way they’re designed to be seen , on a huge screen with the sharpest, clearest color and sound.”
Infinity Vision will officially launch with the re-release of Avengers: Endgame on September 25, giving exhibitors a clear runway to upgrade their facilities ahead of Avengers: Doomsday‘s December premiere.
What Disney CinemaCon 2026 Means for Moviegoing
The themes that emerged from Disney CinemaCon 2026 were unmistakable: theatrical exhibition is thriving, the studio is doubling down on event cinema, and the line between streaming and theatrical releases is being redrawn in favor of the big screen. From Star Wars and Pixar to Marvel and live-action remakes, Disney’s calendar through early 2027 reads like a celebration of why audiences still flock to cinemas.
The introduction of Infinity Vision also signals a meaningful investment in the theatrical experience itself. By partnering with exhibitors to certify premium screens, Disney is helping ensure that when you buy a ticket to a Marvel movie or a Pixar adventure, you’re getting the experience the filmmakers intended. For theater owners and moviegoers alike, that’s a win.
As the dust settles in Las Vegas and the trailers begin trickling out to the public, one thing is certain: the next eighteen months at the movies are going to be extraordinary. Whether you’re counting down to Avengers: Doomsday in December, planning a family outing to Moana this summer, or marking your calendar for Toy Story 5, Disney CinemaCon 2026 has given fans plenty of reasons to keep their popcorn ready and their theater loyalty cards loaded. The magic of the movies, as Disney reminded everyone in the room, is alive and well.
