The third day of 2025’sCinemaConwitnessed a compelling series ofupdates from Amazon MGM’s panels, and the upcoming movie plan fromAmazon Studiosarrives at the perfect moment. ScreenRant reported from Amazon’s panel, where the studio showcased new teasers and trailers for their highly anticipated films. With a substantial movie slate, Amazon is poised to gain a significant edge over rival streaming platforms and potentially dominate theatrical distribution — particularly as other services begin to abstain from theatrical releases. This new plan vastly exceedsAmazon’s previous $1 billion yearly commitmentto cinematic releases.
Amazon MGM Is Planning To Increase Its Theatrical Movie Output
During the SXSW conference at the end of March 2025, Courtenay Valenti disclosed the production company’s plan for the next two years.Amazon’s Head of Film, Streaming, and Theatrical revealed the company will drastically increase its theatrical releases over the next yearin a steadfast “financial” and “philosophical” devotion to movie theaters (viaDeadline.) Although many projects have yet to have release date, its target is to achieve a yearly output of 16 films in 2027. While Amazon executives recognize that not every movie necessitates a theatrical release, these do generally boost a film’s appeal when it goes to streaming.
James Bond’s Amazon Era Begins As New Controlling Producers Confirmed, Issue First Statement
The James Bond franchise officially confirms the new producers leading the charge as the Amazon era for the decades-long spy film series begins.
Previously, it was looking at five to eight titles released theatrically each year, including major titles such asChallengers,which is now streaming on VOD. With that in mind,Amazon Studios are seemingly ahead of schedule with 16 titles already in the worksfor 2026. The lineup of highly anticipated projects, across various genres, features titles such asMercystarring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, and Luca Guadagnino’sAfter the Hunt. Howver, there are plenty of theatrical releases lined up for 2025, including a sequel to Ben Affleck’s hit action film,The Accountant 2, andHolland, starringBabygirl’s Nicole Kidman.
Amazon Is Pushing Theatrical Movies At A Time When Other Streamers Are Shying Away
Amazon Is Gaining A Monopoly On This Section Of Entertainment
Before now, streaming services committing to theatrical distribution had been relatively unheard of. Major competitors such as Netflix, which primarily focuses on streaming exclusive content, have rarely adopted this model. Other services, such asApple, are reportedly scaling back their theatrical outputas a result of incredibly disheartening commercial results with some big-budget features (viaPYMNTS.)
However, this is a consequence of certain projects that cost the company between $100-200 million to develop, such asArgylleandthe budget forKillers of the Flower Moon. Abstaining from theatrical distribution is merely Apple’s hope to minimize costs and film its upcoming projects for less than these vast sums.
In the opening remarks of Amazon’s panel atCinemaCon, the head of Prime Video and MGM Studios emphasized, “We look at everything through the lens of our customers, [and] we want to give audiences every entertainment experience they’re looking for, [including] the communal experience that can’t be replicated at home" (viaAdWeek.)
Regardless, this is a major factor in Amazon’s unique position among streaming platforms. The studio’s dedication to the theatrical experience is clear, demonstrating a commitment beyond mere profit.Amazon is well-positioned to consistently deliver exclusive films to Prime Video, leveraging its subscription model for substantial audiences — which is a strategy they’ve already employed withRoad House. Of course, the streaming model has been excessively criticized for becoming the new, modern movie viewing experience. However,Amazon’s new direction sees them actively championing the theatrical experience, which is crucial as these experiences are a huge part of our relationship with movies.
Amazon’s Upcoming Movies Are Incredibly Exciting
Amazon Benefits From IPs That Are Ideal For Theatrical Viewing
According to Valenti, Amazon MGM is “building a bold and diverse slate […] — sci-fi, fantasy, action-packed adventures, family-friendly fare, gripping thrillers[…]” and “whether we’re tapping into beloved IP or launching original concepts, our goal is […] to deliver unforgettable, four-quadrant experiences that deserve the theatrical moment” (viaAmazon News.) This is reflected in the studios upcoming slate of movies.The most exciting project is going to be the new installment of James Bond, afterMGM acquired the intellectual property rights to Bond. Currently, there are no concrete franchise plans, but the studio understands the importance of careful execution.
On top of the James Bond franchise,Amazon is taking thecreative lead on several original conceptsand one of the biggest isProject Hail Mary, starring and produced by Ryan Gosling. Based on the novel by Andy Weir,Project Hail Mary’s storywill follow an astronaut tasked with saving Earth from a cataclysmic ice age.
Alongside this, a first look at Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo’s new heist movie was unveiled atCinemaCon.Crime 101does not have a release date, but it’s already gearing up to be one of Amazon’s biggest projects with a star-studded cast alongside its two leads are Barry Keoghan, Monica Barbaro, and Halle Berry.
Amazon Is Well Positioned To Become An Even Bigger Powerhouse Now
Amazon Studios Is In The Most Ideal Spot Among All Streaming Platforms
Amazon is in a strong position, thanks to its impressive recent releases and upcoming projects. It doesn’t help that some of its competitors are also strugglingPerhaps the biggest advantage to Amazon is Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, which eliminated a major competitor for the platform. Additionally, there has been speculation of late concerning Warner Bros. Pictures being sold, as the company experienced severe financial strain — meaning we would lose another major player. Most of this debt comes from the WarnerMedia merger with Discovery in 2022, but it strengthens Amazon’s position with a pipeline of moderately successful films.
The landscape of major Hollywood studios, currently dominated by Disney, Universal, Paramount, and Sony, could soon include Amazon, judging from this model.
