Amazon MGM Studios showcased a variety of exciting upcoming film projects at CinemaCon, including Crime 101, Verity, and the highly anticipated Thomas Crown Affair.
The excitement at CinemaCon continues to build! Among the standout presentations at Amazon’s CinemaCon panel is the much-anticipated Thomas Crown Affair, featuring the multi-talented Michael B. Jordan in the roles of director, producer, and lead actor. This fresh take on the classic story is currently filming in London, with the acclaimed cinematographer Bradford Young at the helm of photography. Fans can look forward to the film’s release in 2026, promising a captivating experience.
Next up is Verity, directed by Michael Showalter and starring an impressive cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Josh Hartnett, and Dakota Johnson. This film is adapted from the novel by Colleen Hoover, known for her bestseller It Ends With Us, published in 2018. Attendees at CinemaCon were treated to a thrilling trailer showcasing Hathaway as a renowned author and Hartnett as her husband. The plot thickens as Hathaway’s character becomes paralyzed, while Johnson’s character, a biographer, becomes dangerously obsessed with Hartnett, leading to a twist-filled narrative that suggests Hathaway’s Verity may be harboring a sinister secret!
In the gripping film Mercy, directed by Timur Bekmambetov and featuring Chris Pratt, the protagonist faces a shocking accusation of murdering his wife. An advanced AI system named Mercy, voiced by Rebecca Ferguson, apprehends him, leaving him with just 90 minutes to clear his name using surveillance footage. Chris has remarked that Mercy reminds him of a futuristic version of Bekmambetov’s previous cinematic works, which could be a hit or miss with audiences. Its unique premise is intriguing, though opinions may vary on its execution.
With a screenplay by Marco Van Belle and directed by Bekmambetov, Mercy is set in a not-so-distant future plagued by rising violent crimes. The film follows a detective wrongfully accused of a serious crime who must fight to prove his innocence. Joining Chris Pratt in this gripping narrative are Rebecca Ferguson, Annabelle Wallis, and Kali Reis. The film is scheduled for release on January 23, 2026, and promises to deliver intense drama.
Prepare for an adventure with Hugh Jackman’s quirky new film, Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie. In this charming story, Jackman plays a sheep farmer entangled in a murder mystery, and I’m already hooked! The film, which also stars Emma Thompson, appears to be family-friendly and reminiscent of the heartwarming vibe found in The Full Monty. Although it features adorable sheep, rest assured that the film is not animated. Instead, it provides a delightful mix of humor and mystery, and it boasts a stellar cast that includes Bryan Cranston and Brett Goldstein.
Get ready for a dose of reality with Amazon’s Crime 101, directed by Bart Layton. This film, echoing the intense atmosphere of Heat, features Chris Hemsworth as a cunning robber reminiscent of Robert De Niro’s character. He’s relentlessly pursued by a determined detective portrayed by Mark Ruffalo. Additionally, Barry Keoghan plays a psychopathic antagonist, while Halle Berry steps into the role of an insurance agent. The film’s slick presentation and crime-ridden Los Angeles backdrop are unmistakably reminiscent of Heat, and while it draws inspiration from the classic, it promises a fresh take on the genre.
Based on the gripping novella by Don Winslow, Crime 101 revolves around a series of high-profile jewelry heists along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway that have puzzled law enforcement for years. The perpetrator adheres to a strict personal code he refers to as ‘Crime 101’. While police investigations attribute these thefts to notorious Colombian cartels, Detective Lou Lubesnick suspects that a single, elusive jewel thief is behind it all. As this lone-wolf criminal seeks one final, legendary score, Lubesnick finds himself breaking every rule of his own code.
Our editor-in-chief, Chris Bumbray, who is on the scene at CinemaCon, notes that After the Hunt appears to tackle provocative themes, with Andrew Garfield playing a character embroiled in a contentious scenario. The preview showcases Garfield’s character clashing with Ayo Edebiri, who accuses him of a serious crime, leaving Julia Roberts caught in the middle of their conflicting narratives. Both characters present compelling arguments, as Garfield asserts that Edebiri’s actions are jeopardizing his career, while Edebiri seems to employ a strategic approach. However, Roberts’ character is also hiding shadows from her past, adding depth to the film’s exploration of cultural conflicts.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino and penned by Nora Garrett, After the Hunt is a gripping dramatic thriller that stars Julia Roberts as a college professor facing a moral and professional dilemma when a talented student makes a serious accusation against one of her colleagues. As her own dark secrets threaten to surface, the tension escalates. Joining Roberts in this gripping tale are Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Chloë Sevigny. This film is set to have a limited release on October 10th, with a wider release following on October 17th.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and insights from CinemaCon 2025!
