Sony cracks down: rothman orders trailers eliminated – cinemacon shocker
The Entertainment world just got a whole lot shorter. Sony Pictures Chairman Tom Rothman delivered a blunt message at CinemaCon 2026: get rid of the trailer deluge. He essentially told cinema operators to ‘get off the ad crack’ and drastically reduce pre-show advertising.
A furious response to empty seats
Rothman’s comments, reportedly delivered with a noticeable edge, highlighted a growing frustration with the excessive length of pre-movie previews. He insisted that moviegoers, increasingly accustomed to arriving late and skipping the ‘faff,’ don’t even need to see the trailers anymore. Apparently, a half-hour delay is now the norm, a deliberate attempt to bypass the promotional onslaught.
The move, a significant departure from typical marketing strategies, reflects a desperate effort to recapture audience attention and, frankly, boost box office numbers. Sony is betting that a more concise experience will incentivize viewers to arrive on time and actually engage with the film itself. The strategy is a direct response to shifting consumer behavior – a trend of delayed gratification and a growing impatience with traditional advertising tactics.
Upcoming releases – spider-man, zelda, and a momoa monster
Sony’s showcase included updates on upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, and the long-awaited The Legend of Zelda film. But perhaps the most surprising announcement was the development of a live-action Helldivers movie, starring none other than Jason Momoa. That’s a hefty undertaking, to say the least.
Wesley Yin, Director, News at IGN, reported that Rothman's remarks suggest a fundamental shift in how Sony Pictures approaches distribution. He noted, “This isn't just about trimming fat; it’s about reclaiming control of the cinematic experience.” The industry will be watching closely to see if this aggressive tactic proves successful – or if it simply signals a deeper problem with audience engagement.