Amazon MGM Studios Makes Huge Promise To Movie Theaters

Amazon MGM Studios made a big promise to keep putting out theatrical releases in the wake of “Project Hail Mary” dominating the box office last month.

The announcement came from the main stage at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday night, as Deadline reported, with Amazon promising to drop $1 billion annually on bringing movies to the big screen.

“While some of our competitors have dipped their toes in and out of the theatrical waters, for us, this isn’t a test or an experiment. Our commitment to release at least 15 films every year into your theaters is on schedule,” studio head Mike Hopkins said, taking a not-so-subtle dig at other streaming platforms that are in the movie business. 

“As I say to our team constantly, our ambition for theatrical film is in the top half of the first inning. Project Hail Mary is just the beginning,” he added.

“Project Hail Mary” was touted as a proof of concept, with the creative team, filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller, and star Ryan Gosling, who plays the lead character, appearing on stage.

“Hail Mary” just crossed $525 million at the global box office, making it the company’s most successful movie ever.

Amazon MGM’s head of domestic theatrical distribution Kevin Wilson said the future was bright. 

“Last year we introduced a slate built to make audiences lean in. A mix of bold originals and iconic IP. That is who we are. And since then, we’ve delivered results,” the exec added from the stage. 

“Four months. Four films. Over $670 million at the box office. And we have nine more on the way. We said 15 films by 2027 — and we meant it. But this is not about volume. It is about impact. We are building films that give audiences a reason to leave the house. Films with scale. Ambition. Something to say.”

“That expertise is now applied with a singular focus: not just releasing films, but championing each one with the care, rigor, and creativity it deserves,” Amazon MGM’s Head of Global Marketing Susan Kroll said. “And now, we have the ability to pair that foundation with something entirely unique — the full power and reach of Amazon.”

The company also teased upcoming projects, including “The Sheep Detectives” and the highly anticipated sequel “Spaceballs 2.”