High-Stakes Shake-Ups at CinemaCon: Who Will Survive the Executive Turmoil?

As CinemaCon kicks off this year, the atmosphere is charged with tension and anticipation as Hollywood's top studios grapple with significant leadership challenges. This could be a defining moment for several executives, many of whom may find themselves stepping away from the spotlight — possibly for good.

One executive definitely projected to remain in his role is Tom Rothman, the veteran chief of Sony Entertainment Pictures. Rothman is set to illuminate the grand stage at Caesar’s Palace, showcasing Sony’s exciting upcoming movie roster. Despite the lack of a formal contract extension announcement, industry insiders expect Rothman to continue steering the Motion Picture Group well into the future.

Sony Motion Picture Group's co-president Josh Greenstein, however, is under extreme scrutiny, with chatter suggesting his tenure may be nearing its end. Speculation is rife that he could soon move to Paramount, especially in the wake of the ongoing review of the Skydance-Paramount Global merger. Having established a solid rapport with key figures at Skydance, including CEO David Ellison, it's uncertain what exactly Greenstein’s role would entail, if he shifts gears.

Rothman is known for his electrifying speeches — a master at rallying theater owners with his memorable one-liners, such as “Netflix, my ass!” Contrast this to the scene expected at Warner Bros., where executives Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy might face an uncomfortable reckoning following a streak of disappointing box office results. Reports indicate that Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav is actively exploring candidates to replace the duo, which raises eyebrows about other executives potentially on the move, like Greenstein.

The struggle between what favored intellectual property (IP) projects and filmmaker-driven endeavors will be a crucial topic as Zaslav is rumored to prefer the former. Recent projects spearheaded by Abdy and De Luca, such as Ryan Coogler’s *Sinners*, are under a spotlight as expectations shift toward big franchises.

Adding to the mix, DC Studios co-heads Peter Safran and James Gunn will take the stage, teasing what’s in store for the beloved superhero franchise, including a much-anticipated Superman film set for July 11. Safran's ambitions at Warner Bros. are under speculation, as he seeks to grow his influence beyond just the DC universe.

Meanwhile, Universal Pictures remains free of immediate drama, highlighting the strong leadership of Donna Langley, who has expanded her responsibilities significantly in recent years. However, turmoil at Amazon MGM Studios has emerged just before the convention, as head Jennifer Salke was unceremoniously let go. Mike Hopkins, her replacement, is refocusing power within the company on film and television heads Courtenay Valenti and Vernon Sanders as they strategize Amazon's entry into the theatrical landscape, notably concerning the much-anticipated James Bond franchise.

Paramount is also bracing for change, with Brian Robbins expected to make his final appearance during the presentation. His leadership has been commendable during turbulent times, and the industry is watching closely to see how Paramount rebounds post-Robbins.

Finally, Disney wraps up CinemaCon with its own presentation on Thursday, where chairman Alan Bergman is poised to face the press. Despite some recent setbacks, like the mixed reception of *Snow White*, Disney continues to dominate, having consistently ranked No. 1 in market share for most of the past decade, buoyed by successful titles like *Inside Out 2* and the upcoming *Avatar* sequel, *Fire and Ash*. There are also whispers of major changes at Lucasfilm within the year, with Kathleen Kennedy’s longstanding leadership possibly coming to an end.

As CinemaCon unfolds, all eyes will be on these industry titans as they navigate the shifting political landscape of Hollywood and fight to maintain their positions amidst this wave of uncertainty. Will the tension lead to fresh faces in key roles, or can the seasoned executives hold their ground? Stay tuned!