Amazon MGM Pledges 15 Theatrical Movies Per Year: 'Project Hail Mary' Was 'Just the Beginning'

Tech giant assures theater owners of major commitment to big-screen releases, unlike some competitors.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:05am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring sharp, angular black silhouettes and geometric shapes in a high-contrast composition, conceptually representing the idea of a movie studio's commitment to the theatrical experience.Amazon MGM's pledge of 15 annual theatrical releases aims to provide stability and reassurance to movie theater owners.Los Angeles Today

At CinemaCon, Amazon MGM Studios head Mike Hopkins told theater owners that the company is fully committed to releasing at least 15 films per year in theaters, unlike some of its tech competitors who have been inconsistent with their theatrical plans. Hopkins touted the success of 'Project Hail Mary' as just the start, and the company brought out producer-star Ryan Gosling to thank exhibitors.

Why it matters

Amazon's pledge of a consistent $1 billion annual spend on theatrical movies provides much-needed reassurance to theater owners who have faced uncertainty from major tech players like Apple and Netflix regarding their commitment to the big-screen experience.

The details

At the CinemaCon industry event, Amazon MGM Studios head Mike Hopkins took the stage to assure theater owners that the company is serious about its theatrical film business, unlike some of its tech competitors who have been inconsistent with their movie release strategies. Hopkins stated that Amazon MGM will release at least 15 films per year in theaters, a firm commitment that was met with thunderous applause from the exhibitors. To drive the point home, the company brought out producer-star Ryan Gosling of the successful film 'Project Hail Mary', which grossed $525 million globally, as evidence that Amazon MGM's theatrical ambitions are real.

  • On Wednesday night, Amazon MGM Studios made the announcement at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.

The players

Mike Hopkins

Head of Amazon MGM Studios, who took the stage at CinemaCon to pledge the company's commitment to theatrical film releases.

Ryan Gosling

Producer and star of the $525 million global box office hit 'Project Hail Mary', who appeared at CinemaCon to thank theater owners on behalf of Amazon MGM Studios.

Phil Lord

Filmmaker who worked on 'Project Hail Mary' and appeared at CinemaCon alongside Ryan Gosling.

Chris Miller

Filmmaker who worked on 'Project Hail Mary' and appeared at CinemaCon alongside Ryan Gosling.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Mike Hopkins, Head of Amazon MGM Studios

“As opposed to who, you ask? That would be Apple, and perhaps Netflix, who got a thinly-veiled swipe from Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios head Mike Hopkins at the top of the panel.”

— Matt Donnelly, Variety Reporter

What’s next

Amazon MGM Studios is expected to reveal more details about its upcoming theatrical film slate in the coming months as it works to fulfill its pledge of at least 15 releases per year.

The takeaway

Amazon's firm commitment to theatrical film releases, in contrast to the inconsistent strategies of some tech competitors, provides much-needed stability and reassurance to the movie theater industry as it continues to recover from the pandemic.