Cinema United Launches Council to Champion Film-Going

Jerry Bruckheimer and Emma Thomas lead new industry group

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:25pm

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A striking abstract composition of bold, angular black and red shapes, conceptually representing the unified effort to champion the theatrical film industry.An industry-wide push to rally support for the future of movie theaters and the cinematic experience.Las Vegas Today

On the eve of CinemaCon in Las Vegas, the newly formed Cinema United organization has launched a council to champion the future of film-going. The council has appointed acclaimed producer Jerry Bruckheimer as chair and director Emma Thomas as vice-chair. Joining them on the council are filmmakers Ryan Coogler, Brad Bird, Jason Reitman, and Celine Song.

Why it matters

This new council represents a high-profile industry effort to rally support for movie theaters and the theatrical experience at a time when the film industry is facing challenges from streaming and changing viewing habits. The involvement of prominent producers and directors signals a concerted push to get audiences back into cinemas.

The details

The Cinema United council will work to promote the value of the theatrical experience and advocate for policies and initiatives to support movie theaters. As chair, Bruckheimer brings decades of blockbuster producing experience, while Thomas' role as vice-chair leverages her background as a producer on acclaimed films like Inception and Tenet.

  • The Cinema United council was launched on the eve of CinemaCon 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Jerry Bruckheimer

An acclaimed film producer known for blockbuster franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Top Gun.

Emma Thomas

A film producer who has worked on acclaimed movies like Inception and Tenet, and is now serving as vice-chair of the Cinema United council.

Ryan Coogler

A prominent filmmaker known for directing the Creed and Black Panther movies.

Brad Bird

An acclaimed director whose credits include The Incredibles and Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.

Jason Reitman

A director and producer known for films like Juno and Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

Celine Song

A filmmaker and screenwriter whose credits include the acclaimed film Past Lives.

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What they’re saying

“At a defining point for the film industry, we must champion the value of the theatrical experience and ensure movie-going remains a vibrant part of our culture.”

— Jerry Bruckheimer, Chair, Cinema United Council

What’s next

The Cinema United council plans to unveil specific initiatives and programs at CinemaCon 2026 to support movie theaters and the theatrical experience.

The takeaway

This high-profile industry effort signals a concerted push to rally support for the future of movie theaters and the theatrical experience at a critical juncture for the film industry.