NEON’S presentation at CinemaCon 2026 may have been punchy and concise, but it left an indelible mark on attendees. Moving away from the high-volume strategy of larger studios, NEON’s showcase focused on high-quality, impactful storytelling, establishing the distributor as a confident leader in the prestige genre space.
A Mic-Drop Moment for “Hope”
The undisputed standout of the session was the footage from “Hope,” the highly anticipated South Korean thriller. The room was filled with audible gasps as the first look at the film’s creature designs was revealed.
Attendees praised the footage for its “effective suspense and dread-building,” with one observer noting that the visual execution and atmosphere set a new high bar for the genre.
Boots Riley and the Coming of “I Love Boosters”
Filmmaker Boots Riley, along with LaKeith Stanfield, drew significant attention as he took the stage to discuss his latest project, “I Love Boosters.” Riley’s infectious energy and “genuinely excited” demeanor were highlights for the crowd.
The film, which follows a group of shoplifters taking aim at a cutthroat fashion maven, was lauded for its vibrant Oakland setting and its commitment to centering women of color in lead roles. Riley also made waves with an “interesting” comment regarding Martin Scorsese, further cementing his film as a must-watch cultural moment for 2026.
A Stronghold in Horror and Thrills
NEON leaned heavily into its reputation as a premiere destination for horror and psychological thrillers. Key projects showcased included:
- “Hokum”: Attendees were treated to a final trailer for the upcoming release. While some noted it didn’t reveal much new information, the anticipation for this horror staple remains high.
- “A Place in Hell”: Described as a “thrilling ride,” the footage offered a look at a tense, high-stakes narrative that left the audience eager for more.
- “Leviticus”: A standout for its representation, the film was highlighted as a “gay horror movie” that centers underrepresented voices within a terrifying religious ritual context.
Studio Strategy: Quality Over Quantity
The overall vibe of the presentation was one of supreme confidence. Attendees noted that NEON is doubling down on its “good eye for quality,” proving they don’t need a massive slate to dominate the conversation. By balancing international sensations like “Hope” with American indie icons like Boots Riley, NEON signaled that its 2026 strategy is built on bold, diverse, and visually arresting cinema.
As one attendee summarized: “NEON seems more confident in themselves and it shows in the projects they’re putting out. It makes me confident to watch their films.”
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