Amazon MGM Studios Commits to 15 Theatrical Films Per Year — Highlander, Spaceballs, and More Are Coming to Cinemas

Amazon Is All In on Theatrical Releases

Remember when everyone doubted whether Amazon MGM Studios would actually commit to theatrical releases? Well, that conversation is officially over. At CinemaCon 2026, Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM, made it crystal clear: theatrical releases are "not a test or an experiment." The studio is committing to at least 15 films per year in theaters.

And the catalyst for this shift? You guessed it — Project Hail Mary. Ryan Gosling's sci-fi epic, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, has been a massive box office success, proving that Amazon can compete with traditional studios when it comes to theatrical distribution.

The Upcoming Slate Is Stacked

Amazon MGM's presentation at CinemaCon revealed a seriously impressive lineup. Here's what we know so far:

• Highlander — The long-awaited reboot of the cult classic franchise is officially in the works, with Chad Stahelski (director of John Wick) attached. If anyone can make sword-fighting immortals feel fresh in 2026, it's him.
• Spaceballs: The New One — Mel Brooks's iconic parody is getting a modern update. Yes, the title is exactly what it sounds like, and yes, it's deliberately absurd.
• Project Hail Mary theatrical extension — Given the film's box office momentum, Amazon is keeping it in theaters longer than originally planned, pushing back its streaming debut on Prime Video.

Why This Matters for Movie Lovers

Amazon's commitment to theatrical releases is great news for the film industry as a whole. When a company with Amazon's resources decides that cinemas matter, it raises the bar for everyone. Netflix has been tepid about theatrical windows, and Apple TV+ has been selective. Amazon going all-in means more big-budget films getting proper theatrical runs.

The studio's theatrical strategy also means more opportunities for directors like Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Chad Stahelski, and others who believe in the communal experience of watching films in a theater.

Amazon MGM Studios isn't playing around anymore. With 15 films per year in theaters and a slate that includes Highlander and Spaceballs, the streamer-turned-studio is here to stay — and your local cinema is the beneficiary.