CinemaCon 2015 is well underway in Las Vegas, with studios showcasing their cinematic wares and detailing future releases ahead of time. One company to take to the stage just yesterday to preview its slew of future films was 20th Century Fox, offering up synopses for the likes of Kung Fu Panda 3, Ridley Scott’s The Martian and much more. We’ve cherry-picked two of the films from Collider’s report, which also includes Leonardo DiCaprio’s revenge drama The Revenant, among others.
First up, Po’s latest adventure. Having recently reshuffled the release date for DreamWorks’ animation, the distributor unveiled the following synopsis, teasing a never-before-seen panda paradise for the ass-kicking protagonist.
In 2016, one of the most successful animated franchises in the world returns with its biggest comedy adventure yet, KUNG FU PANDA 3. When Po’s long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible—learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!
Switching gears quite dramatically, the report also made room for Ridley Scott’s The Martian, a sci-fi film starring Matt Damon as a lone astronaut stranded on the Red planet when a mission goes awry. Interstellar star Jessica Chastian returns for another bout of genre action, with the star-studded ensemble cast being rounded out by Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Donald Glover.
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission.
As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return. Based on a best-selling novel, and helmed by master director Ridley Scott, THE MARTIAN features a star studded cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Donald Glover.
Kung Fu Panda 3 and The Martian have been slated to release on January 29 and November 25, respectively.