LAS VEGAS, April 4 — Big screen versions of the celebrated musical Cats and TV series Downton Abbey and another entry in the Fast and Furious franchise: Universal Studios yesterday presented its forthcoming releases at CinemaCon in Los Vegas.

Explosions, epic brawls and of course lots and lots of cars: Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw, with Dwayne "The Rock” Johnson and Jason Statham, is faithful to the many movies that preceded it in the franchise.

But in the latest edition, Johnson also pays tribute to his Samoan origins, performing a ritual Siva Tau dance on screen.

"I’m so proud to show my culture as well,” he said.

The villain of the film is Idris Elba, who will also feature in Cats. In addition to the British star, the musical’s cast includes Oscar winners Judi Dench and Jennifer Hudson, as well as singer Taylor Swift.

Another Oscar winner, Octavia Spencer, makers her horror debut with Ma, which shows "how the effects of childhood bullying last for a long time and how long revenge can wait,” she said.

Among the most anticipated releases is Downton Abbey, the big screen sequel to the adventures of the aristocratic Crawley family, which kept many viewers spellbound for six seasons.

This time around, the family is awaiting a visit from the king and queen of England. — AFP