2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Hollywood, with filmmakers betting big on ambitious storytelling, iconic characters, and cinematic experiences designed for the big screen.
From epic sci-fi sagas and superhero resets to long-awaited sequels and bold literary adaptations, here’s a look at the most anticipated Hollywood films slated for release in 2026.
Project Hail Mary
Ryan Gosling headlines this ambitious sci-fi adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, playing an unlikely astronaut tasked with saving Earth from an extinction-level threat.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film promises a rare blend of hard science, emotional depth, and humour.
At a time dominated by franchises, Project Hail Mary stands out as a large-scale original studio film aiming for blockbuster success without relying on established cinematic universes.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
DC Studios signals a tonal shift with Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, a darker and more introspective superhero film based on the acclaimed comic series.
The story follows Supergirl on a cosmic journey shaped by grief, justice, and moral reckoning.
Rather than spectacle alone, the film focuses on character depth, suggesting that DC’s new cinematic universe is prioritising substance alongside scale.
Dune: Part Three
Denis Villeneuve returns to Arrakis for the final chapter of his Dune trilogy. Starring Timothée Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson, Dune: Part Three continues Paul Atreides’ journey with dense themes, political intrigue, and breathtaking visuals.
Villeneuve’s belief that intelligent, challenging science fiction can still thrive in mainstream theatres is at the heart of this epic conclusion.
Avengers: Doomsday
Marvel Studios is preparing a major course correction with Avengers: Doomsday. Bringing together heroes from multiple timelines and realities, the film is expected to redefine the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
After a mixed post-Endgame era, this December 2026 release is being positioned as a return to true event cinema — the kind that once turned every Marvel opening into a global phenomenon.
The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan takes on his most daring project yet with The Odyssey, a modern adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic.
Headlined by Matt Damon and Tom Holland, the film chronicles Odysseus’ perilous decade-long journey home after the Trojan War.
Shot across multiple countries and crafted specifically for IMAX, The Odyssey is designed as a theatrical experience meant to be felt, not merely watched.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Miranda Priestly returns in a sequel that reflects a radically transformed fashion and media industry.
With Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway reprising their iconic roles, The Devil Wears Prada 2 explores relevance, power, and survival in an age dominated by influencers, algorithms, and shifting cultural authority.
Nostalgia meets sharp contemporary commentary in this long-awaited follow-up.
Toy Story 5
Pixar revisits its most beloved franchise at a time when nostalgia itself is being questioned. As toys confront a world increasingly ruled by screens, smart devices, and artificial intelligence, Toy Story 5 delves into themes of relevance, obsolescence, and emotional attachment.
Once again, Pixar aims to tell a story that resonates as deeply with adults as it does with children.
Michael
One of the most closely watched biopics in recent years, Michael chronicles the rise, reign, and controversies of the King of Pop.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, the film carries enormous expectations — both as a tribute to Michael Jackson’s unparalleled artistry and as a reckoning with fame, genius, and excess.
The Mandalorian & Grogu
After redefining Star Wars for the streaming era, Lucasfilm brings its most successful modern characters to the big screen.
The Mandalorian & Grogu expands the franchise’s mythology while preserving the emotional intimacy that made the series a hit.
The move signals Disney’s renewed commitment to restoring Star Wars as a major theatrical event.
Whether it’s epic sci-fi, superhero reinvention, prestige biopics, or nostalgia-driven storytelling, 2026 promises a cinematic slate that leans heavily into ambition.
For moviegoers craving spectacle with substance, Hollywood’s upcoming year looks especially promising.