Now & Then

'Screen Legend' couldn't be more suitable, none other than Tom Cruise, to be described upon in this modern day film world, and he is still the hardest working star within this year and beyond.

News just broke that Anne Hathaway joins him in "Days of Thunder 2" co-starring him, and the release date is aimed at June 2nd, 2028 !  As long as 2 years and half wait after his latest "Digger" October 2nd debut.

Which the legend himself admits 'Totally Original', 'Unlike any other films he's ever made'.  He's once again challenging his 'Mission Impossible', his one more legendary franchise celebrating 30th anniversary.

Witchcraft Season

Still a month early to go to Halloween movies 2026, this particular genre is coming back as expected ?  Since "Practical Magic" sequel just became a reality, after 1998 original, overall the franchise set is full of attraction.

A romantic comedy, with mysterious magic power added, 28 years on, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, witch sisters could tease the audience under the spell once again ?  And one more classic icon is given a new life.

Commemorating almost half a century debut of Stephen King's "Carrie", new series would start streaming October 7th, as eight propulsive episodes, re-create the telekinetic teenager's secret world and power, could be regenerated to haunt ?

Outsiders

Greek king reigned, super hero did the work, toy stories were made..., the summer 2026 was filled with satisfactions, after expectations...  And there were beyond expectations, here are the surprise hit stories.

What's so surprising is that, this was a debut work of Kane Parsons, late May release "Backrooms" could come from an ingenious idea, from a confined space to an expansive psychological horror.

Exactly the same goes to a law budget thriller debut by 26 years old Curry Barker's "Obsession", describes the obsessive vision of a young infatuation.  What's also unexpected was, both did remarkably well at the box office.  Rise of new horror genre ?

More Animated

It would be the 'story' of the year, "Toy Story 5" was the record-breaker, the highest grossing animated feature film in the history, not only the top of 2026 earning list.  Then, it triggers as follows.

With new trailers and much more release news, "Incredibles 3" is set to open exclusively in theaters from June 16, 2028, next "Ice Age" is subtitled 'Boiling Point', debut date February 5, 2027.

"Frozen 3" is now officially among Thanksgiving-centered premiere line-ups 2027, releasing November 24.  Wait for more, with its original site announcing new game sales & earlier opening of "Shrek 5" from June 30, 2027.

Summer Retreat ?

And welcome to dystopia, and it's rather a survival ?  Ridley Scott's direction is coming back from August 28, with "The Dog Stars", based on post-apocalyptic thriller novel, a military survivalist being left, where 'The world doesn't exist.' 

2012 Peter Heller's best seller is about an isolated homestead, and a venture into the search of unknown humanity still hidden.  And September 18 would have Zach Cregger's come-back in "Resident Evil".

"Weapons" director promised to present 'Entirely New' stand-alone story, re-create his own  different 'Resident Evil' adaptation, in horror tone and tempo. We don't have to wait till Halloween season, just anxious to cool this summer off.

Ceremonious

That this international festival season, heading into autumn 2026 would be.  First off, from Venice, Italy, beginning Sept. 2nd, part of 83rd 'La Biennale Di Venezia' art festival will feature from film classics journey to Italy.

'Venice Classics' includes Roberto Rossellini's 1957 " Viaggio in Italia" starring Ingrid Bergman, amongst other restored titles from the world.  International premieres are moving on to Toronto, Canada, 51st TIFF, from Sept. 10 to 20.

Oct. 7th is opening 70th London Film Festival with "Elsinore", a true story of Ian Charlston, a Shakespearean actor, prepares himself to perform Hamlet, and this main presentation is from Royal Festival Hall.

Their-Verse

And our- verse, our, movie fans' favorite superhero series' latest came back July 31, even titled 'Brand New Day', and reviewed super also, 'dramatic shift' in Tom Holland's Peter Parker, his best, over the franchise.

Accordingly this summer 2026 may reflect our own "Spider-Verse", as 4K Ultra High Definition collection into our home entertainment, 'Complete Film Set' would bring us back to Sam Raimi directed 1st.

To the last of "Trilogy Collection", in 6 discs, total of almost 7 hours run-time, the fans could rewind till 'No Way Home (2021)' to get ourselves ready for the Brand New Day.

Conventional Measure

This annual convention is an entertainment world hub, much more than a film festival, award ceremony, and certainly not only comic fans', and "Comic-Con 2026" July 23-26, is overwhelming San Diego Convention Hall.

Showcases for new film, television, and games production presented, this year's highlights are too many.  Since 'STAR TREK' is celebrating 60th anniversary, 'The Universe' is scheduled to feature 'Strange New World' exclusive new look.

Mel Brooks is celebrating 100th birthday with "Spaceballs: New One", Marvel's "Avengers: Doomsday" details, and "Wolverine" new game story revealed, just to name the few...

Summer Surprises

Or, not too surprising part is that, the ticket sales, the theater revenues up, upper than previous year's summer blockbuster season box office.  Better, simply because the larger screen scale of the titles being successful, as expected.

This summer, we need to go.  To the bigger screen.  Namely, July 18 opening, most anticipatted, Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey", is a must, at the theater experience, presented in broadest screen format in 70mm prints, 4DX dolby vision.

And it is the Nolan's biggest debut ever, surpassing his "Dark Knight Rises", much more than his previous "Oppenheimer".  It's chasing "Toy Story 5" gross revenue, for the summer, which is chasing "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" for the year !

All Star Game

Not too much star power required for July 17 world-wide debut "The Odyssey", no doubt, the most anticipated of this summer 2026 ?  As the star of the three hour historical epic could be the director, Christopher Nolan himself.

The first reaction poured in for the best film maker in the business now, 'ecstatic', 'triumphant', to 'colossal accomplishment', straight through best picture of the year contention.

As for the box office competition for this blockbuster season is settled by the dominant "Toy Story 5" on top, currently in theaters and still cracking records over global ticket sales, projected to surpass the previous "Toy Story 4" as series' best.

Festive Franchise

And it's answered by family audiences.  This heatwave celebration could bring us to movie theaters, traditionally the first week-end of July box office would show-case the peak of summer film season tally..., the first peak to begin with.

And not only the record-breaker of its series debut, but "Toy Story 5" could aim for the highest grossing title of this year, 2026, as the previous year's "Zootopia 2" had impressive revenue throughout the entire year.

Could an anniversary special "Young Washington" limited screen release from 4th of July compete with "Minions & Monsters" world-wide family entertainment fairly, squarely ?  It will be answered ..., by kids ?

Games Strike Back

It was a return of the series, "Mandalorian and Grogu", May, 2026, was a feature film come-back since 2018's "Solo: A STAR WARS story", but the fans are not in intermission now between episodes.  Instead, they are in interactive.

Over their game console, that is, we don't have to wait too long this summer, the next game "Zero Company" arrives August 26, and we can enjoy the trailer, this elite squad single-player, turn-based tactics game beforehand.

One after another, October 6th will see world-wide launch of "Galactic Racer", debuted already at Summer Game Fest., multi-player podracing, 'Repulsocraft', in galactic league circuit action.  While you're enjoying "Maul-Shadow Lord", that is.

Tribeca Tribute

Film fans may associate every June in New York, to lower Manhattan, vibrant, art forum of independent films, in Tribeca Festival, this year, 2026, it's celebrating 25th anniversary milestone year.

Also this year's feature, highlight, is much more, co-founder, Roberto De Niro, is celebrating 50th anniversary of "Taxi Driver", and he's being franked by the director, Martin Scorsese, the writer, Paul Schrader, and co-star, Jodie Foster, on stage.

A movie icon himself, De Niro's 'Travis' character was a reflection of sinister energy of New York through 1970's, after the Vietnam war, the despair, loneliness of anti-hero, that resonated the voices of us.  And the 1976 film still does.

Encounter Disclosure

Spielberg is back.  He's back with his favorite subject ?  June 12th debut "Disclosure Day" is hailed already as 'What he does best'.  Extra-terrestrial, inter-galactic communication, and conspiracy...

Once Spielberg himself commented his down point in his career was 'E.T. did not win the best picture Oscar', but the cinema history recognizes his masterpieces from "Close Encounter of the Third Kind (1978)".  Director's cut runs 6 hours. 44 minutes !

H. G. Wells' film adaptation remake could not be more perfected in "War of the World (2005)", 1953 original, classic science-fiction, was turned into the best of the genre, modern day drama, thrill, action.  By the director what he does best.

Universe Mastered

It would be a major upset that June 5th opening "Masters Of The Universe" draws crowds as much as 'Mandalorian and Grogu', or much more, and the reviews are in as 'Fantasy Extravaganza', 'Heroics Blast', going well with the trailer so far.

Mainly because of 'Masters' bringing back the classic, even nostalgia, from 1983-1985 'He-Man', set up with toy line franchise, already established with kids audience, matching with characters 'Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba) ', 'Skeltor (Jared Leto)'.

It goes as well for May 27th debut of "Spider-Noir", set in 1933 New York, Nicholas Cage's private investigator has his alter-ego, 'The Spider', it's noir, nihilistic, as black and white, though super powered, web-slinger to face powerful mobsters.

Honor's List

At French Riviera, the film festival of all the showcases, opened with homage to 'Women of Cinemas', this year particularly, 2026, dedicated first to Jane Fonda, a front-runner, a heroine, in cinema history.

From her entire filmography, the film fans could pick many of her best, but "Coming Home (1978)" brought her the Best Actress Oscar, along with eight other Academy nominations, to the compelling drama, set aftermath of Vietnam war.

The fest's main feature was the 35th anniversary of "Thelma & Louise (1991)", nominated for six Academy Awards, winner for Callie Khouri, the best script, pop-culture landmark, ride of life-time for two women.

Production Begins

First, it is confirmed by the director, Matt Reeves, the official title now is "The Batman Part II", and is set for release on October 1st, 2027, and the mysterious cast announcement of Scarlett Johansson.

Along with Robert Pattinson, Colin Farrell as Penguin returning, Sebastian Stan added as Harvey Dent/Two-Faces, Charles Dance as Dent's father, Johansson is rumored to be Dent's wife, Gilda.

Fresh out of winning best script Oscar for "The Sinners", Ryan Coogler is rebooting "The X-Files", Danielle Deadwyler is set to play one of the lead, and also fresh out of best supporting actress honor, Amy Madigan is joining the guest cast.

Milestone Year

If you ask any movie fans, to pick their favorite film of all time, you'd be surprised how many years passed after being mesmerized by the exquisite theater experience.  That's how we celebrate "TOP GUN" 40th anniversary this year.

And one week only run at theaters begin May 13, tickets are on sale in advance.  But that's not all.  Film fans' celebrations are in full swing from "The Silence of the Lambs" 35th anniversary already, and we're anxiously waiting "Citizen Kane" 85th.

One more classic 85th "The Maltese Falcon", other runs you may favor, might be "The Birdcage" 30th, "Ocean's Eleven" 25th, and later-on Holiday season, "It's a Wonderful Life" 80th for sure.

79th Cannes Selections

The stage is set, annually French Riviera hosts the showcase of all, the most important event, not only European, but overall international cinema calendar, 2026 edition Cannes Film Festival would be held from May 12 to 23.

This year's premiere screenings, Palm d'Or competition, will feature Pedro Almodovar's  "Bitter Christmas", or "Amarga Navidad", life story of  a film director mixed reality with fiction, as official selection.

Opening day would present Peter Jackson, the New Zealand director, a honorary Palm d'Or, for his achievement with "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "King Kong", "Hobbit", for his 'extraordinary artistic vision and technological audacity'.

Music Epic Redoux ?

The expectation must be so high for April 24th debut of "Michael", both review and box office acceptance, since this biopic must depict the popular icon, a legend, so large.  But then, the life of Michael Jackson must be too large.

To be described into 2 hours and 7 minutes run-time film, the director, Graham King, who was behind "Bohemian Rhapsody", which won four Oscars, could produce as good...  That may well be too difficult also.

The cinema world is still filled with memories from Baz Rahman's "Elvis (2022)", Sam Taylor-Johnson's "Back to Black (2024)" ?  But there could be a case, the characters, the songs, could be too difficult to redoux ?

CinemaCon 2026

The venue is Las Vegas, and it is convention of all the movie business foretold each year, the showcases consist of new production announcement, and the fans gather for star gazing.  It is CinemaCon 2026: Kicked-off from April 13th, Monday.

...and there already is major unveiling, by "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" preview, before July 31st opening, the studio CEO & Chairman introduces Tom Holland's fourth installment for the first time.

And about 24 hours later, "Godzilla Minus Zero" footage was revealed, as the previous 'Minus One' director, the winner of Best Visual Effects Oscar, taking its helm again.  Along with "DUNE III" first seven minutes showing, "Practical Magic 2" & "Spaceball 2" were brought on !

Easter Picks

And we don't mean literally hunting eggs with children, if there is a genre, seasonal choices for each year, beginning of April, which fit your celebration, appropriate, dedicated, titles for classic film fans, and they are...

Mel Gibson directed and released "The Passion of the Christ" in 2004, described in original languages, latin, hebrew, aramaic, the controversy aside, the film ought to be remembered as the most realistic, depiction over the cinema history.

More controversy surrounded 1988, when Martin Scorsese's "The last Temptation of the Christ" was released, however, the performance of Willem Defoe as a human, as a person, with daring idea of writing by Paul Schrader, must linger, admired and appreciated.

Game Time !

Now that, this Easter week-end 2026 box office is being dominated by the "Mario" effect, it is proven !?, that we could play your games on the larger silver screen, much more, as much entertaining on, at the theaters also.

And much more to follow, in production, "Legend of Zelda" is well under-way, till the world-wide release, May 7, 2027, and it's a news, along with the cast of Princess Zelda, played by Bo Bragason and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth.

And your most anticipated list ?  "Silent Hill 2" might be on soon, "Resident Evil" opens its reboot  from September 18th, "Mortal Kombat II" from May, and "Street Fighter", or 'The World Warrior Tournament', have its day from October 16th !

New Life

Two major news from the entertainment world this March, even the first look of 'Harry Potter: The Series' production, and the trailer debut made the headline, before projected 2026 Christmas release.

And the two minutes of video footage is a promising reboot, and a spin-off twist, from the original story to tell, leading Harry from London's King's Cross station to Hogwarts Express.

And one more bulletin about the advance Box Office opening for "Michael" April 24 release, and even one month to go, but the fans' reaction could go overwhelming, as expected.  Directed by Antoine Fuqua, starring Jaafar Jackson.

The Final Frontier

That's space.  And the saga, trilogy, and "DUNE".  Even this new trailer debut in March, 2026, was a hype and a drama, Villenueve's final, epic conclusion ?  "DUNE: Part Three" reveals the plot of the war, jumps 17 years, and introduces the new villain.

And it is Robert Pattinson's shape-shifting enemy.  And the official opening date is set December 18, to combat "Avengers: Doomsday" ?  Which must be on hold, since this 2026 is full of hype in space already.

Before its May 22nd's much anticipated release of "The Mandalorian and Grogu", the galactic fans are satisfied with cosmic adventure "Project Hail Mary", hailed as lone astronaut "Interstellar" meets "E.T." !?