The 2026 Cinema Slate: Nolan's 'Odyssey,' 'Dune 3,' and New 'Star Wars' Hit Theaters

The cinematic release schedule for 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year, packed with highly anticipated sequels to established franchises alongside major original works from auteur directors. This upcoming year is poised to host several blockbuster events, naturally generating significant buzz among both major studios and global audiences.

The epic saga set on Arrakis is slated for its conclusion on December 18, 2026, when Denis Villeneuve unveils Dune: Part Three. This installment is reportedly drawing its narrative foundation from Frank Herbert’s novel, Dune Messiah. This film will serve as the powerful third and final chapter in Villeneuve’s trilogy, with Timothée Chalamet reprising his role as Paul Atreides, who has ascended to the position of Galactic Emperor. Production officially kicked off in July 2025 and wrapped up by November of the same year. Notably, this release date places Dune 3 in direct conflict with a major upcoming Marvel picture, a scheduling clash that the industry is already unofficially dubbing 'Dunesday.'

The galaxy far, far away returns to the big screen on May 22, 2026, with The Mandalorian & Grogu. John Favreau, co-creator of the original streaming series, is taking the directorial helm for this cinematic venture. This project is widely understood to be taking the place of the previously planned fourth season of the television show, moving the adventures of Din Djarin and Grogu from streaming platforms directly into theaters. Filming took place across California and concluded in December 2024. Joining Pedro Pascal in the cast are Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White.

Christopher Nolan is turning his attention toward classical literature, preparing an adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey, featuring Matt Damon in the lead role of Odysseus. The premiere is currently scheduled for July 17, 2026. This undertaking is being touted as the most expensive film of Nolan’s career thus far, boasting a substantial budget of 250 million dollars. Furthermore, this movie is set to make history as the first feature-length production entirely shot using the new IMAX 70mm film cameras. The ensemble cast also includes Anne Hathaway portraying Penelope, alongside Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson.

Beyond these tentpoles, 2026 promises a mix of beloved franchise revivals and fresh original concepts. Pixar Animation Studios will debut Toy Story 5 on June 19, 2026. The core plot reportedly revolves around the toys confronting a new piece of technology called 'Lilypad,' exploring a theme of 'toy versus tech.' The return of Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear is confirmed. However, Allen has indicated that the narrative focus will shift somewhat toward the character of Jessie.

The sequel to the fashion phenomenon, The Devil Wears Prada 2, is set for release on May 1, 2026, marking exactly two decades since the original film debuted. The story will center on Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) as she fights to keep her magazine, Runway, relevant amidst the decline of print journalism. This effort puts her in direct conflict with her former assistant, Emily (Emily Blunt), who has since risen to a top executive position. Principal photography commenced on June 30.

The year will wrap up with a massive Marvel Studios offering, Avengers: Doomsday, hitting theaters on December 18, 2026—the very same day as Dune 3. Anthony and Joe Russo are returning to direct, and Robert Downey Jr. is confirmed to reprise his role, this time as the primary antagonist, Doctor Doom. Filming for this picture, which will feature both MCU veterans and actors from the X-Men series, concluded in September 2025. Additionally anticipated is Steven Spielberg’s science fiction feature, Disclosure Day, arriving on June 12, 2026, starring Emily Blunt as a meteorologist who uncovers definitive proof of extraterrestrial life.