From Dune to Narnia: The Must-See Movie Frachises of 2026

Features

Jan 17

As we head into 2026, the cinematic landscape is filled with massive franchise returns. Beyond the usual Marvel and DC blockbusters, this year marks the highly anticipated comeback of Toy Story, Dune, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Now Playing in Theatres

The film is directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) while Alex Garland (28 Days Later, 28 Years Later) returns to write the script. Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Alfie William, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry will reprise their roles from the previous film. 28 Days Later lead star and Oscar Best Actor winner Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) is also reportedly returning for this film. In a continuation of the epic story, Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) finds himself in a shocking new relationship - with consequences that could change the world as they know it - and Spike's (Alfie Williams) encounter with Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell) becomes a nightmare he can't escape. In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival - the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, Canadian Release Date: March 27

Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett return for this sequel to the 2019 cult hit. Samara Weaving reprises her role as Grace, joined by a massive ensemble including Kathryn Newton (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Shawn Hatosy, Néstor Carbonell (Lost), Kevin Durand (The Naked Gun), Olivia Cheng (See), Nadeem Umar-Khitab, legendary director David Cronenberg (The Fly) and Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings trilogy).

Moments after surviving an all-out attack from the Le Domas family, Grace (Samara Weaving) discovers she’s reached the next level of the nightmarish game — and this time with her estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) at her side. Grace has one chance to survive, keep her sister alive, and claim the High Seat of the Council that controls the world. Four rival families are hunting her for the throne, and whoever wins rules it all.

The Mandalorian and Grogu, Canadian Release Date: May 22

The film will continue the story of the series The Mandalorian and is directed by the show's creator, Jon Favreau (Iron Man), who co-created the story with the series' writer and Lucasfilm's Chief Creative Officer, Dave Filoni. In addition to the return of the two main characters, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, the cast includes two-time Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) who will voice Rotta the Hutt, the son of Jabba the Hutt. Sigourney Weaver (Alien franchise) will play a New Republic leader, Jonny Coyne will return as an Imperial remnant, and the character Zeb (voiced by Steve Blum) from Star Wars Rebels will also appear. The film's score will be composed by two-time Academy Award winner Ludwig Göransson (Black Panther, Oppenheimer), who scored the first two seasons of the series.

The film takes place between Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu.

Toy Story 5, Candian Release Date: June 19

Directed and written by Oscar-winning director Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WALL-E), this film will revolve around a story of toys battling technology. Bonnie is now 8 years old in this installment, and the protagonists must face the challenges posed by Bonnie's new favorite: a tablet computer. In addition to the returning main cast from previous installments, new cast members include talk show host Conan O’Brien and Anna Faris (Mom). Greta Lee (Past Lives) will voice the tablet, named Lilypad, and Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters series) will take over the voice of Combat Carl, replacing the late Carl Weathers who passed away last year.

Supergirl, Canadian Release Date: June 26

Directed by Craig Gillespie (Cruella), the film is adapted from the 2021 comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. It will contrast Supergirl, who witnessed the death of all her loved ones on Krypton and grew up alone, with Superman, who was adopted and loved by humans on Earth. Two-time Emmy winner Ramin Djawadi (Game of Thrones) will serve as the music composer. Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) plays Supergirl/Kara Zor-El. David Krumholtz (Num3ers) and Cannes Best Actress winner Emily Beecham (Little Joe) play her parents, Zor-El and Alura In-Ze, respectively. Matthias Schoenaerts (The Old Guard) plays the main villain. Jason Momoa will also star in the film, but he will no longer portray Aquaman. Instead, he will play the comic character Lobo. When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Canadian Release Date: July 31

The fourth installment in the MCU Spider-Man franchise will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings). Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, navigating a lonely new reality. Joining him are several returning MCU veterans: Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/ The Punisher, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/ Hulk, and Michael Mando, finally returning as Mac Gargan/ Scorpion. In an exciting casting crossover, Marvin Jones III will make his live-action debut as the crime boss Tombstone, a character he previously voiced in the animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Despite the memory-wipe at the end of the previous film, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are confirmed to return as MJ and Ned. New additions to the cast include Sadie Sink (Stranger Things), Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear) and Emmy winner Tramell Tillman (Severance). During the emotional finale of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker sacrificed his personal history to save the multiverse, with the world—including his closest friends and the Avengers—having no memory of who Peter Parker is.

Hulk and Scorpion to Appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day! New Suit Revealed!

Clayface, Canadian Release Date: September 11

This entry in the DC Universe is a dedicated body horror film centered on a rising actor whose life takes a tragic turn after a mob encounter leaves his face brutally disfigured. In a state of desperation, he seeks out a maverick scientist with a radical, experimental solution. The film is directed by James Watkins (Speak No Evil), with a screenplay written by horror master Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, The Haunting of Hill House) and Hossein Amini (Obi-Wan Kenobi). Tom Rhys Harries (White Lines) stars Clayface. BAFTA winner Naomi Ackie (The End of the F*ing World) plays the scientist whose controversial methods transform Hagen's body into living clay. Max Minghella (The Handmaid’s Tale) plays a Gotham City police detective.

Resident Evil, Canadian Release Date: September 18

This upcoming film is a reboot of the iconic video game franchise, directed by Zach Cregger (Barbarian and Weapons). Cregger co-wrote the screenplay with Shay Hatten (John Wick franchise.) The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Austin Abrams (Weapons), Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird), Zach Cherry (Severance) and Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country.) The film is reportedly more faithful to the games series than the previous films.

The Social Reckoning, Canadian Release Date: October 9

The film is being written and directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, who penned the original The Social Network. The sequel reportedly will not be a direct continuation of the first film's plot. Instead, it's an adaptation of The Wall Street Journal's 2021 exposé, "The Facebook Files." The story is expected to revolve around Facebook's internal operations and its harmful impact on children, teenagers, and other countries, likely touching on the January 2021 Capitol riot. Oscar Best Actress winner Mikey Madison (Anora) will play whistleblower Frances Haugen, two times Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor winner Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) will portray reporter Jeff Horwitz, who wrote "The Facebook Files," and Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor winner Jeremy Strong (Succession) will take over the role of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg from Jesse Eisenberg, while the other cast includes Bill Burr (The King of Staten Island), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), Billy Magnussen (Lilo & Stitch), Betty Gilpin (The Hunt), Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Old Man) and Portia Doubleday (Mr. Robot).

Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, and Jeremy Strong May Star in The Social Network Part II

Street Fighter, Canadian Release Date: October 16

Directed by Kitao Sakurai (Bad Trip) and written by Dalan Musson (Captain America: Brave New World), the film is based on the popular fighting video game series of the same name. The cast includes Andrew Koji (Warrior), Noah Centineo (Black Adam), Callina Liang (Presence), David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (Escape Plan) and Eric André (Bad Trip).

Godzilla Minus Zero, Canadian Release Date: November 6

Following the historic success of Godzilla Minus One, which won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, Takashi Yamazaki, is confirmed to return as director and writer, and visual effects supervisor.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Canadian Release Date: November 20

The movie will be directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed previous installments, with Billy Ray, the screenwriter for the first film, returning to pen the script. The cast includes Joseph Zada (We Were Liars), Cannes Best Actor winner Jesse Plemons (Kinds of Kindness), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Mufasa: The Lion King), Maya Hawke (Stranger Things), Lili Taylor (The Conjuring), Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter film series and Schindler's List), Elle Fanning (Predator: Badlands), Oscar winner Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), Whitney Peak (Gossip Girl), Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters franchise), Ben Wang (Karate Kid: Legends), Golden Globe Best Actress winner Glenn Close (The Wife), and Emmy Best Actor winner Billy Porter (Pose). Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson will reprise their roles from the original films.

The Hunger Games prequel novel of the same name was published in March of last year detailing the dawn of the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

Haymitch's Origin: Teaser Trailer Drops for The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson Set for Hunger Games Prequel Cameos

Avengers: Doomsday, Canadian Release Date: December 18

The film sees the return of the Russo Brothers (Avengers: Endgame) as directors, with a script penned by Michael Waldron (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) and veteran Marvel writer Stephen McFeely. Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU, not as Iron Man, but as the film’s central antagonist, Doctor Doom (Victor von Doom), while Chris Evans is reprising his role of Steve Rogers. The remaining cast includes familiar faces from the Thor and Loki series such as Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston, as well as the new Captain America, Anthony Mackie, alongside Danny Ramirez as the new Falcon. Other returning heroes include Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, and a significant contingent from Wakanda and Talokan, including Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, and Winston Duke. The film also features Simu Liu as Shang-Chi and a massive lineup from the Thunderbolts*, including Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, and Hannah John-Kamen. Furthermore, the entire Fantastic Four cast—Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, and Pedro Pascal—will appear, alongside a huge ensemble of X-Men veterans including Kelsey Grammer, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, and Channing Tatum as Gambit.

Thor and X-Men Return! New Trailers for Avengers: Doomsday Released!!

Worlds Collide: Wakanda, Talokan, and the Fantastic Four Unite in New Avengers: Doomsday Teaser

Dune: Part Three, Canadian Release Date: December 18

Director Denis Villeneuve returns to complete his visionary trilogy, once again co-writing the screenplay with Jon Spaihts. This installment adapts Frank Herbert’s second novel, Dune Messiah, and promises a significant shift in tone from the first two films. Most of the core cast from the previous chapters will return, including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy, who moves into a starring role as Paul’s sister, Alia Atreides. New additions to the cast include Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, the son of Jason Momoa and Ida Brooke (Silo), who will be making their major film debuts as Leto II and Ghanima, the twin children of Paul and Chani. Robert Pattinson (The Batman) is reported to be playing the film’s primary antagonist. Villeneuve is taking the film’s scale to new heights by shooting selected scenes with IMAX cameras. While the film sees a change in cinematography—with Oscar winner Linus Sandgren (La La Land) taking over for Greig Fraser—fans can rest assured that the iconic sound of Arrakis will remain intact, as two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer returns to compose the score.

The book Dune Messiah continues the story of Paul Atreides, better known—and feared—as the man christened Muad’Dib. As Emperor of the known universe, he possesses more power than a single man was ever meant to wield. Worshipped as a religious icon by the fanatical Fremen, Paul faces the enmity of the political houses he displaced when he assumed the throne—and a conspiracy conducted within his own sphere of influence. And even as House Atreides begins to crumble around him from the machinations of his enemies, the true threat to Paul comes to his lover, Chani, and the unborn heir to his family’s dynasty...

Narnia: The Magician's Nephew, Streaming on Netflix on December 25

Greta Gerwig (Little Women and Barbie) is set to write and direct this bold reboot of The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix. Rather than starting with the most famous story, Gerwig is adapting the sixth book in the series, The Magician’s Nephew. As a prequel set years before the other novels, this film serves as a fresh starting point for a new cinematic universe. Emma Mackey (Sex Education) takes on the role of the powerful and terrifying witch, Jadis. Two times Oscar Best Actress winner Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady) is reported to provide the voice for Aslan, the Great Lion. Other cast includes former 007/James Bond star Daniel Craig and BAFTA Best Actress winner Carey Mulligan (An Education). The film reunites Gerwig with her Barbie musical collaborators, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. The duo, who won an Oscar for their song Shallow (A Star Is Born), will compose the score.

On a daring quest to save a life, two friends are hurled into another world, where an evil sorceress seeks to enslave them. But then the lion Aslan's song weaves itself into the fabric of a new land, a land that will be known as Narnia. And in Narnia, all things are possible.

The Adventures of Cliff Booth

As a sequel to Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, the film is directed by David Fincher (The Social Network) and written by the original film's director, Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino was initially slated to direct it himself but later canceled those plans before official production began. Subsequently, the film eventually shifted to David Fincher's direction and will be released on Netflix. This sequel will focus on Brad Pitt's character, Cliff Booth, as he becomes a Hollywood "fixer." Leonardo DiCaprio, the protagonist from the first film, might also make a cameo, and new cast members include Emmy winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen), Emmy winner Elizabeth Debicki (The Crown), Scott Caan (Hawaii Five-0), Carla Gugino (The Haunting of Hill House), and Holt McCallany (Mindhunter). Oscar winner Erik Messerschmidt (Mank), who collaborated with David Fincher in a few projects, will work as the cinematographer of this film.

If you are interested in upcoming movies to be released in Canada, please visit the Movie Release Schedule page on this website!

Photo and Source: Sony Pictures, 20th Century Studios, Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Cineplex Pictures, Marvel Studios, Netflix

Ready or Not 2: Here I ComeSpider-Man: Brand New DayClayfaceResident EvilStreet FighterThe Hunger Games: Sunrise on the ReapingNarnia: The Magician's NephewThe Adventures of Cliff Booth28 Years Later: The Bone TempleThe Mandalorian and GroguToy Story 5SupergirlAvengers: DoomsdayDune: Part Three

Edison Lau