- Avengers: Doomsday – December 18th, 2026
Director: Joe and Anthony Russo
Notable Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Pedro Pascal, and Florence Pugh
It has been 7 years since The Avengers appeared on the big screen. Since 2019, Marvel has released a bunch of movies and shows focusing on solo heroes or new teams (Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four are some examples). Some of these movies have been successful, but most have been box office flops. For this reason, I think Marvel needs to step back from complex multiversal films and stick to character-building, which has been successful in the past with movies such as Iron Man and Captain America: The First Avenger. Another issue I have is with Robert Downey Jr. playing Doctor Doom. Downey is known for his role as Iron Man, who notably dies in Avengers: Endgame. However, instead of leaving his character dead, the MCU decided to bring back Downey as a totally different character. Some fans love it, others hate it; I do, in fact, hate it. I’m intrigued by how successful this movie is, but I will not be seeing it on opening day.
- Mortal Kombat II – May 8th, 2026
Director: Simon McQuoid
Notable Stars: Karl Urban, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Adeline Rudolph
Mortal Kombat is a video game from the 90s, which has had various renditions throughout the 21st century. It is a two-player fighter game with characters that have some extravagant powers. Such heroes are Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and my personal favorite, Raiden. The first movie grouped characters such as Jax, Kung Lao, and Scorpion to fight against Sub-Zero. I am eager to see where the second movie takes the franchise. Johnny Cage will be joining the cast of characters. I am curious to see which side he is on. I love Mortal Kombat and all the characters that come with it. However, I will not be seeing it on opening day; I will save my money and see it at home.
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – April 3rd, 2026
Director: Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath
Notable Stars: Chris Pratt, Jack Black, and Brie Larson
I grew up playing Super Mario Bros. on my Wii. The first Super Mario Movie was a blast. I enjoyed how they combined a bond between brothers, the basics from Super Mario Bros, and somehow Mario Kart. I also enjoyed how Princess Peach was a strong female character for many young girls to look up to. Based on the trailer, it looks like Rosalina, the newest addition to the character list, will also be a strong female character. I am excited to see how Bowser Jr. acts as the main villain of the movie. The first film had amazing animation and character designs, and I hope the second one carries on the legacy. I won’t be there on opening day, but I will 100% see it when it comes to home video.
- Clayface – September 11th, 2026
Director: James Watkins
Notable Stars: Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, and Max Minghella
In October of 2022, James Gunn announced he was taking over the DCEU, creating DC Studios. Since then, Gunn has done a great job creating a new universe that fans are excited about. From the successful box office hit Superman to a well-received animated series, Gunn has done so much for the universe. I am a firm believer that DC will always be better than Marvel, and Gunn’s movies affirm my argument. Clayface is a Batman villain; however, he has never been featured in a film. Thankfully, in this 2026 release, he will be featured in a standalone horror movie. It will focus on the making of Clayface and how he became a well-known Batman villain. I will not be seeing this opening week, but I will probably see it in theaters.
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day – July 31st, 2026
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Notable Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Sadie Sink
Five years have passed since Tom Holland’s Spider-Man graced the screen. Spider-Man is easily one of my favorite superheroes, and Holland does an amazing job capturing his naive high school personality. Recently, I have felt like the only thing Marvel can ever get right is Spider-Man. All of his content over the past few years has been refreshing compared to everything else that Marvel has released. I am also excited to see what new character Sadie Sink will be playing. There have been rumors, but no official releases on which character she will be. This movie might make an opening-week watch for me.
- The Devil Wears Prada 2 – May 1st, 2026
Director: David Frankel
Notable Stars: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt
The Devil Wears Prada is a classic movie. It has a great storyline and amazing characters. 20 years later, the sequel is finally coming out. Not much is known about the plot of the sequel. All fans know is that it will have the same characters as the original, with some new additions to the cast, most relevant being Sidney Sweeney. The clip that was shown to announce the movie just has Andy (Anne Hathaway) entering an elevator with Miranda (Meryl Streep) already in it. Miranda remarks, “You’re late,” and the clip ends. Going off of that, fans can assume Miranda and Andy’s relationship will be quick and snarky, but hopefully more mature. I am excited to see how their pairing has grown, and eager to see how Emily (Emily Blunt) connects with them. I will be seeing this in theaters with my friends.
- Supergirl – June 6th, 2026
Director: Craig Gillespie
Notable Stars: Milly Alcock, Jason Mamoa, and Eve Ridley
Superman was a smashing success, making $616 million worldwide. Supergirl hopes to follow in his footsteps. The character of Supergirl is a lot different than other variations we have seen in the past. The CW Supergirl was bubbly and funny, and the Supergirl from the 80s was warm and welcoming. James Gunn takes a different approach to the Supergirl character, which has been seen in the comics before. She appeared at the end of Superman, drunk after visiting a red sun planet because her powers do not work there. In the DC Universe, Gunn is going to focus on her trauma and past. Unlike Superman, Supergirl was a teenager when Krypton exploded, witnessing all her family die in front of her. This causes her to spiral into a depression and develop drinking habits. Gunn’s Supergirl is going to focus on her drinking habits and how to be a hero while managing her own issues. Instead of Superman’s motto, “Look up,” her motto is “Look out.” I am excited for the new direction of Supergirl and will be seeing it opening week.
- Terrifier 4: The Last Laugh – October 30th, 2026
Director: Damien Leone
Notable Stars: David Howard Thornton, Lauren LaVera, and Elliott Fullam
Terrifier 4: The Last Laugh is expected to be the last movie featuring the popular killer, Art the Clown. He made his debut in 2009 in the short film The 9th Circle, and then more notably in the 2013 film All Hallows’ Eve. Three years later, Art would get his standalone film, Terrifier. I thoroughly enjoyed all three Terrifier movies so far, so I have high hopes for the fourth one. As crazy as it seems, Art is my comfort character, and I own so much stuff with him on it. I am excited to see if Serena can finally defeat her inner demons and Art the Clown. I am also eager to see if they bring back characters such as the Little Pale Girl and Victoria Heyes to be Art’s accomplices. While it might sound insane to some, I will be seeing this opening weekend.
- Scream 7 – February 27th, 2026
Director: Kevin Williamson
Notable Stars: Neve Campbell, Mathew Lillard, and Mckenna Grace
Three years have passed since Scream VI was released. It was a successful hit starring Jenna Ortega. Unfortunately, Scream 7 doesn’t have Jenna Ortega starring in it, but it comes with the surprising return of Matthew Lillard, who played Stu Macher in the first Scream in 1996. Neve Campbell also makes her grand return after not being seen in Scream VI, which was the first Scream movie without her. I am excited to see her and Lillard on the big screen again. Ghostface is my comfort character, and I will be seeing this opening day, no questions asked.
- The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender – October 9th, 2026
Director: Lauren Montgomery and William Mata
Notable Stars: Dante Basco, Eric Nam, and Dave Bautista
18 years after Avatar: The Last Airbender finished, Aang and the gang are making their return. Unlike the new Netflix reboot, The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender is animated like the original 2005 series. While fans have gotten spin-offs such as The Legend of Korra and the newly announced Avatar: Seven Havens, we have not gotten any new animated content based on the original group. The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender focuses on Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Zuko as adults. None of the plot has been leaked, and there are no rumors on who the knew villian will be. It will be exciting to see the gang back in action as adults, not some teenagers running around the world going on crazy adventures. Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of my favorite shows, and I will be seeing this on opening day no matter what.
