Upcoming Blockbusters: A Look at the Exciting Movie Lineup from 2024 to 2026
For the last several years, television has dominated Hollywood. However, with the upcoming lineup of movies set for release between 2024 and 2026, it seems that the movie theater might be making a strong comeback. Whether you’re planning to head to the cinema or prefer to stream from home, there are plenty of highly anticipated films on the horizon. Most of these releases are sequels, prequels, or modern-day remakes, offering a nostalgic touch that makes them even more exciting.
Some of these films already have trailers available, which are sure to generate even more excitement, while others are still in the early stages of development. Regardless of where they are in the process, these announcements are definitely something to look forward to.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Release date: Sept. 6, 2024
The highly-anticipated sequel to the 1988 horror comedy Beetlejuice is set 40 years after the original and has already released a trailer. Directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catharine O’Hara, this film also features Jenna Ortega and Justin Theroux. Ortega plays Astrid, the daughter of Lydia Deetz (Ryder), who discovers a flier about Beetlejuice, leading Deetz to fear his return.
Moana 2
Release date: Nov. 27, 2024
Disney surprised fans in early 2024 with the announcement of a Moana sequel, set to release in November. The teaser trailer was released on Disney+ on May 29 and quickly became the most-watched movie trailer in Disney’s history. The film will star Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson as Moana and demigod Maui. Moana will receive a call from her ancestors and must journey into the dangerous seas of Oceania.
Wicked
Release date: Nov. 27, 2024
After taking Broadway by storm, the cinematic adaptation of Wicked is finally happening. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. This first part of the story will be followed by a second film in 2025.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Release Date: Dec. 20, 2024
Mufasa: The Lion King is a prequel to The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins. It uses a photorealistic CGI style similar to the 2019 adaptation. The film tells the legend of Mufasa through Rafiki, focusing on flashbacks of Mufasa’s life and his journey with Taka.
Nosferatu
Release date: Dec. 25, 2024
The 2024 version of Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers, promises to be a terrifying take on the vampire story. Starring Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgard, and William Dafoe, the film is expected to be bloody and full of classic horror references. The release date on Christmas Day adds an extra layer of suspense.
Community
Expected Release: late 2024 or early 2025
Fans of the cult favorite TV show Community have long hoped for a movie. While details are still unclear, the cast is expected to include Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Donald Glover, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jim Rash, and Ken Jeong. The film may focus on a college reunion.
Snow White
Expected Release: March 21, 2025
This live-action version of Snow White has been delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike but is now set for 2025. Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White, and Gal Gadot plays the Evil Queen. Other cast members include Andrew Burnap, Ansu Kabia, Martin Klebba, and Colin Michael Carmichael.
Jurassic World 4
Expected Release: July 2, 2025
Jurassic World 4 is set to film in 2024 and release in 2025. Rumors suggest that some original stars may not return, while new actors like Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey are rumored to join the cast.
Avatar 3
Release Date: Dec. 19, 2025
Directed by James Cameron, Avatar 3 will explore a new side of Pandora and the Na’vi. Returning stars include Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Joel David Moore, with new cast members like Oona Chaplin joining the cast.
Shrek 5
Expected Release: Possibly 2025
After nearly a decade since the fourth installment, Shrek 5 is in development. Mike Myers and Antonio Banderas are expected to return, though the exact release date remains uncertain.
Downton Abbey Sequel
Expected Release: rumored for 2025
The third film in the Downton Abbey series will feature returning favorites like Michelle Dockery and Paul Giamatti. Written by creator Julian Fellowes and directed by Simon Curtis, the film is expected to be released in 2025.
Scary Movie Sequel
Expected Release: 2025
Paramount and Miramax announced a new Scary Movie sequel in April 2024. Details about the plot and cast are still unknown, though Anna Faris and Rebecca Hall have expressed interest in being involved.
Peaky Blinders
Expected Release: Probably 2025
Following the end of the TV series in 2022, a film is in development. Cillian Murphy will return, and the film will take place during World War II. Filming is expected to begin in September 2024.
The Lord of The Rings: The Hunt for Gollum
Expected Release: 2026
Warner Bros. Pictures announced The Hunt for Gollum, focusing on the character Gollum. Directed by Andy Serkis, the film will feature Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, and Fran Walsh as producers.
Super Mario Bros. Movie Sequel
Expected Release: April 3, 2026
Following the success of the first Super Mario Bros. film, a sequel is already in the works. Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, the film is set for release in 2026.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
Expected Release: May 22, 2026
Disney announced a feature film adaptation of The Mandalorian, titled The Mandalorian & Grogu. Pedro Pascal will reprise his role, and Sigourney Weaver is rumored to join the cast.
Frozen 3
Expected Release: Nov. 25 2026
Frozen 3 is one of Disney’s most anticipated sequels. Idina Menzel and Josh Gad have confirmed their return, though Kristen Bell has not yet been confirmed. No details about the story have been released.
Red, White & Royal Blue Sequel
Expected Release: TBD
Based on the novel of the same name, the sequel to Red, White & Royal Blue will again star Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez. Matthew Lopez and Casey McQuiston will return to write the script, but no plot details have been released.
