The Big Film Overview - Late 2025-Early 2026
- Igor Vandenberghe
- Dec 19, 2025
- 9 min read
This autumn – and straight through into the spring of 2026 – once again promises fireworks squared. The fall season is entirely dominated by Avatar: Fire and Ash, immediately the third installment in the Avatar franchise by Titanic director James Cameron. Spring 2026, meanwhile, looks equally promising, with, among others, a new chapter in the post-apocalyptic horror saga 28 Years Later and yet another adaptation of Wuthering Heights. With Hoppers, Pixar is aiming for rehabilitation after several less successful animated films.
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Release date: December 17, 2025
The story:
The third part of the Avatar saga promises more of the same. The story is set roughly a year after part two, with Jake’s family having permanently settled with the Metkayina clan. However, they are still suffering deeply from the death of Neteyam. Meanwhile, they are confronted with a new deadly threat: the Ash People, an aggressive Na’vi clan that has allied itself with Jake’s enemy Quaritch, a former U.S. Army colonel who later mutated into a deadly Na’vi warrior. In short: yet another war with devastating consequences on Pandora.
We’re already feeling excited
Since the first Avatar film in 2009, this megalomaniacal sci-fi saga has managed to astonish us twice with a dizzying descent into an alien parallel world filled with groundbreaking visual effects and breathtaking CGI scenes. In particular, the use of revolutionary 3D cameras has delivered an astonishingly realistic and immersive viewing experience, making viewers feel as if they are right in the middle of the action. Fact is: with every Avatar film, director James Cameron sets a new benchmark in technological innovation. For that reason alone, we are extremely curious about Fire and Ash.
With Oona Chaplin and David Thewlis, a new batch of familiar names is added to the cast. Curious to see what that will bring.
Wait a minute…
The release of this film was originally planned for 2015, but due to the immense delays surrounding Avatar, it was ultimately postponed to the Christmas period of 2025. Be aware: some footage is already more than eight years old, as certain scenes originally intended for Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) were transferred to Fire and Ash. According to Cameron, this was because the pre-production was not yet fully ready to allow the visual effects to shine 100%. Admittedly, the trailers look spectacular, packed with stunning aerial and underwater scenes, although we were quickly struck by a sense of déjà vu.
Greenland 2: Migration
Release date: January 9, 2026
The story:
Greenland 2: Migration is a sequel to the disaster film Greenland from 2020. The film was well received but was released during the height of the COVID crisis, resulting in only a limited theatrical run. In Greenland, Earth is heading toward a global apocalypse when a massive comet hurtles toward the planet. John Garrity’s family (Gerard Butler) ultimately finds shelter in a huge bunker in Greenland after a harrowing survival journey. In part two, Migration, we jump forward several years and follow the Garrity family as they embark on a dangerous journey through a completely devastated Europe, searching for a new safe home.
We’re quite happy to see this sequel
Five years after the original, the Garrity family quickly realizes that even their golden cage has an expiration date. The original already appealed strongly to us, and it was immediately clear back then: this story was not yet finished.
One of Migration’s taglines reads: ‘The end of the world is only the beginning.’ After watching the trailer, we completely understand why. Earth looks terrifyingly dangerous after the deadly comet impact, with radioactive storms, crashing meteorites, and a decimated population willing to do anything to kill one another. In short: literally and figuratively, hell on Earth. Expect a great deal of gloom and doom, with a realistic approach that shows humanity at its worst. It quickly becomes clear that the meteor strike was merely a prelude to what is now unfolding.
Some reservations, please
Disaster films mainly consist of CGI effects and other spectacular hocus-pocus that, by 2025–2026, rarely still surprise. ‘Been there, done that,’ we dare say. Migration looks decidedly dark. And that in a release month – January – when we are all craving a bit of sunshine and cautious optimism. No, you won’t find that here. One final question: when was the last time you saw an excellent disaster movie? We have to dig far back in our memory.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Release date: January 16, 2025
The story:
After 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later, and 28 Years Later, a fourth installment arrives in Danny Boyle’s zombie saga with The Bone Temple. While parts two and three were not true sequels, The Bone Temple is a direct continuation of the adventures of the 12-year-old Spike from 28 Years Later. Whereas 28 Years Later evolved into a surreal coming-of-age drama in its second half, The Bone Temple promises to be even stranger – at least judging by the synopsis. Apparently, the roles of Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), and his deranged, bleach-blond gang of villains will be further explored. Because it is not the zombies who pose the greatest threat to humanity, but the inhumanity of the survivors.
This can’t go wrong
We have full confidence, because with Danny Boyle as producer – and guardian of the saga – and Alex Garland (28 Days Later and 28 Years Later) as screenwriter, the film contains enough original DNA to effortlessly rise above mediocrity once again. Especially since the ending of part three left us longing for this sequel. The cast of part three was retained – with the exception of Aaron Taylor-Johnson – which came as no surprise. The trailer promises more of the same, with a series of terrifying scenes that quickly make it clear the saga is far from over. In fact, there is said to be one final sequel to come, once again directed by Danny Boyle, possibly featuring the long-awaited return of Cillian Murphy. There are also persistent rumors that he may make a cameo appearance in The Bone Temple.
Hold your horses
The Bone Temple was shot back-to-back with 28 Years Later, which in theory meant both films were produced as a single whole. We find this odd, because this time it is not Danny Boyle but Nia DaCosta (Candyman and The Marvels) who took the director’s chair. Hopefully, she manages to preserve the dystopian atmosphere of her mentor.
Wuthering Heights
Release date: February 11
The story:
Some classic novels are adapted time and again. Think Romeo & Juliet, Dracula, Pride and Prejudice, or Oliver Twist, to name just a few. Emily Brontë’s masterpiece Wuthering Heights belongs firmly in this category. Aside from numerous TV series and related productions, this new adaptation is already number five in a long line, with the 1939 version starring Sir Laurence Olivier considered the best and most frequently cited.
Wuthering Heights follows two families – the Earnshaws and the Lintons – and their troubled interactions with Heathcliff, the adopted son of the Earnshaw clan. Ultimately, everything revolves around the tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and the mysterious Heathcliff. The novel is structured as a frame narrative. We are curious to see how the filmmakers approach it this time.
This is exactly the kind of story we enjoy
We don’t say no to a classic, passionate 19th-century drama, considered by connoisseurs to be one of the greatest masterpieces in literary history. Do not expect a modern adaptation – such as Baz Luhrmann’s brilliant Romeo + Juliet – but rather a classical version that deviates little, if at all, from the original source material. No problem. The role of Catherine Earnshaw is played by Margot Robbie, while Jacob Elordi takes on the role of Heathcliff.
The screenplay was written by multi-talent Emerald Fennell – actress, director, and screenwriter. In 2021, she won an Oscar for her screenplay for Promising Young Woman. Fennell – this being very much her project – also takes on directing duties.
A doubtful case
May we express some doubts? Because who, in 2026, is still waiting for an old-school British drama set in the mid-19th-century countryside – especially with a cinema audience largely made up of teenagers and twenty-somethings? Note that both distributor Warner Bros. and director Emerald Fennell are aiming for a broad audience with this adaptation.
The casting of the white Jacob Elordi caused controversy in certain circles, as in the novel Heathcliff is described as ‘a man with dark skin,’ whatever that may precisely mean.
The Bride!
Release date: March 6, 2026
The story:
The Bride! is said to be loosely based on James Whale’s gothic classic Bride of Frankenstein (1935), which itself was inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein from 1818. Still with us?
Separately, Netflix recently released a related adaptation with Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.
But back to The Bride! This adaptation is set in 1930, specifically in Chicago, where a lonely Frankenstein asks Dr. Euphronios to create a female companion for him.
Together, they bring a murdered woman back to life. In hindsight, not such a great idea, as the relationship between Frankenstein and his bride quickly turns into an uncontrollable rollercoaster filled with explosive situations – not to mention the unexpected attention they attract from the police. You’ve guessed it: this is not a rom-com.
Finally, another dark gothic film
There is no shortage of horror films filled with screaming teenagers, though a little more depth is always welcome – such as a dark gothic monster horror film. Last year, we greatly enjoyed the thematically related Nosferatu, although the trailer for The Bride! looks less dark than we had hoped. But that doesn’t necessarily mean much. With roles for Christian Bale (as Frankenstein), Jake Gyllenhaal, Penélope Cruz, and Peter Sarsgaard, we can safely speak of a top-tier cast.
Some side notes nonetheless
The Bride! was initially scheduled for production by Netflix, until the months-long Hollywood strikes in 2023 threw a wrench into the works. Suddenly, Netflix lost interest and opted instead for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein project. Apparently, there was ultimately a difference in vision between Netflix and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
We have nothing against Maggie Gyllenhaal, but we primarily associate her as an actress rather than a passionate film director. The Bride! is only her second directing effort. We remember her previous film, The Lost Daughter, as a rather heavy-handed psychological drama. Still, Maggie Gyllenhaal deserves credit. So: go Maggie, go!
Hoppers
Release date: March 6
The story:
Yes, there are still certainties in life – among them a brand-new Pixar film every year, full of family-friendly entertainment.
In Hoppers, scientists have discovered how to ‘transfer’ – or hop – human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing humans to communicate with animals as animals. Admittedly, it sounds a bit strange. I – I
In Hoppers, we follow Mabel, a 19-year-old girl who seizes the opportunity to use this revolutionary technology to unravel mysteries and pressing questions from the animal kingdom. Mabel transforms into a robotic beaver and is gradually forced into the role of an activist when it becomes clear that a construction company plans to destroy the habitat of the local flora and fauna.
Pixar, surprise us once more
We grew up with Pixar classics such as Toy Story, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, Wall-E, and Up, but it has been a while since Pixar delivered a true classic – or a Pixar film that performed exceptionally well at the box office.
Last year, Elio flopped badly in ticket sales. With Hoppers, Pixar is hoping for redemption. Hence a seemingly straightforward plot filled with cuddly animal characters in the lead. The story needs to appeal to both young and old. The film is also promoted as ‘only in theaters,’ a move intended to boost ticket sales, which are far more lucrative than DVD or streaming revenue.
Now that we think about it
We find the plot rather complicated – and that’s putting it mildly. Remember: this is a family film. Director Daniel Chong originally pitched penguins as the main characters. Pixar wasn’t keen on that idea, partly because there are already plenty of animated films featuring penguins. So it became a beaver instead. Chong describes Hoppers as a mix between a warm family film, Avatar, and Mission: Impossible.
We can’t quite follow that right now, though perhaps that’s on us.
According to rumors, Pixar asked Chong to significantly tone down the original environmental message, in order to keep everything easily digestible – and family-friendly to boot.
All texts for this article: Igor Vandenberghe
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