The Industry
Matt Damon as Odysseus in 'The Odyssey'

Image credit: Universal Pictures, FlixPix/Alamy / Production still from The Odyssey

From ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ and Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ to the latest ‘Game of Thrones’ series ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’, we take a look at some of the most anticipated productions coming in 2026.

2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for film and television. While we all wind down and get cozy for the festive season, the global industry is preparing to deliver a variety of projects that are nothing short of spectacular.

From the return of legendary spies and high-stakes Westerosi adventures to mind-bending blockbusters and star-studded epics, the sheer scale of what’s coming is enough to keep any fan on the edge of their seat. Get your calendars ready, because here are some of the must-watch releases set to dominate next year.

‘Hamnet’

Casting by Nina Gold, CDG.

Hamnet, based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell, tells the heartbreaking story of Agnes and William Shakespeare as they cope with the devastating loss of their son. ‘Agnes’, played by Spotlight member Jessie Buckley, is a healer, and whilst trying to navigate her grief, she must also care for her other children and her husband, ‘William’ – played by Academy Award nominee Paul Mescal. 

After receiving critical acclaim on the film festival circuit this year, Hamnet is a front runner this award season and is definitely one to look out for when it releases in cinemas 9 January 2026. 

‘The Magic Faraway Tree’

Casting by Verity Naughton, CDG, Lucinda Syson, CDG and Natasha Vincent, CDG.

Spotlight members Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy star in this enchanting, big screen adaptation of the beloved Enid Blyton children’s novel, The Magic Faraway Tree. Alongside Garfield and Foy are Rebecca Ferguson and Spotlight members Nicola Coughlan and Jessica Gunning as the magical residence of the Enchanted Wood. 

The story follows Joe, Beth and Frannie as they move to the countryside with their parents. When exploring the local area, they stumble across the Enchanted Wood – a mystical place where the Faraway Tree stands tall in the centre. When they befriend the residents of the Tree, they find themselves jumping between worlds, only to eventually face the evil Dame Snap (Ferguson). 

This exciting new film will be making its way into cinemas in March and is perfect for the whole family! 

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’

Casting by Lucy Bevan, CDG, Emily Brockman, CDG and Carla Stronge, CSA.

After the huge success of the first Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms gives us all a chance to head back to Westeros. 

Set a century before the events of Game of Thrones, the tale of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg is told. Starring Peter Claffley as ‘Ser Duncan’ and Spotlight member Dexter Sol Ansell as ‘Egg’, this adventurous tale will see the unlikely heroes face their ultimate foes and battle with the great dynasty as it lives in the shadows of the age of the Dragon. 

Other cast members include Spotlight members Daniel Ings as ‘Ser Lyonel ‘The Laughing Storm’ Baratheon’, Finn Bennett as ‘Prince Aerion ‘Brightflame’ Targaryen’ and Bertie Carvel as ‘Prince Baelor ‘Breakspear’ Targaryen’.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will release weekly on Sky Atlantic via HBO from Monday 19 January 2026. 

‘The Night Manager (Season 2)’

Casting by Jina Jay, CDG.

10 years after the release of Season 1, we are finally getting a follow up to the critically acclaimed BBC drama series. Season 2 of The Night Manager will release on New Year’s Day and is a perfect way to kick start the year.

Based on the series of books by prestige espionage novelist John le Carré, The Night Manager follows former British soldier Jonathan Pine as he manages a luxury hotel and finds himself tangled up in the inner circle of an arms dealer. 

Spotlight member Tom Hiddlestone returns for the second season as Pine, as well as Douglas Hodge, Noah Jupe and Spotlight members Olivia Colman and Alistair Petrie.

‘The Odyssey’

Casting by John Papsidera, CSA.

Matt Damon leads the cast of what is likely to be one of the biggest blockbusters of 2026. The story of Odysseus and his journey back home to Ithaca after the Trojan War is being adapted for the big screen by none other than Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan. 

Odysseus must face horrors like he’s never known in the form of the cyclops Polyphemus, sirens and Circe, among others, in an emotional and tumultuous pilgrimage to return to his family.

The cast is packed full of some of cinema’s biggest names, including Tom Holland, Mia Goth, Anne Hathaway, Spotlight member Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal and many, many more. 

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is set to release in cinemas worldwide on 17 June and is not to be missed! 

‘Shrinking (Season 3)’

Casting by Brett Benner, CSA and Debby Romano, CSA.

Harrison Ford and Jason Segel star in this heartfelt dramatic comedy series for AppleTV. The first two seasons follow Jimmy, a therapist in California, as he navigates life with a teenage daughter after the untimely passing of his wife. 

From writer, comedian and Spotlight member Brett Goldstein – the brain behind other hits such as Ted LassoShrinking is a comfort show for many with an emotional core. Season 3 will release on AppleTV in February 2026, although no definite release date has been announced yet.

 

Here are some other productions that are worth keeping an eye out for in 2026: 

  • Spider-Man: Brand New Day – The fourth installment of the Tom Holland era of Marvel’s Spider-Man is releasing in cinemas worldwide on 31 July 2026.
    Casting by Sarah Finn.
  • The Boys (Season 5) – Karl Urban and Anthony Starr return for Season 5 of Prime Video’s The Boys, releasing on 8 April 2026.
    Casting by Alex Newman, CSA and Robert J. Ulrich, CSA.
  • Bridgerton (Season 4)The highly anticipated new season of the Netflix period drama is set to release in January 2026.
    Casting by Kelly Valentine Hendry, CDG.
  • The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping – We return to Panem in The Hunger Games prequel, telling the story of the 50th Games, where we see Haymitch Abernathy enter the arena. In cinemas 20 November 2026.
    Casting by Dylan Jury, Debra Zane, CSA and Verity Naughton, CDG.

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