The end of an academic spring semester is a time when students are making summer plans and looking ahead to what is in store for them. Some may be doing internships, summer jobs or simply taking time away from work and academia. As we rapidly approach the finish line of the spring semester 2026, it is time to make plans for resting and recharging over the summer. One way of doing this is by making a trip to your local movie theater to see some of the most anticipated films.
- “Michael” - April 24, 2026
“Bohemian Rhapsody” producer Graham King is back with another biopic of a historical music legend, Michael Jackson. "Michael" is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of the King of Pop. It traces Jackson’s journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five to his relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, will portray him in this film, which features additional cast members Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. Although this film is coming out before the end of the spring semester, it will still be in theatres during the early weeks of summer.
- “The Devil Wears Prada 2” - May 1, 2026
If you have not seen “The Devil Wears Prada” yet, where have you been? Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep return to screens as Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly respectively, at the fictional fashion magazine “Runway.”This time around, the pair join forces as editor-in-chief Priestly has to navigate her career amid the decline of traditional print publishing. She will face off against Emily Blunt’s character, Emily Charlton, who is now a high-powered executive for a luxury group with funds that Priestly desperately needs. While many original cast members of the 2006 film will return for the sequel, new additions to the cast include Simone Ashley, Pauline Chalamet, and Kenneth Branagh.
- “Disclosure Day” - June 12, 2026
Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg has always been fascinated with outer space and the mysteries of the cosmos from a young age. He returns to theatres with a new sci-fi film starring Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor as the frontmen and central figures in the first direct communication between humanity and an alien race. Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) is a Kansas City newscaster who begins to speak in an alien language during a weathercast, which causes worldwide panic. Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor), a cyber-security expert, realizes that he might be the only one who can translate the alien language into English, although he does not know why he can translate it. This sci-fi thriller will additionally feature actors Colman Domingo and Wyatt Russell.
- “Toy Story 5” - June 19, 2026
Each film of the “Toy Story” franchise brings the audience through a new adventure with beloved characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and their fellow toys. This time around, the gang’s role as playtime companions is challenged when they are introduced to what kids nowadays are obsessed with: electronics! Join the crew in theatres to discover how they adapt to the introduction of Lilypad into their lives and what functions they have left as regular dolls/action figures.
- “Supergirl” - June 26, 2026
Last summer, we were able to witness David Corenswet’s performance as Clark Kent/Superman in “Superman.” This summer, get ready to see his cousin Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, in the second film installment of James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe (DCU). Based on the specific storyline of “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” by Tom King, the film takes place on Kara’s 23rd birthday, where she travels around the galaxy with her dog, Krypto. She finds life on Earth to be difficult until a young alien approaches her with a mission where she must determine if vengeance is the correct answer or not.
- “Moana” - July 10, 2026
Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui and Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, this film is a live-action reimagining of the Oscar-nominated animated adventure “Moana.” Join Moana as she answers the ocean’s call and voyages beyond the reef of her island home, Motunui, for the first time. She meets the infamous demigod Maui, and together they embark on a mission to restore prosperity to her people. Executive producers for this live-action include Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the two prior films in the franchise.
- “The Odyssey” - July 17, 2026
Written and directed by British-American filmmaker Christopher Nolan, “The Odyssey” is an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic of the same name. The film follows the Greek king Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon, as he faces a dangerous voyage back to his homeland of Ithaca. Along the way, he meets creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, sirens, and Circe. Additionally, the film features many familiar faces in Hollywood such as Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson and Lupita Nyong’o.
- “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” - July 31, 2026
Over four years have passed since the events of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” and Peter Parker is now an adult, living entirely alone. After voluntarily erasing himself from the lives and memories of those he loves, he has devoted himself entirely to being a full-time Spider-Man. He continues to fight crime in a New York that no longer knows his name. When the pressures and demands of this intensify, it sparks a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence, as well as facing one of the most powerful threats he has come against. Join your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man through another adventure in this section of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While these are only a small part of the overall film releases that are scheduled for this summer, they are deemed to be some of the most anticipated films of the year. Whether you are going to the theatres with friends or simply enjoying a solo date, these films are sure to provide entertainment throughout the summer holidays and offer a chance to explore the world of film.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.