Hollywood and global cinema are gearing up for a massive slate of productions that will dominate the box office — and conversation — in the next few years. With franchises returning, visionary directors taking on ambitious projects, and beloved classics being reimagined, the confirmed film lineup promises excitement across every genre. Here are some of the most talked-about projects officially on the way.
Denis Villeneuve will return to complete his monumental adaptation of Frank Herbert’s universe. Following the massive success of Dune: Part One and Part Two, the third installment will bring Dune Messiah to life, exploring the darker consequences of Paul Atreides’ rise to power. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya are expected to return, with the production promising the same sweeping visuals and meticulous world-building that have defined the series.
Middle-earth is set to return to the big screen with a new live-action adventure centered on one of Tolkien’s most complex characters. Directed by Andy Serkis, who famously portrayed Gollum through motion capture, the film will explore untold chapters of his story. Fans can expect rich lore, emotional depth, and an expansion of the beloved cinematic universe.
The blue blur is speeding back into theaters. After the success of the first three films, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 is officially in the works. With its blend of family-friendly humor, fast-paced action, and nostalgic video-game references, the franchise has built a loyal fanbase. The next installment is expected to push the stakes higher, with new characters from the Sonic universe likely to make their debut.
Fresh off the global acclaim of Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan is set to tackle one of history’s most legendary tales: Homer’s The Odyssey. Known for his grand cinematic vision and use of cutting-edge technology, Nolan is expected to reimagine the Greek epic as a mythic action spectacle shot in large-format IMAX. This project is already one of the most anticipated films of the decade, promising a blend of epic scale and emotional resonance.
DreamWorks is officially bringing back one of its most iconic franchises. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz will all reprise their beloved roles in Shrek 5. After years of speculation, the green ogre and his fairy-tale companions will once again hit the screen, aiming to capture the humor and heart that made the series a cultural phenomenon. With modern animation techniques and a new story arc, the film is set to introduce Shrek to a new generation while delighting longtime fans.
The groundbreaking 28 Days Later franchise is expanding with a new chapter set nearly three decades after the original outbreak. Directed by Nia DaCosta and penned by Alex Garland, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple promises to deliver chilling suspense and visceral horror while exploring the long-term consequences of a world plagued by infection. This revival is poised to reignite the survival-horror genre on a grand scale.
From epic sci-fi sagas and fantasy adventures to horror revivals and nostalgic animation, the confirmed slate of films set to begin filming in the coming years is diverse and ambitious. Each project carries the weight of massive fan expectations, and together they signal a future where storytelling pushes both creative and technological boundaries.
For movie lovers, the coming years promise not just blockbusters, but cultural moments that will shape cinema for the next generation.
