As 2025 approaches, cinema enthusiasts are eager for the lineup of blockbuster films slated for release. However, it’s noteworthy that many beloved franchises are taking a break this year, with plans to return in 2026 or later. Some exciting sequels, such as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Avatar: Fire and Ash, are among the highlights. Additionally, franchises like Superman are being reimagined under James Gunn’s direction. Nonetheless, fans of several ongoing series will have to wait a bit longer for their favorite characters to grace the big screen again.
The Hollywood strikes in 2023 have had a significant impact on production schedules, leading to delays in multiple franchise films. Major titles such as Fast and Furious and Scream that were originally anticipated for 2025 have now been pushed back, pushing fans to exercise a bit more patience.
10 Planet Of The Apes
Next Movie TBA
The franchise evolves with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which shifts the narrative away from Caesar’s tale to explore a new future. This installment could pave the way for a potential trilogy, centering on characters like Noa and the human Mae. Fans can expect a sequel to be released around **2027**, although details remain sparse at this stage.
Multiple franchises that saw entries in 2024, including Dune, Ghostbusters, and Monsterverse, have opted to take 2025 off, indicating a trend where even major releases are stepping back to reassess and plan for the future.
9 Toy Story
Toy Story 5 Release Date: June 19, 2026
Despite early expectations that Toy Story 4 might mark the conclusion of the beloved franchise, Pixar has confirmed the anticipation of Toy Story 5, directed once more by Andrew Stanton. With the fourth film having opened in 2019, fans eagerly await the reunion of Woody and Buzz in 2026.
In the interim, Pixar will unveil the original sci-fi adventure Elio in 2025, followed by Hoppers in 2026. Crucially, The Incredibles 3 has also been greenlit alongside these ventures, providing more to anticipate from this iconic studio. The conclusion of Toy Story 4 left audiences curious about the continuity of Woody and Buzz’s narratives.
8 Scream
Scream 7 Release Date: 27 February 2026
The revival of the Scream franchise with recent films has delighted horror fans, yet they will need to wait for Scream 7. The previous installments successfully blended classic and newer characters, offering fresh narratives. However, the production encountered drama, leading to some key cast changes.
Controversy surrounds Melissa Barrera’s removal and Jenna Ortega’s exit, attributed to a reported pay dispute. Despite Neve Campbell’s previous absence from Scream VI, she is confirmed to return for the upcoming sequel. Fans are eager to see how these changes impact the storyline moving forward.
7 The Avengers
Avengers: Doomsday Release Date: 1 May 2026
While a few Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) projects are set for 2025, including Fantastic Four and Captain America: Brave New World, fans must wait until 2026 for the next Avengers installment, titled Avengers: Doomsday. Anticipation continues to rise with the revelation that Doctor Doom will finally appear in the MCU, portrayed by none other than Robert Downey Jr. This has generated considerable excitement among fans.
Adding to the buzz, Chris Evans is set to return to the franchise, albeit not as Captain America. As further details emerge, fan theories are likely to proliferate throughout 2025, nurturing excitement in the lead-up to this epic sequel.
6 Fast & Furious
Untitled Fast X Sequel Release Date: 2026
The untitled sequel to Fast X was slated for 2025 but has faced delays due to the earlier Hollywood strikes. Referred to as Fast 11 by fans, the film is now anticipated for release in 2026, even though an official date has yet to be announced. The cliffhanger ending of Fast X has only heightened the anticipation for this installment.
Notably, **Fast 11** will conclude the primary series, though several spinoffs are in development. Among them is the potential spinoff highlighting the franchise’s female characters, along with Dwayne Johnson’s interest in a project featuring him alongside Jason Momoa’s character from Fast X. Both actors are expected to return for Fast 11, alongside Gal Gadot.
5 The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping Release Date: 20 November 2026
The return of The Hunger Games franchise with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has reignited interest after an eight-year hiatus. Following this revival, the announcement of a sequel titled Sunrise on the Reaping has fans buzzing, even though the accompanying book won’t hit shelves until March 2025. Author Suzanne Collins has teased plot elements that promise to excite longtime followers.
Set 24 years before the original series, Sunrise on the Reaping narrates the second Quarter Quell, tantalizing fans with the prospect of witnessing a young Haymitch Abernathy in a unique scenario where the Games feature double the competitors. The pivotal casting for Haymitch will be a challenge, and audiences will eagerly await its outcome in late 2026.
4 The Batman
The Batman – Part II Release Date: 2 October 2026
Following the impressive performance of Robert Pattinson’s debut as Batman in 2022, fans find the four-year wait for the sequel somewhat prolonged, especially given the narrative threads left unresolved. The Batman – Part II hints at a trilogy; however, more specific details are yet to be unveiled.
Speculation suggests that the sequel may delve into the teased storyline involving the Joker, played by Barry Keoghan. The franchise’s relevancy remains strong with The Penguin, a spinoff series that has been met with positive reception, continuing to cultivate interest among audiences.
3 James Bond
Next Movie TBA
With no news yet regarding Daniel Craig’s successor after his portrayal in No Time to Die (2021), the James Bond franchise remains in an uncertain phase. Historically, there has never been a gap exceeding six years without a new installment, a record that could soon be broken. **No Bond film is scheduled for 2025, and it’s possible that 2026 might also be too soon for the next release.**
The prolonged casting process for Bond 26 has sparked speculation, particularly given the iconic status of Craig’s performance. The eventual announcement of the new actor will likely trigger further developments related to casting and potential plot points.
2 Super Mario
The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2 Release Date: 3 April 2026
The inaugural Super Mario Bros. Movie has set a high bar, raking in $1.36 billion at the box office, and paving the way for more adventures in the franchise. With **a sequel expected in 2026**, the potential for character spinoffs remains vast for this iconic universe.
Beloved characters like Yoshi, Princess Daisy, and Waluigi could make their screen debuts, providing rich material for storytelling. With an expansive library of Super Mario games to draw upon, the sequel promises to engage longtime fans and new audiences alike.
1 Star Wars
The Mandalorian & Grogu Release Date: 22 May 2026
It has now been **five years since Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker was released**, but fan anticipation heightens with the upcoming film featuring **The Mandalorian and Grogu**, expected in Summer 2026. Amid the absence of big screen entries, several Disney+ shows have kept the Star Wars universe alive, with the series most recently captivating audiences.
Following this film, subsequent projects are anticipated to trace the story of Rey, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, hinting at the beginnings of a new trilogy. While various Star Wars film projects appear to be stalled, an infusion of fresh ideas from renowned directors could reignite the franchise.
Related Articles:
5 Must-See Recent Christmas Movies to Enjoy This Holiday Season
20:26
10 MCU Actors We Eagerly Anticipate Returning in Phase 6 Following Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans’ Avengers: Doomsday Castings
20:25
Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-Winning War Film Premiering on Netflix Next Month
20:15
Leave a Reply