With fewer than 100 days until the new year, the entertainment world is gearing up for a massive wave of releases across movies, shows and games. Besides all the new entertainment that Marvel is bringing in 2026, other companies are bringing the pieces as well:
Nintendo
Nintendo is the biggest family gaming company behind the success of the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and the original Nintendo Switch. With the release of Nintendo Switch 2 in June 2025 (one of my anticipated upcoming purchases I am saving for), they have released some of the biggest launch titles this year, including Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza as two of the console’s launch titles. Moving from recently celebrating its 40th anniversary since the original Super Mario Bros. game released in 1985, they have announced the upcoming name of the upcoming Super Mario Bros. film in collaboration with Illumination, which follows “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” released in 2023, has been titled “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” releasing in April.
Not only is the movie expected to have references to both Super Mario Galaxy and the Super Mario Galaxy 2 games released on the Nintendo Wii and recently ported to the Nintendo Switch consoles. The official trailer, released on Nov. 12, revealed that Bowser Jr. and Rosalina are some of the new characters who will be making their debut in this film, and will include references to other games such as Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Rockstar Games
I’m more disappointed than excited. Unfortunately, as of Nov. 6, Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) once again got delayed from the original release date of May 26, 2025, which will now be releasing on Nov. 19 next year.
Disney
Outside of Marvel, Pixar has confirmed two movies that are releasing. An original movie titled “Hoppers,” which releases on March 6, and released a trailer on Nov. 20. Following that is “Toy Story 5,” which I think is more of a cash grab film than letting the series rest, and has a release date of June 19. Pixar released a teaser on Nov. 11, revealing that Woody has made his return to the rest of the toys after the ending of “Toy Story 4,” leaving with his old toymate Bo Peep, becoming a “lost toy” after he wasn’t played with by Bonnie, who he was given to by Andy at the end of “Toy Story 3” as he was leaving for college. I honestly think the third movie in the series was the best ending to end the film series, and wouldn’t mind getting mini updates from the Toy Story Shorts. It was cool to receive a fourth film with a new child, and while a fifth film releasing was really unnecessary, I’ll take a chance to watch when it arrives on Disney Plus next year.
Capcom
Capcom’s biggest franchise Street Fighter is in production of their third live-action film in collaboration with Paramount Pictures and Legendary Entertainment, following “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li,” which was released in 2009 and received not so good reviews. The company confirmed the cast members in September, which includes actors Jason Momoa as Blanka, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as Balrog, and WWE wrestler Roman Reigns as Akuma as a few examples. I grew up playing 2D fighting games, especially Street Fighter Alpha 3, and being that this movie is coming in 2026 based on one of many games that I have played as a kid that had good video game adaptations or expected to receive a film.
Overall, 2026 is set to be a great year for entertainment. With the abundance of upcoming new releases there is sure to be something for everybody.
