Hollywood Bets on "Certainty Over Adventure"... Wagering on Billion-Dollar Nostalgia

Avengers and Dune 3 Set for a Winter Box Office Showdown
Woody, Minions, and Mario... Proven Childhood Favorites Turn into Big Money
Nolan's "Odyssey" Unveiled... "An Original Gamble"

Movie Poster for "Avengers: Doomsday"

This year, major Hollywood studios are betting on "certainty" rather than "adventure." They are bringing out their most powerful intellectual properties (IPs) that have been kept deep in their vaults. After struggling with uncertainty in the wake of the pandemic, they have shifted strategies to minimize the risks of developing new IPs. Instead, they are pouring astronomical capital into "names everyone remembers" around the world.

Leading entertainment media outlets have identified "safe sequels" and "grand nostalgia" as the key trends that will define next year's box office. Variety predicted, "Hollywood in 2026 will be remembered as the year when the biggest franchises in history collide head-on." The Wrap also analyzed, "Failure in this showdown would mean an irreversible derailment," adding, "Studios are aiming for a spectacular comeback by putting their biggest characters at the forefront." As these analyses suggest, 2026 is set to become a "battlefield of giants."

From the left, still cut from the movie Spider-Man: No Way Home, still cut from the movie The Batman.

The Dark War Between Marvel and DC

The battle for supremacy in the superhero market seemed to be divided between Marvel in the first half of the year and DC in the second half. However, Marvel has extended the frontlines into winter by making a bold move. The release of Marvel's "Avengers: Doomsday," originally scheduled for May 1, has been postponed to December 18 to allow for more time in post-production and to enhance the film's quality. The mere fact that Robert Downey Jr. returns, not as Iron Man but as the ultimate villain Doctor Doom, has already set the world abuzz. This is Marvel's last card to escape its crisis.

The summer box office throne is targeted by Tom Holland. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," opening in July, will depict Peter Parker's growth as a college student. Given that the previous installment, "Spider-Man: No Way Home," achieved a phenomenal $1.9 billion in revenue even during the pandemic, this film is also considered a key tentpole that will support the backbone of the Marvel Universe.

In response, DC Studios is competing with the weight of its "dark heroes." "The Batman Part 2," set for release in October and starring Robert Pattinson, promises a noir detective story that delves into the depths of Gotham City. Earlier, in June, the ambitious "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" under James Gunn's leadership will be unveiled, aiming to revive the DC Universe.

From the left, still cut from the movie Super Mario Bros., still cut from the movie Toy Story 4.

Woody, Minions, and Mario... The Animation Money Game

The animation market targeting family audiences is shaping up to be a "reunion of legends." Nintendo's plumber brothers will open the season. "Super Mario Brothers 2," set for release on April 3, plans to dominate the spring box office by continuing the $1.3 billion success story of its predecessor.

The summer will feature a pride match between Pixar and Illumination. Pixar will release "Toy Story 5" in June, continuing the legacy of the beloved series. With the likely reunion of Woody and Buzz, the key will be how much the film can evoke nostalgia among fans. Illumination will counter with "Minions 3" on July 1. As an expansion of the "Despicable Me" universe, which has produced global mega-hits, the film aims to capture the summer vacation family audience with its signature slapstick humor and the dynamic with villain Gru.

With these high-stakes showdowns, Variety commented, "This year's animation lineup boasts powerful fandoms across all generations, making it highly likely that several films will join the global $1 billion club."

Movie 'Odyssey' Still Cut

Nolan's "Odyssey"... Pushing the Limits of Technology

Amidst a flood of sequels, "Odyssey," set for release on July 17, is the most anticipated "event" for cinephiles. Based on Homer's epic, the film is expected to present a completely new kind of action movie, infused with director Christopher Nolan's unique interpretation.

Director Nolan has once again pushed technical boundaries by shooting the entire film with IMAX film cameras. The cast is also unprecedented, featuring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron-a lineup reminiscent of the Academy Awards.

While the detailed plot remains tightly under wraps, industry expectations are exceptionally high. At a time when everyone else is following the "safe formula for box office success," Nolan alone is taking a bold, straightforward approach with a focus on the "theatrical experience." Variety expressed anticipation for this audacious and grand challenge, calling it "the only original gamble Hollywood has allowed amid the franchise wars."

Movie 'Dune: Part 2' Still Cut

The Expansion of Fantasy... Dune, Hunger Games, Star Wars

The science fiction and fantasy genres will see the continued expansion of vast universes. The most anticipated title is "Dune: Part 3," directed by Denis Villeneuve, which will be released on the same day as "Avengers: Doomsday." The film will tell the story of Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet, and what follows his holy war. Depicting the fate and tragic anguish of a hero who shook the entire universe, this film is expected to serve as the grand finale of the epic science fiction saga crafted by Villeneuve.

Other legendary works in the fantasy genre are also making a spectacular return. On November 20, the new installment of the "Hunger Games" series, "Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping," will premiere, exploring the origins of Panem and reigniting the global survival craze. On May 22, the "Star Wars" franchise returns to theaters with "The Mandalorian and Grogu," and on July 10, Disney's live-action adaptation of "Moana" will be released for audiences.