Disney just dropped a bombshell ahead of CinemaCon by announcing some major updates to their upcoming movie releases. The most exciting news is the reveal of Jon Favreau’s big screen version of The Mandalorian, titled “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026. This is a significant update for Star Wars fans, as the franchise has historically released films around Memorial Day weekend. The last movie to do so was “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
In addition to the Star Wars news, Disney also announced that a new Pixar movie titled “Toy Story 5” is scheduled to be released on June 19, 2026. This announcement has generated a lot of excitement among Pixar fans, as the “Toy Story” franchise is beloved by audiences of all ages. Warner Bros/New Line also has a release date set for an untitled movie on the same day, hinting at potential competition in the summer box office.
Another major announcement from Disney is the rescheduling of the live-action version of “Moana.” Originally set to release on June 27, 2025, the movie will now dance its way onto screens on July 10, 2026. The decision to move the release date was likely influenced by the Thanksgiving release of “Moana 2” later this year. With no competitive releases on the new date, “Moana” is set to make a big splash at the box office.
Disney isn’t done shaking up the movie calendar yet. The much-anticipated “Tron Ares,” produced by former Disney live-action movie president Sean Bailey, will fill the slot previously reserved for an untitled movie on October 10, 2025. Meanwhile, 20th Century Studios’ Rami Malek thriller, “The Amateur,” has been moved from its original release date of November 8, 2024, to April 11, 2025. Universal is already planning to release an event film on the new date, setting the stage for potential competition.
Finally, as previously announced, the Marielle Heller horror comedy “Nightbitch,” starring Amy Adams, is set to open in a limited release on December 6 this year. The unconventional film is expected to attract a niche audience and generate buzz in the film industry.Searchlight is taking a chance on this unique project, and only time will tell if it pays off.
Disney’s bombshell announcements have set the stage for an exciting lineup of movies for the coming years. With new Star Wars titles, Pixar films, and untitled releases in the pipeline, audiences have a lot to look forward to. The reshuffling of release dates and the addition of new projects add an element of suspense and anticipation to the movie calendar. Disney’s bold moves have certainly caught the attention of moviegoers and industry insiders alike, and the buzz surrounding these announcements is only expected to grow as the release dates draw nearer.