A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2026 - Episode VII

The Summer Movie Season of 2026 heats up for real this month, with the return of beloved characters and a re-telling of one of history’s most epic stories. Re-releases include the acclaimed films THE PIANO (33^rdanniversary), and BOYHOOD (12^th anniversary). Here now are the notable films coming to the big screen in July: 

 

 

MINIONS & MONSTERS – In this third installment of the Minions prequel series (and seventh overall in the DESPICABLE ME franchise), the minions aim to make a monster movie of their own in 1920’s Hollywood. The voice-cast includes Allison Janney, Christoph Waltz, Jeff Bridges, and Jesse Eisenberg. 

 

 

YOUNG WASHINGTON – This indie film follows George Washington in his time fighting the French and Indian War. Newcomer William Franklyn-Miller plays George, and he is joined by Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, Kelsey Grammer, and Mary Louise-Parker. 

 

 

EVIL DEAD BURN – In this third film of the rebooted horror series, a family comes together in a secluded house after the death of a family member, only to face some horrors. 

 

 

MOANA – A live-action adaptation of one of Disney most successful films of the millennium. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the demi-god Maui, and Catherine Laga’aia plays Moana. 

 

 

THE ODYSSEY – Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan (OPPENHEIMER, THE DARK KNIGHT), returns with this adaptation of Homer’s epic fantasy. Matt Damon plays Odysseus, and he is joined by an impressive cast: Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Corey Hawkins, Mia Goth, and Elliot Page. 

 

 

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY – The 38^th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has Peter Parker/Spider-Man dealing with a world where his friends don’t remember him while a new threat rises. Tom Holland reprises his role as Spidey, and he is joined by Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, and Jon Bernthal. 

 

 

I WANT YOUR SEX – Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman (son of Phillip Seymour), star in this erotic and comedy thriller where a young man lands a job for a “provocative artist”, only to have her hire him to become her love slave. 

 

 

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Next month, Reel Speak previews the final month of the Summer Movie Season.