Hey kids! It’s the time of year when the Gabbing Geeks have their say on what we may (or may not) be looking forward to in the coming year! Will Watson sling a dirty joke at some unsuspecting movie? Will Jimmy know what everything on the list is? Will we even see Jenny? Only time will tell…

How old is this baby these days?

MOVIES

Ah, the big screen! Where would we be without it? Probably home more often, you know before streaming became a thing.

Avengers: Doomsday

What is it? It’s the next Avengers movie with, like, everybody still under contract with Marvel against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.

Why we’re psyched! RDJ! Doom! Lots of heroes! A lot of X-Men coming back! The Russo Brothers in the director’s chair at least means some good fight scenes.

Why we’re wary… Yeah, the whole “multiverse saga” has been something of a mess. There’s been some good movies coming out of the MCU, but this “saga” doesn’t have anywhere near the momentum of Infinity War/Endgame. Maybe it would be nice for Marvel to, I dunno, do anything else, and Downey’s return smacked of desperation.

Watson says: I am not anticipating a Marvel Avengers saga wrap up. WRAP your head around that. My prediction? Everyone oohs and ahs and then never watches this one again after the thrill of seeing [Insert character from mediocre Marvel from 20 years ago] interact with [mediocre character from what is left of the MCU]. Epic!

Jimmy says: I’m concerned as well. We all love RDJ and Evans and the Russo’s, but their returns seem more desperate than triumphant.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

What is it? It’s the next Tom Holland-starring Spider-Man movie, now with-all-the-hyphens!

Why we’re psyched! Holland is a great Spider-Man, and this time around, he’s dealing with the Hulk and the Punisher too for…reasons?

Why we’re wary… This one is something of a big mystery. Like, what kind of story do you tell with both the Hulk and the Punisher? At least the storyline that gave the movie its subtitle isn’t the slightest bit controversial. Right, Jimmy?

Watson says: I don’t know the origin story, but I am leery because of the “Forget Peter Parker” spell. One of the biggest unforced errors in the MCU. Why can’t we just have a Spider-Man movie where he fights Scorpion or something? The first two movies, with a single villain (well…Shocker was a henchman…), were great.

Jimmy says: Yeah, their choices of titles and storylines lately have come from arguably the worst Spider-Man era. (From my reading days anyway.) But No Way Home was great, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. But yeah, what story are they telling that brings in Hulk and Punisher?

Supergirl

What is it? It’s the next DC movie, this one with Superman’s cousin Kara taking center stage in a movie of her own.

Why we’re psyched! Milly Alcock had some real charisma on House of the Dragon, and her Superman cameo was a nice touch. Director Craig Gillespie has a good resume. Jason Momoa was probably born to play Lobo. James Gunn liked writer Ana Nogueira’s script so much he asked her to take a shot at Wonder Woman and the Titans. The story the movie is based on is a good one. Krypto is back. What’s not to be psyched about?

Why we’re wary… This is the first DC project since the new cinematic universe launched that doesn’t see Gunn as either writer or director.

Watson says: On my 2026 Rushmore of Anticipation. The Alcock casting, the successful launch of the DCU. Momoa as Lobo. The trailer. All looks positive. I am really excited about this one and cannot wait to see what Gunn does next.

Jimmy says: I’m sure I’ll see it opening weekend, but it seems overhyped to me. I liked but didn’t love Superman.

Clayface

What is it? It’s the other DC movie for 2026, a horror movie about one of Batman’s lesser-known enemies.

Why we’re psyched! This movie may be a real sign of what Gunn and DC are up to, where a more obscure character like Clayface can get a movie, and one in a different genre at that. Oh, and horror maestro Mike Flanagan wrote the script!

Why we’re wary… Flanagan isn’t directing, due to scheduling issues, and he is a hell of a director.

Watson says: In Gunn we trust. I hope they take this opportunity to do something quirky and different rather than a usual villain style story.

Jimmy says: Who the hell asked for this? If they do something different, and they did give Clayface a good turn in Creature Commandos, it might work. Otherwise, are we looking at this year’s Madame Web?

The Odyssey

What is it? It’s Christopher Nolan’s next movie, an adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey.

Why we’re psyched! Christopher Nolan and an all-star cast led by Matt Damon’s Odysseus! Why wouldn’t we be psyched?

Why we’re wary… Every director has a miss now and then…though it probably won’t be The Odyssey.

Watson says: Another entry on the 2026 Anticipation Rushmore. It is Nolan. Nolan’s worst movie is still a really decent movie. If he does miss, it will be a shock. This thing is going to be big.

Jimmy says: I like Nolan a lot, so will probably check it out. Eventually.

Scream 7

What is it? It’s the next installment of the franchise where different people put on the same mask as an excuse to kill people.

Why we’re psyched! They traded the star power of Jenna Ortega for Matthew Lillard! That can’t fail!

Why we’re wary… Hey, wait a minute…

Watson says: The got me two movies ago when they went for a fresh take. This will be more of the same. FLUSH!

Jimmy says: I’m caught up on these, but really can’t remember much of what happened outside of the first one. Definite streamer for me, as the Ms hates horror.

Project Hail Mary

What is it? It’s an adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel about a scientist and his alien buddy trying to save their respective suns.

Why we’re psyched! The novel is great, Ryan Gosling is the lead, and Christopher Lord and Phil Miller, the Spiderverse guys, are directing. What’s not to like?

Why we’re wary… There’s humor in Weir’s novel, but it’s not a comedy. Have Lord & Miller ever done something that wasn’t a comedy or a cartoon?

Watson says: Not worried at all. Third entry on the Watson 2026 Anticipation Rushmore…and this one is Abe Lincoln. The most anticipated property of the year. This is one of my favorite books ever. Gosling is perfect as the lead. The tone of the trailer gets it right. I trust Lord and Miller. Don’t suck…don’t suck…don’t suck…

Jimmy says: I haven’t read the book, but liked The Martian (book and movie). I thought the trailer should have been less revealing, but Watson says that’s kinda the point of the whole movie.

Toy Story 5

What is it? It’s another Toy Story movie. Like, the fifth one. This time, the toys take on a tablet computer.

Why we’re psyched! Who doesn’t love Buzz and Woody?

Why we’re wary… OK, my personal head cannon said the 4th one was just something of a quiet epilogue to settle a few things after the perfection that was Toy Story 3, but I can’t even begin to justify this one.

Watson says: I am starting to think this might be about money…

Jimmy says: I’m sure it will be fine but unnecessary. Like most Pixar these days. Is this the arc the MCU is currently on?

Hoppers

What is it? It’s the other Pixar movie coming out in 2026.

Why we’re psyched! The plot in the trailer looks a little complex for a kids movie: a human animal lover has her mind put into a robotic beaver’s body to better study animal behavior and accidentally starts an anti-human revolution.

Why we’re wary… Pixar ain’t what it used to be, but Watson has long complained that many of their movies look or sound like something Dreamworks might have whipped up, and honestly, it looks like he might be right this time.

Watson says: Watson is always right. Even when he’s not accurate, it was just the universe that was wrong…

Jimmy says: Pixar isn’t a draw for me at all anymore.

Coyote vs Acme

What is it? It’s the long-delayed release of a live action and animation hybrid where Wile E. Coyote finally sues the Acme Corporation over their crappy products.

Why we’re psyched! Everyone who has seen this movie has said it is one of the funniest things they’ve ever seen, and Warners refused to release it for tax reasons for years until Ketchup Entertainment bought the distribution rights for release just like they did for last year’s delightful The Day the Earth Blew Up. At least Ketchup recognizes the value of these classic characters.

Why we’re wary… After all the years and the hype, it would be really easy for this to disappoint people.

Watson says: Yeah. This thing has some hype. If it is mid, that would sting. I love the premise, so I am hopeful. Either way, it will be fun to judge for ourselves.

Jimmy says: …Ketchup Entertainment?

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender

What is it? It’s an animated sequel, in 2-D no less, of the popular Last Airbender animated series depicting the original Aang Gang as young adults.

Why we’re psyched! The original series’s creators are behind this one, and the popularity of the animated series (plus Legend of Korra) on Netflix led to the launch of Avatar Studios, and considering the world of The Last Airbender might be one of the most creative settings for kids entertainment to come along in years, this could be a neat way to continue to explore this world.

Why we’re wary… It’s been pushed back a couple times already.

Watson says: I’m not a huge fan of the franchise, so I will probably skip this one.

Jimmy says: You suck Watson. The original series was fantastic. I’ll be signing up for a free trial of Paramount+ to watch this one!

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

What is it? It’s a continuation of the Rage Virus story, picking up not long after 28 Years Later.

Why we’re psyched! The Rage Virus introduced the world to “fast zombies” and the return to this world with the previous movie from original creators, writer Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle, seemed to have something to say like all the best zombie movies do.

Why we’re wary… Garland is back as writer, but Boyle didn’t direct this one. Plus, it has a January release, but that might be more of a timing thing after the release of Boyle’s 28 Years Later.

Watson says: 28 Years Later was pretty decent. This sequel, teased at the end of that film, looks terrible. I may sit this out until they make 28 Decades Later…

Jimmy says: I enjoyed Days, have seen and can’t remember Weeks and am yet to see Years. This will probably go on The List and never get gotten to.

The Mandalorian and Grogu

What is it? It’s the final culmination of the Mandalorian’s story.

Why we’re psyched! The Mandalorian has been a bit of a bright spot in Disney’s Star Wars stuff that has nothing to do with Cassian Andor. The Mandalorian’s adventures are often thrilling and fun. Why not put that on the big screen?

Why we’re wary… Most episodes of The Mandalorian are only about 30 minutes each. Will the characters wear out their welcomes in a two hour movie?

Watson says: So…we have already established I am not looking forward to Avengers. I am not really looking forward to Star Wars. Now, I can tell you there is a Star Wars movie I am not anticipating. I like the Mandalorian just fine, but another season of 8 episodes would have been fine. I don’t think this movie will do big business. Maybe not Solo level bad, but I am taking the under on a Billion.

Jimmy says: I think Watson is underestimating this. Maybe not a billion dollar film, but it’ll be huge.

The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth

What is it? It’s a sequel/spin-off to Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood about Brad Pitt’s stuntman character.

Why we’re psyched! David Fincher directed the movie, and he and Pitt have made some good movies together.

Why we’re wary… Can anyone besides Tarantino do a good job with one of Tarantino’s characters?

Watson says: I didn’t know they went forward with this. I didn’t know Fincher directed it. There’s a lot going on here, but I am in!

Jimmy says: But I haven’t seen Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood yet!

Wuthering Heights

What is it? It’s the latest adaptation of Emily Bronte’s story of doomed, Gothic romance on the moors.

Why we’re psyched! Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are there as Catherine and Heathcliff, and director Emerald Fennell’s film sure makes it look like a visual, sensual experience.

Why we’re wary… Ever read the novel? I have. As a friend of my very accurately describes it, it’s the story of two horrible people who deserve each other.

Watson says: I am not the audience for movies like this.

Send Help

What is it? It’s a psychological thriller where picked-upon worker Rachel McAdams finds herself on a deserted island with overbearing boss Dylan O’Brien, and the tables are turning.

Why we’re psyched! Sam Raimi is behind the camera, for something that isn’t a superhero movie, and more towards his general forte.

Why we’re wary… It has a January release.

Watson says: This has “watch me on a plane” written all over it. Which is ironic because it is about a plane crash.

Jimmy says: I like Raimi and McAdams, but The List is too long for this to even get consideration without huge word of mouth.

Violent Night 2

What is it? It’s a sequel to the movie where David Harbour played Santa in a Die Hard situation.

Why we’re psyched! Harbour made a good Santa, one who spent most of the movie trying to stay alive before finally realizing he had to kick ass. More of that could be a lot of fun!

Why we’re wary… Did we need a second one? It really did seem like a good one-and-done.

Watson says: I am starting to think this might be about money…

Jimmy says: I watched the first one for the first time this holiday season. It was fun. Like they decided to remake Die Hard and remove any argument about whether this was a Christmas movie. It really doesn’t need a sequel though where they probably end up doing some kind of chase sequence involving skidoo’s and blow up an airplane.

Masters of the Universe

What is it? It’s the story of Adam, Prince of Eternia, and Defender of Castle Greyskull.

Why we’re psyched! There’s a lot of sword-and-sorcery potential to the world of He-Man.

Why we’re wary… OK, setting aside the fact that Jared Leto is playing Skeletor, you just know Mattel learned all the wrong lessons from Barbie and are playing this one straight. It could very easily just be very silly at best and stupid at worst.

Watson says: I don’t think a live action He-Man movie is possible. I’m calling stinker.

Jimmy says: On this, I have to agree with Watson. And Leto’s involvement is the kiss of death.

The Bride!

What is it? It’s a retelling of the Bride of Frankenstein story, re-imagining the monster and his bride as some sort of Bonnie-and-Clyde style duo from the looks of things.

Why we’re psyched! This sure does look like a creative retelling of the story, and casting Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale as the monstrous duo at the center of the story sure sounds like a good idea for director Maggie Gyllenhaal’s second feature.

Why we’re wary… It’s been pushed back from October of 2025 to March 2026, but that may not be as big an issue as it looks really, really weird.

Watson says: Gunn did this story better in Creature Commandos. Man, was that a great episode.

Jimmy says: Creature Commandos was so good. I don’t know much about this besides what I read above, but sounds too weird for me.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

What is it? It’s another Hunger Games movie, this time telling the story of the year Haymitch won the games.

Why we’re psyched! These movies can be pretty hit-or-miss, but when they hit, they hit hard.

Why we’re wary… The last one would have been pretty darn good if they didn’t include the interminable last act.

Watson says: I’ll see it, but I am less excited about this one than the last one. We largely know the story.

Jimmy says:

The Devil Wears Prada 2

What is it? It’s a follow-up to the movie where Meryl Streep was the world’s most demanding boss in an industry that theoretically people care about.

Why we’re psyched! Streep is awesome in just about everything, and her Miranda Priestly was a comedic villain with some real depth that made her less villainous as the movie goes on. Why not go for more after…wait, how many years?

Why we’re wary… Eh, I thought Anne Hathaway looked better in the original before she started dressing all fashionably.

Watson says: I am starting to think this might be about money…

Jimmy says: But I haven’t seen The Devil Wears Prada 1!

Remarkably Bright Creatures

What is it? It’s the story of a friendship that blooms between a widow and an octopus at an aquarium.

Why we’re psyched! Um, what? I mean, it has an impressive cast…

Why we’re wary… I think I need more information here.

Watson says: I don’t know if this is going to be a good movie. It will probably miss the mark. But the book is amazing. I know the premise sounds silly, but it was beautiful. If they nail it, they have a classic.

Jimmy says: Are we sure this isn’t a spinoff of The Boys?

Michael

What is it? It’s a Michael Jackson biopic.

Why we’re psyched! The music will be good, and Michael’s being played by his nephew, who looks an awful lot like him.

Why we’re wary… Given how many members of the Jackson family are involved, I expect some of the more controversial allegations of Michael’s life will be sanded over, but has director Antoine Fuqua made anything better than a mediocre movie without Denzel Washington in the cast?

Watson says: I saw the touring production of the Broadway musical and people were stoked. It is telling how groundshaking this guy’s music was that people are going to ignore the horrible scandals and flock to see this. I know I will and I do admit some shame. It was almost my fourth movie on my Rushmore, but I held back as a courtesy to Ryan. A horrible person, but Billy Jean is a bop.

Jimmy says: I still enjoy the 80’s pop, but have little desire to see this.

Jumanji 3

What is it? It’s the third installment of the surprisingly fun Jumanji legacy sequel movies.

Why we’re psyched! These movies are just fun, and Jack Black plays a rather amusing teenage-girl-in-Jack-Black’s-body.

Why we’re wary… There’s this thing about diminishing returns when it comes to sequels.

Watson says: Sure…I guess I will see it. The first of the trilogy was excellent. The second was decent. I’m guessing the decline continues, but Kevin Hart is funny enough…

Jimmy says: What Watson said.

Dune: Part Three

What is it? It’s the concluding installment of director Denis Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy.

Why we’re psyched! These movies are visual delights with all-star casts that are trying to say something important about the nature of power. If Villeneuve can pull off the final installment at the same level of quality as the other two, he’ll have crafted one of the finest sci-fi trilogies of all time.

Why we’re wary… What do you know about Dune: Messiah? Up to this point, they’ve been adapting the relatively sane and normal book. The next one gets a little…weird.

Watson says: And the first one was weird to me! I liked Part 2 better, but it was still boring much of the time. I can’t wait for Villeneuve to finish this series and do an original film.

Jimmy says: I still haven’t seen the second one.

The Rip

What is it? It’s a thriller where a group of Miami cops find a whole lot of drug money and get really suspicious of each other.

Why we’re psyched! It stars real-life buddies Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, among others. Those two often work well together.

Why we’re wary… Well, for one, Affleck is only acting in this one and not directing. For another, Miami cops as played by two guys from Boston? You couldn’t set it in Massachusetts?

Watson says: I’ve never predicted a movie to be as cromulent as this movie will be.

Jimmy says: Is Jan Hammer doing the theme?

The Sheep Detectives

What is it? It’s a murder mystery where a bunch of sheep try to solve the murder of their beloved shepherd, as played by Hugh Jackman.

Why we’re psyched! It looks like a real all-star cast for the voices of the sheep (yes, they can talk), including two of Gabbing Geek’s favorite bald actors, Patrick Stewart and Bryan Cranston, but something like this one will either be a lot of fun or really, really dumb.

Why we’re wary… Something like this one will either be a lot of fun or really, really dumb.

Watson says: Comedic murder? Talking sheep? Two of the main X-Men? Walter White? I could see this being a lot of fun AND really, really dumb.

Jimmy says: The trailer had me until the talking sheep twist. So, for about 26 seconds.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

What is it? It’s the sequel to the hit Super Mario Brothers animated movie.

Why we’re psyched! Jack Black stole this show as Bowser. so more of that would be nice, and now Bowser’s son is out to rescue him.

Why we’re wary… The rest of the first movie was maybe less good.

Watson says: The first movie was fine. I will see this one when it comes on streaming.

Jimmy says: Another sequel to a film I haven’t seen.

Animal Friends

What is it? It’s an adaptation of the video game where you, I think, go around and befriend animals?

Why we’re psyched! Hey, Ryan Reynolds and some famous actors voicing the animals? This could be…hold on a second…

Why we’re wary… Charming male lead, known for playing among other things a definitive take on a superhero, and with famous actors voicing animals. Doesn’t this sound an awful lot like Robert Downey Jr’s Dolittle?

Watson says: This has been a moving target on the release calendar for a while. I could see this being a real stinker.

Jimmy says: Dolittle is a hell of an unforgiving comp. That shit was awful.

Disclosure Day

What is it? It’s Steven Spielberg’s latest, a movie where humanity learns aliens are real.

Why we’re psyched! Even Spielberg’s weakest movies are usually interesting and entertaining. His only really boring movie as far as I am concerned is The BFG.

Why we’re wary… It’s an original story by Spielberg, but man, is he doing the friendly aliens story again? I mean, he’s good at that as seen with both E.T. and Close Encounters, but is he going to that well again? Unless…maybe it’s a stealth sequel to Close Encounters…

Watson says: The trailer has an eerie magic to it. Spielberg is always worth checking out. I am excited.

Minions 3: Mega Minions

What is it? It’s a fucking Minions movie, something that is generally only entertaining to people under five years old.

Why we’re psyched? Fucking Minions!

Why we’re wary… FUCKING MINIONS!

Watson says: FUCKING JIMMY!

Jimmy says: My work here is done.

Flowervale Street

What is it? It’s the next movie from It Follows director David Robert Mitchell.

Why we’re psyched! Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor are dodging weirdness, possibly involving dinosaurs, in their suburban neighborhood.

Why we’re wary… It’s set in 1980s, so how much are they ripping off Stranger Things? Unless the fact J.J. Abrams is producing means its a secret Cloverfield movie that will answer no questions about the Cloverfield Universe.

Watson says: There’s a lot going on in this entry. I hadn’t heard of this, but I am intrigued. Consider me anticipated!

Crime 101

What is it? It’s a criminal vs. cops movie with Chris Hemsworth as the criminal and Mark Ruffalo as the cop.

Why we’re psyched! Hemsworth and Ruffalo are two likable guys, and these two Avengers could be making the next Heat!

Why we’re wary… Hemsworth and Ruffalo are two likable guys, but they aren’t Robert de Niro and Al Pacino.

Watson says: Another plane movie or Friday night on the couch. Movies like these are not theatrical releases anymore.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

What is it? It’s the sequel to the horror-comedy about a killer night of Hide’n’Seek for a new bride.

Why we’re psyched! The first movie was fun, a satirical look at a wealthy family who made their money on games, and it had some nice twists mixed in with the dark humor. Plus, unlike the Now You See Me movies, they understood they should put the obvious subtitle into the second movie’s title and not the third.

Why we’re wary… Did we really need more of this story?

Watson says: I didn’t see the first one, but the picture annoys me. Not as much as this annoying lady at the Starbucks where I am typing this who is on her speaker phone talking to someone while the whole cafe suffers. Can we make a horror movie about bad things happening to speaker phone cell phone users?

Animal Farm

What is it? It’s Andy Serkis’s adaptation of the classic novel by George Orwell, warning of the dangers of authoritarianism.

Why we’re psyched! We are?

Why we’re wary… So, it looks like they took the novel, a cautionary tale about Stalinism, and turned it into…a Seth Rogen comedy since Rogen is voicing Napoleon the pig? Um, why?

Watson says: This story is NOT a children’s movie. Honestly, this should never be a movie. It is a brilliant book, but I wouldn’t describe it as entertainment…

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die

What is it? It’s the story of a time traveler trying to prevent an AI apocalypse.

Why we’re psyched! They put Sam Rockwell into the lead role, so someone in the casting department understood the assignment for director Gore Verbinski’s weird-looking movie.

Why we’re wary… It might be a little too weird.

Watson says: A comedic Terminator?

Deep Water

What is it? It’s the tender story of what happens when a jumbo jet does an emergency water landing, and then the survivors have to avoid sharks.

Why we’re psyched! Renny Harlan might be making something ridiculous, but sometimes ridiculous is just what the doctor ordered.

Why we’re wary… Oh, it probably sucks.

Watson says: Definitely a plane movie for a flight over land…

Judy

What is it? It’s Tom Cruise saving the world after he did something that might have caused its destruction.

Why we’re psyched! Despite the description, it’s actually more of a drama from director Alejandro González Iñárritu, the guy who made Birdman and The Revenant.

Why we’re wary… This is almost certainly going to be nothing like what most people think when they hear it’s a “Tom Cruise has to save the world” sort of thing

Watson says: Lol. Good point. This will have a terrible CinemaScore opening weekend. People do not like being tricked into seeing an arthouse movie. They get PISSED! Setting the Cinemascore line at C- or below. Taking all bets!

Redux Redux

What is it? It’s an intimate story about a woman who travels the multiverse, killing every version of the man who killed her daughter that she can find.

Why we’re psyched! Among other reasons, including a premier at SXSW in 2025, it’s a real family affair with brothers Kevin and Matthew McManus writing and directing while their sister Michaela plays the lead role.

Why we’re wary… Another multiverse movie?

Watson says: I mean…I was about to say “Fucking Jimmy!” in the first half of the “What is it?” but the second half intrigued me. That’s a smart premise. I just hope Jim Carrey’s Riddler doesn’t cameo…

Cold Storage

What is it? It’s a horror comedy about a killer fungus that turns people into zombies or something.

Why we’re psyched! Well, Stranger Things‘s Steve Harrington is teaming up with Liam Neeson.

Why we’re wary… It may be more scientifically accurate than the anti-vaxx documentary Neeson narrated.

Watson says: I smell a Bottom Tener!

Normal

What is it? It’s another Bob Odenkrik movie where he plays an unassuming badass from the looks of things.

Why we’re psyched! If Liam Neeson is going to be…problematic, maybe Odenkirk can become the new “older guy who is suddenly an action star” actor.

Why we’re wary… Eh, Nobody probably did it better.

Watson says: Lot of movies to watch in my travels next year!

Moana

What is it? It’s a live action remake of the animated movie.

Why we’re psyched! I am not sure that we are.

Why we’re wary… Like, why? They had a sequel to the animated movie come out in 2024. It is so recent Dwayne Johnson can play the live action Maui. And do these things ever work? Did they learn nothing from Snow White? Eh, let’s face it: if they did learn something from Snow White, they forgot that lesson after Lilo and Stitch sold, like, a billion tickets.

Watson says: I hope this movie makes less money than Snow White.

How to Make a Killing

What is it? It’s the story of a young man, disowned by his billionaire grandpa, who decides to murder everyone in line ahead of him for the estate.

Why we’re psyched! It’s got an impressive cast led by Glen Powell, and writer-director John Patton Ford has been building quite the reputation for himself.

Why we’re wary… It’s from A24, the last time A24 gave us a spring-released movie that was maybe intended to satirize the rich and powerful, we got the underwhelming Death of a Unicorn.

They Will Kill You

What is it? It’s a horror/survival story where a newly hired maid for an upscale hotel learns she is to be a human sacrifice for the rest of the hotel and has to fight her way out.

Why we’re psyched! It looks like it took the tone from the original Ready or Not and added in the basic concept of You’re Next where the killers learn the hard way they chose the wrong sacrifice. At the very least, I can always pretend lead actress Zazie Beetz is reprising her role as Domino from Deadpool 2.

Why we’re wary… So, I saw a trailer before a movie, but can’t find the trailer online. That seems weird. Also, Andy Muschietti may have directed one really good IT movie, but he’s only producing this one with his wife Barbara.

Madden

What is it? It’s a John Madden biopic from director David O. Russell starring Nick Cage.

Why we’re psyched! It’s a John Madden biopic starring Nick Cage!

Why we’re wary… It’s a John Madden biopic starring Nick Cage?

TELEVISION

TV presents its own challenges. Stories are told over a longer period, allowing for character development to occur more gradually in a way that asks audiences to keep coming back every week. Or to binge it all at once. Whatever works.

Daredevil: Born Again

What is it? It’s the next season of Disney+’s Daredevil series.

Why we’re psyched! Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio basically own their roles, and this time around, they also got Krysten Ritter back as Jessica Jones.

Why we’re wary… Season one felt rather interminable.

Watson says: I hope they have a tighter narrative than last season. The Fisk storyline was the closest they had to a central arc, so the season was all over the place. I can’t go back to episodic TV and that’s what S1 felt like.

Jimmy says: Season one (or was it four?) was a bit of a mess. It was fairly obvious they retooled it right in the middle of filming. Hopefully this is more cohesive.

Wonder Man

What is it? It’s a mini-series featuring another classic Avenger, actor and superhero Simon “Wonder Man” Williams.

Why we’re psyched! It looks like they’re doing something a bit meta with a look at Hollywood as “Wonder Man” might be a fictional hero within the MCU. Plus, lead actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has some good superhero cred under his belt.

Why we’re wary… Shouldn’t Disney be, I dunno, advertising this thing? That might be a bad sign.

Watson says: This might be the property that gets me back into D+ MCU shows. I want to like this, but after middling entries of late, I am worried about Disney’s take on the MCU.

Jimmy says: I have almost no desire to watch this. And good point, Tom, about the lack of advertising, but they do have a month.

VisionQuest

What is it? It’s what happened to the Vision after he flew off at the end of WandaVision.

Why we’re psyched! The Vision has been a somewhat underutilized character in the MCU. There’s a lot of potential there, and WandaVision may be the best thing Disney+ did with the MCU, so maybe continuing that aspect will work out very well.

Why we’re wary… They waited how long to get back to this storyline? Wow. They’re really firing on all cylinders in the MCU these days.

Watson says: I am guessing I will watch this, since it is core MCU…but I am not anticipating it!

Jimmy says: This should have came out 3-4 years ago when people cared.

Punisher Special

What is it? It’s a one-shot Disney+ special about Frank Castle.

Why we’re psyched! The Punisher was one of the highlights of Daredevil: Born Again, and actor Jon Bernthal basically owns the role.

Why we’re wary… Marvel has a really bad habit of overusing this character.

Watson says: The fact that it is a special appeals to me. I doubt I would have watched a full season, but I will check out a single special! Bernthal is compelling in everything he does. This should be 45 minutes of fun.

Jimmy says: I haven’t watched the second season of the Netflix stand alone Punisher series, but the first was fine. Agreed, a special seems like a more logical choice though.

Lanterns

What is it? It’s the Green Lantern Corps, acting like the space cops they are, as Hal Jordan takes John Stewart under his wing while they investigate a murder.

Why we’re psyched! Yet another reason why DC under James Gunn is taking chances with a more diverse universe, the idea is intriguing. Plus, Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan is probably the best casting call DC has made so far, the dream-casting fans didn’t know they wanted all along.

Why we’re wary… An Earth-based murder mystery featuring space cops? These are DC’s cosmic powerhouses. What’s going on here?

Watson says: Not wary at all. We finally get to entry #4 in the Watson 2026 Anticipation Rushmore. I am so stoked to see this take on Green Lantern. Chandler is indeed the best casting for an aging Hal Jordan. The trailer looked incredible. The concept of True Detective with power rings is incredible. This is a weekly watch with a Gabbing Geek Spoiler chat!

Jimmy says: I’m looking forward to this coming out so I no longer have to see the picture above. Is that the only piece of promotional material they have??

Creature Commandos

What is it? It’s the adult animated series about monsters who fight evil on behalf of the U.S. government.

Why we’re psyched! The first season made a bunch of little-known DC characters and made (most of them) sympathetic characters, but that is one of writer James Gunn’s specialties.

Why we’re wary… Well, it probably won’t be back in 2026.

Watson says: If it is, it will probably end in 2027 and be a 2027 entry.

Jimmy says: The first season was so good, but I don’t think the second is expected until 2027.

Pluribus

What is it? It’s Vince Gilligan’s latest, a sci-fi story starring Rhea Seehorn.

Why we’re psyched! Because Vince Gilligan makes good TV, consistently. He may be incapable of making bad TV.

Why we’re wary… It may not be back in 2026.

Watson says: If it is, it will probably end in 2027 and be a 2027 entry.

Only Murders in the Building

What is it? It’s the charming murder mystery where Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez solve murders in their building.

Why we’re psyched! Martin, Short, and Gomez are actually a great trio, and the show is just fun and sweet, even if it does kill off characters that the audience might like to set up a new murder.

Why we’re wary… Well, it may not be back in 2026, but Only Murders in the Building has yet to not come back in any given year since it started, and that’s a rarity for streaming series.

Watson says: If it is, it will probably end in 2027 and be a 2027 entry.

Jimmy says: Rumored to hit in the fall of 2026. It’s starting to wear thin a bit, but I still enjoy it.

House of the Dragon

What is it? It’s a new season of the Game of Thrones prequel about a Targaryen Civil War, with dragons!

Why we’re psyched! Season two had a whole lot of set-up and not a lot of action, so we get the action this time, right?

Why we’re wary… Why was Matt Smith hanging around Harrenhall for most of season two? That was long and dull, and it seems to be indicative of the season as a whole. I don’t need a big action scene in every episode, but putting something in at least some episodes might be nice.

Watson says: S2 was a total waste of time. Ignoring the Harrenhall nonsense, the showrunners completely kneecapped Rhaenyra, making her an indecisive and wavering worrier. Their effort to have a good guy weakened the brilliant story Martin crafted. Dude ACTUALLY writes something and they just ignore it. I worry that this series is toast.

Jimmy says: Season two was a bit of a bore, so hopefully they bounce back when the actual war starts. It will start this season right? Right?

One Piece

What is it? It’s the newest season of the live action adaptation of the popular anime/manga series.

Why we’re psyched! Season one was the ultimate rarity: a live action remake of a popular anime/manga on Netflix that was actually good. The fantastic world of Monkey D. Luffy, the kid who wants to become King of the Pirates without really knowing what a pirate actually is, was a well-realized delight.

Why we’re wary… It would be very easy to screw this up given how many other such adaptations Netflix tried to make happen and failed miserably.

Watson says: This is a thing, I suppose…

The Gentlemen

What is it? It’s a gentle show about a recently-elevated British nobleman who forms an alliance with a criminal organization.

Why we’re psyched! Guy Ritchie produced this, and it bears his signature style of clever criminal types dispensing humorous violence.

Why we’re wary… Aside from the title, it really didn’t have much of anything to do with the movie that it got its title from. What’s up with that?

Watson says: S1 was pretty bland. A far stretch from the quality of the movie. I’ll be passing on this turd.

Avatar: the Last Airbender

What is it? It’s the live action adaptation of the popular animated series.

Why we’re psyched! This series did a pretty good job of adapting the animated show into a different format. It’s not perfect, but hey, the trailers make it look like they got Toph right, visually at least.

Why we’re wary… Setting aside whether a live action remake of anything that works very well in animation is really necessary, did that kid playing Aang grow an extra foot or something? I hope they’re making season three at the same time.

Watson says: I never could gather the interest to watch S1.

Jimmy says: Season one was a decent adaptation. Miles ahead of that schlock MKS dumped on us a few years back. They do have a Stranger Things problem with the kids growing up very, very fast.

X-Men ’97

What is it? It’s a continuation of a continuation.

Why we’re psyched! The first season was surprisingly good given what it was, a bit more mature in its storytelling, bringing back most of the surviving original voice cast, and not making it all about Wolverine.

Why we’re wary… The first season’s showrunner was fired by Marvel, and while he might have deserved it for whatever he did, that could mean a dip in the quality of the storytelling. Or it might be better. Who can say?

Watson says: I never could gather the interest to watch S1. Even though there was one episode that was supposed to be super impressive.

Jimmy says: This is how you do a continuation/reboot whatever the hell it is. And that episode Watson alludes too…oh my!

The Boys

What is it? It’s the final season of the dark superhero satire.

Why we’re psyched! This show has always been over-the-top, but it’s never been boring.

Why we’re wary… This show has lost what little subtly it had, to the point where some viewers finally figured out the show was making fun of them. Plus, it would be really hard to stick the landing on a series like this one.

Watson says: I got off this train a couple of seasons back. I don’t feel any regret…

Jimmy says: It’s still good, but all subtly is gone. I’m surprised a certain orange turn isn’t bringing it up to constantly rag on.

Scrubs

What is it? It’s a revival of the hospital sitcom where, this time, JD and Turk are the ones training new interns at Sacred Heart.

Why we’re psyched! Creator Bill Lawrence, also responsible for Ted Lasso, is behind this revival, and he’s good at these sort of feel-good comedy-dramas. Plus, hey, Dr. Cox is back, and I could watch Dr. Cox and the Janitor all day.

Why we’re wary… Um, where’s the Janitor?

3 Body Problem

What is it? It’s a new season based on the popular Chinese sci-fi book series about an alien invasion coming to Earth with no way to stop them.

Why we’re psyched! The concepts behind the show is fascinating and smart, and the first season managed a good adaptation of the first novel while also creating main characters that had actual personalities.

Why we’re wary… Do we know for certain it’s going to be ready in 2026? Well, at least the series creators have a flawless track record for adapting stuff for the small screen.

Watson says: I am pretty sure this one starts and finishes in 2026 and S3 will follow much sooner because they greenlit both at the same time. This one JUST missed my Rushmore. I was shocked how much I loved the first season. Wasn’t expecting that. Sadly, it’s been such a long time that I need to watch a recap to remember why I loved it besides the Panama Canal sequence…

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

What is it? It’s another Game of Thrones spin-off, this one based on the Adventures of Dunk and Egg.

Why we’re psyched! Not everything in the world of Westeros has to be about big stories where the fate of the kingdom is on the line. Smaller stories can be told too.

Why we’re wary… This one is supposed to be more family-friendly. Does anyone want a family-friendly Westeros?

Watson says: There are three seasons of stories already written and all of them are intriguing. We should have a nice, uncomplicated time in Westeros.

Jimmy says: I’ll watch because it is Game of Thrones, though I know nothing about it.

Harry Potter

What is it? It’s a TV adaptation of the Harry Potter novels.

Why we’re psyched! Setting aside how controversial JK Rowling has gotten in recent years, the story is still fairly charming, and the cast looks impressive.

Why we’re wary… The movies still exist and told the story very well. Why make more? Just to be more faithful to the source material?

Watson says: An entire universe to play with, and they remake something that still holds up really well? I’m a pass on this one as a weekly view. Might check it out in a binge if the reviews are good…

Jimmy says: I’m just waiting for the neckbeards to start going off on the Hermoine casting…

Spider-Man Noir

What is it? It’s a live action adaptation of the alternate universe Spider-Man, as seen in Into the Spiderverse, from a black-and-white world of gritty detective stories.

Why we’re psyched! Nick Cage! Nick Cage is reprising the character in live action!

Why we’re wary… Amazon Prime has made a number of odd shows, many with superheroes, but could even Cage make Spider-Man that sort of character?

Watson says: Maybe…if Jimmy recommend it…

Jimmy says: I expect this to be awful. We will see.

Fallout (finale)

What is it? It’s the Amazon Prime adaptation of the video game franchise set in a very retro post-apocalypse.

Why we’re psyched! This series was perhaps the most surprising and fun video game adaptations in quite some time if not ever. Charming characters, Walton Goggins as a noseless gunslinger, and a whole host of other things make this show a real blast.

Why we’re wary… It would be very easy for them not to catch lightning in a bottle twice.

Watson says: Episode 1 of S2 was solid. I look forward to reviewing this in a year. [Holds breath]

Jimmy says: I haven’t started season 2, but season one has been holding up on rewatch. New Vegas wasn’t as good as Fallout 3, but these are far from direct adaptations.

Shogun

What is it? It’s the continuing adventures of an English sailor in feudal Japan during a time of political upheaval.

Why we’re psyched! Who doesn’t love some Japanese samurai drama?

Why we’re wary… They don’t start filming until January of 2026, so they might not have it ready this year.

Watson says: [Holds breath some more]

Wednesday

What is it? It’s the next season of this sorta Adams Family series where Wednesday Adams solves murders at her boarding school. Also, she’s psychic.

Why we’re psyched! Season two dipped in quality a bit, but Jenna Ortega is awesome as Wednesday.

Why we’re wary… Is it even coming out this year?

Watson says: I’m not holding my breath this is going to be any good…

Jimmy says: Not even scheduled to start production for a couple of months, so likely looking at well into 2027 for release.

Star Wars: Maul–Shadow Lord

What is it? It’s the animated story of Darth Maul, taking place between The Clone Wars and Rebels.

Why we’re psyched! Dave Filoni cut his teeth on various Star Wars animated shows, and he has some rather rich additions to a galaxy far, far away, including some rather impressive stories involving Maul.

Why we’re wary… You know, I watched The Clone Wars, and I am still not sure how Maul survived Phantom Menace. I liked a lot of the Maul stuff and all, but how is he even alive?

Watson says: Maul died in Phantom Menace. Everything else is Filoni fan fic.

Jimmy says: I’ve been years trying to force myself into watching Clone Wars, and it never sticks.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

What is it? It’s a new Trek series, this one set in the Academy on Earth that trains Starfleet officers.

Why we’re psyched! Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, and Robert Picardo reprising his role from Voyager are all among the cast with the series set in the 32nd century. That could be cool.

Why we’re wary… You know what a franchise called Star Trek needs? A show set in a single location.

Watson says: I wanted this series in the 90s. I think is when this should have been made.

Jimmy says: Outside of Picard, I gave up on new Trek with Discovery. I doubt this changes that.

The Pitt

What is it? It’s a medical drama about health care on the “front lines.”

Why we’re psyched! Because Noah Wylie belongs in a hospital!

Why we’re wary… Wait, that came out wrong!

Watson says: I hear it was great, but I am not a medical drama fan.

Jimmy says: The Ms loves it.

Young Sherlock

What is it? It’s the adventures of a boarding school student named Sherlock Holmes and his pal James Moriarity.

Why we’re psyched! Guy Ritchie produced this series, and he has some experience with his own take on Sherlock Holmes.

Why we’re wary… If you want a somewhat faithful-to-the-source-material Holmes, then avoid Ritchie’s work. If you’re looking at this as a prequel to his movie version, well, he also produced The Gentlemen for Netflix and about all it has in common with his movie is the title. Basically, it may not be either of those things.

Watson says: The reviews will need to be 90%+ for me to watch this.

Jimmy says: Ditto.

Ted Lasso

What is it? It’s the return of the heartwarming American coach of an English football team.

Why we’re psyched! Everybody loves Ted Lasso!

Why we’re wary… Well, for one thing, the last season’s final episode was actually a great series finale, so why are they making more? You know, besides the obvious reasons.

Watson says: Look…I know it is about the money. I know that. But I love these characters and I love Bill Lawrence. I am hopeful. Plus, maybe Braff and Faison won’t have to do those dreadful T-Mobile ads… Err….Strike that last sentence. This is a disappointment because the finale won’t be final anymore. And it was gold.

Jimmy says: I loved the series, so looking forward to more. But yes, great chance they tarnish it’s legacy.

Paradise

What is it? It’s the continuing story of a Secret Service agent in a world where a global disaster ruined most of the Earth.

Why we’re psyched! The first season was a surprise, with characters that weren’t quite as cut-and-dried as they often appeared to be navigating an interesting setting. Quite frankly, I think we were surprised it’s coming back as quickly as it did in February. Plus, Sterling K. Brown is awesome.

Why we’re wary… It might be rough maintaining interest if you have to come up with new mysteries beyond “someone killed the president” and “what ruined the world?”

Watson says: I would have been fine with S1 being the end of the series. It was nearly perfect beginning, middle, and end. I’m down for S2, but I predict a massive dropoff when the show changes to a post-apocalyptic action adventure show.

Jimmy says: Agreed with Watson. The first season twist was so unexpected and well executed, I’m not sure how they will maintain interest in season two.

Untitled Larry David Project

What is it? It’s a new Larry David project, obviously, but it’s (maybe) in celebration of America’s 250th birthday and produced by David with Barack and Michelle Obama.

Why we’re psyched! Because, as time goes on, it sure looks like it was Larry and not Jerry that was the true comedy genius behind Seinfeld.

Why we’re wary… “Untitled Larry David Project” is how HBO is advertising it right now. We know next to nothing about this show.

Watson says: Untitled Watson Commentary.

Jimmy says: I like David (and Jerry) so I’ll be watching.

Malcolm in the Middle

What is it? It’s another years-later revival.

Why we’re psyched! The original series was actually pretty darn good, and for a reboot, it might be nice to see Bryan Cranston doing straight comedy again.

Why we’re wary… I don’t think Bill Lawrence is involved in this one.

BOOKS

Twelve Months (Dresden Files)

What is it? It’s the next installment in the Dresden Files.

Why we’re psyched! Harry’s life got really turned upside down after the last book/books what with the death of a very prominent supporting cast member and his forced engagement to someone else.

Why we’re wary… Butcher’s novels work best when they somehow fuse Harry’s personal stakes in with the bigger picture stuff he’s involved in, and his last two installments split a much longer book into a pair of shorter ones released months apart. On paper, that sounds great. In practice, is also split his personal stakes with his bigger stuff and made the two books less fun than usual in my own humble opinion.

Watson says: I read the first one years ago and have been meaning to pick back up the series. But the more books they put out, the more overwhelming it gets…

A Parade of Horribles (Dungeon Crawler Carl)

What is it? It’s the latest in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series.

Why we’re psyched! What’s not to like?

Why we’re wary… No, seriously, what’s not to like? I haven’t been able to read any yet. They sound like my cup of tea, but I have too much on my reading plate at it is.

Watson says: I have read a few and will probably be caught up by the time this one drops. Fun series that you can read quickly.

Master Alvin

What is it? It’s the seventh and final book in the “Tales of Alvin Maker” series of fantasy novels.

Why we’re psyched! There’s something to be said for an author finishing his seven-novel book series. Right, George?

Why we’re wary… I can normally separate the art from the artist, but there are a few I can’t, and one of ’em is Orson Scott Card. I’ve promised myself I will read Ender’s Game after he dies, and if I like it, then I may consider these books.

Watson says: He won the bet with George RR Martin on who would publish their lost book first. I never thought this would come out, but here we are. I’ve read the first six, but have no idea what any of them are about because my kids weren’t born when I read them.

The Winds of Winter

What is it? It’s Book Six in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Why we’re psyched! Theoretically, it could come out this year!

Why we’re wary… Why should we be wary? I mean, this book has to come out eventually, right? Right?

Watson says: I’ve got a good feeling about 2026, Tom!

Fire and Blood Volume 2

What is it? It’s the second half of the history of Westeros and the Targaryen dynasty.

Why we’re psyched! Oh, surely a fake history is easier to write that a novel that, in reality, is like multiple smaller books shifting to different perspectives every chapter. It’ll be out any day now.

Why we’re wary… Any day now…

Watson says: I’ve got a good feeling about 2026, Tom!

COMICS

We don’t do a lot of comics stuff because we often have to wait and see how things turn out, but when something does get out attention…

Superman/Spider-Man

What is it? It’s another pair of crossovers between DC and Marvel, this time focusing on their two flagship heroes meeting up again.

Why we’re psyched! Even if not every story in the two Batman/Deadpool specials was golden, it was nice seeing more than just Batman meeting Deadpool. The big difference this time around is that the various stories will have Superman and his supporting characters interacting with Spider-Man and his, such as a Lois Lane/MJ Watson meeting. And Jimmy always loves a story with a Watson.

Why we’re wary… They might try to make these more than just fun stories. These should be light, fun fare and nothing more.

Watson says: Have these ever REALLY been good? The Amalgamation stuff was quirky, but the general team-up stories are general meh. FUCKING JIMMY!

VIDEO GAMES

Video games! You may never know if a game is coming out until it actually appears on store shelves, but what the hell? There are some cool ones at least scheduled for 2026.

Game of Thrones: War for Westeros

What is it? It’s a strategy game set in the world of Game of Thrones.

Why we’re psyched! The game trailer showed Jon Snow, one that looked exactly like actor Kit Harrington, dying in battle with the Night King and rising as a blue-eyed wight, so the game at the very least is not required to follow the plot of the books or TV show.

Why we’re wary… Do we know for certain it’s coming out in 2026?

Watson says: I’m down for this. If this is Command and Conquer in Westeros? I’m all in!

007: First Light

What is it? It’s a new James Bond video game.

Why we’re psyched! We’re kinda between 007s right now, so getting any Bond might be a good thing, and it’s an original story based off author Ian Fleming’s original novels and short stories.

Why we’re wary… So which Bond is that? Connery? Craig? Roger Moore? He looks more like Ethan Hunt, honestly.

Watson says: I’ve played exactly ONE James Bond video game…and it was one of the greatest games ever. Based on an extremely small sample size, this game should be one of the greatest games ever.

Marvel’s Wolverine

What is it? It’s a Wolverine video game. Duh.

Why we’re psyched! It’s from the same gaming studio that made those fun Spider-Man games.

Why we’re wary… This game at this point is almost an urban legend around the Gabbing Geek offices. We won’t necessarily be holding our breath over this one.

Watson says: Did we know this was coming out, Jimmy?

Jimmy says: I don’t think so.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

What is it? It’s Captain America and his buddies fighting Hydra during World War II.

Why we’re psyched! This could be a very interesting time period to explore, and aside from Cap, most of these characters are relatively unknown, and it might be fun to do something with these characters.

Why we’re wary… It’s been delayed and pushed back from “early 2026,” so it may not even come out this year.

Watson says: Why is it so hard to do superhero games if they aren’t about Batman or Spider-Man?

Power Wash Simulator 2: DLC

What is it? I’m guessing it’s a game about hosing off dirty cars and stuff.

Why we’re psyched! Ryan was really exciting about this one.

Why we’re wary… I’m not sure anyone else was really excited about this one. I mean, I’m not a gamer or anything…

Watson says: This games…blows…

GABBING GEEK

What is it? It’s more than just an old photo of Watson at a Halloween party. Or maybe it was a Christmas party. I’m not sure.

Why we’re psyched! Well, we need to report back on December 31st how a lot of that stuff up there did. And maybe Jenny will return from her fabulous trip along the Silk Road to trade spices with the Ming Dynasty.

Why we’re wary… We aren’t. Not yet anyway.

Watson says: Another year of friendship, geekiness, and snark. Here’s to 2026.