Disney is gearing up for a massive 2026, promising a lineup that will captivate audiences across generations. With beloved franchises making a comeback and bold new stories taking center stage, the entertainment powerhouse is set to dominate the box office with six highly anticipated films. From animation to live-action, Marvel to Star Wars, and Pixar to 20th Century Studios, Disney’s 2026 releases span multiple genres and cinematic universes.
The year will be highlighted by six movies Disney is releasing:
- Hoppers (Pixar) – March 6, 2026
An original animated film about scientists discovering how to transfer human consciousness into animals. - Avengers: Doomsday (Marvel Studios) – May 1, 2026
A rumored continuation of the Avengers saga, potentially introducing new heroes and concluding key storylines. - The Mandalorian & Grogu (Lucasfilm, Star Wars) – May 22, 2026
A Star Wars film following The Mandalorian and Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau. - Toy Story 5 (Pixar) – June 19, 2026
The next chapter in the beloved Toy Story franchise, continuing the adventures of Woody and Buzz. - Moana (Live-Action) (Walt Disney Pictures) – July 10, 2026
A live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated classic, starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui. - Ice Age 6 (20th Century Studios) – December 18, 2026
The sixth installment in the Ice Age franchise, bringing back iconic characters like Scrat, Sid, and Manny.
Fun Fact: Frozen III was at one time scheduled to come out in 2026, but was recently delayed to 2027 instead to give the team more time to finish the film.
A Year Packed with Fan Favorites and New Adventures
One of the biggest highlights of Disney’s 2026 slate is the return of The Mandalorian & Grogu, a Star Wars film that will see Pedro Pascal reprising his role as Din Djarin. Directed by Jon Favreau and co-written with Dave Filoni, this movie is expected to explore new galactic conflicts and deepen the Mandalorian saga. It is set for a May 22, 2026 release, kicking off the summer blockbuster season.
Pixar continues its tradition of innovative storytelling with Hoppers, an original animated film about scientists who develop the ability to transfer human consciousness into animals. With its unique concept and Pixar’s history of emotional storytelling, Hoppers (releasing March 6, 2026) is poised to be another animated hit.
One of the biggest nostalgia-fueled releases will be Toy Story 5, the next chapter in the beloved Pixar franchise. After the emotional conclusion of Toy Story 4, Disney has promised an exciting new adventure for Woody and Buzz Lightyear, with June 19, 2026 marked as the official release date. Fans are eager to see how Pixar continues the legendary story.
Adding to the nostalgia factor, Disney’s live-action reimagining of Moana will bring the animated classic to life, featuring Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. Set for a July 10, 2026 release, the film will introduce a new generation to Moana’s inspiring journey across the Pacific.
Meanwhile, Marvel Studios is expected to release Avengers: Doomsday, a rumored continuation of the Avengers saga that could introduce new heroes while wrapping up existing storylines. Though plot details remain under wraps, its scheduled release on May 1, 2026, suggests it will be a major cinematic event.
Finally, Disney-owned 20th Century Studios is bringing back one of its most successful animated franchises with Ice Age 6, set to debut on December 18, 2026. While details on the storyline are still limited, fans can expect the return of beloved characters like Scrat, Sid, and Manny.
Disney’s 2026 Movie Release Schedule
| Movie Title | Studio | Genre | Release Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoppers | Pixar | Animation | March 6, 2026 | A unique sci-fi story about scientists transferring human consciousness into animals. |
| Avengers: Doomsday | Marvel Studios | Superhero | May 1, 2026 | A continuation of the Avengers saga, rumored to introduce new heroes and wrap up key storylines. |
| The Mandalorian & Grogu | Lucasfilm (Star Wars) | Sci-Fi/Adventure | May 22, 2026 | A cinematic expansion of The Mandalorian’s journey with Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau. |
| Toy Story 5 | Pixar | Animation | June 19, 2026 | The next installment in the Toy Story franchise, continuing the adventures of Woody and Buzz. |
| Moana (Live-Action) | Walt Disney Pictures | Live-Action | July 10, 2026 | A live-action adaptation of the animated hit, starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui. |
| Ice Age 6 | 20th Century Studios | Animation | December 18, 2026 | The sixth installment in the Ice Age franchise, bringing back fan-favorite characters. |
Why 2026 Will Be a Landmark Year for Disney
With this lineup, Disney is demonstrating its ability to balance nostalgia with fresh, original ideas. The return of The Mandalorian, Toy Story, and Ice Age will attract long-time fans, while new ventures like Hoppers will ensure that Disney continues to innovate in the animation space. Meanwhile, Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday could set up the next era of the MCU, making 2026 a critical year for superhero films.
Disney’s strategic placement of these releases ensures a steady stream of major blockbusters throughout the year, making 2026 one of the most anticipated years in cinema history. Fans of all ages will have something to look forward to, as Disney continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and visual spectacle.
Key Takeaways
- Disney’s 2026 film slate features six major releases spanning animation, live-action, and popular franchise expansions.
- Summer 2026 will be particularly strong with “The Mandalorian & Grogu” in May and “Toy Story 5” in June creating consecutive blockbusters.
- The mix of original concepts like “Hoppers” alongside franchise continuations demonstrates Disney’s balanced approach to entertainment.
Disney’s Strategic Expansion in 2026
Disney is implementing an ambitious expansion strategy for 2026, focusing on franchise development and innovative content releases. Their slate reveals a calculated approach to maintaining market dominance while exploring new creative territories.
Hoppers: The New Sensation
“Hoppers” represents Disney’s boldest venture into original content for 2026. This new franchise is positioned to capture younger audiences while offering crossover appeal to adults through sophisticated storytelling and cutting-edge animation techniques.
The project features interconnected worlds where characters can “hop” between different realities. This creates significant merchandising opportunities across Disney’s retail divisions and theme parks.
Early marketing materials suggest “Hoppers” will introduce approximately 12 new characters, each designed for strong brand recognition. Industry analysts predict this property could generate $500+ million in box office revenue and establish a new decade-long franchise.
Disney has already begun developing theme park attractions based on “Hoppers” concepts, scheduled to debut within six months of the film’s release.
The Mandalorian & Grogu: Continuing the Legacy
“The Mandalorian & Grogu” marks Disney’s strategic transition of the popular streaming series to theaters. This move leverages the established fan base while potentially reaching new audiences through the theatrical experience.
The film extends Disney’s Star Wars calendar presence, filling the gap between major trilogy releases. Projected budgets suggest a $200-250 million investment, indicating Disney’s confidence in the property’s box office potential.
Director Jon Favreau continues his creative leadership role, maintaining continuity with the series that helped launch Disney+. Marketing plans reveal integration with Disney’s theme parks, including new attraction updates and character experiences.
Merchandise revenues for Grogu-related products have exceeded $1.5 billion since the character’s introduction, making this theatrical release a strategic extension of an already profitable intellectual property.
Anticipated Blockbusters and Sequels
Disney’s 2026 lineup features several highly anticipated sequels that are expected to dominate the box office. These films continue beloved franchises with new stories that aim to captivate both longtime fans and new audiences.
Avengers Doomsday: Another Marvel Epic
“Avengers: Doomsday” is scheduled for release on May 1, 2026, marking another significant chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film will likely build on the foundation established in previous phases of the MCU.
Following the pattern of previous Avengers films, “Doomsday” is expected to bring together multiple superheroes from across the Marvel universe. The title suggests a potentially apocalyptic threat that will require the combined efforts of Earth’s mightiest heroes.
Marvel Studios has been tight-lipped about specific plot details, but fans speculate the film may introduce or further develop the concept of multiversal threats. The movie will likely serve as a cornerstone of Phase 6 in the MCU’s carefully planned storyline.
Ice Age 6: A Frigid New Chapter
“Ice Age 6” will close out Disney’s 2026 film slate with a December 18 release date. This marks the continuation of the popular animated franchise that began in 2002.
The film is expected to reunite familiar voices including Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Simon Pegg. While plot details are currently being kept under wraps, the movie will likely follow Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of the prehistoric crew on a new adventure.
This sixth installment comes after Disney acquired the franchise through its purchase of 20th Century Fox. The “Ice Age” series has consistently performed well at the box office, with its blend of humor and heart appealing to family audiences around the world.
Toy Story 5: The Toys Return
“Toy Story 5” is set to hit theaters on June 19, 2026, continuing Pixar’s most iconic franchise. This film is currently in production as a co-production between Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios.
The fifth installment follows 2019’s “Toy Story 4,” which many viewers thought provided a fitting conclusion to the saga. Details about the new plot remain scarce, but Disney’s decision to revive the series suggests they have a compelling new story to tell.
Fans are curious to see how the film will build on the previous ending, which saw Woody part ways with Buzz and the gang to start a new life. The return to this beloved universe will likely explore new themes while maintaining the emotional depth that has made the franchise so enduring.
Adaptations and Live Action Successes
Disney continues its winning strategy of transforming beloved animated classics into live-action blockbusters. This approach has proven successful with films like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast.
Moana (Live Action): From Animation to Reality
The live-action remake of Moana represents Disney’s ongoing commitment to breathing new life into its animated classics. Following the massive success of the original 2016 film, the live-action version aims to capture the heart and spirit of the Polynesian adventure.
Production details remain limited, but Disney is expected to maintain the core story of a young navigator who sets sail to save her people. The original’s stunning ocean visuals and cultural elements will benefit from modern filmmaking technology.
The film joins other successful Disney adaptations like The Lion King, which grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide. These live-action remakes typically preserve beloved musical numbers while adding depth to characters and settings.
Casting decisions will be crucial, as finding actors who can match the charisma and vocal talent of the animated original presents a significant challenge for the production team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disney’s massive 2026 lineup has fans buzzing with questions about release dates, plot details, and casting information for their most anticipated films.
What can audiences expect from the plot of Toy Story 5?
While Disney has been tight-lipped about specific plot details, Toy Story 5 will likely continue the adventures of Buzz, Woody, and the gang. The studio has released a teaser, suggesting production is well underway.
The film will follow the emotional conclusion of Toy Story 4, which saw Woody parting ways with his friends. Many fans speculate about a possible reunion between the core characters.
Disney has confirmed that original voice actors are returning, maintaining the heart and soul of the beloved franchise.
What are the release dates for Disney’s most anticipated movies in 2026?
Disney has announced several key release dates for 2026. “Avengers: Doomsday” is scheduled for May 1, 2026, serving as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 42nd film.
“The Mandalorian & Grogu” and “Toy Story 5” are both slated for summer 2026, though exact dates haven’t been confirmed. Pixar’s “Hoppers” will release on March 6, 2026.
“Ice Age 6” has been announced for December 18, 2026, making it a holiday season release. An untitled Marvel film is set for February 13, 2026, likely setting up events for “Avengers: Doomsday.”
How does ‘Hoppers’ fit into the Disney 2026 lineup?
“Hoppers” represents Pixar’s innovative contribution to Disney’s 2026 slate, scheduled for March 6. The film stars Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan, and Piper Curda.
The story follows Mabel, an animal lover who uses new technology to “hop” her consciousness into a life-like robotic animal. This unique premise showcases Pixar’s continued commitment to original storytelling.
As one of the earlier 2026 releases, “Hoppers” will kick off Disney’s ambitious year of films with Pixar’s signature blend of heart and humor.
What details have been released about the ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ series?
“The Mandalorian & Grogu” marks the transition of the popular Star Wars series from Disney+ to the big screen. The film will continue the story of Din Djarin and his companion Grogu (Baby Yoda).
Disney has confirmed a summer 2026 release date, positioning it as one of their major blockbusters for the year. The film will expand on the characters and world established in the streaming series.
Production details and plot specifics remain limited, but the project represents Disney’s strategy of leveraging successful streaming properties for theatrical releases.
What new elements will ‘Avengers Doomsday’ introduce to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
“Avengers: Doomsday” is positioned as a direct sequel to “Avengers: Endgame” and will be released on May 1, 2026. It serves as the MCU’s 42nd film and the fifth Avengers installment.
The film follows several key MCU entries, including “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” “Loki” season two, “Thunderbolts,” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” This suggests it will incorporate elements and storylines from these projects.
“Doomsday” appears to be building toward “Secret Wars,” though exact connections between these films remain undisclosed. It will likely feature significant developments in the multiverse storyline Marvel has been developing.
What is known about the casting and production of ‘Moana (Live Action)’?
The live-action adaptation of “Moana” is scheduled for a 2026 release, following Disney’s successful strategy of reimagining animated classics. Casting information remains limited at this stage.
Disney is likely to announce the lead roles as production moves forward. Fans are particularly interested in who will portray Moana and Maui, characters originally voiced by Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson.
The film will likely feature the beloved music from the original, possibly with new songs added to expand the story for the live-action format.
