Star Wars, how I’ve missed you – Dylan Hing
It’s been almost seven years since the last Star Wars movie hit cinemas, and I’m eager for more. While there has been a plethora of new shows to fill the gap, including the fan-favourite Andor last year, spring 2026 marks the franchise’s return to the big screen with The Mandalorian and Grogu. Based on the Disney+ show The Mandalorian, the film continues the story of the eponymous bounty hunter and his sidekick Grogu, more famously known to audiences as “Baby Yoda.”
My dad first introduced me to the original six films, having seen them in cinemas himself. I watched the great battles in awe as armies clashed and light battled dark. I was about eight when, after almost 10 years with no new movie, I experienced Star Wars for the first time in the cinema with Episode 7. I saw it, I loved it, and that was when I knew I would be a Star Wars fan for life. Even after all of these years and countless movies and shows, it’s impossible to grow tired of these galactic adventures.
Lord of the Rings, finding our way back to Middle-Earth – Loriane Chagnon
Every year without fail, my sister and I find our way back to Middle-Earth in rewatching the Lord of the Rings trilogy. With a hot cocoa in one hand and a bowl of popcorn in the other, we are entranced by this enchanting world of dwarves, elves, magicians, and hobbits. Hearing Aragorn softly say, “I would have gone with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor,” brings me back to the doe-eyed 11-year-old that I used to be, who wholeheartedly believed in Frodo’s mission and in the imminent defeat of Sauron.
After the highly divisive TV show Rings of Power, Peter Jackson, director of the original trilogy, is taking back control of the mythical world, as he is set to produce not one, but two new original movies. The Hunt for Gollum, which is set to release in 2027, is directed by Andy Serkis, who is also reprising his role as the One Ring-obsessed creature Gollum. The second movie, Shadow of the Past, has just been announced. It is to be written by The Late Show host Stephen Colbert. Being a lifelong Lord of the Rings fan, Colbert seems overjoyed by this career opportunity after the cancellation of his talk show. I, for one, am eager to return to my favourite fantasy world to see many of the original actors reprising their roles, and to experience the magic of Middle-Earth once more whilst eating “second breakfast”—the greatest hobbit tradition.
The revival of Harry Potter: magic or mockery? – Lia James
A world where children inhabit a towering castle as they learn to master magic spells is enchanting. Even 15 years after the final Harry Potter film, the wonder created by its universe full of mystical creatures is infinite. Perhaps this is why the Harry Potter franchise is getting a TV show adaptation this year. While the trailer looks promising, many are skeptical, questioning: Who asked for this? I would have preferred a prequel—one exploring the Marauders’ storyline. Instead, this remake revisits a series that one could say is close to perfection.
Still, maybe this skepticism is fogged by nostalgia. Growing up with the original Harry Potter movies—the impressive shots of Hogwarts and magical creatures captured our young hearts. This new show targets a younger audience, but will parents introduce their kids to it, or will they simply return to the original movies? And while the show may capture that same charm and whimsy for the next generation, one could argue that this might still be best achieved through the movies. It should also be noted that some are calling for a boycott of the franchise due to J.K. Rowling donating profits to anti-trans legislation efforts. So, will the new adaptation reignite the magic for a new audience, or will it fall short of its legacy? Only time will tell.