Hollywood is gearing up for a robust holiday season, launching a diverse lineup of films aimed at rekindling audience interest after a challenging fall. Among the early contenders, “Wicked: For Good” has already made a significant impact with a strong global opening. As the industry anticipates a bright 2026, several high-profile releases are set to hit theaters in December.
December Premiere Highlights
On December 5, audiences can expect to see “Dust Bunny,” featuring Mads Mikkelsen as a ghostbuster tackling fears lurking beneath beds. Another notable release, “Fackham Hall,” offers a humorous twist as a parody of “Downton Abbey,” infused with a touch of Pythonesque absurdity. The horror genre will see a sequel with “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” bringing back Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail to face off against haunted animatronics.
The same day, the beloved musical “Merrily We Roll Along,” which has garnered acclaim for its recent Tony-winning revival, will be released. Filmed on stage with a cast led by Daniel Radcliffe, this production tells its story in reverse. Another intriguing release, “Rosemead,” showcases Lucy Liu as a mother confronting her son’s obsession with mass shootings, adding a layer of social commentary.
Major Releases Through Christmas
On December 12, acclaimed director Gus Van Sant presents “Dead Man’s Wire,” a true-crime thriller that promises tension and sharp wit, featuring a performance by Al Pacino. This is followed by “Ella McCay,” marking the return of James L. Brooks, with Emma Mackey starring in a poignant family drama after a 15-year hiatus from directing.
The blockbuster event of the season arrives on December 19 with “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” where James Cameron returns to the world of Pandora. This film, anticipated to exceed three hours, aims to draw crowds back to theaters in significant numbers. Alongside it, “Is This Thing On,” directed by Bradley Cooper, explores the complexities of middle-aged love through the lives of its characters, portrayed by Will Arnett and Laura Dern.
The following week, on December 25, Jim Jarmusch delivers “Father Mother Sister Brother,” a Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner that offers a humorous yet poignant look at family dynamics. In a lighter vein, “Anaconda,” featuring Jack Black and Paul Rudd, reimagines the classic jungle thriller from 1997 with a comedic twist.
Additionally, “Song Sung Blue” stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson as a duo paying tribute to Neil Diamond, while “Marty Supreme”, featuring Timothée Chalamet, is expected to secure him another Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of a 1950s table tennis player. The line-up is rounded off with “The Choral,” where Ralph Fiennes takes on the role of a choir conductor in a poignant World War I drama, and “The Testament of Ann Lee,” featuring Amanda Seyfried in a dual role that showcases her dramatic and musical talents.
As these films prepare for release, industry insiders remain optimistic that this holiday season will bring renewed enthusiasm to cinemas, providing audiences with a wide array of options to enjoy as 2023 comes to a close.
