With the 98th Academy Awards officially behind us, we are geared up for another banner year in film. Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,“ Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Three,“ and Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day“ will dominate most anticipated lists, and for good reason. It’s an embarrassment of riches to have new films from three all-time greats in the same year. Between this trifecta of eventful releases, nostalgia will hit hard with “The Devil Wears Prada 2“ and “Toy Story 5.“ In addition, box offices will also rejoice with many new additions to franchises like Star Wars’ “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,“ and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.” 2026 will also bring new films from Greta Gerwig (“Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew”), Robert Eggers (“Werwulf”), Ryusuke Hamaguchi (“All of a Sudden”), Olivia Wilde (“The Invite”), and David Lowery (“Mother Mary”), to name a few. Plus, we’ll have two new films from Hirokazu Kore-eda (“Sheep in the Box“ and “Look Back”).
However, there are also plenty of exciting emerging voices in store, ready for us to discover and champion throughout the year, with some just weeks away from their films’ theatrical releases. From genre-bending horrors and intimate dramas to charming coming-of-age stories, here are eight directorial debut features we are anticipating this spring and summer.
“Forbidden Fruits”
A camp, witchy femme horror comedy produced by Diablo Cody? A potential cult classic, drawing comparisons to “The Craft”? Need I say more? “Forbidden Fruits,“ one of the biggest standouts from SXSW 2026, as covered by Next Best Picture, sounds like a playful time at the movies. Making her debut as a narrative feature director and screenwriter, Meredith Alloway tells the story of a femme cult operating out of a mall store’s basement. When a new hire questions their sisterhood, they are forced to confront everything they’ve built. A girl boss coven romp starring Lili Reinhart, Victoria Pedretti, Lola Tung, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Chamberlain, and Gabrielle Union is more than enough reason to get excited. Plus, given Diablo Cody’s horror comedy producing/screenwriting credits (“Jennifer’s Body” & “Lisa Frankenstein“), her involvement here is promising. Most of all, this film brings us an exciting new voice in Alloway, and it’ll be interesting to watch her vision unfold.
Independent Film Company will release “Forbidden Fruits“ in theaters on March 27th.
“Blue Heron”
Canadian filmmakers are continuing to shine bright. Time-traveling duo Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol brought us a Toronto-specific story with “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie.” Maggie Kang’s global sensation “KPop Demon Hunters“ won two Academy Awards (Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song) this year. “Mile End Kicks,” the latest from Chandler Levack (“I Like Movies“), is also set for a springtime theatrical release. Soon, the spotlight will be on Sophy Romvari’s highly anticipated debut feature, “Blue Heron,” which world-premiered at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival and had its North American premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. “Blue Heron“ also won TIFF’s Best Canadian Discovery Award, celebrating emerging filmmakers. Written, directed, and produced by Romvari, her film tells the story of a Hungarian family settling into their home on Vancouver Island in the late 1990s. With the film being a semi-autobiographical narrative told through the eyes of the family’s youngest child, “Blue Heron“ sounds like a singular coming-of-age journey. Between the glowing early festival reactions and an excellent newly released trailer, something special is in store for us here. Adding to the anticipation, the Criterion Channel’s newly announced April 2026 lineup will include eight of Romvari’s short films.
Janus Films will release “Blue Heron“ in select theaters on April 17th, with a nationwide release to follow.
“Wasteman”
With standout performances in Raine Allen-Miller’s feature debut “Rye Lane,” Fede Álvarez’s “Alien: Romulus,” and Francis Lawrence’s “The Long Walk,” David Jonsson has emerged as one of the most exciting actors to watch. The upcoming film “Wasteman“ looks to be another great showcase of Jonsson’s stellar talent. Since premiering to solid reviews out of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, the film’s director Cal McMau received a nomination for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer at the 2026 BAFTAs. McMau, alongside feature debut screenwriters Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran, tells the story of an inmate whose chances at a fresh start in life are jeopardized by his new cellmate. The premise suggests a shift in power dynamics that could yield excellent character studies. We’ve seen plenty of prison dramas over the years, but McMau seems to be taking a grounded approach to the subject. With a cast that also includes another star on the rise, Tom Blyth, this character-driven drama sounds to be in good hands.
Sunrise Films will release “Wasteman“ in theaters on April 17th.
“Omaha”
A major critics’ darling from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival was Cole Webley’s directorial debut feature, “Omaha,“ a family road trip that sounds both heartwarming and gut-wrenching. Written by Robert Machoian (“The Killing of Two Lovers“), the film centers on two young siblings (Molly Belle Wright and Wyatt Solis) who are unexpectedly taken on a cross-country journey by their grieving father (John Magaro). The premise is inherently intriguing as it raises questions regarding the central tragedy, the father’s state of mind, and where the family is headed. The film’s trailer maintains that narrative ambiguity and features glimpses of very moving performances. Plus, the story will be a strong showcase for John Magaro, one of the most talented actors working today. It feels reminiscent of Kelly Reichardt’s American West storytelling, where Magaro has delivered some of his finest work (“First Cow” & “The Mastermind“). In addition to Webley’s debut as a director, “Omaha“ will also feature Paul Meyers’ debut as a cinematographer. Given Webley and Meyers’ longstanding collaborations on commercials and shorts, we may have an exciting new director-DP pairing to look forward to.
Greenwich Entertainment will release “Omaha“ in select theaters on April 24th and nationwide in May.
“Is God Is”
Based on playwright Aleshea Harris’ award-winning 2018 stage play of the same name, “Is God Is“ sounds like an intriguing Spaghetti-Western tale of revenge. Written and directed by Harris, the film stars Mallori Johnson and two-time Tony Award winner Kara Young as sisters on a quest to confront their estranged family history. Sent on a mission by their mother, the siblings seek revenge on their father. The film’s trailer suggests a compelling road trip that blends dark humor with powerful emotional stakes. This is shaping up to be another exciting year for Young (who will appear in Boots Riley’s “I Love Boosters“ and return to Broadway in “Proof“ this spring). And Johnson is a star on the rise; she previously starred in Clement Virgo’s “Steal Away“ and led the 2022 FX series “Kindred.” “Is God Is“ features a wonderful ensemble cast including Janelle Monáe, Erika Alexander, Mykelti Williamson, Josiah Cross, Vivica A. Fox, and Sterling K. Brown. The trailer also showcases standout makeup work; it’ll be interesting to see the prosthetics from department head Richard Redlefsen, who has credits on Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and the upcoming “Dune: Part Three.”
Amazon MGM Studios will release “Is God Is“ in theaters on May 15th.
“Backrooms”
Calling all horror lovers! As we know, horror films have always been at the forefront of exploring our deepest societal fears, yet they are not taken as seriously when it comes to prestige and awards recognition. This year, however, horror finally got its due with several wins at the 98th Academy Awards, including four Oscars for “Sinners“ (which blends a myriad of genres) and one for Amy Madigan’s performance in “Weapons,“ continuing to challenge long-held genre biases. 2025 was a fantastic year for horror, and there is plenty more to look forward to this year, including a story based on internet creepypasta. Kane Parsons’ “Backrooms,“ based on his viral analog YouTube series of the same name, follows a therapist’s search for her missing patient in an otherworldly labyrinth. Parsons, also known as Kane Pixels online, brings his found-footage phenomenon to the big screen with a strange realm that seems to have a mind of its own. A24’sintriguing teaser offers an endless expanse of liminal space and a sickly yellow glimpse into an eerie environment. With a starry ensemble cast that includes Renate Reinsve, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Mark Duplass, “Backrooms“ is certainly one to watch. And for those unfamiliar with Parsons’ source material, it might be best to go into this film knowing as little as possible.
A24 will release “Backrooms“ in theaters on May 29th.
“Girls Like Girls”
This summer, singer/songwriter Hayley Kiyoko (also known as Lesbian Jesus) makes her directorial debut with “Girls Like Girls.“ This coming-of-age romance, based on Kiyoko’s bestselling young adult novel of the same name, which was inspired by her 2015 hit single and music video. The viral music video became a pop culture touchstone, currently sitting at 162 million views on YouTube. Then the novel landed at number 1 on The New York Times Best Sellers list. Therefore, there is a lot of anticipation amongst Kiyoko’s fans about how she will expand the story into a cinematic feature narrative. With a screenplay co-written by Kiyoko and Stefanie Scott, “Girls Like Girls“ follows a new girl in town who falls in love for the first time. Set over the course of one summer, she comes of age as she learns to accept herself. The film stars Maya da Costa, Myra Molloy, Levon Hawke, and Zach Braff, and will feature new music from Kiyoko. It sounds like we could be in store for a sapphic summer hit at the movies, which is perfect considering its release date during Pride Month.
Focus Features will release “Girls Like Girls“ in theaters on June 19th.
“Leviticus”
Writer-director Adrian Chiarella made a splash at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival with his directorial debut feature, “Leviticus,” a queer horror film that explores conversion therapy. As mentioned earlier in this piece, film history will show that horror has always been at the forefront of deep societal reflection. So when one looks back on the genre, they can discover many reflections of queer experiences (the 2022 novel “It Came from the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror“ is a great read). “Leviticus“ follows two star-crossed teenage boys (Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen) on the run from a violent entity that takes the form of who its victims desire most. The comparisons to “It Follows“ seem obvious, but Chiarella’s debut seems to have a clever, singular vision and an intriguing use of allegorical storytelling. The film also features an exciting ensemble, including Bird (who delivered a stellar turn in “Talk to Me”) and Clausen (receiving strong reviews for this breakout role). And of course, the wonderful Mia Wasikowska is back on the silver screen after a three-year absence, in a role that sounds terrifying.
Neon will release “Leviticus“ in theaters on June 19th.
Honorable Mentions
Several debut features covered by Next Best Picture premiered at this year’s Sundance and SXSW festivals. Depending on distribution news, some of these films might not make it to theatres this year. But if you’re looking to add more emerging filmmakers on your radar, here is a list of standouts!
“Bedford Park“
Winner of the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Debut Feature at Sundance 2026
Director: Stephanie Ahn
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
“Brian”
Had its world premiere at SXSW 2026
Director: Will Ropp
Distributor: TBD
“Drag”
Had its world premiere at SXSW 2026
Directors: Raviv Ullman and Greg Yagolnitzer
Distributor: TBD
“Joybubbles”
Had its world premiere in the U.S. Documentary Competition at Sundance 2026
Director: Rachael J. Morrison
Distributor: TBD
“Lady”
Winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting Ensemble at Sundance 2026
Director: Olive Nwosu
Distributor: TBD
“Wishful Thinking”
Winner of the Narrative Feature Competition at SXSW 2026
Director: Graham Parkes
Distributor: TBD
Which feature directorial debuts are you most looking forward to this spring and summer? Please let us know in the comments section below or on Next Best Picture’s X account.
