NEW MOVIES: May 21-27, 2026, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu,” “Tuner,” “I Love Boosters,” “Ask E. Jean”

STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU

The Mandalorian and Grogu, also known as Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,[3] is a 2026 American film directed by Jon Favreau and co-written by Favreau, Dave Filoni, and Noah Kloor. Produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is part of the Star Wars franchise and a continuation of the Disney+ television series The Mandalorian (2019–2023). Pedro Pascal stars as Din Djarin / The Mandalorian, a character who was also portrayed on set by Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder. Additionally, Jeremy Allen White and Sigourney Weaver play major roles. In the film, set after the fall of the Galactic Empire, Djarin and his apprentice Grogu are enlisted by the New Republic to rescue Rotta the Hutt (White) in exchange for information on a target.

Favreau and Filoni wrote a fourth season of The Mandalorian by February 2023, but production was delayed by the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. During this time, Lucasfilm reevaluated its plans for the franchise and decided to prioritize a Mandalorian film over the fourth season. The Mandalorian and Grogu were announced in January 2024, with Favreau directing and co-writing with Filoni and Kloor, and Pascal reprising his role from the series. Filming began in California in August 2024 and was completed by December of that year. Further casting was revealed around and after filming, including the return of various characters from The Mandalorian and other Star Wars media.

The Mandalorian and Grogu premiered on May 14, 2026, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, and it is scheduled for release in the United States on May 22.

Premise

Following the fall of the Galactic Empire, during a period where remaining Imperial warlords threaten the galaxy, the New Republic enlists Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu to rescue Rotta the Hutt in exchange for information from the Hutt clan on a New Republic target.[4][5]

Cast

  • Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin / The Mandalorian:
    A Mandalorian and veteran bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy,[6] whose face is often hidden by a helmet.[7] Pascal said the film marked the start of a new chapter after the end of The Mandalorian’s third season (2023), in which Djarin agreed to work for the New Republic. Pascal said this gave the character a chance to combine his bounty hunter skills with doing “what he knows is right” by working for “the good guys.”[8] After the third season showed Djarin paying penance for removing his helmet, which goes against the Mandalorian creed, the film unmasks the character again. Director Jon Favreau said they did not make this decision lightly and were balancing the established story with their wish to show more of Pascal’s face. Pascal felt the unmasking was justified in the film.[7]

  • Grogu:
    The Mandalorian’s ward, who is an infant of the same species as Yoda. Grogu is created with animatronics and puppetry, augmented with visual effects.[9][10] Producer Kathleen Kennedy said the character was a “perfect example of a character that has to emote and you have to feel connected to” them without hearing them speak.[11]
  • Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt:
    The son of the deceased crime lord Jabba the Hutt. White provides the voice for Rotta,[12] speaking in Galactic Basic (represented by English) and Huttese. He took inspiration from Jabba’s voice in previous Star Wars media. Unlike previous Hutts, Rotta is a physical threat who participates in gladiator-style fights. Favreau compared him to Adonis Creed from the Creed films, saying both characters live in the shadow of their famous fathers.[13]
  • Sigourney Weaver as Ward: A colonel and leader of the New Republic’s Adelphi Rangers who previously served as a pilot for the Rebel Alliance[14][15]

Additionally, reprising their roles from previous Star Wars media are Jonny Coyne as Janu, the leader of a faction of Galactic Empire remnants [independent source needed], co-writer Dave Filoni as New Republic X-wing pilot Trapper Wolf,[18] and Steve Blum as the voice of New Republic pilot Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios. Other returning Star Wars characters include Jabba the Hutt’s twin cousins, the Kyuzo bounty hunter Embo,[19] and members of the Anzellan species.[20] Martin Scorsese provides the voice of Ardennian shopkeeper Hugo,[21] while Matthew Willig portrays Hogsbreth.[17]

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TUNER

Tuner is a 2025 crime thriller film directed by Daniel Roher and written by Roher and Robert Ramsey. The film stars Leo Woodall, Havana Rose Liu, Lior Raz, Tovah Feldshuh, Jean Reno, and Dustin Hoffman.

Tuner had its world premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2025, and is scheduled for release in the United States by Black Bear Pictures on May 22, 2026.

Plot

Niki White is the apprentice to New York City piano tuner Harry Horowitz, a friend of his late father. Once a gifted musician, Niki suffers from hyperacusis and can no longer play piano, wearing ear protection at all times against loud noises. After Harry forgets the combination to his safe, Niki teaches himself to open it with his heightened hearing, discovering a talent for safecracking.

While tuning at a music conservatory, Niki meets Ruthie, a driven student pianist. At a wealthy client’s home, he interrupts a trio of Israeli thieves and breaks into the safe for them, earning a job offer from their leader, Uri. With Harry’s encouragement, Niki strikes up a romance with Ruthie after repairing her treasured piano and reveals that it took years of exposure therapy to manage his sensitivity to sound.

When Harry is hospitalized after a heart attack, Niki accepts Uri’s offer, determined to save Harry and his wife, Marla, from debt. Proving himself on Uri’s own safe, Niki joins Uri, his accomplice Yoni, and nephew Benny as they use their security company to rob wealthy homes. Overcoming Ruthie’s misgivings about their relationship, Niki gives her a stolen watch and introduces her to Marla and the bedridden Harry, secretly paying his hospital bills.

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I LOVE BOOSTERS

I Love Boosters is a 2026 American crime comedy film written and directed by Boots Riley and starring Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore.

The film premiered at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 12, 2026, and will be released theatrically in the United States by Neon on May 22. It received positive reviews from critics.

Premise

In a surreal version of the San Francisco Bay Area, a group of shoplifters, known as “boosters,” take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven after she steals their designs.

Cast

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ASK E. JEAN

Ask E. Jean is a 2025 American documentary film directed and produced by Ivy Meeropol. It follows the life and career of E. Jean Carroll and her legal battles against Donald Trump.

It had its world premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2025. It is scheduled for release on May 22, 2026, by Abramorama.

Production

E. Jean Carroll previously declined attempts to make a documentary about her; however, her mind changed after being asked by Ivy Meeropol and after viewing her work.[1][2] Graydon Carter and Sheila Nevins are among the executive producers.[3] Some backers asked to have their names removed from the project due to the political environment.[4]

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5/18/2026 #TheMandalorian&Grogu #Tuner #ILoveBoosters #AskE.Jean

NEW MOVIES: May 14-20, 2026, “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” “Driver’s Ed,” “In the Grey,” “Is God Is”

THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN

The Wizard of the Kremlin (French: Le Mage du Kremlin) is a 2025 English-language French political satire film directed by Olivier Assayas and co-written with Emmanuel Carrère. It is based on the 2022 novel by Giuliano da Empoli.[2] It follows the fictional government official Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano) during the final years of the Soviet Union and the turbulent early years of the Russian Federation as a young Vladimir Putin (Jude Law) rises to power. It also stars Alicia Vikander, Will Keen, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright.

The Wizard of the Kremlin had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 31 August 2025, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion.[3]

Premise

Vadim Baranov morphs from a young artist in 1990s Russia into an influential government official and spin doctor at the heart of the government.[4]

Cast

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DRIVER’S ED

Driver’s Ed is a 2025 American comedy film directed by Bobby Farrelly, written by Thomas Moffett, and starring Sam Nivola, Kumail Nanjiani, and Molly Shannon.

The film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2025.[1][2]

Premise

A teenager steals his driver’s ed teacher’s car to take his friends on a road trip to visit his college freshman girlfriend.[3]

Cast

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IN THE GREY

In the Grey is a 2026 American action thriller film written, co-produced, and directed by Guy Ritchie. Produced by Black Bear Pictures, the film stars Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, Eiza González, Kristofer Hivju, Fisher Stevens, and Rosamund Pike.

In the Grey is scheduled for release in the United States on May 15, 2026.

Premise

A secret elite team of agents is tasked with reclaiming a vast fortune stolen by a ruthless tyrant.

Cast

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IS GOD IS

Is God Is is an American play by Aleshea Harris. In 2018, a production directed by Taibi Magar opened Off-Broadway at Soho Rep and ran from February 6 to March 11.[1] The play looks at deviant morality, familial dysfunction, being a Black girl/woman, and patricide.[2][3]

A film adaptation of the play, written and directed by Harris for distribution by Orion Pictures, began filming in 2024 and was scheduled for release on May 15, 2026.[4][5]

Plot

Twenty-one-year-old African-American twin sisters Racine and Anaia were burned and scarred as babies. Racine has burn scars on her arms, back, and neck, and Anaia has scars on her arms, face, and neck. After receiving a letter in their apartment in the Northeast, they journey to the Dirty South to the deathbed of their mother, who is known as “She” or “God” and has scars all over her body. SHE informs them that their father, referred to as “Man,” set the fire that burned the three of them. SHE instructs the sisters to go west to the Valley to find and kill him for revenge. The sisters travel to the Valley to face Man and his new family.

Cast:

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5/11/2026 #TheWizardofTheKremlin #Driver’sEd #InTheGrey #IsGodIs

NEW MOVIES: May 7-13, 2026, “Mortal Kombat II,” “Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour,” “The Sheep Detectives,” “Louder Than Guns”

MORTAL KOMBAT II

Mortal Kombat II is a 2026 American martial arts fantasy film, a sequel to Mortal Kombat (2021) and the fourth installment in the Mortal Kombat film series, both based on the video game series Mortal Kombat. It is directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater. It stars returning cast members Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman (in a different role), Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim, and Hiroyuki Sanada, with Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, and Tati Gabrielle joining the cast.

Following the release of Mortal Kombat in April 2021, producer Todd Garner, writer Greg Russo, and director McQuoid began discussions about the franchise’s future, including standalone films focused on Johnny Cage and Bi-Han/Sub-Zero, as well as a sequel to the 2021 film. By 2022, New Line Cinema green-lit the sequel, with Slater penning the screenplay and McQuoid returning to direct. Filming began in June 2023 in Australia, was paused in mid-July due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, resumed in mid-November, and concluded in late January 2024.

Mortal Kombat II premiered at TCL Chinese Theater on April 27, 2026, and is scheduled for theatrical release by Warner Bros. Pictures on May 8, 2026. A third film is in development.

Premise

The champions of Earthrealm, joined by Johnny Cage, are forced into battle against one another as they attempt to resist the rule of Shao Kahn, whose rise threatens the survival of Earthrealm and its defenders.[2]

Cast

Series co-creator Ed Boon has a cameo in the film as a bartender.[13]

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BILLIE EILISH: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT TOUR

Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour was the seventh headlining concert tour by American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, in support of her third studio album Hit Me Hard and Soft (2024).[2] The tour, announced on April 29, 2024, began on September 29, 2024, at the Videotron Center in Quebec City and concluded on November 23, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Nat & Alex Wolff, Towa Bird, The Marías, Young Miko, Ashnikko, Finneas, Tom Odell, Lola Young, Syd, Magdalena Bay, Yoasobi, Fujii Kaze, and Men I Trust performed as supporting acts.

An accompanying 3D concert film, documenting the Manchester shows and co-directed by Eilish and James Cameron, is set to be theatrically released by Paramount Pictures on May 8, 2026.[3]

Background

Billie Eilish announced the release of her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, on April 8, 2024.[4] On April 29, a few weeks before the album’s release, she announced the dates for Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour. The announcement was followed by a tour trailer posted on her official YouTube account, featuring a compilation of videos from her previous concerts and a teaser for the song “Lunch,” which she previously teased during the Coachella Festival.[5] She announced 81 dates across North America, Oceania, and Europe. On September 30, she announced two additional dates for Inglewood to be held on December 20 and 21 at the Kia Forum, bringing the total to five shows at the venue.[6]

On May 19, 2025, Eilish announced two shows in Japan and a second North American leg.[7]

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THE SHEEP DETECTIVES

The Sheep Detectives is a 2026 mystery comedy film directed by Kyle Balda and written by Craig Mazin, based on the 2005 novel Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann. The film features an ensemble cast including Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, and Emma Thompson, with the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, and Brett Goldstein.

The film had its special advanced preview screenings on May 2, 2026, and in the United States by Amazon MGM Studios and internationally by Sony Pictures Releasing International on 8 May 2026. The film received positive reviews from critics.

Premise

A flock of sheep set off to solve the mystery of who murdered their beloved shepherd.

Cast

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LOUDER THAN GUNS

Ketch Secor Documentary ‘Louder Than Guns’ To Get Theatrical Release Through Abramorama

Abramorama has acquired the North American theatrical rights to Louder Than Guns, a documentary from Executive Producers Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, Former NPR Morning Edition host David Greene, and director Doug Pray. 

The film will open on May 8 at DCTV Firehouse Cinema in New York City, followed by a North American rollout to additional cities. In addition to the rollout, the film’s creators will co-present in Nashville with Voices for a Safer Tennessee, a non-profit committed to protecting communities and respecting the Second Amendment. On May 18, a 60-minute version of the film will air on PBS Nashville and affiliate stations as part of the celebrated Reel South documentary series. Apr 14, 2026

Writers and executive producers:

Ketch Secor is a musician, storyteller, and cultural ambassador best known as the founder and frontman of Old Crow Medicine Show, the two-time GRAMMY Award–winning band and Grand Ole Opry members whose influence has helped shape modern American roots music. He co-wrote “Wagon Wheel” with Bob Dylan, a song that has become one of the most enduring in American music—achieving diamond certification with over 13 million units sold and reaching new audiences through Darius Rucker’s chart-topping version. Beyond the stage, Secor’s work spans film, television, writing, and live performance. He currently serves as the host of Nashville PBS’s long-running series Tennessee Crossroads, where he explores the people, places, and culture that define the state. He was also an advisor, historical consultant, and featured participant in Ken Burns’ acclaimed documentary, Country Music. Secor’s creative work often centers on American history, identity, and shared experience. His recent projects—including documentary filmmaking, theatrical works, and published writing—reflect an ongoing exploration of the country’s past and present. His New York Times opinion piece, “Country Music Can Lead America Out of Its Obsession with Guns,” written in the aftermath of the Covenant School shooting, helped inspire the documentary Louder Than Guns. He is also a co-founder of the Episcopal School of Nashville and a father of two.

David Greene has spent 25 years as a print and radio journalist, including stints covering the White House, serving as Moscow Bureau Chief for NPR, and hosting NPR’s Morning Edition, the most widely heard radio news program in the US. He won numerous journalism awards, including for his coverage of President Obama’s speech on race in America, his stories about state-sponsored violence against gay men in Russia, and his reporting from Libya during the Arab Spring. David loves interviewing celebrities and presidents—but not as much as he loves telling the stories of real people who don’t get as much attention as they should. That’s why to truly understand Russia, he wrote a New York Times bestselling book about the Russian people, doing what he does best: sitting in bars and living rooms, listening without judgment, seeking connection, and learning lessons about how we can overcome what divides us.

Director and Editor:

Doug Pray’s candid portraits of American subcultures and maverick individuals have led him to numerous festivals, critical raves, and awards. His feature documentary films include “Love, Lizzo” (HBO Max), “Big Rig” (a 21,000-mile road film about independent truck drivers), and the Emmy Award-winning “Art & Copy.” His first two films, “Hype!” the definitive story of the Seattle music scene, and “Scratch,” about DJs and the birth of hip-hop, are ranked among the best music docs of all time. In television, Doug executive produced Netflix’s 3-part series, “Arnold,” about Arnold Schwarzenegger; he won a Grammy for Best Music Film (plus 5 Emmy nominations) for his work as executive producer, writer, and editor of HBO’s “The Defiant Ones.” He also executive produced “From Cradle to Stage” with Dave Grohl and the popular AppleTV+ series “Home.” Doug was born in Denver, raised in Wisconsin, and lives in Los Angeles.

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5/4/2026 #MortalKombatII #BillieEilish:HitMeHardandSoftTour #TheSheepDetectives #LouderThanGuns

NEW MOVIES: April 30 – May 6, 2026, “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” “Animal Farm,” “Deep Water,” “American Agitators”

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a 2026 American comedy-drama film directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna. A sequel to the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, it sees Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci reprising their roles, with Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh joining as new additions.

Despite the success of The Devil Wears Prada, starring cast members Streep and Hathaway were initially hesitant about the prospect of a sequel. Development on the film began in July 2024, with all four leading actors—Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, and Tucci—signing on to reprise their roles, and Frankel and McKenna returning to direct and write, respectively. Additional castings for new characters were revealed between then and November 2025. Principal photography took place from June to October 2025 in Manhattan and Milan, with additional filming in Newark, New Jersey. The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiered on April 20, 2026, in New York, and is scheduled for release in theaters in the United States by 20th Century Studios on May 1, 2026.

Premise

Andy Sachs returns to Runway as Miranda Priestly navigates a new media landscape and Runway‘s position within it. They reconnect with another former assistant, Emily, who is now the head of a luxury brand with funding that could ensure Runway‘s survival.[2]

Cast

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ANIMAL FARM

Animal Farm is a 2025 animated comedy–adventure film directed by Andy Serkis and written by Nicholas Stoller, based on George Orwell’s 1945 novella. The film stars Seth Rogen, Gaten Matarazzo, Kieran Culkin, Glenn Close, Laverne Cox, Steve Buscemi, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons, Andy Serkis, Kathleen Turner, and Iman Vellani. It is the third adaptation of the novella, following the 1954 animated film and the 1999 live-action film, featuring an alternative coming-of-age plot that introduces new characters, such as a piglet named Lucky.

The film premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on 9 June 2025 and is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on 1 May 2026 by Angel Studios. The film received negative reviews from critics.

Voice cast

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DEEP WATER

Deep Water is a 2026 survival film directed by Renny Harlin and starring Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley. The film premiered at the Sarasota Film Festival on April 10, 2026, and is scheduled for release in theaters on May 1, 2026.[2]

Premise

A group of international passengers en route from Los Angeles to Shanghai is forced to make an emergency landing in shark-infested waters. Now they must work together in hopes of overcoming the frenzy of sharks drawn to the wreckage.

Cast

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AMERICAN AGITATORS

Documentary

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4/25/2026 #TheDevilWearsPrada2 #AnimalFarm #DeepWater #AmericanAgitators

NEW MOVIES: April 23-29, 2026, “Michael,” “Desert Warrior,” “Kangaroo Island,” “Over Your Dead Body”

MICHAEL

Michael is a 2026 American musical biographical drama film directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan. It follows the life of American singer Michael Jackson, covering the period from his involvement in the Jackson 5 in the 60s to his early solo career. Jackson is portrayed by his nephew Jaafar Jackson in his film debut. The ensemble cast includes Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo.

Development began in November 2019, when it was reported that producer Graham King had secured the rights to produce a film about Michael Jackson, with Logan attached to write the screenplay. Lionsgate Films announced the film in February 2022. Fuqua was announced as the director in January 2023, and casting began that month, with Jaafar cast; further casting took place from January to April 2024. Filming began in January 2024, after being delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, and ended that May. Additional photography took place in June 2025, and several effects houses, including Industrial Light & Magic, provided the visual effects.

Michael premiered in Berlin on April 10, 2026, and is scheduled for release in the United States on April 24, with Lionsgate handling domestic distribution and Universal Pictures handling international distribution.

Cast

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DESERT WARRIOR

Desert Warrior is a 2025 historical action film directed by Rupert Wyatt and co-written by Erica Beeney, David Self, and Gary Ross. The film’s international cast includes Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Sharlto Copley, and Ben Kingsley. The story sees an Arabian princess team up with a bandit to confront a ruthless emperor who wants her as his concubine.

With a $150 million budget, Desert Warrior is the most expensive film to be produced in Saudi Arabia. The project was intended to revitalize the Saudi film industry, with Saudi crew members receiving training for the production. Filming lasted from September 2021 to February 2022. An extended post-production period, including creative conflicts with Wyatt, contributed to delays in the film’s release.

Desert Warrior premiered at the Zurich Film Festival on September 28, 2025, and is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on April 24, 2026, by Vertical.

Premise

Set in seventh-century Arabia, amongst the constant feuding between tribes, the ruthless Emperor Kisra wishes to make Princess Hind his concubine. However, she refuses and instead, with the help of a legendary bandit, looks to confront the Emperor, culminating in the Battle of Ze Qar.[6]

Cast

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KANGAROO ISLAND

Kangaroo Island is a 2025 Australian drama–comedy film directed by Timothy David and written by Sally Gifford. The film is set on, and was filmed on, Kangaroo Island in South Australia. After its world premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival on 3 November 2024, the film was released in Australian cinemas on 21 August 2025. It received four nominations at the 2026 Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards, including Best Picture.

The film was released on Netflix in Australia and New Zealand in January 2026, and a theatrical release is scheduled in the US on 24 April 2026.

Synopsis

Estranged daughter Lou, an actress whose career has not taken off in Hollywood, returns to her hometown on Kangaroo Island upon request by her father, who announces he is terminally ill. Lou and her sister Freya, who is religious, have a complicated past relationship, made worse when it is revealed that Freya has been given ownership of the family farm by her father. She has arranged an 80-year lease of the property to a Christian organization, without consulting her father or sister. They try to repair their differences and make peace for their father’s sake.

Cast

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OVER YOUR DEAD BODY

Over Your Dead Body is a 2026 American action-comedy-thriller film directed by Jorma Taccone and written by Nick Kocher and Brian McElhaney. It is an English-language remake of the 2021 film The Trip. It stars Jason Segel, Samara Weaving, Paul Guilfoyle, Keith Jardine, Timothy Olyphant, and Juliette Lewis.

Premise

A couple tries to reconnect while on vacation, only to find out they have plans to kill each other.

Cast

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4/20/2029 #Michael #DesertWarrior #KangarooIsland #OverYourDeadBody

NEW MOVIES: April 16-22, 2026, “Normal,” “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy,” “Lorne,” “Wasteman”

NORMAL

Normal is a 2025 American action film directed by Ben Wheatley and written by Derek Kolstad, based on a story by Kolstad and Bob Odenkirk. Odenkirk also stars in the film alongside Henry Winkler and Lena Headey.

The film premiered in the Midnight Madness program at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2025. It is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States by Magnolia Pictures on April 17, 2026.

Plot

Ulysses arrives in Normal, Minnesota, during the wintertime to serve as interim sheriff following the death of the town’s previous sheriff. He quickly develops friendly interactions with his deputies, town residents, and local shopkeepers, and the mayor offers to appoint him permanent sheriff. However, just days into the job, a bank robbery draws him to the local bank. When he enters to negotiate with the robbers, his own deputies open fire on him, revealing that the town’s law enforcement is compromised. Inside the bank, Ulysses discovers a hidden cache of cash, gold bars, and military-grade weapons tied to a criminal operation connected to the Yakuza.

Rather than arrest the two bank robbers, Lori and Keith, Ulysses allies with them after realizing they have stumbled into a larger conspiracy. The three unbox some of the weapons stored in the vault and use them to fight their way out of the bank. Moving down the town’s main street, they engage in a series of violent confrontations with townspeople, including shopkeepers Ulysses had met earlier. Multiple residents are killed during these encounters as Ulysses and the robbers attempt to escape.

During the robbery, a Yakuza operative working as a bank security guard sends a coded message alerting Yakuza leaders to a threat against their operation. In response, a group of Yakuza members departs Japan on a private jet bound for Normal.

Lori and Keith leave the town on a snowplow. Ulysses continues alone and makes his way back to the sheriff’s office, where he is trapped by Moira, a town resident whom Ulysses had befriended the previous day. Alex, the deceased sheriff’s adult child, intervenes and shoots Moira before she can kill Ulysses. Ulysses deputizes Alex, and the two join forces.

Cast

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LEE CRONIN’S THE MUMMY

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, or simply The Mummy, is an upcoming American supernatural horror film written and directed by Lee Cronin. A reimagining of The Mummy franchise, the film stars Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, May Calamawy, Natalie Grace, and Verónica Falcón. James Wan and Jason Blum produce the film through their respective production banners, Atomic Monster and Blumhouse Productions, alongside Wicked/Good.

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy is scheduled to be released in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures on April 17, 2026.

Premise

The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace— eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare.[2]

— Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema

Cast

  • Jack Reynor as Charlie Cannon, a journalist
  • Laia Costa as Larissa Cannon, Charlie’s wife
  • May Calamawy
  • Natalie Grace as Katie Cannon, Charlie and Larissa’s middle child, who went missing
  • Verónica Falcón as Carmen, Larissa’s mother
  • May Elghety
  • Shylo Molina as Sebastián Cannon, Charlie and Larissa’s eldest child
  • Billie Roy as Maud Cannon, Charlie and Larissa’s youngest child
  • Hayat Kamille as the Magician

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LORNE

Lorne is an upcoming American documentary film directed and produced by Morgan Neville about the creator of Saturday Night Live, Lorne Michaels.

The film is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on April 17, 2026, by Focus Features.

Production

The film features exclusive and archival footage, as well as interviews with notorious Saturday Night Live personalities, including Tina Fey, Chris Rock, Conan O’Brien, Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, and John Mulaney, along with Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Kristen Wiig, Mike Myers, and Paul Simon.[2][3] Alan Lowe edited the film, lasting from 2024 to 2025.[4] Darian Sahanaja composed the score for the film.[5]

Release

The film is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on April 17, 2026, by Focus Features.[2]

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WASTEMAN

Wasteman is a 2025 British prison film directed by Cal McMau and written by Hunter Andrews and Eoin Doran. The film stars David Jonsson and Tom Blyth.

Wasteman premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on 6 September 2025 and was released in the United Kingdom by Lionsgate on 20 February 2026.

Plot

Taylor, a prison cook who has been incarcerated for 13 years, is informed he is eligible for early release on the basis that he maintains good behavior. Taylor regularly does haircuts for fellow prisoners Gaz and Paul, from whom he buys drugs to fuel his addiction. He manages to make contact with his now 14-year-old, estranged son, Adam.

While struggling to fill out the form for his release, Taylor is assigned a new cellmate, Dee, who starts selling drugs not long after his arrival, taking business away from Gaz and Paul. Taylor and Dee start to form a friendship, with Taylor opening up about how he accidentally killed a teenager by selling him drugs to provide for Adam, which landed him in prison with a manslaughter charge. Dee lets Taylor use his phone to contact Adam and also sends Adam a pair of expensive trainers via his friend on the outside as a present from Taylor. Frustrated with how Dee has taken away their control over the prison’s drug trade, Gaz and Paul violently attack and beat him unconscious while Taylor stands back helplessly. Afterward, the pair forced Taylor to punch Dee, filming it to share around the prison. Dee is taken to the hospital to recover.

Upon Dee’s return, he attacks Taylor for not backing him up. Taylor is forced to become a mule for Dee, collecting drug drops from the courtyard. While running a drop over to Dee, Taylor is stopped by Gaz and his associates. Their attempts to get Taylor to give them the drugs are stopped when Dee attacks them all, inciting a riot among the prisoners. Tensions further escalate when Gaz and Paul post a video inciting other prisoners to kill Dee in exchange for money. At the same time, Taylor starts to go “cold turkey,” withdrawing from the Subutex drug he had become dependent on.

Cast

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4/14/2026 #Normal #LeeCronin’sTheMummy #Lorne #Wasteman

 

NEW MOVIES: April 9-15, 2026, “Steal This Story, Please!,” “You, Me & Tuscany,” “Mermaid,” “Hunting Matthew Nichols”

STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE!

Steal This Story, Please! is a 2025 documentary film that explores the life and career of independent investigative journalist Amy Goodman and her work on the news program Democracy Now!. It was directed by Oscar-nominated, Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Tia Lessin and Carl Deal.[2][3] Musician and political activist Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave) and actress and political activist Rosario Dawson are among the executive producers.[1]

For its world premiere, Steal This Story, Please! opened the DC/DOX film festival in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2025.[1][4] The international premiere took place on November 15, 2025, at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.[5] In both instances, the screening was followed by an in-person discussion involving Amy Goodman and filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin about the importance of independent journalism.[1][6]

Cast

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YOU, ME & TUSCANY

You, Me & Tuscany is an upcoming American romantic comedy film directed by Kat Coiro and written by Ryan Engle. The film stars Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page. The film takes place in Italy and tells the story of a young cook who squats in an abandoned Tuscan villa owned by a man she barely knows, and she meets the owner’s cousin.

The film is scheduled for release in the United States by Universal Pictures on April 10, 2026.

Premise

A free-spirited young cook named Anna makes a brash decision to squat in an abandoned Tuscan villa owned by a man she barely knows, leading to a whole new world of adventure, lies, and love when she meets Michael, the homeowner’s cousin.[2]

Cast

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MERMAID

The film is poised to be a much-anticipated action-comedy. The film is all set to release in the first week of April. The film poses a mythical story with a hint of modern comedy. Johnny Pemberton stars as a struggling Florida man who suddenly discovers a mysterious, wounded mermaid.

As rumors spread about the magical creature, dangerous outsiders begin closing in quickly. Our desperate protagonist will stop at nothing to keep herself entirely safe. Blending intense creature mythology with raw human emotion, the wild supporting cast includes famous actors like Robert Patrick, Tom Arnold, and very funny Kevin Nealon.

Release date for Mermaid (2026)

The action comedy film is widely circulated by Utopia.

The first occurrence of the horror drama is poised for April 8, 2026.

Cast details explored

  • Johnny Pemberton as Doug: He’s our main guy, a total trainwreck of an addict who gets canned from cleaning strip club fish tanks, then literally fishes a mermaid out of the Gulf.
  • Julia Valentine Larson as Destiny: The injured mermaid herself. Doug hides her in his bathtub, making her his weirdly scaled shot at redemption.
  • Robert Patrick as Ron Bocca: Bringing his usual terrifying intensity, he’s the main villain scheming to steal the creature.
  • Devyn McDowell as Layla: Doug’s young daughter. She’s pretty much the sole emotional anchor in his mess of a life.
  • Kevin Nealon as Keith: One of the quirky locals pulled into the madness.
  • Tom Arnold as Todd: Just pure, loud, chaotic energy. He fits this grungy universe so perfectly.
  • Kirk Fox as Skip: The deadpan, sketchy guy sniffing around once rumors inevitably leak out.
  • Kevin Dunn as Keith: Yes, a second Keith. The movie’s weird like that.
  • Avery Potemri as TBD: Rounding out the gritty, oddball underbelly.
  • Tyler Cornack as TBD: The director couldn’t resist a quick on-screen cameo.

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HUNTING MATTHEW NICHOLS

Hunting Matthew Nichols is a Canadian horror film coming to theatres on April 10th, 2026, that is written, directed, and starring Markian Tarasiuk in his directorial debut.[2] It has elements of a “found footage” documentary in which filmmakers explore a decades-long, unsolved disappearance.

Plot

Twenty-three years after her brother mysteriously disappeared, a documentary filmmaker sets out to solve his case.

Cast

  • Markian Tarasiuk as himself
  • Miranda MacDougall as Tara Nichols
  • Ryan Alexander McDonald as himself

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4/6/2026 #StealThisStory,Please!  #You,Me&Tuscany  #Mermaid  #HuntingMatthewNichols

NEW MOVIES: April 2-8, 2026, “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “The Drama,” “A Great Awakening,” “The Six Billion Dollar Man”

THE SUPER MARIO GALAXY MOVIE

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a 2026 animated adventure comedy film based on the 2007 video game Super Mario Galaxy and its 2010 sequel, as well as Nintendo‘s broader Mario franchise. Produced by Illumination and Nintendo, it is the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic and written by Matthew Fogel, the film stars an ensemble voice cast featuring Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, and Keegan-Michael Key, reprising their roles from the first film, with Benny Safdie, Donald Glover, and Brie Larson joining the cast. In the film, Mario, Luigi, and their friends adventure into outer space, where they meet Princess Rosalina and face off against Bowser and his son, Bowser Jr.

Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, stated in May 2021 that Nintendo was interested in producing more animated films based on its properties if the then-untitled Mario film was successful. Illumination CEO and producer Chris Meledandri was asked about the possibility of a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie before the film’s April 2023 release. Following its box-office success, a new animated Mario film was announced in development at Illumination in March 2024, with Horvath and Jelenic returning as directors and Fogel as screenwriter.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie premiered in Kyoto, Japan, on March 28, 2026, and is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on April 1 by Universal Pictures.

Premise

Mario and Luigi meet and befriend Yoshi as they join Princess Peach and Toad on an adventure into outer space and across the galaxy. They meet Rosalina and face off against Bowser and his son, Bowser Jr.[3][4]

Voice cast

See also: List of Mario franchise characters

Additionally, Juliet Jelenic, daughter of co-director Michael Jelenic, returns as Lumalee, a nihilistic blue Luma who was held prisoner by Bowser in the previous film and now works as a prison guard,[11][citation needed] while Ed Skudder voices R.O.B., a robot that works at Gateway Galaxy.[12]

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THE DRAMA

The Drama is a 2026 American romantic[2] and comedy drama film[1] written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli. The film stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates, and Zoë Winters.[3]

The film premiered on March 17, 2026, at DGA Theater Complex in Los Angeles and is scheduled to be released in the United States by A24 on April 3, 2026.[4]

Premise

Days before their wedding, a couple’s relationship is shaken when one partner discovers unsettling truths about the other.

Cast

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A GREAT AWAKENING

A Great Awakening is an upcoming American historical drama film directed and written by Joshua Enck. The film follows the friendship between George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin, as well as Whitefield’s impact during the pivotal Great Awakening religious movement.

The film is scheduled for release in the United States on April 3, 2026, by Roadside Attractions.

Cast

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THE SIX BILLION DOLLAR MAN

The Six Billion Dollar Man is a 2025 documentary film directed by Eugene Jarecki that traces the saga of lightning-rod WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whose recent release from prison has reignited a global debate over press freedom. The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious L’Œil d’or Grand Prize for documentary and the first-ever Golden Globe Award given to a documentary filmmaker.[1][2]

Premise

The documentary deals with Assange’s battle against extradition to the United States. Framed as a high-tech international thriller, the film incorporates privileged access to WikiLeaks, CCTV, and other archival footage and never-before-seen evidence to explore the increasingly precarious position of journalists in a world where the defense of truth is under threat.[3]

Cast

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3/30/2016 #TheSuperMarioGalaxyMovie #TheDrama #AGreatAwakening #TheSixBillionDollarMan

NEW MOVIES: March 26-April 1, 2026, “They Will Kill You,” “The AI Doc: or How I Became an Apocaloptimist,” “You’re Dating A Narcissist!,” “Forbidden Fruits”

THEY WILL KILL YOU

They Will Kill You is a 2026 American action-comedy-horror film directed by Kirill Sokolov and co-written by Alex Litvak. The film stars Zazie Beetz, Myha’la, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton, Heather Graham, and Patricia Arquette. Its plot follows an ex-convict who answers an ad to work as a housekeeper at a mysterious New York City high-rise, not realizing she is entering a community that has seen numerous disappearances over the years.

They Will Kill You is scheduled for release in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures on March 27, 2026.

Premise

An ex-convict answers a help-wanted ad to be a housekeeper at the Virgil, a mysterious New York City high-rise, not realizing she is entering a community that has seen a number of disappearances over the years.

Cast

  • Zazie Beetz as Asia Reaves, an ex-convict looking for a new job.
  • Myha’la as Maria Reaves, Asia’s estranged sister, who is one of the maids who works at the Virgil.
  • Paterson Joseph
  • Tom Felton as Kevin, a member of the Satanic cult that inhabits the Virgil.
  • Heather Graham as Sharon, a friend of Kevin and one of the members of the Satanic cult in the Virgil.
  • Patricia Arquette as Lilith, the Irish superintendent at the Virgil, and the leader of the Satanic cult.

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THE AI DOC: OR HOW I BECAME AN APOCALOPTIMIST

The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist is a 2026 American documentary film directed by Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell. It is produced by the Academy Award-winning teams behind Everything Everywhere All at Once (Daniel Kwan and Jonathan Wang) and Navalny (Shane Boris and Diane Becker).

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2026, and will be followed by a theatrical release in the United States on March 27, 2026, by Focus Features.

Premise

Told through the perspective of filmmaker Daniel Roher as he prepares to become a father, the film investigates the existential threats and potential promises of artificial intelligence. Roher conducts interviews with leading experts in the field to understand the world his child will inherit, balancing anxiety with “apocaloptimism.”[2]

Stars

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YOU’RE DATING A NARCISSIST!

You’re Dating a Narcissist! is a 2026 American comedy film written by Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly, directed by Allison, and starring Marisa Tomei.[1] It is Allison’s feature directorial debut.[2]

The film is a 2026 American comedy directed by Ann Marie Allison in her feature directorial debut and cowritten with Jenna Milly. It stars Marisa Tomei as a psychology professor who discovers her daughter is marrying a man she just met and suspects he is a narcissist. 
She travels cross-country with her best friend to stop the wedding, creating comedic and heartfelt situations. 
Other key cast members include Ciara Bravo, Sherry Cola, Marco Pigossi, and Mira Sorvino. 

Cast

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FORBIDDEN FRUITS

Forbidden Fruits is a 2026 American comedy horror film starring Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Victoria Pedretti, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Chamberlain, and Gabrielle Union. It is directed by Meredith Alloway from a screenplay she co-wrote with Lily Houghton, and is based on Houghton’s stage play Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die.

The film had its world premiere at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 16, 2026, before being released by Independent Film Company and Shudder on March 27, 2026.

Premise

Free Eden employee Apple secretly runs a witchy femme cult in the basement of the mall store after hours—with fellow “fruits” Cherry and Fig. But when new hire Pumpkin challenges their performative sisterhood, the women are forced to face their own poisons or succumb to a bloody fate.[2]

Cast

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3/24/2026 #TheyWillKillYou #TheAIDoc #You’reDatingANarcissist #ForbiddenFruits

 

NEW MOVIES: March 19-25, 2026, “Ready or Not 2: Hear I Come,” “The Pout – Pout Fish, ” “Tow,” “Miroirs No. 3”

READY OR NOT 2: HEAR I COME

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is a 2026 American comedy-horror film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett and written by Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy. It serves as a direct sequel to Ready or Not (2019), with Samara Weaving reprising her role as Grace MacCaullay. The film also stars Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, David Cronenberg, and Elijah Wood.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come premiered at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 13, 2026, and is scheduled for release in the United States by Searchlight Pictures on March 20, 2026. The film received positive reviews from critics.

Premise

Grace MacCaullay, the sole survivor of a brutal “game” that resulted in the deaths of her husband and in-laws, learns that her victory comes with a price: now, the wealthiest and most influential families on Earth have to kill her in a new game – or risk losing their power and fortunes. Grace refuses to participate at first but is left with no choice when she learns that her younger sister, Faith, has also been marked for death and must protect her at all costs.

Cast

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THE POUT-POUT FISH

The Pout-Pout Fish is a 2026 animated fantasy comedy film, written by Elise Allen and Elie Choufany, based on the children’s book by Deborah Diesen. It is an international co-production between Australia and the United States and features the voices of Nick Offerman, Nina Oyama, Miranda Otto, Jordin Sparks, and Amy Sedaris.

The Pout-Pout Fish was released theatrically on January 1, 2026, in Australia and will be released on March 20 in the United States by Viva Pictures. [2]

Overview

The Pout-Pout Fish (2026) is a colorful animated adventure based on Deborah Diesen’s beloved book. It follows grumpy Mr. Fish and energetic sea dragon Pip as they embark on an undersea quest to find a legendary fish that could save their homes.

Voice cast

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TOW

Tow is a 2025 American drama film directed by Stephanie Laing, written by Jonathan Keasey and Brant Boivin, and starring Rose Byrne, Dominic Sessa, Demi Lovato, Ariana DeBose, Octavia Spencer, Simon Rex, and Elsie Fisher.

The film premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Festival on June 7, 2025, and is scheduled for release in the United States on March 20, 2026.

Premise

Amanda Ogle, a homeless Seattle woman, fights her way out of tow-company hell to reclaim her life and the car that held it all together after receiving a tow bill for $21,634.[3][4]

Cast

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MIROIRS NO. 3

Miroirs No. 3 is a 2025 German drama film written and directed by Christian Petzold. It follows Laura (Paula Beer), a depressed music student, who, after suffering an accident, takes shelter in an idyllic home in the German countryside. It also stars Barbara Auer, Matthias Brandt, and Enno Trebs.

The film had its world premiere at the Directors’ Fortnight section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 17 May 2025. It was theatrically released in Germany on 18 September by Piffl Medien.

Premise

On a weekend trip, the piano player, Laura, survives a car crash. Unhurt but shaken, Laura is taken in by a country woman who witnessed the accident and who cares for her because of her resemblance to her daughter, who has been dead for a long time.[2]

The film’s title refers to the third movement of the piano suite Miroirs by Maurice Ravel.

Cast

  • Paula Beer as Laura
  • Barbara Auer as Betty
  • Matthias Brandt as Richard
  • Enno Trebs as Max
  • Philip Froissant as Jakob
  • Hendrik Heutmann as Michael
  • Christian Koerner as Laura’s Father
  • Victoire Laly as Debbi

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3/16/2026 #ReadyorNot2:HereICome #ThePout-PoutFish #Tow #MiroirsNo.3

 

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