This time next year, Italianna will be the movie everybody’s buzzing about.
Universal Pictures has officially locked in April 10, 2026, as the theatrical release date for Italianna, a new feature directed by Kat Coiro (Marry Me). And while the plot is still being kept under tight wraps, what we do know already has us paying attention: Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid, The Color Purple) and Regé-Jean Page (Black Bag, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) are set to star.
Written by Ryan Engle (Rampage), from an original idea by Engle and Kristin Engle, Italianna is being produced by Will Packer and Johanna Byer under Will Packer Productions’ first-look deal with Universal. Packer’s collaboration with Universal has already given us hits, and Coiro’s last outing with the studio, Marry Me, pulled in over $50M globally despite a day-and-date release on Peacock and in theaters.
Right now, Italianna has a clear runway in the post-Easter box office corridor, with Easter falling on April 5 in 2026. Universal is also keeping the actual Easter weekend open for an untitled Illumination animated film tied to the world of Super Mario Bros.
As for the bigger 2026 Universal slate — it’s shaping up to be stacked. Here’s a taste of what’s lined up:
- Soulm8te – January 2
- Reminders of Him – February 13
- Mike Flanagan’s new Exorcist installment – March 13
- Steven Spielberg’s untitled sci-fi event film starring Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor – June 12
- Minions 3 – July 1
- Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey – July 17
- DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island – September 25
- A new Blumhouse title – October 9
- Jordan Peele’s fourth film – October 23
- Shrek 5 – December 23
- Robert Eggers’ monster movie Werwulf via Focus Features – Christmas Day
On top of that, Universal has staked out a few prime dates — May 15, November 13, November 25, and December 4 — for untitled event films, keeping a few surprises tucked away for later announcements.
With Italianna fronted by two of the most charismatic talents of their generation, a strong creative team behind it, and a release window wide open for the taking, don’t be surprised if this one ends up being one of next spring’s breakout hits.
We’ll be keeping an eye on this one — and you probably should too.