JJ Abrams’ New Sci-fi Movie Finally Gets a Release Update (And It’s Sooner Than You Think)

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It’s been a few years since J.J. Abrams last directed a movie – 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. While he’s stayed busy as a producer on several TV shows and films, he’s now returning to directing with a new project called The Great Beyond. The film boasts a talented cast, including Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, and Samuel L. Jackson, and a release date has just been announced.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the new film The Great Beyond is coming to theaters this fall, with a release date of November 13th. Currently, it’s scheduled to open on the same day as Ti West’s Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, starring Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge.

The Great Beyond Is An Exciting Addition to the 2026 Movie Calendar

Many fans were disappointed with The Rise of Skywalker due to a hurried plot involving Emperor Palpatine and storylines that didn’t feel fully developed. However, there’s still reason to look forward to The Great Beyond. While J.J. Abrams certainly played a role in the issues with Rise of Skywalker, his overall filmography is strong. He’s successfully rebooted three major franchises – Mission: Impossible, Star Trek, and Star Wars – bringing a dynamic and energetic style to each. Abrams is a skilled director who excels at combining emotional stories, comedy, and exciting action on a grand scale, captivating audiences with impressive visuals and compelling narratives.

Notably, The Great Beyond appears to be a completely original story, which is unusual for J.J. Abrams. His last original film was Super 8, a fantastic sci-fi movie that blended classic Spielberg-style storytelling with a heartfelt story about growing up. While The Great Beyond will likely include familiar genre elements, it’s exciting to see Abrams working on a project outside of established franchises, giving him more freedom to explore his creative vision. Super 8 clearly drew inspiration from classic films by Steven Spielberg (who was also a producer), but it still proved Abrams can create fresh, engaging stories that connect with audiences.

J.J. Abrams is keeping the plot of his new movie, The Great Beyond, under wraps, but it’s been categorized as an action, adventure, and drama. Rumors suggest the story centers on a writer who discovers the world he invented is actually real. This idea has the potential to be truly captivating, offering audiences a journey to a wildly imaginative place. Given that Abrams previously used his own childhood experiences as inspiration for Super 8, many are wondering if The Great Beyond will also contain autobiographical elements – perhaps with the author character representing Abrams himself on a journey of self-discovery within his own creation.

J.J. Abrams is known for strong casting choices, and his new film, The Great Beyond, appears to continue that trend. John Powell is a perfect fit as the lead; he’s become a major star thanks to his natural charm and has proven experience in blockbuster films like Top Gun: Maverick. The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring industry veteran Samuel L. Jackson alongside rising stars Jenna Ortega and Emma Mackey, who have both made a name for themselves with projects like Wednesday and Sex Education. No matter the plot, audiences can expect a talented cast that’s ready to deliver.

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2026-01-16 23:10