Discover how the galaxy far, far away is gearing up for a monumental 50th anniversary while fresh Marvel revelations and streaming gems keep the excitement alive.
CINEMA • STREAMING • STAR WARS
Sunday 15 November 2026
Welcome to the first edition of The Week on Popcorn Jedi — our Sunday look back at the stories, films, series and discoveries that have been keeping us entertained. It has been a particularly busy week, with major plans for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, fresh trailers, streaming arrivals and plenty of classic cinema to explore.
STAR WARS: THE COUNTDOWN TO 50 YEARS BEGINS
The biggest galaxy-sized story this week was the announcement of a year-long celebration marking 50 years of Star Wars in 2027. Lucasfilm and Disney have outlined a programme of theatrical celebrations, fan events, new projects, merchandise and special experiences. Highlights include a restored return of the original 1977 film to cinemas on 19 February 2027, the documentary The Hero Awakens arriving on Disney+ on 4 May, and Star Wars: Starfighter reaching cinemas on 28 May.
We also looked ahead to the anniversary in Lucasfilm and Disney Announce a Global Year-Long Celebration, Celebrate 50 Years of Star Wars and The Hero Awakens: The Untold Story of Making Star Wars.
There was more for fans too: our Ahsoka Season 2 Updates | ILM’s Paul Huston feature brings together discussion and speculation about the next season, alongside stories from visual effects artist Paul Huston about his work with George Lucas and Ralph McQuarrie.
And the 50th-anniversary collectibles are beginning to arrive in our coverage, with new Black Series looks at Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa and Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2).
MARVEL: NEW AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY DETAILS
Marvel fans had fresh material to pore over as new Avengers: Doomsday details emerged from Empire. Our coverage looks at the latest glimpses and comments involving Doctor Doom, Cyclops, Reed Richards and Shang-Chi, with New Rockstars breaking down what the revelations might mean.
Read Insane New Details Revealed.
STREAMING: NEW ARRIVALS AND FIRST LOOKS
There was plenty to add to the watchlist. Australian mystery Downriver is now available to UK viewers on Prime Video, BFI Player and Peccadillo Player. Netflix also unveiled the trailer for The Riot, a drama set in Poland in December 1989 and inspired by prison protests.
Meanwhile, the latest trailer for Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn offered another look at the animated sci-fi adventure, starring Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson and coming to Netflix on 18 December. We also featured a BFI interview in which Bird reflects on his career and his latest film.
Catch up with Downriver Now on UK Streaming Platforms, The Riot | Official Trailer | Netflix, Ray Gunn | Official Trailer #2 | Netflix and Brad Bird interviewed by Anna Higgs. Our ITVX round-up also covers new arrivals and the return of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!: New Arrivals, Scandalous Thrillers & a Long-Awaited Jungle Return.
AT THE CINEMA: TRAILERS, RELEASES AND MORE
This week’s cinema coverage included a new look at The Thomas Crown Affair, with Michael B. Jordan directing and starring in the heist thriller, as well as featurettes for the festive action sequel Violent Night 2.
Our UK and Ireland release guide covered the films arriving from 12 to 14 November, including the 20th-anniversary 4K return of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, a 50th-anniversary restoration of The Man Who Fell to Earth, and the Netflix-backed historical drama The Mosquito Bowl. You can also catch up on the latest UK and Ireland box-office chart.
Read The Thomas Crown Affair | Official Trailer, Violent Night 2 – Featurettes, This Week’s Releases – November 12th, 2026 and UK and Ireland Top 5 to 9 November – 2026.
CLASSIC CINEMA AND CULT DISCOVERIES
Our classic-film shelves were busy too. John Boorman’s Arthurian epic Excalibur received a detailed look at its story, characters and lasting appeal, while the 1936 fantasy The Man Who Could Work Miracles offered a reminder of the pleasures of discovering an older film with a wonderfully imaginative premise.
Explore Excalibur (1981). Part One: Thy Sword is Stucketh and The Man Who Could Work Miracles (1936).
That’s our first weekly round-up. Thank you for spending part of your Sunday with Popcorn Jedi. We’ll be back with another look at the week’s cinema, streaming and Star Wars stories.
Cinema • Streaming • Star Wars
Popcorn Jedi