Hype, Hesitation, and Hope: Our 2026 Preview

This week, we take a lighter turn and talk about what we’re genuinely looking forward to in 2026. From major movies and long-awaited books to video games, music releases, space missions, and even what not to get excited about, we reflect on anticipation itself—how hype changes with age, how expectations can be complicated, and how sometimes the biggest thing we’re excited for is simply a slower, steadier year. It’s a wide-ranging, honest conversation about culture, creativity, and where we’re putting our energy as we look ahead.Show NotesWe open with some life updates, including travel fatigue, family weddings, and easing back into work after the holidaysWe intentionally choose a lighter topic after last week’s more reflective episode: things we’re excited about in 2026Movies we’re looking forward toStrong excitement for Project Hail Mary, especially given how meaningful the book wasCuriosity and respect for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, even with mixed feelings about his past filmsAnticipation (and dread) around Sunrise on the Reaping and the emotional weight of the Hunger Games universeCautious optimism about The Devil Wears Prada 2—beloved cast, but big questions about timing and necessityA deep dive into Dune Messiah vs. Avengers: Doomsday, including Marvel fatigue and uncertainty around Doctor DoomThoughts on Spider-Man: Brand New Day and why it inspires more confidence than the next Avengers filmClear disinterest in The Mandalorian and Grogu, despite its significance for Star Wars theatrical releasesBooks and readingHuge enthusiasm for the next Dungeon Crawler Carl book and praise for its narration and humorDiscussion of finally getting into the series and why it works as a palate cleanserHope for Twelve Months, the long-awaited next entry in The Dresden FilesHonest conversation about the series’ flaws, growth over time, and why it’s still worth readingTV shows (mostly hypotheticals)Acknowledging how many shows we intend to watch but haven’t yetMentions of Silo, Rings of Power, House of the Dragon, and Marvel TV fatigueWhy some shows feel easier to watch with others rather than aloneVideo gamesExcitement for the Cult of the Lamb expansion and how it surprised usCuriosity around GTA VI, despite never finishing previous entriesInterest in Marvel’s Wolverine and a potential Fable rebootMusicAnticipation for several metal releases, mixed with realism about aging bandsReflections on how live music has changed—and why smaller shows feel more meaningful nowSticker shock and frustration with modern concert ticket pricesA shift toward supporting artists directly through digital purchasesSpace and scienceExcitement about the Artemis II mission looping around the far side of the moonAnticipation for a total lunar eclipse visible across North AmericaGentle skepticism about “quantum breakthroughs” announced by tech companiesWe close by acknowledging that after several intense life years, a quieter, slower 2026 might be the thing we’re most excited about