Stranger Things Star Offers a Blunt but Sweet Take on That Ending

This post contains spoilers for the Stranger Things finale. While the response to season five of Stranger Things has been decidedly mixed, fans still clearly aren’t done with the series. So much so that when Netflix announced a follow-up, some fans convinced themselves into thinking that there was some secret follow-up episode, one in which […]

The post Stranger Things Star Offers a Blunt but Sweet Take on That Ending appeared first on Den of Geek.

As 2026 begins, Apple TV is kicking off the year with a lineup of film and TV projects loaded with star power, respected creators, and bold conceits. At a recent press event in Santa Monica, California, Den of Geek got to learn about an array of upcoming films and series that span from intense thrillers to irreverent comedies.

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The star-studded all-day affair offered a glimpse of the streamer’s ambitions. This includes acclaimed actors like Amy Adams, Javier Bardem, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jake Johnson leading big projects; innovative showrunners and directors like Nick Antosca, Jonathan Tropper, and David Gordon Green shaping narratives around their unique voices; and both original and reimagined stories ranging from a TV series adaptation of Cape Fear to an original sports comedy about pickleball.

Here is everything we learned about The House That Ted Lasso Built’s incoming slate.

Cape Fear

Decades after Martin Scorsese’s 1991 film Cape Fear rattled audiences with Robert De Niro’s unforgettable portrayal of Max Cady, the story returns in a 10-episode Apple TV limited series. Executive producer and showrunner Nick Antosca (Brand New Cherry Flavor), working alongside Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, is not interested in simply creating another remake of the story. This time, Cape Fear will be reimagined and generously expanded upon, making the nightmare last longer and dig even deeper into the family drama.

Leigh and Sam Bowden played by Jessica Lange and Nick Nolte in 1991, have been renamed Anna and Tom Bowden for the upcoming series, with Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson stepping into the reimagined roles. Both characters are lawyers who carry secret burdens. At the panel, Adams, who also serves as an executive producer beside Wilson, described the series as capturing the same “fever-dream-energy” of the original, while opening the door for more nuance in the family drama.

And how could we forget about Javier Bardem? Bardem will be following in the footsteps of De Niro and Robert Mitchum (who played Max Cady in the 1962 Cape Fear), while adding new dimensions and levels of vulnerability to the legendary villain. Adams also teased that the new series will feature many “revelations” and “secrets” surrounding the characters that will resonate deeply with viewers. This is one family meltdown you won’t want to miss.

Cape Fear will premiere on Apple TV on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles

What will likely be one of the most audacious and heartwarming new shows of the year, Margo’s Got Money Troubles is already shaping up to be another hallmark series in Apple TV’s catalog. Based on Rufi Thorpe’s novel and adapted by TV titan David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies, Boston Legal), the series follows Margo, a young woman thrown into early motherhood with little support. As Thorpe explained at the panel, “Margo is the hero of her own story,” and viewers will get to watch her plummet into unexpected challenges with humor and grit, all while holding on to her dreams of becoming a writer.

The series, which is co-produced by A24, features a stacked cast that is nothing short of a dream team. Elle Fanning, who will play Margo during this chaotic stage of her life, was actually the only actress Kelley kept going back to when thinking of who to cast for the role. Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman will play Margo’s parents, while Thaddea Graham will portray her cosplay-obsessed roommate. At the panel, Graham spoke about being excited to sign onto the series because it celebrates the desire to belong and humanizes even the most eccentric of characters in the novel.

A defining theme throughout the panel was the tonal range the team says the series will capture. As Offerman noted, the show swings between slapstick comedy and life-and-death tension, which is a reflection of the unpredictability of real life. The show also promises to lean into raw portrayals of post-partum life, leaky nipples and all. With Kelley’s signature storytelling, a wildly talented cast, and Thorpe’s sharp humor, viewers would be remiss not to tune in.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles will premiere on Apple TV on April 15, 2026.

Imperfect Women

If you thought female friendships on TV were all brunches and pep talks, think again. The upcoming series by Annie Weisman, Imperfect Women, promises to flip the script and explore female friendships in a raw and unfiltered way. The series, which is adapted from a novel of the same name by Araminta Hall, is anchored by its powerhouse central cast: Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara, who will play Mary, Eleanor, and Nancy. The story kicks off when Nancy mysteriously vanishes, prompting her friends and family to search for the truth behind her disappearance. As secrets unravel, the women are forced to confront the complex dynamics that have shaped their friendship for over two decades.

Just like their characters had to navigate female friendship, the three actresses also had to establish rapport while working and filming together. At the panel, Washington says the cast had instant chemistry. Moss added that the three got so close that it was almost impossible to get anything done because they kept laughing while trying to film sad scenes. Their chemistry was able to shine on screen, making the relationships between characters appear more lived-in, which Washington said was important because audiences need to believe these women have been friends for over 20 years.

The supporting cast also promises to deliver just as much depth. Moss praised Joel Kinnaman, Corey Stoll, and Leslie Odom Jr. as Robert, Howard, and Donovan for bringing the same interesting, multidimensional character studies that the women do in the show. With friendships tested by secrets and betrayal, Imperfect Women turns the microscope on relationships between women from different characters’ perspectives in all its messy and compelling glory.

Imperfect Women will premiere on Apple TV on March 18, 2026.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters

One word the cast of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters frequently uses to describe season 2 is “specific.” At the panel, the cast promised audiences an even deeper dive into the world where the colossal threat of monsters are closely tied to family and legacy. The 10 hours of content in this television format will allow the show to expand upon its character-driven storytelling, alongside grand monster battles and a lot of family drama. Season 2 also introduces a brand new Titan X and uncovers even more secrets of the Randa family.

Kurt and Wyatt Russell shared how playing the same character across generations both challenged and inspired them. Playing Lee Shaw at different points in his life pushed Kurt to think about continuity and growth while maintaining the character’s sense of identity. Anna Sawai also teased her character Cate’s evolution in season 2: “We really see her walk over that line and decide to not just uncover the secrets, but create this legacy.” Kiersey Clemons spoke about the increasingly intense stakes for May as she tries to survive and save the world. Anders Holm also had to balance dramatic moments against the backdrop of a gigantic monster action while playing Bill.

The panel highlighted that while Monarch: Legacy of Monsters continues to deliver massive monster battles, season 2 dives even deeper into the human side of the story. Actors described how their characters’ choices and relationships drive much of the story’s tension, making it clear that in season 2, humans and monsters alike leave their mark.

Monarch: Legacy of Monster will premiere on Apple TV on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed

Blackmail, murder, motherhood, youth soccer… and cam boys? David J. Rosen’s upcoming dark comedy, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, will deliver suspense and humor you didn’t know you needed in 2026. Tatiana Maslany plays Paula, a mother trying to piece her life back together while dealing with custody battles, a messy divorce, and the everyday challenges of parenting. Jake Johnson brings his signature charm and wit as Paula’s ex husband, while Brandon Flynn put in the work researching the hustle it takes to be a cam boy for his role. Jessy Hodges’ character Mallory knows how to get exactly what she wants and goes for it unapologetically.

Though it’s fun to get tied up in the cam world and sexual aspect of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, Rosen told the audience what the story really centers on is motherhood, specifically overwhelmed motherhood; as Rosen wanted to develop the “the most stressed out character who has the most things going on,” and he thought a lot about moms while doing so.

Rosen also described the thriller as “grounded” and “paranoid,” with moments of comedy but always action-forward, which was a tone shaped alongside the series’ director David Gordon Green. The panel also revealed just how fluid and joyous filming was. Maslany recalls a late night shoot in Long Island where she had a fun time working with cast and production, marveling at everyone’s talent and dedication to the series. Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed is sure to be an unpredictable and messy ride you won’t be able to look away from.

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed will premiere on Apple TV on May 20, 2026.

Matchbox: The Movie

Remember when Barbie hit theaters and Mattel announced it would adapt more of its catalog into live-action films? While so many of those projects are still long in development limbo, fans finally have something concrete to get excited about: Matchbox: The Movie. Produced by Mattel in collaboration with Apple TV, the film now officially has a release date, giving the toy’s fanbase a miniature-sized thrill to look forward to.

The starstudded cast of the movie, John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro, spoke about the family-oriented film at the panel. It follows a group of childhood friends whose shared love of Matchbox vehicles has faded as they grew up. As the old friends catch up, they get thrown back into their passion in the most chaotic way possible, finding themselves on the FBIs most wanted list in association with a stolen nuclear warhead. “It’s a pretty dire situation, but luckily, they have each other to lean on and so many awesome vehicles to choose from,” Castro said at the panel.

Directed by stunt and action innovator Sam Hargrave of the Extraction franchise, Matchbox: The Movie promises crazy chases and spectacular stunts and hopes todelight fans old and new.

Matchbox: The Movie will premiere on Apple TV in October 9, 2026.

Lucky

At the Lucky panel, showrunner Jonathan Tropper promised audiences a high-octane and emotionally charged ride while watching his upcoming thriller series. He continuously praised the cast that includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Timothy Olyphant, and Cassie Pappas, for delivering powerhouse performances. Adapted from Marissa Stapley’s bestselling novel, the series follows Lucky Armstrong, played by Taylor-Joy, as she’s on the run from her past and the FBI. Her father John, played by Olyphant, is a con man whose actions pull Lucky into schemes that test her ingenuity and judgment. Along the way, she has to outsmart dangerous players and make split-second decisions that could change her life forever.

The cast spoke about the film schedule, which Pappas joked trauma bonded them, as their call times occasionally stretched from unconventional hours like 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. Taylor-Joy said exploring the nuances of her character was exciting because Lucky changes dramatically across episodes due to her constantly being in survival mode. Pappas spoke about how rewarding it was getting to work on the action-packed scenes, as she said they were always emotional and intentional, not just action for action sake.

The rest of the cast echoed that Lucky is really a people-centered thriller. Olyphant referenced the father daughter dynamic that drives every decision and danger Lucky faces, while Taylor-Joy emphasized the show’s exploration of micro-choices and their consequences. She also teased some intense improvised scenes that made the final cut. Fasten your seatbelts because this propulsive thriller is sure to keep you on your toes.

Lucky will premiere on Apple TV on July 15, 2026.

The Dink

Pickleball is punk rock now and Jake Johnson will be featured in two 2026 Apple TV productions—the world is healing. The Dink, an upcoming comedy produced by Ben Stiller, follows Dusty Boyd, played by Johnson, who is a washed-up tennis prodigy coaching kids at his father Chuck’s suburban country club. And Chuck, played by Ed Harris, hates that pickleball is the new sports craze in the country club. While recovering from an old injury, Dusty not only defies his father by giving pickleball a shot, he also falls in love with the sport, partly thanks to his partner, Candace, played by Mary Steenburgen.

What follows is a hilarious journey where Dusty finally confronts his past athletic failures, which includes a reunion with his childhood nemesis Andy Roddick. The cast is rounded out with loveable supporting characters played by hilarious actors, Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, and Chris Parnell.

Directed by Josh Greenbaum and written by Sean Clements, The Dink is sure to be a sports comedy that will smash through expectations, whether you love pickleball or hate it.

The Dink will premiere on July 24, 2026.

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