Nolan, Star Wars, Moana, and Zombies: This Week’s Must-Watch Movie & TV News

Welcome to July 2026, everyone! If you thought the summer heat was intense, just wait until you see what’s happening on the big and small screens. It’s been a massive week for news, from legendary directors pushing the limits of IMAX to the return of everyone's favourite galaxy far, far away.

Whether you’re heading to a midnight premiere or binging the latest drop on your sofa, we’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to know. And because we know you like to look the part, we’ll show you how to rep your favourite franchises with the best officially licensed gear from Rock Universe.

Let’s dive into this week’s headlines.

Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’: The Countdown is On

We are officially two weeks away from what might be the biggest cinematic event of the decade. Christopher Nolan is back on July 17, 2026, and he’s taking us back to Ancient Greece: but not like you’ve ever seen it before.

The Odyssey is Nolan’s follow-up to the Oscar-sweeping Oppenheimer, and the buzz is deafening. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the film is being described as a "mythic action epic." We’ve heard reports of Nolan using brand-new IMAX camera technology specifically developed for this film to capture the scale of the Mediterranean and the supernatural terrors Odysseus faces on his way home from Troy.

The cast list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood royalty: Tom Holland as Telemachus, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Anne Hathaway. Even rapper Travis Scott is reportedly making an appearance.

Nolan has always been about the "theatrical experience," and The Odyssey looks to be the ultimate argument for why we still need cinemas. If the trailers are anything to go by, the sea monsters are going to look terrifying on a six-story screen.

Star Wars: The Mando Era is Dominating

It’s been a few weeks since The Mandalorian & Grogu hit theaters in May, and it’s safe to say the "Mando-verse" is the king of the box office right now. Fans have turned out in droves to see Din Djarin and the little green guy on the big screen, proving that Star Wars is still the ultimate powerhouse of pop culture.

But the news doesn’t stop there. Disney recently shook up the calendar, removing a planned December 2026 film slot (which many thought would be the Rey-led "New Jedi Order" movie) and replacing it with Ice Age 6. While that might bum out some fans hoping for a winter trip to a galaxy far, far away, the small-screen news is more than making up for it.

We’ve got confirmation that Ahsoka Season 2 is well into production for a 2026 release, and two new animated series: Star Wars: Maul : Shadow Lord and The Ninth Jedi: are set to expand the lore even further.

If you’re riding high on the Mando hype, make sure you’re geared up. Check out our full Star Wars Collection for the latest tees featuring Mando, Grogu, and the classic icons.

Moana Goes Live: The Magic Hits Next Week

Get your voyaging gear ready, because Disney’s live-action Moana arrives in theaters on July 10, 2026.

This isn't just a simple retelling; it’s a massive production with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson returning to bring Maui to life in the flesh. While Auli'i Cravalho isn't playing Moana this time around, she’s been heavily involved in finding the next star to lead the franchise.

The early word is that the visual effects for the ocean are groundbreaking: which makes sense given how much the "water" was a character in the original animation. For the 16-40 crowd who grew up with the 2016 original, this is a huge nostalgia play that’s bound to dominate the social media feeds for the rest of the month.

Want to show your love for the islands? Dive into our Disney Collection for merch that’s perfect for a summer cinema trip.

Why 2026 is the Year of the Zombie

If you prefer your movies a bit more... decayed... then 2026 is treating you well. We are currently in the middle of a massive zombie resurgence.

Following the huge success of Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later in 2025, rumors are swirling about the next chapters in that trilogy. The impact of that film has revitalized the "fast zombie" subgenre, and we're seeing it everywhere.

On top of that, everyone is still talking about The Last of Us Season 2. While most of the season aired in late 2025/early 2026, the discussion around its brutal adaptation of "Part II" of the game series hasn't slowed down. It’s gritty, it’s emotional, and it’s the kind of TV that demands you wear a cool, slightly distressed t-shirt while watching.

The zombie genre has always been a staple for us at Rock Universe. There’s something about the aesthetic of a post-apocalyptic world that just fits the rock-and-roll vibe. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or the new wave of "infected" horror, our Horror Movies Collection has exactly what you need to survive the night (or at least look good doing it).

Wear the Hype: Rock Universe Style

At the end of the day, being a fan is about more than just watching the screen: it’s about the community and how you express yourself.

We’ve been seeing some amazing trends in 2026. Movie-goers aren't just wearing any old clothes to the cinema anymore. They’re treating every release like a mini-festival. We’ve seen groups of fans showing up to The Odyssey screenings in Greek-inspired streetwear, and the "Mando Monday" meetups are basically becoming fashion shows for Star Wars geeks.

If you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe, here’s what’s trending at Rock Universe right now:

• Vintage Cinematic Tees: Soft-wash shirts with faded movie posters are huge right now.
• Neon Graphics: Inspired by the synth-heavy soundtracks of the latest sci-fi hits.
• Official Collabs: We only sell the real deal: officially licensed gear from Rockoff and other top brands.

Check out some of our favorites like the Marvel Comics Star Lord Tee or our Sex Pistols Manchester Flyer for that classic punk-rock edge that works for any movie night.

Wrapping Up

It’s a great time to be a movie fan. From the high-brow epics of Nolan to the pure escapism of Moana and the gritty thrills of the zombie apocalypse, there’s something for everyone this July.

Stay tuned to the Rock Universe blog for more weekly updates, style guides, and the latest drops in officially licensed merch. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and show us your cinema fits!

What are you most excited to watch this week? Let us know in the comments!