Box Office Battle: Spielberg vs Nolan

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Jan 13, 2026

What films will rescue the box office in 2026? Dive into the chaos of Ashley Tisdale's drama over a celebrity WhatsApp group. Explore the wild twists on The Traitors, where players navigate deception and strategy. Tune in to discussions on upcoming blockbusters featuring Spielberg and Nolan, while debating the health of prestige TV and emerging series. Plus, discover intriguing indie films and personal recommendations to add to your watchlist.

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Box Office Recovery Hinges On Breakout Hits

Hollywood needs a strong slate in 2026 to recover pre-pandemic box office levels.
A few breakout genre hits could determine whether the industry reaches the £9–11 billion goal.

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Summer Slate Will Make Or Break 2026

Summer 2026 holds multiple potential blockbusters across established franchises and IP.
The success of a handful (Super Mario, Nolan, Spielberg, live-action Moana) will shape the year's trajectory.

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Directors' Old Mojo Isn't Guaranteed

Steven Spielberg's new wide-release film faces an uncertain market despite his talent.
Directors who once guaranteed megahits may not automatically deliver billion-dollar returns today.

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Year of Movies: Box Office Stakes for 2026

01:18 • 2min

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Early-Year Releases and Holdovers

03:47 • 4min

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Spring Blockbusters: Mario, MJ and New Franchises

07:18 • 2min

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Summer Tentpoles: Spielberg, Toy Story, Nolan

09:20 • 4min

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Tom Cruise, Horror and Autumn Slate

13:46 • 2min

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December Crowded: Avengers and Franchises

16:05 • 2min

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Smaller Films and Personal Picks

17:44 • 4min

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Television Highlights: Writers and New Series

21:17 • 3min

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State of TV: Big Shows versus Middle-Grade Gaps

Ashley Tisdale's Toxic Moms WhatsApp Drama

26:03 • 7min

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WhatsApp Culture: Side Chats and Social Power

33:00 • 4min

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The Traitors: Midpoint Chaos and Fiona's Impact

36:43 • 6min

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Key Players: Sam, Rachel, Harriet and Strategy

42:33 • 5min

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Publishing Opportunity from Reality TV Exposure

47:48 • 6min

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Fan Theories and Production Notes

54:08 • 2min

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Recommendations: Runaway, Heated Rivalry, and Books

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When the Cranes Fly South

Alison is an ambitious London barrister handling her first murder trial, defending Madeline who confesses to stabbing her husband but whose story reveals a life of abuse. Meanwhile, Alison's own life spirals with excessive drinking, a destructive affair with colleague Patrick, and tensions in her marriage to stay-at-home husband Carl, who cares for their daughter Matilda. As anonymous threats expose her secrets and parallels emerge between her case and personal life, shocking truths about control, gaslighting, and betrayal surface.

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It Ends with us

Colleen Hoover

The book follows Lily Bloom, a young woman who has overcome a difficult childhood to build a successful life in Boston. She meets Ryle Kincaid, a charming neurosurgeon, and despite his initial aversion to relationships, they fall deeply in love. However, their relationship takes a dark turn when Ryle's abusive tendencies are revealed. The story also explores Lily's past love, Atlas Corrigan, and the complexities of her relationships with both men. The novel delves into themes of domestic abuse, trauma, and the resilience required to escape such situations. Colleen Hoover's nuanced approach makes the characters relatable and human, providing a powerful and emotional reading experience.

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The Housemaid

Freida McFadden

In this psychological thriller, Millie, a young woman with a criminal record, secures a job as a live-in housekeeper for the affluent Winchester family. Despite the opportunity for a fresh start, Millie's past and the family's hidden truths soon surface, leading to escalating tensions and danger. The novel explores themes of deception, power dynamics, and the complexities of the relationships within the household.

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The Odyssey

Homer

The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.

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• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Verity

Colleen Hoover

In 'Verity,' Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin, accepts a job offer to complete the remaining books in a successful series by the incapacitated bestselling author Verity Crawford. While sorting through Verity's notes and outlines at the Crawford home, Lowen discovers Verity's unfinished autobiography, which reveals disturbing and bone-chilling admissions about Verity's life, including her relationship with her husband Jeremy and the tragic deaths of their twin daughters. As Lowen delves deeper into the manuscript, she becomes entangled in a complex and dangerous web of relationships and secrets, leading to a climactic revelation that challenges everything she thought she knew about the Crawford family. The novel is a masterful blend of psychological thriller and romantic suspense, keeping readers engaged with its intricate plot twists and well-developed characters.

Which films will help rescue the box office in 2026? Why is former Disney star Ashley Tisdale crashing out over a Whatsapp group chat? Have The Traitors uncovered the most unhinged contestants yet?

Richard Osman and Marina Hyde assess the upcoming TV and film releases for 2026 - what will hit and what will flop?

High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale is causing a stir over a drama-filled celebrity Whatsapp group, what's the real story behind the headlines?

It's halfway through The Traitors, we look at every twist and turn and ask if this show can get any madder?

WIN TICKETS TO 'THE TRAITORS LIVE EXPERIENCE':

To celebrate the launch of the new series of The Traitors we’re giving you and a friend the chance to get a taste of the ultimate game of deception and tactics. Sign up to our free newsletter by visiting ⁠therestisentertainment.com⁠ and you’ll be automatically entered into our competition to win two tickets to The Traitors Live Experience in central London. T&Cs Apply.

Join The Rest Is Entertainment Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus content, ad-free listening, early access to Q&A episodes, access to our newsletter archive, discounted book prices with our partners at Coles Books, early ticket access to live events, and access to our chat community. Sign up directly at

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Video Editor: Adam Thornton & Joey McCarthy

Assistant Producer: Imee Marriott

Senior Producer: Joey McCarthy

Social Producer: Bex Tyrrell

Exec Producer: Neil Fearn

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