Apple TV Just Fired a Shot Across Hollywood: Keanu Reeves, Ryan Reynolds, and a Star-Packed 2026 Slate Revealed

Apple TV just made one thing crystal clear: 2026 is not going to be a quiet year.

At a major Press Day event held Tuesday, Apple unveiled a sweeping slate of upcoming films and series that reads less like a streaming schedule and more like a Hollywood awards-season ballot. From dark comedies and prestige dramas to action-packed crowd-pleasers, the tech giant is betting big — and loudly — on star power.

Front and center? Keanu Reeves and Ryan Reynolds, two of Canada’s most bankable exports, each headlining major new films. But they’re far from alone. The lineup also features Amy Adams, John Cena, Chris Pratt, Nicole Kidman, Ben Stiller, Elisabeth Moss, Tatiana Maslany, and more — signaling Apple’s continued push to position Apple TV+ as a premium, talent-first streaming destination.

If there were any doubts about Apple’s long-term ambitions in entertainment, this event erased them.

Keanu Reeves Goes Dark, Ryan Reynolds Goes Big

Among the most buzzed-about reveals was “Outcome”, a dark comedy film directed by Jonah Hill and starring Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz, Matt Bomer, and Hill himself. Set to debut April 10, the film follows Reeves as a Hollywood star facing a career-ending extortion scandal — a role that has already drawn attention for Reeves’ dramatic transformation and stripped-down performance.

On the opposite end of the tonal spectrum is “Mayday”, arriving September 4, which stars Ryan Reynolds in an action-comedy alongside Kenneth Branagh and Maria Bakalova. While details remain tightly guarded, the pairing of Reynolds’ rapid-fire charisma with Apple’s blockbuster budget has fans expecting a major crowd-pleaser.

Together, the two projects underline Apple’s strategy: prestige meets popcorn, often in the same calendar year.

A Slate Stacked With Heavy Hitters

Apple’s 2026 roadmap isn’t built on just a few tentpoles — it’s a full-on cinematic assault. Highlights include:

“Imperfect Women” (March 18) — A psychological thriller series starring Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington, poised to be an awards-season contender.

“Margo’s Got Money Troubles” (April 15) — A comedy-drama led by Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nick Offerman.

“Cape Fear” (June 5) — A bold TV reimagining of The Executioners, starring Amy Adams, Patrick Wilson, and Javier Bardem, with Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg producing.

“The Dink” (July 24) — A sports comedy featuring Ben Stiller, Jake Johnson, and Mary Steenburgen.

“Matchbox: The Movie” (October 9) — An action-adventure comedy starring John Cena and Jessica Biel, turning the iconic toy line into a big-screen spectacle.

“Way of the Warrior Kid” (November 20) — A drama starring Chris Pratt, Linda Cardellini, and Jude Hill, aimed squarely at heart and family audiences.

Add in genre-bending series like “Widow’s Bay”, “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed”, and “Lucky”, and Apple’s slate suddenly looks relentless.

Canadian Talent Everywhere — and Proudly So

One notable thread throughout the lineup is Canada’s outsized presence. Alongside Reeves and Reynolds, Regina-born Tatiana Maslany headlines the comedy-thriller series “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed”, while Vancouver-native creators continue to shape Apple’s original programming behind the scenes.

The emphasis isn’t accidental. Apple appears to be leaning into globally recognizable talent while also spotlighting performers with deep indie and prestige credentials — a balance that has increasingly defined its brand.

A Quiet Absence That Spoke Volumes

One expected title was notably missing: “The Studio,” the hit comedy series from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, whose second season is currently in production.

Apple originally planned to include it in the Press Day presentation. However, the recent death of Catherine O’Hara, Rogen’s Canadian co-star, led the company to quietly pull the show from the event out of respect — a decision that underscored the somber undercurrent beneath an otherwise celebratory rollout.

Apple’s Bigger Play: Prestige, Scale, and Control

This isn’t just about new shows. It’s about positioning.

With competitors tightening budgets and cutting risk, Apple is doing the opposite — doubling down on premium storytelling, theatrical-level casts, and director-driven projects. The message is unmistakable: Apple TV+ doesn’t want to just compete in streaming; it wants to define what “high-end streaming” looks like.

And if the reaction to this Press Day is any indication, the industry is paying attention.