The 40th annual South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, has wrapped, leaving a trail of exclusive reveals and star-studded conversations in its wake. Our team was on the ground, capturing intimate discussions with the creative forces behind some of the most anticipated projects in film and television. From massive franchise updates to intimate indie darlings, the festival was a treasure trove for entertainment fans.
A-List Talent Takes Center Stage
The festival's interview studio played host to an incredible roster of talent. Conversations spanned generations and genres, featuring veterans like Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Danny DeVito, and John Goodman alongside rising stars and established favorites. Notable sit-downs included Adam Scott discussing the future of Apple TV+'s mind-bending workplace thriller, while Lewis Pullman and Sarah Michelle Gellar offered fresh details on the highly anticipated sequel Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.
Blockbuster Updates & Streaming Teasers
Major franchise news was a key highlight. Exciting teases emerged for Marvel's next epic, Avengers: Doomsday, promising to reshape the cinematic universe. On the streaming front, Apple TV+'s critically acclaimed series Severance generated significant buzz for its upcoming third season, with star Adam Scott hinting at the narrative directions to come. Other streaming giants weren't left out, with updates on Netflix's 3 Body Problem Season 2 and Prime Video's Reacher Season 4.
The festival also spotlighted exciting new projects from acclaimed directors. The filmmaking duo behind Everything Everywhere All at Once, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, unveiled plans for their next feature. Meanwhile, stars like Dakota Fanning, Finn Wolfhard, and Lili Reinhart discussed their latest films, showcasing the diverse range of storytelling on display.
Spotlight on 'Seekers of Infinite Love'
One of the standout indie films featured was Victoria Strouse's directorial debut, Seekers of Infinite Love. Described as a comedic road trip film about a dysfunctional family attempting to rescue a sibling from a cult, it stars Hacks standout Hannah Einbinder and Justin Theroux. Einbinder shared that after the success of Hacks, she sought projects with a similar blend of heart and high-caliber comedy, finding it in Strouse's script.
In a delightful bonus for fans, Justin Theroux offered an exciting update on the long-gestating The Devil Wears Prada 2, while Einbinder provided a promising tease for the fifth season of the Emmy-winning Hacks.
A Family Affair in Horror
In a unique festival moment, the real-life family of Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick premiered their collaborative horror comedy, Family Movie. Co-directed by the married couple and featuring their children, Sosie and Travis Bacon, the film follows a filmmaking family whose low-budget horror project takes a dark turn when they discover a dead body. The project highlights how the festival blends major studio announcements with personal, family-driven storytelling.
The Future of Franchises and Favorites
Beyond the headlines, the conversations hinted at the evolving landscape of entertainment. With major updates on projects like Avengers: Doomsday and whispers about the creative direction for Severance Season 3, SXSW 2026 proved to be a crucial barometer for what's next. The festival successfully bridged the gap between fan-favorite franchises and the bold new voices shaping the future of both film and television, leaving audiences with plenty to anticipate.
