Netflix has released the first trailer for Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, offering audiences an early look at a new fantasy adventure based on the beloved literary world created by C....
Welcome to the latest entertainment news from New Zealand and around the world. From new movie releases and Hollywood updates to television, streaming, music, celebrity news and major events, stay up to date with what is happening across the entertainment industry.
New Zealand’s entertainment scene is also making headlines, with local filmmakers, actors, musicians, writers and production companies continuing to gain attention both at home and internationally.
September is bringing a busy run of releases to cinemas, with audiences in New Zealand getting access to several major films and international productions.
Among the latest titles arriving in New Zealand cinemas is Practical Magic 2, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Other films opening around the country include Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant, De Gaulle: Liberté and a special screening of 9 to 5.
Internationally, the film industry is also heading into a major festival and awards-season period, with the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival showcasing a wide range of new films, documentaries and performances.
The 51st Toronto International Film Festival is currently attracting major attention from the global film industry.
Films featuring stars including Helen Mirren, Chris Rock, Amanda Seyfried, Mahershala Ali, Taron Egerton and Jodie Comer are among the projects generating interest at the festival. TIFF remains an important launchpad for films hoping to build momentum during the awards season.
The festival is also highlighting documentaries focused on major musicians and cultural figures, showing how the line between cinema, music and celebrity culture continues to blur.
Hollywood has experienced one of its strongest summer box-office periods since the pandemic.
North American cinemas generated approximately US$4.6 billion in ticket sales between May and the end of August 2026, up 26% from the same period last year. Major releases including Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey and Toy Story 5 have helped bring audiences back to theatres.
Analysts are now expecting the North American domestic box office for 2026 to potentially pass the US$10 billion mark.
With more major releases still ahead, including Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three, attention is turning toward whether the strong cinema recovery can continue through the end of the year.
New Zealand continues to strengthen its position as an important location for film and television production.
The New Zealand Film Commission has joined the newly launched Lumière Alliance, creating another international connection for the country’s screen industry. The move comes as New Zealand’s filmmakers and production businesses look toward greater international collaboration.
Local productions are also continuing to attract attention. A new New Zealand-Canada sports comedy titled Hot Curlers is being developed by David White and Kelly Martin and is based on a real New Zealand curling story.
The New Zealand screen industry is also preparing for the 2026 Aotearoa Screen Awards.
Finalists have been announced for the APRA Aotearoa Screen Composition Awards, recognising composers whose original music contributes to New Zealand feature films and television series.
Among the finalists are Claire Cowan, Jonathan Crayford, Karl Steven, Lachlan Anderson, Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper and Rob Thorne.
The awards highlight the growing role of music in New Zealand’s film and television productions, from documentaries and dramas to comedy and other screen projects.
New Zealand’s entertainment industry continues to produce actors, writers, directors and creators who work across both local and international productions.
The country’s screen industry remains closely connected to international markets, while local productions increasingly tell stories centred on New Zealand culture, communities and identity.
The international recognition of New Zealand stories also continues through film festivals, theatre productions and adaptations of local literature.
New Zealand writer Witi Ihimaera, best known internationally for The Whale Rider, remains an important figure in the country’s cultural and literary world.
His play Woman Far Walking is receiving a new bilingual production in Australia as part of the Brisbane Festival. The work explores Māori history, identity and resilience and continues Ihimaera’s long-running focus on Indigenous perspectives and New Zealand’s past.
His work demonstrates how New Zealand stories can continue travelling internationally decades after their original release.
Streaming services continue to compete for viewers with new films, television series, documentaries and returning favourites.
This week’s international streaming lineup includes the return of The Paper, a new Call My Agent! movie, the latest seasons of reality and television franchises, and new documentary projects.
For New Zealand viewers, streaming platforms remain an important part of the entertainment landscape, alongside traditional cinemas and television.
Celebrity news continues to dominate entertainment headlines, from film festivals and premieres to music events, fashion appearances and major personal announcements.
Recent entertainment coverage has included appearances by stars such as Faye Dunaway, Pamela Anderson, Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem, George Clooney, Céline Dion and Gigi Hadid at major international events. Music and entertainment events have also brought artists including Elton John and Jon Batiste into the spotlight.
Music remains a major part of the global entertainment cycle, with new albums, tours, festivals and collaborations arriving every week.
Current international releases include new music from artists across pop, rock and alternative genres, while major performers continue appearing at festivals and high-profile events around the world.
For New Zealand audiences, international music news is complemented by a growing local music scene featuring emerging artists and established performers.
Entertainment in New Zealand extends well beyond movies and celebrities.
The country’s theatre, visual arts and cultural scenes remain active, with exhibitions, student productions, community festivals and performances taking place across the country.
In Auckland, current entertainment coverage includes arts exhibitions and young actors preparing productions of family favourites, demonstrating the breadth of the country’s local creative scene.
The biggest entertainment stories to follow include new cinema releases, the Toronto International Film Festival, Hollywood’s continued box-office recovery, streaming releases, international celebrity events and new developments in New Zealand’s film and television industry.
For New Zealand audiences, local screen productions, Aotearoa film awards, theatre, music and internationally recognised Kiwi creators will remain important stories to watch.
Stay with us for the latest entertainment updates covering New Zealand and the rest of the world, including movies, actors, celebrities, television, streaming, music, theatre, festivals and pop culture.
