Film News Today — October 23, 2026

The world of film is abuzz with exciting new projects and innovative storytelling approaches. Fresh from her breakout role in Netflix's hit series 'Bridgerton', Hannah Dodd is set to star in the romantic drama 'Miss You Forever, Zara Drake', while Ester Expósito, star of Netflix's 'Elite', is teaming up with Locarno winner Mar Coll to adapt the Spanish classic 'La Regenta' with a fresh female perspective. Meanwhile, Michael Keaton is directing a new western 'Rode to Ruin', which has just added Richard Gadd, Bill Camp, and Ray McKinnon to its cast.

As the industry continues to evolve, filmmakers are weighing in on the role of technology in shaping the future of cinema. Peter Chan, for one, is holding firm against AI-generated content, predicting that feature films will endure despite the rise of vertical dramas. In a more experimental vein, 'Ebenezer' is using social media to bring its take on the classic Scrooge tale to life, creating a real Venmo profile for the character. And with the Oscars still a ways off, pundits are already speculating about potential winners in 2027 - could 'You Can See Everything' be the film to dethrone 'The Odyssey'?

Today's signal:
• ‘Bridgerton’ Breakout Hannah Dodd to Lead Lucas Jones’ Romantic Drama ‘Miss You Forever, Zara Drake’ (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Netflix, ‘Elite’ Star Ester Expósito and Locarno Winner Mar Coll Adapt ‘La Regenta,’ a ‘Fresh Female Perspective’ on a Big Spanish Classic (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Richard Gadd, Bill Camp and Ray McKinnon Join Michael Keaton-Directed Western ‘Rode to Ruin’ (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Peter Chan Rules Out AI-Generated Content, Says Feature Films Will Survive the Rise of Vertical Dramas (variety.com)
• ‘Ebenezer’ Creates a Real Venmo Profile for Scrooge, Which Hands Out Money and Accepts It, Too (variety.com)
• Oscars Predictions 2027: Is ‘You Can See Everything’ the Film That Can Take Down ‘The Odyssey’? (variety.com)