Netflix’s 2026 Australia-New Zealand Slate: Alan Ritchson, Charlize Theron, and Florence Pugh Headline
Netflix’s upcoming lineup for 2026 in Australia and New Zealand is set to feature some of the biggest stars in the industry. From action-packed thrillers to contemporary reimaginings of classic novels, the streaming giant is bringing a diverse range of content to its audience.
One of the highly anticipated productions is “War Machine,” an action sci-fi feature directed by Victorian filmmaker Patrick Hughes. The film, set during the final 24 hours of an elite military selection program, stars Alan Ritchson alongside a stellar cast including Dennis Quaid, Stephan James, and Jai Courtney. Shot in various locations in Australia including Bright, Myrtleford, and Melbourne, “War Machine” promises to deliver high-octane action and suspense. The film is scheduled to premiere on March 6.
Charlize Theron takes the lead in “Apex,” an action thriller directed by Baltasar Kormákur. Filmed in the picturesque Blue Mountains and Canberra, the movie follows a grieving woman testing her limits in the Australian wilderness and getting entangled in a deadly game. With a star-studded cast that includes Taron Egerton and Eric Bana, “Apex” is set to hit screens on April 24.
For fans of literary adaptations, Florence Pugh headlines “East of Eden,” a contemporary reimagining of John Steinbeck’s classic novel shot in New Zealand. The limited series delves into the multigenerational saga of the Trask family with a renewed focus on antihero Cathy Ames. With a talented ensemble cast and top-notch production quality, “East of Eden” promises to captivate viewers with its compelling storytelling.
In addition to these headline projects, Netflix has a lineup of Australian productions in the pipeline. “Allen,” a film from Ludo Studio starring T.J. Power, and “Breakers,” the first Netflix series filmed in Western Australia, are set to showcase the diverse talent and landscapes of the region.
Furthermore, the animation slate includes “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85,” produced by Sydney-based Flying Bark Productions, and “Steps,” a Cinderella reimagining from Netflix Animation Studios. These projects highlight the creative prowess of Australian and New Zealand talent in the animation industry.
Amanda Duthie, Netflix’s newly appointed content director for the territory, expressed her excitement for the upcoming slate. She emphasized the importance of telling local stories that resonate with audiences on a personal level. With a commitment to investing in the Australian and New Zealand screen industries, Netflix continues to support emerging and underrepresented practitioners in the region.
As Netflix gears up for a stellar lineup in 2026, audiences can expect a diverse array of content that showcases the rich storytelling and talent from Australia and New Zealand. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects as they make their way to screens near you.
