If 2025 felt uneven for Nollywood, 2026 is shaping up to be its corrective year. From genre-bending experiments and ambitious historical dramas to long-delayed titles finally finding release windows, the year’s slate reflects an industry recalibrating its ambitions.
While a strong lineup of films already has confirmed release dates and active promotional campaigns, 2026 is also expected to welcome projects that slipped through last year’s cracks, alongside sequels and franchise expansions designed to sustain audience loyalty.
This list highlights the confirmed heavyweights, the delayed films audiences are still waiting for, and the franchises poised to extend Nollywood’s cinematic universes.
Aníkúlápó: Season Two
Release date: 30 January 2026
Kunle Afolayan’s historical fantasy returns with a second season that expands its mythological world. A follow‑on to both the 2022 hit film and the Season One series Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre, this expanded narrative maintains Afolayan’s role as director and producer under KAP Motion Pictures while broadening its ensemble cast.
Returning leads include Kunle Remi, Sola Sobowale, Bimbo Ademoye, Eyiyemi Afolayan, Aisha Lawal, Moji Afolayan, Taiwo Hassan and Lateef Adedimeji, complemented by new additions such as Bukunmi Adeaga‑Ilori (“KieKie”), Teniola Aladese, Antar Laniyan, Saidi Balogun and Okusaga Adeoluwa, among others. Filmed across Nigeria and Ghana through a collaboration with the Ghana National Film Authority, the season’s narratives are expected to deepen themes of power, consequence and spiritual reckoning while exploring broader historical intersections.
The Other Side of the Bridge
Release date: 17 April 2026
A sports drama rooted in Lagos, The Other Side of the Bridge is a sports drama produced by Demi Banwo in collaboration with Lord Tanner Studios, unfolding the rivalry of two boxers from opposite parts of Lagos whose paths collide inside and outside the ring. Emphasis on physical training and realism sets it apart from more conventional Nollywood dramas.
Finding Messiah
Finding Messiah is a much‑anticipated political musical drama written, directed, executive produced and musically scored by Oscar Heman‑Ackah, marking his ambitious first foray into Nollywood filmmaking. Set in the fictional ancient Republic of Zambay, a richly imagined civilisation complete with its own culture and newly created language “Ngazala”, the film blends political intrigue with musical storytelling, drawing comparisons to large‑scale fantasy worlds in global cinema.
Its ensemble cast features Nollywood legends and veteran performers such as Pete Edochie, Ngozi Ezeonu, Taiwo Ajayi‑Lycett, Alex Usifo (portraying Zambay’s tyrannical figure), Ejike Asiegbu and Keppy Ekpeyong, alongside cross‑industry stars including Bucci Franklin, Majid Michael, Sunshine Rosman, Daddy Showkey, Uzi Kwednu and Lilian Afegbai.
One of the project’s standout elements has been its original soundtrack, “The Prison Song,” produced by Heman‑Ackah and featuring artists Jacob Hunter and Double G, which has circulated widely online and helped sustain buzz for the film years ahead of its release. Though a formal 2026 release date hasn’t been confirmed, Finding Messiah’s scale, musical innovation, and political undercurrents have made still the most talked‑about upcoming Nollywood films.
I Do Not Come to You by Chance
Adapted from Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s acclaimed novel by director Ishaya Bako, the film explores cybercrime, family obligation, and moral compromise. Despite festival attention since 2023, the film’s release has been deferred repeatedly, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its eventual distribution.
77: The Festac Conspiracy
The sequel to 76 premiered at international festivals but has yet to reach Nigerian audiences in a meaningful way. Directed by Izu Ojukwu and featuring an ensemble including Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic and Daniel Etim Effiong, 77: The Festac Conspiracy reimagines the historic FESTAC ’77 cultural festival with political intrigue and period detail. With its historical and political framing, it remains one of the most talked-about unreleased titles.
King of Boys: The Beginning of the End
As part of the King of Boys universe, it continues the political and criminal saga that has become one of Nollywood’s most recognisable franchises. The film’s ensemble led by Sola Sobowale and featuring Adesua Etomi‑Wellington and Reminisce ensures its cultural resonance will carry deeply into 2026’s industry conversation as audiences continue to unpack its narrative impact.
Prophetess 2
Produced by Anthill Studios with Toyin Abraham reprising her role from the original, Prophetess 2 builds on the commercial success of its predecessor. While cast details remain partly unconfirmed, Abraham’s return and the comedic spiritual misadventure format have generated substantial audience interest as a franchise title keeping comedy at the forefront of mainstream Nollywood releases.
Issakaba: The Return
First released in 2001, Issakaba is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most influential action films. Inspired by the real-life Bakassi Boys vigilante movement in southeastern Nigeria, the original film directed by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, fused crime drama with mysticism, folklore, and street-level justice. Its commercial success spawned multiple instalments and helped cement Sam Dede’s portrayal of Ebube as one of Nollywood’s most recognisable action heroes.
More than two decades later, a sequel is on the way, marking the franchise’s official return. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen returns as director, with Sam Dede reprising his iconic role, anchoring the film in continuity rather than nostalgia alone. The new instalment expands the cast to include Chidi Mokeme, Iyabo Ojo, Regina Daniels, and Phyna.
Sugar Rush 2
The sequel to Jade Osiberu’s 2019 hit Sugar Rush remains one of the most talked-about unreleased Nollywood films. The original film, directed by Kayode Kasum, stood out for its polished action-comedy blend, female-led narrative, and box-office success, following three sisters who stumble into a dangerous criminal underworld after discovering a stash of money. Its sharp pacing and mainstream appeal marked it as one of Nollywood’s most commercially confident releases of its time.
Sugar Rush 2 sees the return of Bisola Aiyeola, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, and Bimbo Ademoye as the Sugar sisters, with Jade Osiberu again attached as producer. Although the film wrapped principal photography some time ago, it has yet to receive a confirmed release date, making its absence increasingly conspicuous.
Blood Sisters Season 2
Following the breakout success of its first season, Blood Sisters returns with a second instalment that expands one of Netflix Nigeria’s most visible original crime franchises. Created and executive produced by Mo Abudu under EbonyLife Studios, the series is directed by Kenneth Gyang and Tope Oshin, continuing its slick visual language and female-centred crime narrative.
Season One starred Ini Dima-Okojie and Nancy Isime as two friends forced into a violent fugitive life after a wedding-night murder, with Deyemi Okanlawon, Kate Henshaw, Uche Jombo, Danjuma and Genoveva Umeh in key supporting roles. While full plot details for Season Two remain under wraps, the continuation is expected to deepen the show’s exploration of betrayal, power, and female survival within elite Nigerian society. With Netflix backing, proven audience appetite, and a recognisable creative team, Blood Sisters: Season Two remains one of the most anticipated Nollywood series expected to surface in 2026.
Special Mentions
Phoenix Fury
Phoenix Fury is a revenge drama directed by Ifeanyi Azodo that earned festival buzz and critical attention but has not yet seen wide release. Phoenix Fury stars Uzoamaka Power and Richard Mofe-Damijo. Despite strong critical signals, it has yet to receive a wide commercial release.
Headless
A psychological thriller by Michael W. Ndiomu centres on a film producer confronted by the consequences of a buried crime. Its premise and early buzz positioned it as a prestige thriller, making its continued absence noticeable. The ensemble is reported to include Gideon Okeke, Baaj Adebule, Gbubemi Ejeye and Segun Arinze, though public details remain limited.
Why 2026 Matters
Taken together, these films point to a Nollywood industry in transition, more willing to take genre risks, revisit history with seriousness, and invest in long-term franchises.
While not every anticipated title will necessarily land this year, 2026 already feels like a convergence point where ambition, patience, and audience curiosity finally meet. For Nollywood, this is not just a busy year. It is a defining one.
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