Disney+ Sci-Fi Lineup 2026: A Year of Cosmic Adventures

Science fiction fans have plenty to celebrate in 2026 as Disney+ positions itself as the ultimate destination for genre storytelling. The streaming platform is assembling an ambitious slate that pushes the boundaries of imagination, featuring everything from artificial intelligence dramas to intergalactic odysseys. With Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm leading the charge, this year promises to deliver sophisticated narratives that explore advanced technology, space exploration, and the very essence of humanity itself.

The Dawn of a New Superhero

The year launches with Wonder Man, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, an aspiring actor whose life transforms after undergoing an experimental procedure. This high-tech treatment fundamentally alters his biology at the molecular level, granting him incredible abilities including superhuman strength, blazing speed, and devastating energy projection. The show cleverly blends Hollywood satire with superhero origin storytelling, poking fun at the concept of superhero fatigue while delivering genuine thrills.

What makes this series particularly intriguing is its self-awareness and the reunion it brings. Ben Kingsley returns as Trevor Slattery, the failed actor from previous MCU appearances, joining Simon as they navigate Los Angeles' glittering entertainment industry. The contrast between Simon's struggle to control his newfound powers and the superficiality of Hollywood promises compelling character development wrapped in spectacular action sequences.

Hell's Kitchen Under Surveillance

Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 takes Matt Murdock into a dystopian nightmare where Wilson Fisk, now mayor of New York City, has transformed the metropolis into a high-tech surveillance state. Drones patrol the skies while an Anti-Vigilante Task Force hunts heroes on the ground, forcing Daredevil to adapt his methods to survive in this oppressive new reality.

The season's most exciting development is the return of Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, teaming up with Matt to dismantle Fisk's regime. Matthew Lillard joins as a powerful rival challenging the Kingpin's authority, setting up what promises to be an intense power struggle. The technological elements—from advanced surveillance systems to sophisticated tracking methods—ground the series firmly in science fiction territory while maintaining its noir aesthetic.

A Galaxy Far, Far Away Gets Darker

Lucasfilm Animation expands the Star Wars universe with Maul – Shadow Lord, set just one year after the Clone Wars. Without the backing of the Sith, Darth Maul must rely on his cunning and iconic double-bladed lightsaber to build a criminal empire from scratch. Sam Witwer returns to voice the fan-favorite villain, bringing intensity to this exploration of the galaxy's neon-soaked underworld.

The series ventures into territories rarely explored in Star Wars, focusing on droid gangs and dangerous syndicates on the planet Janix. It's a grittier perspective that examines what happens when a powerful force user operates without allegiance to either the light or dark side, carving out their own path in a galaxy now dominated by the Empire.

Reimagining the Force

Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi returns as a standalone series after its successful short film debut. Production I.G's stunning anime vision presents a far-future galaxy where Jedi are mere legends. The series introduces an innovative concept: lightsabers powered by intelligent, sentient crystals that respond only to those who are truly worthy, reacting to a person's inner spirit.

This fresh take centers on a young woman named Kara who must help restore the Jedi Order in a world that has forgotten them. The longer episode format allows for deeper character development and world-building, creating a visually spectacular experience that feels entirely distinct from traditional Star Wars storytelling.

Mutants Across Time

X-Men '97 Season 2 launches in summer with the team scattered through different time periods following their chaotic first season finale. Some members find themselves in ancient Egypt while others battle in a war-torn future, all while facing the legendary villain Apocalypse. The series evolves into a complex narrative about time travel, requiring the team to use advanced technology to prevent history from being rewritten.

The show honors its '90s roots while introducing new elements, including a teenage Nathan Summers. It's an epic tale about family, survival, and fighting for a future where mutants and humans coexist peacefully, all wrapped in science fiction concepts involving temporal mechanics and advanced biotechnology.

Consciousness and Identity

VisionQuest serves as the trilogy's conclusion following WandaVision and Agatha All Along. Paul Bettany returns as White Vision, embarking on a journey to recover his memories and understand what it means to be human. James Spader's return as the villainous Ultron raises the stakes, while human versions of JARVIS and FRIDAY add complexity to this meditation on artificial intelligence.

The series asks profound questions about identity and consciousness, exploring the legacy of Tony Stark through the lens of the beings he created. By its conclusion, Vision must decide whether to reclaim his heroic past or forge an entirely new identity.

When Ancient Races Return

The Doctor Who spinoff The War Between the Land and the Sea brings a global crisis to screens as humanity faces an invasion from the Sea Devils, an ancient race that inhabited Earth long before humans. Without the Doctor to save the day, UNIT stands as humanity's last defense against total war.

Starring Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, this five-part thriller explores massive underwater battles and political tension as two species fight for dominance. It's a high-stakes examination of what happens when humanity must defend itself against technologically advanced beings who view Earth as rightfully theirs.

A Year to Remember

Disney+ has crafted a 2026 lineup that demonstrates science fiction's versatility as a storytelling medium. From street-level superheroics enhanced by technology to galaxy-spanning adventures and existential questions about consciousness, these series prove that the genre continues to evolve and captivate audiences. Whether exploring artificial intelligence, time travel, or ancient conflicts, these shows promise to deliver the innovation and spectacle that sci-fi fans crave.