The 2026 Movie Auction

Key Takeaways

Sean Fennessey, Amanda Dobbins, and Chris Ryan conducted their annual movie auction for 2026 films.
The auction featured a $1,000 budget per participant, with rules requiring specific box office, Oscar nominations, and Metacritic scores.
Discussion included reviewing previous year's auction picks and strategizing for franchise films versus original releases.
Notable films auctioned for 2026 included "The Odyssey," "Dune: Part Three," "Wuthering Heights," and "Disclosure Day."
Sean Fennessey acquired "The Odyssey" for $926, Amanda Dobbins secured "Dune 3" for $775, and Chris Ryan won "Disclosure Day" for $72.

The auction rules included a $1,000 budget per participant for films released in the current year.
Participants needed at least two films grossing $100 million domestically, one with two Oscar nominations, and one with an 85 Metacritic score.
A limit of two sequels per participant was enforced, leading to debate over its interpretation.

One participant reviewed their 2026 movie slate, including "Mission Impossible Final Reckoning" and "28 Years Later," detailing costs and initial scores.
"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" noted low box office and Metacritic scores.
Sean Fennessey's picks included "Eddington" (65 Metacritic, $10M box office) and "Superman" ($62, crossed $100M).

At an interim check, Amanda Dobbins had 3 points (potential 4), Chris Ryan had 8 points (potential 9), and Sean Fennessey led with 10 points (potential 11).
Sean humorously considered himself disqualified for cheating.
The prize for winning the auction included a playful mention of re-entry into the PGA tour.

The film "The Odyssey" was the first item auctioned, with bids starting at $100 and quickly escalating.
Participants debated its anticipated appeal, star power (including Matt Damon's advocacy), and potential to be the "movie of the year."
Bids reached $700, reflecting its July 17th release and epic scope.

Emerald Fennell's adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" began with a $1 bid, escalating to $50.
Inspirations for the film included "A Matter of Life and Death" and "Bram Stoker's Dracula."
Discussion centered on the script's importance, potential actors, and the film's "racy or sexy" elements.

Bidding for "Dune: Part Three" reached $350, with participants considering its potential for high box office performance and Oscar prospects.
The film's appeal was compared to "The Odyssey," noting "Dune's" established success with two prior films and its stars' increasing fame.
Potential release date shifts to October were also discussed due to IMAX competition.

"Toy Story 5" was acquired for $1, marking the end of a segment.
The hosts humorously suggested an iPad voiced by Greta Lee as a potential villain.
The film was cited as an example of a consistently good franchise, contrasting with "28 Months Later," and received high praise from Quentin Tarantino for "Toy Story 3."

Bidding for "The Adventures of Cliff Booth on Netflix" started at $1 and quickly reached $76.
Participants speculated about its potential release window (summer or fall), director David Fincher's involvement, and VFX needs.
The film might premiere at the Venice Film Festival, leveraging Netflix's past participation there.

The bidding for "The Odyssey" surpassed $787, with participants concerned about overpaying and its strategic implications for future selections.
One host identified as an "editor and strategist" regarding their auction approach.
Christopher Nolan's description of Odysseus as "strategist and wily" was referenced, linking to the film's themes.

Greta Gerwig's "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew," a prequel about Narnia's creation, was secured for $18.
Casting details included Daniel Craig and Emma Mackey.
Participants clarified auction rules regarding prequels and adaptations, particularly after one expressed surprise about a "multiverse" association with Narnia.

Potential 2026 movie picks included "Paper Tiger" (David Harbour, Scarlett Johansson, directed by James Gray), "Rebel Ridge," "Digger" (Tom Cruise), and "Flowervale Street."
Discussions centered on release dates and performer star power.
One host considered "Mandalorian and Grogu" but noted its potential expiration before the next auction.

Participants considered "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" for $19 as their last sequel, adhering to auction rules.
Other potential picks included "Masters of the Universe" (Travis Knight, Idris Elba, Allison Bree, Noah Centineo), with skepticism about Jared Leto's casting as Skeletor.
One host took a risk on Joel Coen's "Jack of Spades," described as an Apple film and a 19th-century Scottish mystery.