Amazon continues to take big swings with IS GOD IS this weekend; Bond on the horizon

Amazon MGM is heading into another big weekend as the studio hopes newcomer Alesha Harris’ IS GOD IS becomes the latest success in what has quietly become one of the strongest years any studio has had in 2026.

So far, Amazon MGM has scored with the critically acclaimed CRIME 101, the box office breakout PROJECT HAIL MARY, and last weekend’s surprise family hit THE SHEEP DETECTIVES. The company is also gearing up for its first major AAA video game, 007: First Light, marking the first new James Bond game in more than a decade, which is currently one of the most pre-ordered titles on digital storefronts even pacing ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6. 

Now the spotlight turns to IS GOD IS, Harris’ adaptation of her acclaimed 2016 stage play. After preview screenings on May 11, the film officially opens Friday, May 15.

The movie stars Kara Young and Mallori Johnson as scarred sisters sent on a violent mission by their bedridden mother, played by Vivica A. Fox, to track down and kill their abusive father — known only as “The Monster” — portrayed by Sterling K. Brown. Blending revenge thriller, dark comedy and western influences, the film follows the sisters as they search for justice, redemption and identity.

Amazon MGM’s momentum continues next month with MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, the long-awaited live-action adaptation of the classic He-Man franchise. Whether it becomes a blockbuster remains to be seen, but the studio’s strategy has never relied entirely on theatrical grosses. Like most streaming-era studios, Amazon MGM views theatrical releases as both content and marketing — films that drive Prime Video subscriptions while also fueling merchandising and franchise growth.

Another major release generating early buzz is October’s VERITY, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling thriller novel. The Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson-led adaptation reportedly made a strong impression at CinemaCon and appears to lean much darker than recent Hoover adaptations like REMINDERS OF HIM and REGRETTING YOU.

Then comes November, when the studio rolls out two of its biggest prestige plays of the year.

First is I PLAY ROCKY, director Peter Farrelly’s drama about a young Sylvester Stallone struggling to break into Hollywood before creating and starring in ROCKY. Anthony Ippolito stars as Stallone after earning attention for his performance as Al Pacino in Paramount’s THE OFFER.

That same month brings MADDEN, directed by David O. Russell and starring Nicolas Cage as legendary football coach and broadcaster John Madden. The film also features Christian Bale, John Mulaney, Shane Gillis and Kathryn Hahn, and is expected to explore both Madden’s football legacy and his connection to the iconic video game franchise bearing his name.

All of this could position Amazon MGM as a serious awards contender heading into the 2027 Oscars. PROJECT HAIL MARY, released just one week after the 2026 Academy Awards, is already generating early awards conversation for Ryan Gosling and the film’s technical achievements.

Still, even this packed slate may simply be setting the stage for Amazon’s biggest gamble yet.

The studio is preparing to reboot James Bond for a new generation, with Denis Villeneuve expected to direct the untitled next installment following the completion of DUNE 3. The film will mark the first Bond movie since Daniel Craig’s departure in 2021 — and easily the most important franchise launch in Amazon MGM’s history.