J.J. Abrams’ upcoming fantasy adventure The Great Beyond is slated to hit theaters later this year. So far, Warner Bros. has kept most details about the film’s story tightly under wraps.
We know it stars Glen Powell, Jenna Ortega, Emma Mackey, and Samuel L. Jackson, but their roles and the plot specifics have yet to be officially revealed.
A new report from insider Daniel Richtman, however, offers a clearer picture of what to expect. According to Richtman, the story centers on an author (Samuel L. Jackson) of wildly popular fantasy novels who reveals that the mythical realm he created is actually real. He then sends the film’s lead character (Glen Powell) on an unexpected quest into that very world.
Powell reportedly plays Joe, described as “a cowardly underachiever who peaked in high school and never quite moved forward in life.” Thrust into an adventure he never asked for, Joe is forced to confront his fears and grow into the hero he never believed he could become.
Jenna Ortega’s character is said to be a “nerdy, book-smart mentor” who helps guide Joe through the dangers ahead, while Emma Mackey plays the “cool, capable, and charismatic hero” within the fantasy realm.
Jackson’s character, Fox, is the eccentric author whose stories may be far more real than anyone ever imagined.
The Great Beyond is currently in post-production and slated to release on November 13, 2026. In addition to writing the script, Abrams is also directing the movie while co-producing via his Bad Robot banner.
Despite knowing little about the movie officially, there's great anticipationg surrounding it as this paroject marks Abrams' first directorial feature since Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. It's also his first widely marketed original movie in many years.
Of course, Abrams isn't the only big name attached to the project. Powell is one of Hollywood's biggest stars right now, coming off The Running Man and Twisters. He also created and starred in the Hulu sports comedy Chad Powers.
Ortega has experienced a similar surge in popularity thanks to her breakout role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix's hit series. She's also recently starred in the dark fantasy comedy-horror Death of a Unicorn as well as the psychological thriller Hurry Up Tomorrow.
Jackson likely needs no introduction, as one of Hollywood's most prolific actors. He has appeared in hundreds of films and television projects, from his iconic role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction.
With a cast like this, it's easy to understand why so many are excited for The Great Beyond.