Netflix’s 2026 Slate: Alan Ritchson Leads ‘War Machine’ and More Australian & Novel Zealand Productions

Netflix has unveiled its robust 2026 content slate for Australia and New Zealand, featuring a mix of high-profile international productions and locally-made series and films. Among the highlights is “War Machine,” an action sci-fi feature starring Alan Ritchson, filmed across several locations in Victoria, Australia. The slate, the first overseen by newly appointed content director Amanda Duthie, represents a significant investment in the region’s screen industries.

‘War Machine’ Gears Up for Release

Alan Ritchson takes the lead in “War Machine,” directed by Patrick Hughes (“The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” “The Expendables 3”). The film, set during the final 24 hours of an elite U.S. Army Ranger selection program, follows a team encountering a threat beyond their imagination. Filming took place in Bright, Myrtleford, Melbourne, and Docklands Studios in Victoria, Australia. Joining Ritchson are Dennis Quaid, Stephan James, Jai Courtney, Esai Morales, Blake Richardson, Keiynan Lonsdale, and Daniel Webber. “War Machine” is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on March 6, 2026.

Other Key Productions in the Slate

Beyond “War Machine,” Netflix’s 2026 lineup includes several other notable projects:

• “Apex”: Starring Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, and Eric Bana, this action thriller directed by Baltasar Kormákur was filmed in the Blue Mountains and Canberra and is set for release on April 24, 2026.
• “East of Eden”: A contemporary reimagining of John Steinbeck’s classic novel, filmed in New Zealand and starring Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott, and Mike Faist.
• “Heartbreak High”: The third and final season of this popular series will premiere on March 25, 2026.
• “My Brilliant Career”: An adaptation of Miles Franklin’s iconic novel, filmed in Adelaide and starring Philippa Northeast.
• “Allen”: A film from Ludo Studio (creators of “Bluey”), starring T.J. Power and filmed in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
• “Breakers”: The first Netflix series filmed in Western Australia, starring Antony Starr and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.
• “The Mosquito Bowl”: A World War II drama directed by Peter Berg and filmed in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, starring Nicholas Galitzine and Bill Skarsgård.
• “The Golden Ticket”: A competition series filmed on the Gold Coast.
• “Stranger Things: Tales From ’85”: Produced by Sydney-based Flying Bark Productions.
• “Steps”: A Cinderella reimagining from Netflix Animation Studios, produced in Sydney with voice operate from Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu.

Investment in Local Screen Industries

Netflix has invested over AU$10 million ($7 million USD) since 2021 in building capacity within the Australian and New Zealand screen industries, focusing on paid placements, training, and development initiatives for emerging and underrepresented practitioners. Amanda Duthie emphasized the importance of local stories, stating, Throughout my career, I’ve seen that local stories resonate most powerfully when they’re deeply specific, true to a character, a community or a moment in time. This 2026 slate brings together stories that differ widely in tone, scale and ambition, from every corner of the region.