McDonagh, Herzog, Fern Films Added to 2026 Toronto Fest

The 2026 Toronto International Film Festival has locked in the final pieces of its lineup, with new projects from Martin McDonagh, Werner Herzog, and actor-director Cody Fern joining the roster. Organizers announced the trio of titles on Tuesday, rounding out a program that already boasted a deep bench of awards-season hopefuls and international auteurs.

McDonagh, the Irish playwright and filmmaker behind In Bruges and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, will bring his latest feature to the festival for its world premiere. Details on the project remain under wraps, but the director’s track record suggests a darkly comic, character-driven drama that will likely generate immediate buzz among distributors and critics alike. His last outing, The Banshees of Inisherin, earned nine Oscar nominations in 2023, so expectations for this new work are understandably high, even with scant information about its plot or cast.

Herzog, the indefatigable German filmmaker known for pushing the boundaries of documentary and narrative cinema alike, will also debut a new work in Toronto. The 83-year-old has remained prolific, alternating between meditative nature documentaries and fiercely eccentric fiction features. While the festival has not disclosed whether his entry is a documentary or a scripted piece, Herzog’s past appearances in Toronto have ranged from the haunting Grizzly Man to the operatic Queen of the Desert, making any new project an event for cinephiles. Given his recent output, which has leaned toward explorations of extreme landscapes and human obsession, the selection is expected to be a conversation-starter.

Cody Fern, best known for his breakout roles in American Horror Story and the House of Cards final season, rounds out the trio with his directorial debut. Fern has been building a behind-the-camera résumé with short films and stage work, and his first feature marks a significant step for the Australian performer. The festival’s decision to slot his film alongside veterans like McDonagh and Herzog signals a vote of confidence in Fern’s voice as a newcomer. His project, which has been described in early industry whispers as a tense psychological study, will likely lean on his theatrical instincts and his ability to coax layered performances from actors.

The additions come as TIFF solidifies its position as the fall’s most influential launchpad, a stop where films often gain momentum for the long awards stretch ahead. This year’s edition, running early September, has already confirmed appearances from a wide array of talent, with the full slate now complete. The festival has increasingly positioned itself as a bridge between prestige cinema and commercial viability, and this final wave of titles fits that mold - McDonagh brings a proven track record of crowd-pleasing wit, Herzog offers uncompromising artistic curiosity, and Fern represents fresh energy and potential.

For industry insiders, the announcement clarifies which titles will dominate festival circuit chatter over the next few months. McDonagh’s film, in particular, is a marquee booking; his previous premieres have drawn packed houses and ignited fierce bidding wars. Herzog’s project, meanwhile, will appeal to the festival’s dedicated art-house audience, who have long championed his singular vision. Fern’s debut, while less established, adds an element of discovery that programmers often cultivate to keep the lineup feeling adventurous beyond the familiar names.

Ticket demand for these screenings is expected to spike immediately, with festival passholders already mapping out their schedules around the high-profile slots. The organizers have not yet confirmed the exact screening dates or venues for the three new additions, but press and industry screenings will precede the public premieres as is standard. Further details, including full cast lists and synopses, are anticipated in the coming weeks as the festival’s program guide goes to print.

Toronto’s 2026 edition arrives at a moment when the industry is still recalibrating after a turbulent few years of strikes, streaming upheaval, and shifting theatrical habits. Festivals have become all the more critical as a testing ground for films that need word-of-mouth momentum. With these three filmmakers now in the fold, TIFF has stacked its program with a blend of established auteurs and fresh blood, ensuring that this year’s event will have no shortage of marquee moments or late-night conversation fodder. Whether any of these titles will follow the path from the Ontario city to the Dolby Theatre come Oscar night remains to be seen, but the festival’s final additions guarantee that the early buzz will start right here.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter