Andy Samberg is finally leaning into the "action" part of action-comedy, and honestly, it’s about time. If you’ve been tracking his career since the Brooklyn Nine-Nine days, you know he can handle a prop gun and a punchline, but his upcoming slate for 2026 is taking things to a weird, high-budget level that feels very different from his SNL digital short origins.
The big one? A little-known Netflix project called Protecting Jared.
It’s a two-hander. It’s got a massive budget. And it pairs the king of goofy subversion with... Jason Momoa. Yeah, Aquaman and Jake Peralta are officially a team.
What is the New Movie With Andy Samberg Actually About?
Basically, we're looking at a classic "odd couple" setup but with a tech-bro twist. In Protecting Jared, Samberg plays Jared Bachman. He’s not a hero. In fact, he’s a "despised tech billionaire." Think of every irritating Silicon Valley archetype rolled into one person, then give him Samberg's specific brand of frantic energy.
The plot kicks off when a kidnapping scheme goes sideways in Hawaii.
Jason Momoa plays William Ikaika, a local security guard who basically has the worst day at work in human history because he’s forced to protect this billionaire that everyone—including probably William himself—hates.
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It’s being directed by Ruben Fleischer. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he did Zombieland and Venom. He knows how to balance "guy getting hit in the face" with "guy saying something funny."
Production is Hitting the Ground Now
If you’re looking for a release date, don't hold your breath for next month. Filming is reportedly scheduled to start in Oahu, Hawaii, on February 17, 2026. They’re expected to wrap around late April.
Because it’s a Netflix production, the turnaround could be fast, but with the level of post-production an action-comedy usually needs, we are likely looking at a late 2026 or early 2027 release.
The Roses and Samberg's Satirical Shift
Before we get to the Hawaii chaos, we have to talk about what Samberg just finished. He recently appeared in The Roses, which hit theaters in late 2025.
It’s a reimagining of The War of the Roses, that 80s movie where a couple basically tries to kill each other over a house. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman as the central couple, but Samberg plays Barry, a divorce lawyer who is caught in the middle of their psychological warfare.
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He's also sharing scenes with Kate McKinnon. Seeing those two SNL titans play "serious" supporting roles in a dark satire is a trip. It’s a reminder that Samberg isn't just the "I'm on a Boat" guy anymore.
Why 42.6 Years is the True Spiritual Successor to Palm Springs
If you loved Palm Springs, you’re probably looking for that next high-concept romance. That’s where 42.6 Years comes in.
The premise is pure Samberg:
- A young man undergoes an experimental lifesaving procedure.
- He is cryogenically frozen.
- He wakes up 42.6 years later.
- He hasn't aged a day, but the world—and his girlfriend—definitely has.
Jean Smart is set to play the older version of the girlfriend. It’s being directed by Craig Gillespie, the guy behind I, Tonya and Cruella. This isn't just a wacky comedy; it's looking to be a bit of a "tear-jerker" about the passage of time and the awkwardness of waking up in a future where your favorite snacks don't exist anymore and your partner is eligible for AARP.
Is Palm Springs 2 Actually Happening?
People keep asking. Honestly, the rumors are everywhere, but the facts are a bit thinner.
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Both Samberg and Cristin Milioti have said they’ve "talked about it" on set. They even joked about doing a Before Sunrise style thing where they revisit the characters every ten years. But as of January 2026, there is no official greenlight for a sequel.
The first one ended so perfectly that a sequel feels risky. Nyles and Sarah are out of the loop. Or are they? The ambiguity is what made it work. For now, Protecting Jared is the actual priority on the production calendar.
What to Watch While You Wait
Since the new movie with Andy Samberg is still in the "expensive people in Hawaii" phase of production, you’ve got time to catch up on his recent voice work.
He’s returning as Ben Reilly (Scarlet Spider) in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, which is deep in production. He also voiced Pawbert Lynxley in Zootopia 2, which just recently made its rounds.
Then there’s Digman!. Season 2 hit Comedy Central after a long wait, and it’s Samberg at his most unhinged. He co-created it, and if you like his Nicolas Cage impression, it’s basically 22 minutes of that every week.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Track Netflix's Q3 2026 Slate: Keep an eye on "Protecting Jared" updates; if the February 2026 filming schedule holds, the first teaser should drop by October.
- Watch The Roses: If you missed the theatrical run, it’s hitting VOD services now. It's a great look at Samberg's "divorce lawyer" era.
- Check out 42.6 Years news: This project has been in development for a while, but with Craig Gillespie attached, production milestones should be appearing in trade publications like Deadline by mid-year.
The era of Samberg as a purely "slapstick" lead is fading. He's moving into this space where he plays the straight man to chaos (with Momoa) or the tragic victim of time (in 42.6 Years). It’s a smart move. He’s keeping the humor, but he’s adding a layer of "wait, this guy can actually act" that started with Lee and is carrying through his 2026 projects.
Summary of Upcoming Andy Samberg Film Roles
| Project | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Protecting Jared | Jared Bachman (Tech Billionaire) | Filming February 2026 |
| 42.6 Years | Young Man (Cryogenically Frozen) | In Development |
| The Roses | Barry (Divorce Lawyer) | Released (Late 2025) |
| Beyond the Spider-Verse | Ben Reilly / Scarlet Spider (Voice) | In Production |