If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how Paul Rudd stays exactly the same age while the rest of us just... don't, you aren't alone. It’s a mystery. But what’s even more interesting right now is his 2026 schedule. Honestly, the guy is everywhere. We aren't just talking about a quick cameo or a voiceover for a cartoon gecko.
The new Paul Rudd movie hype is real. For 2026, the biggest thing on the horizon is definitely Power Ballad. People are calling it a "musical comedy," which feels right for Rudd. He’s starring alongside Nick Jonas. Imagine that duo. It’s a story about a wedding singer and a rock star, and the vibes are reportedly very "heartfelt but chaotic."
Why Power Ballad Is the New Paul Rudd Movie to Watch
Most people think of Rudd as either the "slacker with a heart of gold" or the guy who shrinks. Power Ballad is different. Directed by John Carney—the guy who did Once and Sing Street—this one has some actual musical weight to it.
It’s about an unlikely duo. A wedding singer (Rudd) and a rock star (Jonas) end up clashing and then, well, collaborating. It’s filming in Ireland, and the set photos already look like a fever dream of flannel and guitars.
The Avengers Connection
Then there’s the elephant in the room. Or rather, the guy who turns into an elephant-sized man.
Avengers: Doomsday is slated for May 1, 2026. This is huge.
💡 You might also like: Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me to Sleep: The Dark Folklore of a Viral Lullaby
Rudd confirmed he’s back as Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man. He was pretty tight-lipped about it on The Tonight Show recently. He basically said, "It’s exciting," and then gave the most "Paul Rudd" non-answer possible to avoid Marvel’s spoiler snipers.
With Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom, the stakes for the Ant-Man character feel weirdly high. Is he going to be the comic relief? Or is he going to be the guy who actually figures out how to stop a multiversal threat again?
What’s Already Out (And What You Missed)
You might have missed a few things in the 2025 shuffle. If you haven't seen Death of a Unicorn, go find it. It’s an A24 flick. It stars Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father-daughter duo who—surprise—accidentally hit a unicorn with their car.
It’s dark. It’s weird. It’s exactly the kind of "one for them, one for me" project Rudd loves to do between blockbusters.
Then there’s Anaconda. No, not a remake of the 90s classic with J-Lo. It’s a meta-comedy with Jack Black. They play filmmakers who get stuck in the jungle. It’s basically Tropic Thunder meets Be Kind Rewind. Critics have been calling it "lightweight fun," which is code for "it’s a great Friday night movie."
📖 Related: Kate Moss Family Guy: What Most People Get Wrong About That Cutaway
The Friendship Factor
Don't sleep on Friendship. This is the one where Rudd stars with Tim Robinson from I Think You Should Leave.
- It’s about a suburban dad (Rudd) who becomes obsessed with his cool neighbor.
- It premiered at TIFF and got rave reviews for being incredibly awkward.
- It proves Rudd still has the best "uncomfortable comedy" timing in the business.
The Ghostbusters Question
Is there a new Paul Rudd movie in the Ghostbusters franchise for 2026?
The short answer: Maybe.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire did well enough that Sony is definitely looking at a sequel. There are rumors of a "Final Haunting" project. While nothing is set in stone for a 2026 release, the cast—including Mckenna Grace and Rudd—has expressed interest in returning.
Rudd’s character, Gary Grooberson, has become the de facto "new era" face of the franchise. It would be shocking if they didn't bring him back for a third round.
👉 See also: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
The Rudd Formula for 2026
Rudd is 56. Or he’s 200. No one knows.
But his career trajectory in 2026 shows he’s doubling down on variety. You have the massive MCU paycheck with Avengers: Doomsday. You have the quirky indie cred with A24. And you have the musical comedy experiment with Power Ballad.
It’s a smart play.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Mark May 1, 2026: That’s the Avengers: Doomsday release date. Expect the marketing blitz to start late 2025.
- Watch Death of a Unicorn first: If you want to understand the "new" Paul Rudd, this A24 film is the bridge between his old comedy and his weird new phase.
- Ireland Trip? If you’re a superfan, Power Ballad was filmed around Dublin and Wicklow. The scenery alone is going to make that movie worth a watch.
- Check Streaming for Anaconda: It’s hitting digital platforms soon, and it’s the perfect palate cleanser after all the serious Marvel drama.
The man isn't slowing down. If anything, he’s getting weirder with his choices, and that’s usually when we get the best version of Paul Rudd. Keep an eye on the Power Ballad soundtrack; word is he actually did some of his own singing for the role.