The Hammer Preview of 2026
We recently looked back on the year gone by, reflecting on the highlights and uniqueness of 2025 for Hammer. And so, as the festive season becomes a distant memory, and the New Year already starts to feel more like a newish year, it’s time to banish the January blues by turning our attention to the future and finding out what Hammer has planned for 2026.
We caught up with our man in the know, Hammer’s Steve Rogers, and discussed what lies ahead for the Limited Collector’s Edition Range, Hammer Presents and much more, including future releases, new merch and the return of a stone cold classic…
Hammer News: Let’s start at an obvious but important place. Can you share anything about what we have to look forward to in terms of the Limited Collector’s Edition range?
Steve Rogers: We’ve already announced both Stolen Face and Spaceways and The Man Who Could Cheat Death and Dracula have also been previously mentioned. Everything beyond that is currently being worked on so it would be remiss of me to comment, but it’s the same mix of rarities and classics that proved so popular last year, so there’s lots for fans and collectors to enjoy.
Spaceways: Alan Wheatley watches on as a guard makes a note of all the Hammer releases currently scheduled for 2026.
HN: Wait a second! Hold the bat-phone! Did you say Dracula (1958) is being released? Full disclosure – I missed that. But it’s fantastic news, obviously, and genuinely exciting! When is that happening, and can you give us a sneaky inking about the material what will accompany the title?
SR: At the West End premiere for The Curse of Frankenstein last October, John Gore introduced the film and announced that Dracula would follow in 2026. We’re excited to confirm that, and more information will follow.
HN: I could turn this into a Dracula conversation, but I’m guessing more info will be released as and when. So, let’s turn to a new range… You spoke to us before Christmas about Hammer Presents, just as the initiative was unveiled. How’s it going? And can you give us any more specifics about how it will unfold in the months ahead? Titles that you have up your sleeve..?
SR: The feedback has been incredibly positive. Fans are very happy that we’re giving the same attention to other British horror films that we are to our own Hammer restorations, which is very gratifying. Obviously Cry of the Banshee has been already announced and the limited edition of that is selling very quickly indeed – and I’ve already mentioned The Corpse/Crucible of Horror, which is certainly a viewing experience and quite possibly Michael Gough’s finest performance. Anything beyond that is still TBC but what I can say is that there are some rarely-seen films in there and the opportunity to give them a polish and present them to a new viewing audience is both a privilege and a pleasure.
Stephan Chase (Sean Whitman in Cry of the Banshee) expresses his delight about the new Hammer Presents range.
HN: Is there anything you learnt in 2025 that will impact on how you and the team move forward in 2026? Either in general, or in terms of specific projects?
SR: That the fans and collectors love context – the wider the better – and really enjoy hearing different perspectives from different voices. Obviously this is something we’ve been working on steadily for the last year but it’s a touchstone that we’re keeping to the front of everything we do going forward.
HN: Hammer recently got involved in cinema screenings and a number of public events, like Comic Con London and the Festival of Fantastic Films Manchester. Any news on this side of things for the New Year?
SR: Fans were overjoyed last year to see Hammer back in cinemas again and occupying key positions at film festivals and conventions. While I can’t divulge any specifics as they’re kept under wraps, I can share that Hammer will continue putting on and attending events this year, with some very exciting things in the works. So keep an eye on our socials and subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date.
Anton Diffring has a quick livener (quite literally) in The Man Who Could Cheat Death.
HN: Thanks, and we’ll put a link in below for the newsletter subscription. Just a couple or so more questions for you, if that’s okay, and please forgive the broadness of this first one. What else is happening at Hammer in 2026? I’m meaning in terms of stuff that will be fan-facing.
SR: There will obviously be more home video content and new posters and such – there is more besides but it’s too soon to mention at the moment. You can take it as read, though, that if you’re a fan of Hammer and British horror then you won’t be disappointed – and there'll be a special announcement on something cool next week, so stay tuned, folks!
HN: By the way, workwise (of course!) what are you most looking forward to in 2026?
SR: If I said anything other than Dracula I’d be lying!
Dracula will be rising from the grave later this year.
HN: And I almost forgot, have you made any Hammer-related New Year’s resolutions?
SR: Yes. Not to go near Castle Dracula after dark. No good will ever come of it.
HN: Ha! Wise words! Last question! As we look forward to everything that 2026 will bring, do you have a message for fans of Hammer, and indeed anyone who’s been enjoying your releases?
SR: Thank you for embracing and supporting the rarities alongside the classics – and for really getting behind the Hammer Presents range. You’re going to love what we’re bringing you in 2026.
Many thanks to Steve for taking the time to answer our questions about what’s in store. And as we move ever deeper into this New Year, don’t forget you can always stay up-to-date with what’s happening with Hammer by signing up to receive the regular newsletter, and if you missed the feature we mentioned above that reflected on the previous twelve months, you can catch it now at Hammer Festive Faves, and Looking Back on 2025.
