Test (2026 film)

Christopher Nolan announced his next project in early 2025, with Universal Pictures confirming a July 2026 release date. The film was shot in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Iceland, using IMAX cameras.¹ Nolan collaborated with frequent cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema and composer Ludwig Göransson.

The cast includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Downey Jr., marking a reunion of several actors from Nolan's previous films. The plot is kept under wraps, but reports suggest it involves a group of scientists testing a device that can alter human perception of time.

Nolan's film is expected to explore themes of memory, identity, and the nature of reality, similar to his earlier works like Inception and Tenet. The film is shot in IMAX and will feature practical effects, with minimal CGI, as is Nolan's signature.¹ The score, composed by Göransson, is said to incorporate electronic and orchestral elements.

Universal Pictures has launched a teaser campaign, releasing cryptic posters and a short teaser trailer in late 2025. The film is scheduled for a wide release on July 17, 2026, in IMAX and standard formats. Early buzz suggests it will be a major awards contender.

Nolan reportedly wrote the script in 2023, and the film's working title was Time Test.¹ The production used a custom-built time-manipulation device that was physically constructed for the film. Several scenes were shot in Iceland's volcanic landscapes, which Nolan chose for their otherworldly appearance. Additionally, the film features a cameo by physicist Kip Thorne, who previously consulted on Interstellar.

IMAX

A large-format film system known for high-resolution cameras and screens.

Practical effects

Physical effects created on set, as opposed to computer-generated imagery.