Last Updated: February 2026 | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Author: First and Geek Editorial Team
Apple TV continues to strengthen its film offerings with three new projects joining its upcoming lineup. The streaming service has reportedly secured a Lance Armstrong biopic starring Austin Butler, a holiday movie from acclaimed director Hikari, and an adaptation of a bestselling romance novel. These additions signal Apple’s commitment to diversifying its content library across multiple genres.
Lance Armstrong Biopic With Austin Butler
According to industry reports, Apple Original Films has won the rights to produce an untitled Lance Armstrong biopic. The project will feature Austin Butler in the lead role as the controversial cyclist, marking the first time Armstrong has signed off on his life rights for a film adaptation.
Director Edward Berger, known for his work on Conclave, will helm the project. The film is reportedly designed to capture both the highs and lows of Armstrong’s career and personal life, with comparisons being drawn to films like F1: The Movie, Raging Bull, and The Wolf of Wall Street in terms of tone and scope.
Butler previously appeared in Apple TV’s World War II drama Masters of the Air, so his return to the platform represents a continued partnership between the actor and the streaming service. The biopic is expected to provide a comprehensive look at Armstrong’s journey, including the doping scandal that ultimately tarnished his legacy.
Holiday Film Foster the Snowman
Apple TV appears to be establishing a tradition of releasing holiday-themed movies annually. The next entry in this lineup will be Foster the Snowman, which has reportedly secured director Hikari, who recently received acclaim for Rental Family.
The film’s concept was acquired by Apple in 2025, but with a director now attached, the project is moving forward into production. Foster the Snowman is described as a high-concept Christmas movie combining elements similar to Paddington, Elf, and It’s A Wonderful Life.
The story follows a childless couple who must adopt a magical snowman. The twist is that they experience an accelerated journey through every parenting milestone as the snowman’s entire life plays out over just 72 hours. This premise offers both comedic potential and emotional depth, fitting well with Apple’s approach to family-friendly content.
Romance Novel Adaptation Once and Again
Apple has also reportedly acquired the film rights to Once and Again, an upcoming romance novel from bestselling author Rebecca Serle. Serle has written several popular titles including In Five Years, One Italian Summer, and The Dinner List, establishing herself as a prominent voice in contemporary romance fiction.
The story centers on Lauren Novak, a Malibu native who returns to her coastal hometown during a difficult period in her marriage. While there, she discovers a closely guarded family secret: the women in her family possess the ability to turn back time, but only once. The concept has been compared to The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Lake House, suggesting a blend of romance with speculative elements.
The source novel is scheduled for release in hardcover on March 10, 2026. By securing the adaptation rights, Apple is positioning itself to attract fans of both the book and the romance genre more broadly.
Apple’s Expanding Film Strategy
These three projects represent different approaches to content creation for Apple TV. The Lance Armstrong biopic offers prestige and real-world drama, Foster the Snowman targets family audiences during the holiday season, and Once and Again appeals to romance fans looking for heartfelt storytelling.
Apple TV has been steadily building its film library with a mix of original productions and acquired content. The service costs $12.99 per month as a standalone subscription, or can be included as part of an Apple One bundle alongside other Apple services.
While specific production timelines and release dates for these films have not been announced, the attachment of notable directors and talent suggests Apple is taking a quality-first approach to these projects. Each film will likely receive significant promotional support when release dates are eventually confirmed.
FAQ
Q: When will these movies be available on Apple TV?
A: Specific release dates have not been announced for any of these three films. With directors now attached to the projects, they will move into production, but the timeline from production to release can vary significantly depending on filming schedules, post-production needs, and strategic release planning.
Q: Do I need an Apple TV device to watch these movies?
A: No, you do not need an Apple TV device. The Apple TV streaming service is available on many platforms including smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and web browsers. You only need an Apple TV+ subscription to access the content.
Q: Will Foster the Snowman be available for the 2026 holiday season?
A: While the film is being developed as a holiday project, there has been no confirmation about whether it will be ready for the 2026 holiday season or a later year. Production schedules and post-production timelines will determine the actual release window.
First and Geek Verdict
Apple TV’s latest film acquisitions demonstrate a thoughtful approach to building a diverse content library. The Lance Armstrong biopic brings serious drama and prestige talent, Foster the Snowman aims to establish a holiday tradition, and Once and Again taps into the romance genre that streaming audiences have embraced. Each project targets different viewer demographics, which is exactly what a maturing streaming service needs to do. While we will need to wait for production details and release dates, these additions suggest Apple is playing the long game with its film strategy, prioritizing quality partnerships and varied storytelling over simply flooding the platform with content. For subscribers, this means more reasons to keep that monthly subscription active throughout the year.
