SXSW just unveiled a second wave of programming that adds 54 projects to an already crowded 2026 slate. The additions bring the festival’s feature count to 107, with an emphasis on high-profile world premieres and the return of a cult-favorite HBO comedy.

Headlining the new additions is Vicky Jewson’s action-thriller Pretty Lethal. The UK production, which features a buzzy ensemble cast including Uma Thurman, Iris Apatow, and Lana Condor, follows five ballerinas whose survival skills are put to the test at a sinister roadside inn. The film is set for its world premiere in the festival’s Headliner section.

Other notable narrative highlights at SXSW include:

Normal: A small-town firefight from director Ben Wheatley and John Wick creator Derek Kolstad, starring Bob Odenkirk and Henry Winkler.

Kill Me: A darkly comedic mystery featuring Charlie Day, Allison Williams, and Giancarlo Esposito.

The Saviors: A tension-filled thriller starring Adam Scott and Danielle Deadwyler.

On the small screen, Austin will host the long-awaited return of Lisa Kudrow in HBO’s The Comeback Season 3. Twenty years after Lisa Kudrow’s Valerie Cherish first graced screens, the meta-comedy returns for its final bow. 

SXSW Documentary and Genre Highlights

The festival’s documentary spotlight is equally star-studded. Emmett Malloy’s Jack Johnson: SURFILMUSIC and Amy Scott’s Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool offer intimate looks at musical icons, while the Leonardo DiCaprio produced Serling provides a look into The Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling.

International flair is also high on the SXSW agenda. Brazil’s Beast Race (Corrida dos Bichos), directed by Fernando Meirelles and others, brings a dystopian class-struggle narrative to Austin, while Ireland’s Damian McCarthy returns with the supernatural horror Hokum, starring Adam Scott.

By the Numbers: SXSW 2026

107 Features total (up from the initial announcement)

82 World Premieres

12 TV Projects, including the documentary series They Called Us Outlaws

31 XR Experience projects, featuring 17 in competition

The 33rd edition of the SXSW Film & TV festival runs March 12–18.