Focus Features is bringing back its immersive fan event, FocusFest, for a second year on October 10, 2026, at the Universal Studios Lot. The studio has confirmed that Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles will attend an early advance screening of director Georgia Oakley’s new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. The actresses play sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood in the film, which arrives in theaters later this year.
What FocusFest 2026 Will Include
FocusFest is a one-day event designed to celebrate Focus Features films both old and new. The event will feature a full schedule of screenings, special guests, and immersive fan experiences. Television host Justin Sylvester will serve as the event’s host.
Beyond the Sense and Sensibility screening, the event will offer themed food and beverage options, exclusive merchandise, and interactive activations tied to the studio’s film library. Tickets are available through the Focus Features website. Members of the studio’s free Focus Insiders program received early access to purchase tickets before the general public.
Sense and Sensibility Cast and Screening Details
The new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Elinor Dashwood and Esmé Creed-Miles as her younger sister, Marianne. The story follows the two sisters as they navigate love, heartbreak, and financial hardship in 19th-century England. Georgia Oakley, known for directing the 2022 film Blue Jean, directs the project from a screenplay adapted by Diana Reid.
The supporting cast includes Caitríona Balfe as Mrs. Dashwood, George MacKay as Edward Ferrars, Frank Dillane as John Willoughby, Herbert Nordrum as Colonel Brandon, Bodhi Rae Breathnach as Margaret Dashwood, and Fiona Shaw as Mrs. Jennings.
The film is a production from Focus Features and Working Title. It was initially scheduled for a September 2026 release but was moved to October 16, 2026 in the United States, with a September 25, 2026 release planned for the United Kingdom. The official trailer for the film was released on June 25, 2026.
Elsinore Brings Andrew Scott to FocusFest
FocusFest will also host an early advance screening of Elsinore, a new film from director Simon Stone. The film stars Andrew Scott as Ian Charleson, a real-life actor who faced immense challenges while preparing to perform Hamlet at the National Theatre in London.
Elsinore is based on the life of Ian Charleson, written by Stephen Beresford. The film also stars Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, and Johnny Flynn. It is set to open the 70th BFI London Film Festival on October 7, 2026, and will receive a limited theatrical release on November 20, 2026, before expanding to more theaters over the Thanksgiving holiday and into December.
Classic Films Returning to the Big Screen
FocusFest will also screen several beloved films from the Focus Features library. Joe Wright’s 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice and Autumn de Wilde’s 2020 film Emma will be shown for fans of classic romance. Alexander Payne’s 2023 film The Holdovers will also screen.
For audiences interested in darker fare, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu and Curry Barker’s Obsession are part of the lineup. Obsession was screened at the first FocusFest event and has since become Focus Features’ highest-grossing film of all time.
Focus Features 2026 Release Slate
The studio’s 2026 slate includes several major titles. Curry Barker’s Obsession has already been released and has become a major hit for the studio. Robert Eggers’ Werwulf, his third collaboration with Focus Features, is set for a Christmas Day release. Paul Greengrass’s The Uprising is also on the schedule.
Anthony Maras’s Pressure is another title on the 2026 slate. The studio also has Georgia Oakley’s Sense and Sensibility and Simon Stone’s Elsinore positioned as major awards-season contenders.
Focus Features operates as a subsidiary of NBCUniversal.
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How to Get Tickets for FocusFest 2026
Tickets for FocusFest are available for purchase through the Focus Features website. Focus Insiders members received early access to buy tickets before the general public. Joining the Focus Insiders program is free and provides access to insider-only events, giveaways, advance screenings, and other benefits.
The event takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles.
Also Read: Mark Harmon Shares How a Simple Phone Call to Jack Webb at Universal Gave Him His First Acting Break
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