Josh Duhamel Enters an All-Out War for the Perfect Preschool in First Look [Exclusive]

4 days ago 8

Published Feb 23, 2026, 6:00 PM EST

Britta DeVore is a Senior Author for Collider who has been known to dabble with Reality News as well.

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Those of us of a certain age will remember going to preschool in community centers and church basements with a multitude of our peers, quickly outnumbering the educators and caretakers tasked with keeping us in line and preparing us for kindergarten. Flash-forward a few decades, and the push to get toddlers into a highly regarded early education program has become an all-out knock-down, drag-out fight where it’s all about how much money you make and who you know. Perhaps that’s why Josh Duhamel chose Richard D’Ovidio’s screenplay for his latest foray into filmmaking, because the heart of Preschool rings incredibly true in the world we’re living in. Today, as part of Collider’s Exclusive Spring Preview event, we’re excited to unveil a first-look image of the Republic Pictures film that shows just how over the top the battle for the perfect pre-k can be.

In addition to helming the picture, Duhamel also stars as one of two fathers fighting tooth and nail to get their child into the best preschool possible. In our exclusive new look, Duhamel can be seen in a white long-sleeve shirt and gray pants as he stands at the center of a stage with his arms spread out. Behind him is the crest of the preschool that he and his child are vying for, while, on both sides, he’s flanked by performers in animal costumes, showcasing the film’s over-the-top tones as it reflects the satirical take on the education system.

In addition to Duhamel, Preschool is also slated to feature an ensemble that includes James Cosmo (Game of Thrones), Charity Wakefield (Sense and Sensibility), Michael Socha (Showtrial), and Fenella Woolgar (Call the Midwife). The project marks Duhamel’s third feature-length project as a director following his kick-off with the 2019 comedy The Buddy Games, which he followed up in 2023 with Buddy Games: Spring Awakening.

What Else Has Josh Duhamel Been Up To?

Since its announcement last year, Preschool has been taking up most of Duhamel’s time as he’s been abroad, bringing the project to life. But, ahead of his work both in front of and behind the camera, he made sure to deliver multiple acting gigs to hold fans over. In 2025 alone, the actor was a featured performer in three different titles, including the Johnny Martin-helmed action flick, Off the Grid; Allan Ungar’s action comedy, London Calling; and Joe Carnahan’s survival thriller, Not Without Hope. Meanwhile, Netflix audiences are patiently waiting for the Season 2 return of the actor's dramatic, ranching-centered hit series, Ransom Canyon.

Check out our exclusive new look at Preschool above and stay tuned for more to come from Collider’s Exclusive Preview event.

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