7 biggest movie references in the 2026 Olympics figure skating competition: 'Dune', 'Interstellar' and more

The 2026 Olympics have kicked off in Milan. However, this grand event, which celebrates sports, also has parts of film references to it. Figure Skating champions choose the soundtracks that influence their performance. This year, many figure skaters used Blockbuster movies in their choreography, costumes, and music choices.
Here are some of the best film references from the 2026 Olympics figure skating competition.

Kazakhstani men’s skater Mikhail Shaidorov did his short program to music from the first ‘Dune’ film. Not only did the music and choreography bring the spirit, but the costumes and even the skater’s hairstyle felt like near replicas of Timothee Chalamet’s Paul Atreides.
Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ will be making another appearance as well. ‘Dune Part Two’ will make an appearance on the 11th in the ice dance free dance. Spain’s couple, Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck, will use the score from the sequel.

The original soundtrack of the 1994 film ‘The Lion King’ continues to flourish. This Olympics, Canadian women’s skater Madeline Schizas competed for her team in the Short Program to music from the Disney film. Her costume featured gold, orange, and red, like the “Circle of Life” opening scene from the movie.
In the beautiful tribute to ‘The Lion King’, the figure skater enjoyed herself.

Considered one of the best science fiction movies of all time, Interstellar is also shining in the Olympics with its music. Italian figure skater Mateo Rizzo used this as the basis for his team's free skate at the Olympics. The skater also wore a costume that faded from black to light blue, with accents that resembled stars.

007 is the most famous spy in film or television. Given how popular the M16 character is, music from the films will make an appearance at the 2026 Olympics. The music for Slovakia skater Adam Hagara’s upcoming free skate is Bond, James Bond.
Meanwhile, the next James Bond hasn’t been decided yet, but Callum Turner is the current frontrunner for the role.

Don Davis’s film score is unique and immediately recognizable, and the orchestra heightens the experience. Something will be felt in the 2026 Olympics when Czechia’s skaters Natalie Taschlerova and Filip Taschler will dance to selections from ‘The Matrix’.
Since The Matrix was released in 1999, the Wachowski sisters' movie has continued to influence pop culture, such as blue and red pills, living in a simulation, etc.

This year, Georgia’s pair skaters Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava used the music for their free skate in the team competition. Additionally, the Japanese pair skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara combined the Gladiator theme with Gladiator 2 for their free skate in the team competition.
The movie scores appearing twice in a single day at the Olympics, let alone twice in a single competition, are a testament to the ‘Gladiator’ movies.

The thriller movie Conclave took the world by storm in 2024, offering a glimpse into the very secretive process of choosing the next pope. Now, Italian men’s skater Daniel Grassi will perform his individual free skate to the score of ‘Conclave.’
The film ‘Conclave’ earned two nominations in the Critics' Choice Award and the BAFTA Award for Best Original Score.
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