Summary (tl;dr)

The term "epic" is trending due to a combination of major entertainment releases and ongoing developments from Epic Games, alongside the popularity of "Epic" branded food products and innovative culinary experiences at Universal's Epic Universe.

Essential Background

"Epic" broadly describes something grand, heroic, or extraordinary. In entertainment, Epic Games is a major video game company known for Fortnite and has been involved in high-profile legal disputes. The film industry frequently uses "epic" for large-scale productions. In the food sector, "Epic" is a brand of protein snacks, and the word is often used to characterize impressive culinary creations.

The Full Story

"Epic" is currently trending due to several concurrent events across both entertainment and food industries. In entertainment, Christopher Nolan's "epic" action fantasy film, "The Odyssey," released in July 2026, continues to generate significant buzz, having grossed $1.721 billion at the box office. Epic Entertainment Group is celebrating its tenth anniversary with new event announcements, including collaborations for Hersheypark Dark Nights in Pennsylvania and holiday festivities in Hawaii. Epic Games, a prominent video game company, remains in the news due to ongoing legal disputes with Apple and Google regarding app store commissions, recent layoffs of over 1,000 employees, and a redesign of its game launcher. Additionally, "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert," a new cinematic experience, was released in February 2026, and "Avengers Endgame: Encore" is returning to theaters this September. Russell Crowe's historical epic "Les Misérables" also recently became available on HBO Max in September 2026. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has publicly voiced opposition to the European Commission's proposed KIDS Act, which seeks to restrict digital access for users under 13, arguing it could harm younger generations. Paramount+ is also contributing to the trend with an "epic" September lineup featuring NFL ON CBS and new series. The game "Epic Seven" is celebrating its 8th anniversary with an offline collaboration cafe event in Seoul, South Korea.

In the food and drink sector, "epic" is trending through brand recognition and its general descriptive use for impressive culinary offerings. Whole Foods Market's 2026 food trend predictions highlight a "tallow takeover" and a "focus on fiber," with Epic Provisions' beef tallow specifically mentioned as a product aligning with these trends. Epic Provisions, founded in 2013, is recognized for its range of protein-rich, grass-fed animal protein snacks. Epic Brands, a restaurant group, is known for creating "epic experiences" through its various restaurant concepts. Furthermore, Universal's Epic Universe theme park has garnered significant attention for its viral food offerings, such as mac and cheese cones and a blood orange chicken sandwich. The broader food industry is also seeing a trend in interactive experiences, with brands creating participatory food and drink events.

Why It Matters

The "epic" trend reflects a cultural desire for grand experiences, significant technological shifts, and evolving consumer preferences. In entertainment, the success of "epic" films and the ongoing developments with Epic Games highlight the dynamic nature of the media landscape, from cinematic blockbusters to legal battles shaping digital distribution. The discussion surrounding the KIDS Act underscores growing concerns about youth engagement with digital platforms. In the food sector, the popularity of "Epic" branded products and innovative theme park cuisine demonstrates a demand for both healthful, ethically sourced options and novel, shareable dining experiences. The convergence of these trends indicates a public keen on remarkable, memorable, and impactful experiences, whether through storytelling, gaming, or culinary adventures.

Geographic Location

• London, Greater London, United Kingdom (Odeon Luxe Leicester Square premiere of "The Odyssey")
• Pennsylvania, United States (Hersheypark Dark Nights events by Epic Entertainment Group)
• Hawaii, United States (holiday festivities by Epic Entertainment Group)
• Orlando, Orange County, Florida, United States (Universal's Epic Universe theme park)
• Seoul, South Korea (Epic Seven 8th anniversary collaboration cafe at Hyundai Department Store Sinchon Branch)
• United States (theatrical release of "The Odyssey"; HBO Max streaming of "Les Misérables"; NFL ON CBS coverage; Epic Games' legal battles with Apple and Google)
• European Union (European Commission's proposed KIDS Act)