Movies That Will Blow Everyone Away In 2024
Hollywood is always working years in advance. This isn't just limited to epic series like "Lord of the Rings" that require extensive post-production phases. Some films, like Richard Linklater's "Boyhood," take over a decade to come to fruition. The universal truth that major motion pictures take so long to complete means that there are already tons of movies scheduled for the far-off era of 2024. What may still sound like the backdrop for a high-concept sci-fi movie will soon be just the reality we all live and breathe in, and Hollywood is preparing to deliver a deluge of productions that year.
The films currently slated to release in 2024 are largely big-budget blockbuster sequels that will continue beloved stories people have been enamored with for quite a while. However, there are also a handful of original features set for release that will hail from some of the most iconic filmmakers in history. All of these projects inhabit a variety of genres, including family films, action titles, and horror features, and they all have unique qualities that make them the likeliest must-sees of 2024.
Updated on November 30, 2023: From scary stories and superhero movies to animated adventures and long-anticipated musicals, 2024 is full of awesome offerings. We update this list regularly, so check back often to see what exciting movies the year has to offer.
Night Swim - January 5, 2024
The horror genre has had a lot of success in recent years turning short films into big-screen hits and their creators into big Hollywood names. This includes David F. Sandberg and his short film "Light's Out" and Taika Waititi with "What We Do in the Shadows." Come 2024, Blumhouse will try to find success with another short film with the release of "Night Swim," a feature-length horror movie adapted from a short of the same name.
Originally produced in 2014, the short was written by Bryce McGuire and directed by McGuire alongside Rod Blackhurst, and it was snatched up by James Wan's production company Atomic Monster to be turned into what's hoped to be the next big horror hit. This time, though, the roles are reversed, with Blackhurst and McGuire penning the screenplay for the film and McGuire alone sitting in the director's chair.
The film concerns a family moving into a new home, complete with a backyard pool ... one that happens to be haunted. The film stars Oscar nominee Kerry Condon ("The Banshees of Inisherin"), rising superstar Wyatt Russell ("The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"), Nancy Lenehan ("Jack Ryan"), Eddie Martinez ("The Sinner"), and Jodi Long ("Falling Water"). Originally slated for a late January theatrical drop, the release date was later bumped up to January 5.
The Beekeeper - January 12, 2024
First announced at Cannes in 2022, "The Beekeeper" unites director David Ayer with action superstar Jason Statham. It began rolling before cameras in September of that year from a script by Kurt Wimmer. The cast is rounded out by Minnie Driver, Jeremy Irons, Josh Hutcherson, and Phylicia Rashad. Statham stars as Mr. Clay, a retired soldier who has settled into a quiet life in the countryside. But when the only person he cares about kills herself after losing all her money to scammers, he goes on a blood-soaked mission of revenge.
What his enemies don't realize, however, is that Mr. Clay is no ordinary soldier; he's actually a member of a clandestine paramilitary organization known as the Beekeepers, which unites the most dangerous operatives in the world. It's a role Statham was born to play — a gruffy, steely-eyed, elite killer out to strike back against those who've wronged him and his loved ones. In the process, he'll go up against any number of dangerous enemies and take on global corruption that goes to the highest levels.
Irons plays the leader of the villainous group while Hutcherson stars as his top lieutenant. The first trailer, released in October, shows neither Ayer nor Statham have lost a step doing what they're best known for: over-the-top action, nail-biting thrills, gut-bursting fist fights, guns-blazing shoot-outs, and high-flying stunts. "The Beekeeper" will set a high bar for action movies for 2024 when it hits theaters on January 12.
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The Book of Clarence - January 12, 2024
Singer-songwriter Jeymes Samuel — who goes by The Bullitts — has made a name for himself in Hollywood, coming to attention in 2013 with his film "They Die By Dawn." A mini-movie with a star-studded cast, it's a gritty Western about a fictional duel between infamous real-life characters like Stagecoach Mary, Nat Love, and Bill Pickett. With names like Michael K. Williams, Giancarlo Esposito, and Rosario Dawson, it's an underrated gem that you may have missed, but it got Samuel noticed, and in 2021, he returned with the Netflix Western "The Harder They Fall," with Idris Elba and Jonathan Majors.
In 2024, he's back again with "The Book of Clarence," and this time he's turning from Westerns and telling a fictional biblical epic. LaKeith Stanfield — who played gunslinger Cherokee Bill in "The Harder They Fall" — will star as the titular Jerusalem native Clarence, who plans to take advantage of Jesus Christ's emergence as a religious figure. Despite the spiritual nature of the story, Deadline has reported "the movie isn't a faith-based one." As for the all-star cast, "The Book of Clarence" will feature Benedict Cumberbatch ("Doctor Strange"), David Oyelowo ("Selma"), James McAvoy ("Split"), Omar Sy ("Lupin"), Babs Olusanmokun ("Star Trek: Strange New Worlds"), and Alfre Woodard ("Luke Cage"), among others.
Like his two aforementioned efforts, Samuels writes, directs, and composes the score for "The Book of Clarence," which is being produced by James Lassiter, Tendo Nagenda, and Jay-Z. The film was recently pushed to January 12, 2024 from its original September 2023 release date.
Lift - January 12, 2024
Originally scheduled for a 2023 premiere, the action comedy "Lift" has recently been pushed back to a January 2024 release on Netflix. Helmed by "Straight Outta Compton" director F. Gary Gray, it's a heist film starring a bevy of big names, led by Kevin Hart. Supporting him is Vincent D'Onofrio (Netflix's "Daredevil"), Gugu Mbatha-Raw ("Loki"), Jean Reno ("Leon: The Professional"), Jacob Batalon ("Spider-Man: No Way Home"), Sam Worthington ("Avatar"), Billy Magnussen ("Game Night"), and Spanish actress Ursula Corbero ("Snake Eyes"). Viveik Kalra, Yun Jee Kim, Burn Gorman, and Paul Anderson round out the rest of the cast.
In the upcoming movie, Hart plays a skilled thief who's dragged into a new job by the FBI. Alongside his ex-girlfriend (Mbatha-Raw) and a team recruited from around the world, he must carry out a daring heist of $100 million in gold while aboard a passenger jet on route to Switzerland. The film is written by Daniel Kunka, the man behind the 2009 John Cena action thriller "12 Rounds," and is produced by "The Batman" director Matt Reeves and Simon Kinberg ("The Martian").
After a string of high-profile action hit movies like "Extraction 2" and "Luther: The Fallen Sun" in 2023, Netflix seems to be on a roll in the genre. They'll be looking to keep elevating their success with "Lift," which will arrive on the service on January 12.
Mean Girls: The Musical - January 12, 2024
In 2004, Tina Fey had her first post-"SNL" hit with "Mean Girls," a black comedy starring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, Lizzy Caplan, and Amanda Seyfried as a group of feuding high school teens. Based on a 2002 book titled "Queen Bees and Wannabes," it was a surprise hit, blasting the doors off the box office to the tune of $130 million. It got a direct-to-TV sequel in 2011, but in 2017 it spawned a breakout success on Broadway: "Mean Girls" the musical.
In 2024, Fey will bring that musical to the big screen. That's right: "Mean Girls: The Musical" will be a movie adaptation of a musical adaptation of a movie adaptation of a book, written once again by Fey and produced by "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels. This time, the principal cast will be led by Angourie Rice with Bebe Wood and Avantika Vandanapu, while Renee Rapp will reprise her role as Regina George from the 2020 version of the stage musical. Fey and Tim Meadows will also return to play their original characters, who skipped out on the 2011 TV sequel. Jenna Fischer, Busy Phillips, and Jon Hamm will also appear in a song-filled remake of the original. Ashley Park, who starred in the musical on Broadway, is slated to have a cameo is a new character, too. As for the music, composer Jeff Richmond — who was nominated for a Tony Award for his work on the musical — returns to craft the songs, with lyrics by Nell Benjamin.
Look for "Mean Girls: The Musical" to hit theaters on January 12, 2024.
Role Play - January 12, 2024
If you're looking for a sleeper pick that might fly under the radar in 2024 but could raise eyebrows as a surprise winner, don't miss "Role Play" from French director Thomas Vincent and writer Seth Owen. The film is led by the unlikely couple of "Big Bang Theory" star Kaley Cuoco and two-time Emmy nominee David Oyelowo, who starred in the Taylor Sheridan series "Lawmen: Bass Reeves." An action-comedy thriller about a couple looking to spice up their mundane marriage, its impressive cast also includes notable names Bill Nighy (the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies) and Connie Nielsen ("Gladiator").
Quirky, sassy Cuoco stars as Emma, a wife and mother living with her family in the suburban hellscape of New Jersey. Her husband David (Oyelowo) thinks they need to shake things up in the bedroom and suggests a little harmless role-playing on their anniversary, and they both pretend to not know each other in an attempt to get frisky. But when their plans go awry, David inadvertently uncovers the dark truth about his wife: She's no ordinary wife and mother — she's actually an elite assassin who's dropped bodies all over the world. Now, ordinary husband David enters the high-stakes world of contract killing when her enemies catch up to her.
A reverse "True Lies," there looks to be more drama and thrills than comedy if we're to judge the upcoming action movie by its initial trailer. You can catch up with it on Amazon Prime on January 12, 2024.
Sometimes I Think About Dying - January 26, 2024
Not every movie in 2024 is going to be seen for the first time. The new Daisy Ridley drama "Sometimes I Think About Dying" actually made its debut in January 2023, playing at Sundance and receiving rave reviews, with IndieWire calling it a "very funny, if low-key, character study" and a "wondrous, whimsical journey." It's based on the play "Killers" by Kevin Armento, which had previously been adapted into a short film in 2019 directed and co-written by Stefanie Abel Horowitz.
This full-length theatrical release — scheduled for January 26 — sees Horowitz returning to the director's chair, with Daisy Ridley of "Star Wars" fame in the starring role. The film introduces us to Fran (Ridley), a meek, ordinary woman and office worker with a penchant for daydreaming. Though she isn't really looking for love, her ho-hum life gets a jolt when she meets a new co-worker named Robert (Dave Merheje of "Ramy"), but Fran finds it hard to open up when there are clear romantic sparks between them.
A somber, poignant story and a brutally dark comedy, "Sometimes I Think About Dying" is a perfect showcase for Ridley's true acting prowess. If you only know her from the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, the film will definitely be an eye-opener, and it could even put her on the road to Oscar consideration when the time comes.
Argylle - February 2, 2024
"Kingsman" director Matthew Vaughn returns to the world of high espionage in 2024, but this time, with a twist. "Argylle," ostensibly a starring vehicle for former "Man of Steel" Henry Cavill, centers around a young woman named Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), a renowned author of best-selling spy novels. Cavill — with an awkwardly cartoonish haircut — plays the fictional Agent Argylle in sequences that play out the events of her books. But quiet Conway's life as an acclaimed author is turned upside down when she becomes the target of some very dangerous people, and she finds herself under the protection of a very real super-spy named Aiden (Sam Rockwell). As it turns out, her latest book describes perfectly describes real-world espionage events, and now, the villains want way more than just her autograph.
Dua Lipa and John Cena appear alongside Cavill as part of Conway's fictional cast, while Bryan Cranston plays the movie's big bad and Catherine O'Hara stars as Bryce Dallas Howard's mother. Samuel L. Jackson, Sofia Boutella, Ariana DeBose, and Rob Delaney fill out the roster of stars. Funnily enough, Matthew Vaughn also cast Chip — the real-life pet of his wife Claudia Schiffer — to play Elly's feline companion Alfie. The first trailer for the film gives us a good idea of what to expect from the movie: It's filled with a mix of fast-paced action, explosive stunts, wry humor, and loads of suave charm. This one will hit theaters on February 2, 2024 before eventually heading to Apple TV+.
It Ends With Us - February 9, 2024
Hollywood is always looking for the next best-selling novel to turn into a blockbuster hit. In 2024, they'll try it once more with "It Ends With Us," a screen adaptation of the 2016 novel by Colleen Hoover. It's a tale of romance revolving around a young woman named Lily, who moves to a new city for her first job after college and is happily swept off her feet by Ryle. But things get complicated when an old flame of Lilly's named Atlas re-enters the picture.
Inspired by the real-life love story of Hoover's own parents, "It Ends With Us" was a New York Times bestseller upon release. It was followed with an equally successful sequel, "It Starts with Us," which was published in 2022. Given their success, a big-screen version was practically inevitable. In January 2023, it was announced that former "Gossip Girl" star Blake Lively had been cast in the role of Lily, while Justin Baldoni — who played Rafael Solano on five seasons of "Jane the Virgin" — will play Ryle. The role of Lily's ex-lover Atlas will be filled by Brandon Sklenar, who recently wowed audiences as Spencer Dutton on Taylor Sheridan's "1923."
Lisa Frankenstein - February 9, 2024
If you're looking for a throwback movie in 2024 that pays homage to '80s classics, look no further than "Lisa Frankenstein," from first-time feature director Zelda Williams (daughter of Robin) and screenwriter Diablo Cody (who also penned "Juno" and "Jennifer's Body"). An original horror comedy set in the year 1989, the titular Lisa is played by "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" star Kathryn Newton, while Cole Sprouse ("Riverdale"), Liza Soberano ("Alone/Together"), Carla Gugino ("The Fall of the House of Usher"), Joe Chrest ("Stranger Things"), and Henry Eikenberry ("The Crowded Room") also appear.
In the film, Lisa is a typical morose '80s morose, goth high schooler and social outcast who wants nothing more than to find the perfect boyfriend. The title of "Frankenstein" is earned when she reanimates a good-looking male corpse to meet her needs. Once he's been brought back to the land of the living, though, the flesh-hungry boyfriend (Sprouse) joins Lisa on a killing spree across the town. As their love blossoms, the town is gripped in terror and the body count rises — and a new star-crossed fairy tale is born. It's flashy and bold, and with a story that mixes elements of '80s classics like "Heathers" and "Beetlejuice," it stands to be the perfect homage to the era.
More than just a black comedy and horror movie, "Lisa Frankenstein" is a dark teen romance for today's twisted times. Rather than land around Halloween, though, it's hoping to capture the lovebirds in the audience when it hits theaters a week before Valentine's Day on February 9, 2024.
Madame Web - February 16, 2024
Sony's "Spider-Man" universe is ready to re-open in 2024 with the release of the weirder, wilder, and woman-centric spin-off "Madame Web." The film will introduce audiences to mystical oracle Cassandra Webb, who in the comics is an elderly, blind ally of the webbed wall-crawler who uses her powers of clairvoyance to see into his future. The film puts a new spin on the character, though, with 30-something actor Dakota Johnson ("50 Shades of Grey") in the title role.
Alongside Web, we see three more Spider-heroes from the comics: Julia Carpenter (Sydney Sweeney of "Euphoria"), Anya Corazon (Isabel Merced of "Dora and the Lost City of Gold"), and Mattie Franklin (Celeste O'Connor of "Selah and the Spades"). Adam Scott of "Severance" and Emma Roberts of "American Horror Story" also star, and it's rumored they'll be playing Mary Parker and Ben Parker, respectively. The story sees a new deadly Spider-villain emerge in the form of Ezekiel Simms (Tahar Rahim of "The Mauritanian"), who's decked out in a twisted version of Spider-Man's costume and is hunting down each of the four Spider-women for his own sinister agenda, after having murdered Cassandra's mother. Thankfully, Web's clairvoyant powers give her and her allies an edge in their fight for survival.
A rock 'em, sock 'em thriller, the first trailer has already turned heads with some surprisingly comic-accurate superhero costumes. Sony will surely be hoping for another success like Tom Hardy's "Venom" (and not a dud like Jared Leto's "Morbius") when it lands in theaters on February 14, 2024.
Drive-Away Dolls - February 23, 2024
When it comes to all-time great directorial duos, few can match the Coen Brothers, who've created classics that include "Fargo," "The Big Lebowski," and "No Country for Old Men." Their last effort was 2018's "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," but while the brothers' next film is nowhere to be seen, Ethan Coen was originally set to return to theaters with a film in 2023, but the SAG-AFTRA strike caused it to be pushed back to 2024.
Titled "Drive-Away Dolls," it's a road comedy written by Ethan Coen and his wife Tricia Cooke and starring Margaret Qualley ("Once Upon a Time in Hollywood") as Jamie, a lovelorn, laisse-faire woman who's just broken up with her girlfriend. With a heartache that can only be soothed by a cross-country trip, she packs her bags with her straight-laced best friend Marian (played by Geraldine Viswanathan, star of the TBS comedy "Miracle Workers") and gasses up the car for a trip to Florida. During their journey, they encounter some bumbling crooks in classic Coen Brothers fashion, and some madcap hijinks result, largely thanks to the unexpected cargo they're carrying in their car.
Led by a pair of lesser-known names, the supporting cast includes Pedro Pascal and Matt Damon, with Bill Camp ("News of the World"), Beanie Feldstein ("Lady Bird"), and Colman Domingo ("If Beale Street Could Talk"). It has been pushed from its September 2023 release to February 23, 2024.
Kung Fu Panda 4 - March 8, 2024
The Dragon Warrior is back. On March 8, 2024, Po (Jack Black) will return for another adventure in "Kung Fu Panda 4," which will be directed by Mike Mitchell of "The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part." That's all that the general public knows about this forthcoming sequel, but ambiguity won't keep people from getting excited about all the possibilities of seeing Po go on another epic quest. After all, the first three "Kung Fu Panda" movies are among the strongest titles in the DreamWorks Animation canon.
If the "Kung Fu Panda" franchise could pull off a sequel as good as "Kung Fu Panda 2," then there's a good chance "Kung Fu Panda 4" could also be something special. Plus, recent DreamWorks Animation titles like "The Bad Guys" and "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" have been remarkably strong in overall quality. If that hot streak of creativity extends to this forthcoming "Kung Fu Panda" feature, then audiences should prepare themselves for a totally awesome addition to the "Kung Fu Panda" saga.
And based on the plot, it does indeed sound like this one could be pretty great. The film will find Po ready to basically become the next Oogway — the spiritual leader as opposed to the Valley of Peace's martial arts master. But before he can get that promotion, he'll need to train a new Dragon Warrior named Zhen, a fox who chafes against Po's tutelage. Things get even more complicated when the villainous Chameleon shows up — a villain who somehow has the ability to bring back old "Kung Fu Panda" baddies, such as the scary snow leopard Tai Lung. Thanks to this new foe, Po and Zhen decide to head to a nearby city, leaving the Valley of Peace and getting ready for an epic showdown.
Imaginary - March 8, 2024
Another possible Blumhouse classic enters the fray in 2024 in the form of "Imaginary." On the surface, it may seem like just another spooky horror story about a killer doll, but the Jeff Wadlow-directed slasher is a new twist on the idea of a child's imaginary friend and a demonic entity that possesses it. The film stars DeWanda Wise ("She's Gotta Have It") and newcomer Pyper Braun as a mother and daughter, with Tom Payne ("The Walking Dead"), Betty Buckley ("Preacher"), and Veronica Falcon ("Ozark") filling out the cast.
Wise plays Jessica, who moves back into the home she grew up in, with her stepdaughter Alice (Braun) in tow. There, Alice befriends Chauncey, a stuffed bear that Jessica had played with as a child, and he becomes the little girl's new best friend. But as it turns out, Chauncey is no mere stuffed animal and holds a deadly malice towards Jessica for having abandoned him years before. And when it delivers its vengeance, it targets Alice — and soon everyone else in its orbit.
On a relatively small budget, "Imaginary" should do well while dishing out plenty of fright with a new take on the classic deadly doll story. It was originally scheduled for a February 2 release, but the SAG-AFTRA strikes moved this one back to March 8.
Dune: Part Two - March 15, 2024
The Denis Villeneuve-directed adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi classic "Dune" was originally scheduled for 2020. But it was long delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a controversial release on HBO Max and in theaters on the same day. Now, the long-awaited sequel, "Dune: Part Two," is nigh. Its own release date was also delayed, but this time, it was because of the actors' strike that has affected almost all of Hollywood.
The cast includes returning stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, and Javier Bardem. They'll be joined by Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Lea Seydoux, among others. "Dune: Part Two" adapts the rest of Herbert's groundbreaking first novel, continuing the story of Paul Atreides (Chalamet), a young man and aspiring leader who seeks to bring together a group of disparate interstellar empires. Following the attack on his family, Atreides is looking for vengeance. With his ability to see the future, he knows what awaits him, and must do what he can to stop a series of horrific events from unfolding.
Villeneuve returns to the director's chair for this follow-up, which is scheduled to debut on March 15, 2024. A delay didn't seem to affect the first film, which hauled in an impressive $400+ million, and expectations are high for the sequel. A third film, meanwhile, is already a strong possibility, according to Villeneuve, who says he will adapt the second book in the series, "Dune: Messiah."
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire - March 29, 2024
After decades of struggling and an unsuccessful 2016 remake, "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" brought the series back from the dead in 2021. A huge hit with critics and audiences, the revival recaptured the spirit of the original two films en route to a strong box office run, in spite of its post-COVID release date. It follows a group of youngsters battling ghosts; Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), grandchildren of Egon Spengler, are joined by Podcast (Logan Kim) and their science teacher, Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd). Original stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Annie Potts also return to lend a helping hand.
"Afterlife" gets a sequel in 2024, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire." It was originally slated for a late 2023 release, but was pushed back amid the 2023 Hollywood strikes. When it does arrive, "Frozen Kingdom" will continue the adventures of the new generation of Ghostbusters, while Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Emily Alyn Lind, and British comedian James Acaster have been added to the ensemble. A trailer, released in November 2023, shows a new ghostly threat to New York that turns the Big Apple into an icy wasteland. With the help of the veteran Ghostbusters, the youngsters and Mr. Grooberson must fire up their proton packs and get behind the wheel of the Ecto-1 to save the city. It's currently on tap for a March 29, 2024 theatrical release.
Mickey 17 - March 29, 2024
After dominating the 92nd Academy Awards, Bong Joon Ho returns to both sci-fi cinema and English-language storytelling with his 2024 directorial effort "Mickey 17." Based on the book "Mickey7" by Edward Ashton, the film stars Robert Pattinson as a clone tasked with working on an expedition to colonize a far-off ice planet. From there, if prior Bong Joon Ho movies are any indication, things are bound to get twisty and full of potent social commentary on the world around us. There are still so few details on what this adaptation will look and feel like, but Bong Joon Ho's incredible body of work makes it impossible to not get tantalized by this project.
That excitement is bound to only increase when one remembers the kind of cast the director has assembled for this project: Toni Collette ("Hereditary"), Steven Yeun ("Nope"), Naomi Ackie ("Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody") and Mark Ruffalo (the Marvel Cinematic Universe) are all in the supporting lineup, while Robert Pattinson has the film's lead role. Pattinson has always shown a penchant for working with beloved auteurs like David Cronenberg, Robert Eggers, and Claire Denis, and it's incredibly exciting to imagine what he'll accomplish working under the filmmaker responsible for "Parasite." Needless to say, there are far more than a few or even 17 reasons to be pumped for the release of Bong Joon Ho's "Mickey 17."
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire - April 12, 2024
It might be tough to go bigger than the 2021 blockbuster crossover "Godzilla vs. Kong," but the sequel, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire," is going to give it a shot in 2024. The previous film faced a mighty challenge, released to theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but it still managed to net an impressive $470 million. With theaters once again a big attraction these days, the sequel stands to fare much better.
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" will see the return of Rebecca Hall as Dr. Ilene Andrews and Brian Tyree Henry as Bernie Hayes, while "Downton Abbey" star Dan Stevens joins the franchise in the leading role. Fala Chen, Alex Ferns, and Rachel House round out the cast. But while the first film sees the epic meeting between two titanic terrors and their ensuing battle for supremacy, "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" will flip the script. Following the introduction of the Hollow Earth and picking up where the last film leaves off with Kong and Godzilla as reluctant allies, the sequel will see the two beasts team up to take on a new menace that has emerged from deep within a hidden realm. Audiences are also promised a greater glimpse into the history of these ancient monsters when the film releases on April 12, 2024.
Rebel Moon: Part Two - The Scargiver - April 19, 2024
2024 is shaping up to be a year of science fiction sequels. In addition to "Dune: Part Two," "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," and a new "Alien" film, director Zack Snyder will stun with "Rebel Moon: Part Two — The Scargiver." A follow-up to 2023's "Rebel Moon," this film is written and directed by Snyder, and it stars Djimon Hounsou, Charlie Hunnam, Michiel Huisman, Staz Nair, Ray Fisher, Doona Bae, Cleopatra Coleman, E. Duffy, and the voice of Anthony Hopkins as mercenaries. They've been enlisted by a warrior played by Sofia Boutella to fight an evil galactic imperium. Together, this rag-tag group of cosmic adventurers must work to protect a remote moon under assault from the armies Mother World, led by Regent Balisarius (Fra Fee).
Snyder has made no secret that the pair of "Rebel Moon" films were directly inspired by Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" and that his story was originally developed as the concept for a "Star Wars" feature film. When Lucasfilm passed on the project, Snyder and his team took the story to Netflix instead.
Leading into the first film's release, the buzz around the "Rebel Moon" films is strong. Trailers already showcase a compelling, fully-realized world of cosmic conflict. The sequel, "Rebel Moon: Part Two — The Scargiver" is expected to hit the streaming service on April 19, 2024.
Untitled Radio Silence horror movie - April 19, 2024
Led by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Justin Martinez, Chad Villella, and Tyler Gillett, indie studio Radio Silence has turned out some pretty impressive films. This includes "Ready or Not" starring Samara Weaving and Adam Brody, and both "Scream" and "Scream VI." In 2024, they'll return with an as-yet-untitled movie which will reimagine a classic movie monster.
Though little is known about the film, it's notable that it was at one point using the title "Dracula's Daughter," the name of a 1936 classic about the vampire's offspring, Countess Marya Zaleska. If that proves to be the basis for the film, then we can perhaps expect either Kathryn Newton or Melissa Barrera to play the titular daughter, as they've both been attached to the project. The rest of the movie's roster includes Dan Stevens of "The Guest" and "Downton Abbey" fame, alongside Giancarlo Esposito of "Breaking Bad," Kevin Durand of "Lost," Alisha Weir of "Darklands," William Catlett of "Black Lightning," and the late Angus Cloud of "Euphoria."
Written by Guy Busick ("Ready or Not") and Stephen Shields ("Hole in the Ground"), some speculate the film could be a musical, but that's far from certain. Either way, it's scheduled to drop on April 19, 2024.
Challengers - April 26, 2024
Originally slated for a September 2023 release date, "Challengers" has been making waves since its first trailer dropped in June. Directed by Luca Guadagnino ("Call Me By Your Name") and written by newcomer Justin Kuritzkes, the film stars Zendaya ("Spider-Man: No Way Home") as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis star whose career has been derailed due to injury. In her younger days, Duncan was on top of the tennis world. She was also engaged in a steamy three-way love affair with a pair of pro-player friends, Patrick (Josh O'Connor) and Art (Mike Faist), who fought for her affections on and off the clay.
Years later, Tashi is monogamously married to Art — now a Grand Slam champion — and serves as his coach. But after Art hits the skids with a string of losses, Tashi arranges for him to enter a so-called "Challengers Match" which will pit him against his old rival, friend, and former Tashi co-lover, Patrick.
Garnering attention thanks to a love scene in the trailer involving all three leads, "Challengers" could have been one of the hottest romantic dramas of 2023. But, due to the strikes that rocked Hollywood that year, it was shifted to the followings spring. "Challengers" will try to overcome the loss of its momentum when it drops in theaters on April 26, and it stands a good chance of achieving its goal.
The Fall Guy - May 3, 2024
"The Fall Guy" was originally a TV show that starred Lee Majors and aired on ABC for five seasons in the 1980s, with the plot revolving around an action movie stunt man who spends his spare time working as a bounty hunter. And in 2024, it's getting the feature-length treatment, with a movie adaptation headlined by Ryan Gosling and helmed by "Bullet Train" director David Leitch. Gosling isn't the only recognizable name in this action feature, though, as Emily Blunt ("A Quiet Place"), Stephanie Hsu ("Everything Everywhere All at Once"), Winston Duke ("Black Panther"), Aaron Taylor-Johnson ("Bullet Train"), and Hannah Waddingham ("Ted Lasso") are all set to round out the ensemble cast. You can also expect an appearance from Lee Majors himself.
As for the plot, the movie is ditching the bounty hunter angle. Instead, Gosling will play retired stuntman Colt Seavers, who's called back to show business when his director ex-girlfriend (Blunt) needs him to step in and save her movie after the film's leading man (Taylor-Johnson) disappears. With Leitch's filmography, including titles like "Atomic Blonde" and "Deadpool 2," we can expect propulsive energy, zippy atmosphere and incredible action sequences.
After all, we know the movie will feature a ton of real-deal stunts. Speaking with Collider, producer Kelly McCormick assured moviegoers, "All of [the stunts] will have elements of practical, and a lot of them will be 100% practical. In fact, our visual effects guys are happy and sad that their jobs are really marginalized on this one." McCormick went on to say, "It just feels like we're paying homage to the stunt community and to, really, cinema and those of us who make the movies." Expect to see the practical action go down on May 3, 2024.
John Krasinski's IF - May 24, 2024
Actor-turned-director John Krasinski is still wowing audiences in front of the camera with his leading role in the fourth and final season of "Jack Ryan." After that, though, he'll be turning his attention back to directing. In fact, he's just announced his next film, and it's something quite a bit different than what we might have expected from the maker of "A Quiet Place." He's keeping tight-lipped about the project for now, but the name of the film is intriguing enough on its own: It's titled simply "IF."
"IF" is said to be a story about childhood imagination. "I had this idea for a movie years ago about imaginary friends," Krasinski said during a presentation of behind-the-scenes footage at CinemaCon (via Deadline). The film's cast will be a mix of live-action actors and voice talent, and the roster assembled is already an impressive one. It includes Krasinski himself, alongside heavyweights like Ryan Reynolds, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Jon Stewart, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, and Awkwafina. The movie is currently scheduled to release on May 24, 2024.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes - May 24, 2024
Hollywood just can't quit "Planet of the Apes." Following a series of four films and a TV sequel in the '60s and '70s, Tim Burton tried to reboot the franchise in 2001. A modern-day trilogy starring Andy Serkis as revolutionary chimp Caesar landed a decade later, with the third film, "War for the Planet of the Apes," closing out the story with his death. Now, six years later, the franchise returns with another sequel, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes."
Helmed by Wes Ball and penned by Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, and Patrick Aison, the film is set decades, if not centuries, later. Ape society is fully in control, while mankind has been reduced to animal status, and the titular planet appears much like the world visited by Charlton Heston in the original film. Here we meet a young feral human woman named Mae (Freya Allan), who becomes friends with a chimp named Noa (Owen Teague). Together, they set out to stop the tyrannical ape ruler Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), who twists the peaceful teachings of his predecessors and seeks out ancient and deadly human technology to further cement his rule.
William H. Macy, Dichen Lachman, Eka Darville, and Ras-Samuel Welda'abzgi fill out the rest of the cast. We're sure to go bananas when "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" hits theaters on May 24, 2024.
Furiosa - May 24, 2024
Hailing from visionary director George Miller, "Furiosa" will serve as an action-packed prequel to "Mad Max: Fury Road" and will follow the early years of the one-armed imperator. Miller has had this movie on his mind for quite some time, as he more or less wrote the screenplay while prepping for "Fury Road." However, Charlize Theron won't be returning to play her most iconic role. The movie is set over the span of 15 years, so Furiosa will be much younger, and as Miller explained to The New York Times, he doesn't think de-aging technology is all that convincing.
So who's stepping into Theron's dust-covered boots? Well, the role of Furiosa has gone to Anya Taylor-Joy, who wowed critics and audiences alike in projects like "The Witch," "The Queen's Gambit," and "The Menu." She'll be joined here by Chris Hemsworth of "Thor" fame, who will be playing the film's big bad. You can also expect to see Tom Burke of "Living" and "The Souvenir" filling in for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II after the "Aquaman" actor had to leave the film.
As for the plot, we do indeed have a description for the film, which hits theaters on May 24, 2024. According to the official summary, "As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland they come across the Citadel presided over by the Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home."
Garfield - May 24, 2024
One of America's most beloved comic strips, "Garfield" has been running since the late 1970s, and the Monday-hating orange tabby may be just as famous on the screen as he is on the page. Adapted into a string of prime-time animated specials that spawned a hit cartoon series in the late 1980s, "Garfield" finally got his own movie in 2004, where he was voiced by Bill Murray. Since then, he's returned in his own CGI-animated series "The Garfield Show," and in 2024, he's coming back to theaters for another shot at the big screen.
A fully CG-animated adventure, "Garfield" gets a superstar voice cast, with the famous feline himself voiced by Chris Pratt, who seems to have found a niche as an animated voice actor after "The Lego Movie" and "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." But Pratt isn't the only big name to join the fun. His fellow MCU star Samuel L. Jackson has come on board to provide the pipes for Garfield's father, Vic. "X-Men: Days of Future Past" actor Nicholas Hoult, "Mission: Impossible" stalwart Ving Rhames, "Saturday Night Live" veterans Bowen Yang and Cecily Strong, and "Ted Lasso" stars Hannah Waddingham and Brett Goldstein are also lending their vocal talents to the film.
Behind the scenes, it'll be DNEG handling the animation, a studio that normally supplies first-rate CGI effects for some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters like "Fast X" and "Jurassic World: Dominion." Disney screenwriter David Reynolds ("Finding Nemo"), meanwhile, is crafting the script, with "Chicken Little" helmer Mark Dindal directing. After securing a February release initially, the film was bumped to May 24, 2024.
Ballerina - June 7, 2024
"John Wick" is one of Hollywood's hottest movie series, and in 2024, it will receive its second spin-off project: "Ballerina." Set between the third and fourth "John Wick" films, "Ballerina" will star Ana de Armas as a deadly assassin, while Keanu Reeves will return in an extended cameo. Other actors scheduled to return in brief appearances include Anjelica Huston as the Director, Ian McShane as Winston, and Lance Reddick as Charon in one of his final performances, filmed not long before his death in early 2023. Norman Reedus ("The Walking Dead"), Gabriel Byrne ("The Usual Suspects"), and Catalina Sandino Moreno ("Maria Full of Grace") will also star.
On directing duties for "Ballerina" is Len Wiseman, who helmed the 2012 remake of "Total Recall." Thanks to urging from star de Armas, Emerald Fennell, writer-director of "Promising Young Woman," is joining original screenwriter Shay Hatten to work on the script. As for the plot, while we don't have an official plot synopsis, we know it will follow a female assassin looking for revenge against those who killed her family. "Ballerina" stands to be another first-rate action thriller, and if the "John Wick" films are anything to go by, it'll certainly blow audiences away when it releases on June 7, 2024.
The Watchers - June 7, 2024
"The Watchers" is a supernatural thriller based on the novel by A.M. Shine that's already raising eyebrows, thanks to its director, Ishana Shyamalan. The daughter of director M. Night Shyamalan, Ishana Shyamalan cut her teeth on her father's Apple TV+ series "Servant," serving as a producer while writing and directing a number of episodes herself. "The Watchers" will be her big screen debut when it premieres in 2024.
In the novel, we meet Mina, a woman who becomes lost in an Irish forest. She joins three others who struggle to survive while hiding in a glass bunker and being imprisoned by strange, otherworldly monsters. In the film, actress Dakota Fanning of "The Alienist" will star as Mina, while Georgina Campbell — BAFTA Award winner and star of "Barbarian" — has been cast in a leading role alongside her.
The script was a hot commodity in Hollywood, and the subject of a minor bidding war among rival studios for the right to produce, with New Line Cinema winning the competition. "The Watchers" has a planned release date of June 7, 2024, and it was announced in Variety that due to its independent financial backing, the film had received a waiver to allow it to go before cameras in mid-2023, despite the then-ongoing actors' strike.
Bad Boys 4 - June 14, 2024
Directed by Michael Bay and released in 1995, "Bad Boys" was the film that cemented "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" actor Will Smith as a bona fide action star. A buddy cop action-comedy, it starred Smith and Martin Lawrence as wise-cracking L.A. detectives, and it got a sequel in 2003, also directed by Bay. Though it would take almost two decades, Smith and Lawrence reunited for the long-awaited third film, "Bad Boys for Life," in 2020, and it was one of the last major blockbusters before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down theaters.
Rather than wait another decade and a half, "Bad Boys" is back for a fourth film in 2024. "Bad Boys for Life" directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah are set to return, as will stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, with Paola Núnez, Vanessa Hudgens, and Alexander Ludwig also back from the previous film. Eric Dane ("Grey's Anatomy") and Ioan Gruffudd ("The Professor and the Madman") were announced to be joining the cast in April, while "Better Call Saul" standout Rhea Seehorn was added a month later.
With Will Smith in dire need of a boost to his career after his very public and controversial appearance at the 2022 Oscars, the actor is certainly hoping that a return to the "Bad Boys" franchise will deliver some goodwill and big box office bucks. While it's possible the recently concluded actors' strike could further delay its arrival, it's currently readying for a June 14, 2024 release, providing some solid counter-programming to Pixar's "Inside Out" sequel.
Inside Out 2 - June 14, 2024
Pixar is known for franchises like "Toy Story" and "Cars," and in 2024, they'll add another to its ranks with "Inside Out 2." The first film in the series was released back in 2015, and while the kids who saw it in theaters may have aged out, the sequel stands to bring in a whole new generation.
Written and directed by Pixar veteran Pete Docter, the first "Inside Out" centers around a young girl named Riley, whose emotions manifest as characters inside her head. For "Inside Out 2," much of the cast returns, led by Amy Poehler who is back as Joy. Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling are being replaced by Tony Hale ("Arrested Development") and Liza Lapira ("The Equalizer") as Fear and Disgust. Lewis Black (Anger) and Phyllis Smith (Sadness) are back, however, and a teaser trailer has revealed a new emotion is being added to the mix: Anxiety, everyone's favorite stressor, voiced by Maya Hawke ("Stranger Things").
It seems the emotions have their work cut out for them in this installment, which will see Riley embark upon the rocky road of adolescence. Moving into a new house was one thing — this is a completely different kind of journey. Will Joy, Sadness, and the rest of the old crew learn to like Anxiety? What about the other new emotions headed their way? We'll have to wait for June 14, 2024 to see how it all goes down.
A Quiet Place: Day One - June 28, 2024
The world of "A Quiet Place" is preparing to expand significantly with "A Quiet Place: Day One." While plot details are being kept under wraps, we do know that new characters will be taking center stage, with Lupita Nyong'o of the "Black Panther" series and Joseph Quinn of "Stranger Things" tapped to play the new leads. There's also been some changes behind the scenes, with director Michael Sarnoski ("Pig") taking the reins from Jeff Nichols ("Midnight Special").
Sarnoski will be working on a script he co-wrote with Nichols, which is based on a story from producer John Krasinski. With Sarnoski involved, it makes sense that we'll also be seeing Alex Wolff in the film, who starred alongside Nicolas Cage in Sarnoski's aforementioned porcine thriller. We'll also see the return of Djimon Hounsou from "A Quiet Place Part II." If you're wondering how Hounsou will be coming back to the franchise after his tragic demise in the sequel film, it's because "Day One" will be a prequel. Speaking at 2023's CinemaCon, Krasinski explained, "We follow Lupita Nyong'o's character as she navigates the horrific first moments of the alien invasion in the loudest city of the world, New York City."
Expect to see something truly new and eerie on June 28, 2024.
Horizon: An American Saga - June 28, 2024 and August 16, 2024
After a five-season run on the smash hit neo-Western "Yellowstone," Kevin Costner is returning to the big screen in 2024 with "Horizon: An American Saga." An ambitious story that will be told across four separate films, "Horizon" will also see Costner return to the director's chair, where he won an Oscar in 1991 for "Dances With Wolves." He's also co-written the script, which will bring him back to his favorite genre: the Western.
A sprawling, epic tale, "Horizon: An American Saga" will feature a broad ensemble cast that includes Costner himself, Sienna Miller ("American Sniper"), Jamie Campbell Bower ("Stranger Things"), Isabelle Fuhrman ("Orphan"), Michael Rooker ("Guardians of the Galaxy"), Sam Worthington ("Avatar"), Jeff Fahey ("Lost"), Danny Huston ("Yellowstone"), Luke Wilson ("Stargirl"), Thomas Haden Church ("Spider-Man: No Way Home"), Kathleen Quinlan ("Apollo 13"), and Giovanni Ribisi ("Friends"), Tatanka Means ("Reservation Dogs"), and Jena Malone (the "Hunger Games" series), among others. They will play a wide range of characters including pioneering settlers and Native Americans, in a story that chronicles, according to its official synopsis, "the lure of the Old West and how it was won — and lost — through the blood, sweat and tears of many."
Set between 1861 and 1865, the first two films in the saga get to the heart of the emotional and personal drama of the American Civil War, as families and friends are torn apart. The first film is slated to be released on June 28, 2024, while the second is currently scheduled for just two months later on August 16, 2024.
Despicable Me 4 - July 3, 2024
"Despicable Me 4" comes seven years after the third installment but just two years after the second "Minions" spin-off film, which tells the origin of the film's anti-hero Gru. In this fourquel, Gru is back, once again voiced by Steve Carell, while Kristen Wiig returns as Lucy, agent of the anti-villain league and wife of Gru. Miranda Cosgrove is expected to reprise her role as their daughter Margo.
The little yellow Minions you (or perhaps more accurately, your kids) love will be back too, played by voice actor Pierre Coffin. What will they be up to? Well, the details are sketchy at this point, but what we do know is that the fourth film will begin shortly after the events of "Despicable Me 3," and it will follow Gru, his wife and daughter, and his Minions as they toil away for the Anti-Villain League. So far, studio Illumination has kept quiet regarding the plot, which we probably won't learn more about before the first trailer releases. But there may be a wait for the first footage, as the film's ultimate release is still fairly far away, being scheduled for July 3, 2024.
Twisters - July 19, 2024
Following in the footsteps of "Jurassic World" and "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" comes the follow-up nobody saw coming, to be released on July 19, 2024. Yep, we're talking about "Twisters," the sequel to the classic 1996 disaster thriller "Twister," which stars Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton as a pair of storm chasers who've invented a new way to collect data on tornadoes.
"Twisters," which isn't expected to see any of the original cast return, will star some pretty promising up-and-coming names. We've got Daisy Edgar-Jones of "Normal People," Glen Powell of "Top Gun: Maverick," Brandon Perea of "Nope," Anthony Ramos of "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," Kiernan Shipka of "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," and Maura Tierney of "ER." They'll be joined by a talented roster that includes Sasha Lane of "American Honey," Nik Dodani of "Atypical," David Corenswet of "Superman: Legacy," Tunde Adebimpe of "The Idol," Katy O'Brian of "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania," and Harry Hadden-Paton of "The Crown." "Top Gun: Maverick" director Joseph Kosinski was initially sought to direct, back when the film was first getting off the ground in 2020, but when a deal couldn't be worked out, Oscar-nominated director Lee Isaac Chung ("Minari") signed on to sit behind the camera.
The script will be handled by "The Revenant" co-writer Mark L. Smith, who takes over for Michael Crichton of "Jurassic Park" fame, the original creator. It's easy to forget, but that original was a major '90s blockbuster, totaling almost half a billion at the box office and boasting some stunning special effects. Can the sequel follow suit? We'll possibly find out on July 19, 2024, which is the film's scheduled release date. Despite the recently concluded actors' strike, The Hollywood Reporter has said there should be enough time for "Twisters" to wrap everything up and release on time.
Deadpool 3 - July 26, 2024
After Disney bought Fox, people immediately started asking if Marvel would want the violent, vulgar "Deadpool" films integrated into their family-friendly MCU. Those concerns were put to bed in early 2021 by Marvel's head honcho Kevin Feige, who declared that there would be a third "Deadpool" film and that it would be rated R.
But fans were in for one more surprise when Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds revealed that Hugh Jackman would be joining him for the threequel, reprising his role as Wolverine — a return he'd previously sworn off. As for the story of "Deadpool 3," we don't know much for sure, but it's likely we'll see an epic clash between Wade Wilson and Logan. Rumors abound that they'll be traveling the multiverse, and we know for a fact that Jackman will be sporting the Wolverine's classic yellow-and-blue suit.
As for the rest of the cast, Morena Baccarin and Stefan Kapicic — who play Vanessa and Colossus, respectively — have been confirmed to return, as has Karan Soni as Dopinder, Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Shioli Kutsuna as Yukio, and Rob Delaney as poor mustachioed Peter of Deadpool's ill-fated X-Force. Additional supporting cast will include Emma Corrin ("The Crown") and Matthew Macfadyen ("Succession") in unannounced roles. And if you're a Jennifer Garner fan, get psyched because the actress will appear as Elektra, reprising the character she first played in 2003's "Daredevil."
Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese are also returning to pen the script (with Zeb Wells and Reynolds), and "Adam Project" director Shawn Levy will helm the picture, as well as co-write. Expect to see all the action on July 26, 2024.
M. Night Shyamalan's Trap - August 2, 2024
M. Night Shyamalan films are definitely divisive, but the director's willingness to take big swings on unique projects always make his movies must-watch experiences. That's especially true now that he's focused himself on making smaller, stranger titles, a la "The Visit," "Split," and "Old." Whether you loved these movies or hated them, they got people talking, and you definitely haven't forgotten about them. That's what makes Shyamalan special — he's always bringing something fresh to a cinematic landscape dominated by familiar brand names.
And now, we're excited to see what Shyamalan has in store next. In 2023, he faced the apocalypse with "Knock at the Cabin," and in 2024, he'll be leading us straight into a trap. Well, that's the name of the movie anyway. "Trap" is set for release on August 2, 2024, and while we don't know much about the plot, Deadline reports that it's a "psychological thriller set at a concert." But will it be an original Shyamalan script? Will it be adapted from a previous work, like what he did with "Knock" and "Old?" Will it feature any big names he's worked with before? We're not sure. The only other bit of info we know at the moment is that "Trap" will be the first film as part of a multi-year first-look deal Shyamalan signed with Warner Bros., meaning the director is leaving his long-time studio of Universal behind.
Borderlands - August 9, 2024
Since "Detective Pikachu" seemingly broke the video game adaptation curse, more and more screen translations of popular titles have made their way to audiences. On the heels of the post-apocalyptic drama "The Last of Us," writer-director Eli Roth brings us another dystopian story in "Borderlands." Based on the highly acclaimed series of games that launched its first title back in 2009, "Borderlands" takes place in a sci-fi world where an outlaw named Lilith teams up with a group of interstellar rogues to find a missing girl, who's the daughter of the film's big bad.
Roth has enlisted an all-star group of talent for "Borderlands," with Cate Blanchett starring as Lilith. She'll be joined here by the legendary Jamie Lee Curtis of "Halloween," along with Kevin Hart of the "Jumanji" franchise and Jack Black of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." Ariana Greenblatt ("Barbie"), Florian Munteanu ("Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"), Danny Jackson ("30 Rock"), Janina Gavankar ("Big Sky"), and Edgar Ramirez ("Jungle Cruise") are other notable names in the ensemble cast. In development as far back as 2015, fans of the game are still clamoring for a trailer, but for now, posters released by the film's Twitter account will have to suffice. It's headed to theaters on August 9, 2024.
Speak No Evil - August 9, 2024
If you're looking for a studio with a consistent track record of first-rate horror movies and thrillers, look no further than Blumhouse. Since 2010, they've made some of the most popular and critically acclaimed films around. They've also served as a showcase for up-and-coming directors' visions, including James Wan's "Insidious," Jordan Peele's "Get Out," and Leigh Whannell's "The Invisible Man." Should you need a safe bet on a nail-biting suspense story in 2024, don't miss Blumhouse's "Speak No Evil."
A remake of a Danish film, "Speak No Evil" is helmed by James Watkins (director of "The Woman in Black"), and will star James McAvoy, whose performance in Blumhouse's "Split" and "Glass" earned him favorable reviews. The original Danish version, released in 2022, follows couple Bjorn and Louise, who are invited — along with their young daughter — to spend a holiday with Patrick, Karin, and their son Abel after they meet on vacation in Tuscany. Planned as a pleasant weekend in a remote village in the Netherlands, Bjorn and Louise's getaway spirals out of control when their hosts begin exhibiting disturbing behavior.
McAvoy will co-star in the film with Scoot McNairy, star of "Argo" and "Narcos: Mexico," and Mackenzie Davis of "Terminator: Dark Fate." Alix West Lefler ("Riverdale") has also been added to the cast. The film is currently scheduled for August 9, 2024, though that might shift, due to the recently concluded SAG-AFTRA strike.
Fede Álvarez's Alien - August 16, 2024
"Alien" launched a sci-fi franchise in 1979, and despite some ups and downs, it's helped elevate several directors into superstar status, beginning with creator Ridley Scott. James Cameron and David Fincher both contributed to the series early in their respective careers, and after the series stumbled with "Alien: Resurrection," Scott returned in the 2010s for a pair of prequels, "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant." Both films met with mixed reviews, and now in 2024, Scott will hand the reins to Fede Álvarez, director of 2013's "Evil Dead," "Don't Breathe," and "The Girl in the Spider's Web."
Taking a cue from the "Predator" prequel "Prey" that lit up Hulu in 2022, the as-yet-untitled "Alien" film — currently known as "Alien: Romulus" — is taking a back-to-basics approach, with a largely unknown cast accompanying its lesser-known but talented filmmaker. The film is said to be centered on a small group of young adventurers who, on an alien planet, must contend with the hideous, bloodthirsty Xenomorph. Cailee Spaeny headlines the film, fresh off her starring role in the Priscilla Presley biopic "Priscilla" from Sofia Coppola. Newcomer Aileen Wu, Isabela Merced ("Dora and the Lost City of Gold"), Archie Renaux ("Shadow and Bone"), Spike Fearn ("Aftersun"), and David Jonsson ("Industry") will also star.
The first major "Alien" project since Disney acquired the franchise's studio Fox in 2019, "Alien: Romulus" will see release on August 16, 2024. It will be followed by a TV series on Hulu from "Legion" creator Noah Hawley, though there's no word on if the two are at all connected.
Kraven the Hunter - August 30, 2024
For more than a decade, Sony Pictures has dreamed of building their own cinematic universe around Spider-Man. To this point, they've only managed to get two other characters to the screen, Tom Hardy's Venom and Jared Leto's Morbius, while other films in development like "El Muerte" and even "Aunt May" have languished. Well, another member of Spidey's rogues gallery is finally getting his own movie. "Kraven the Hunter" will be hitting theaters in 2024 hot on the heels of "Madame Web."
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who had his breakout role in the 2010 superhero comedy "Kick-Ass," returns to the genre to play the antihero Sergei Kravinoff. Traditionally, Kravinoff is depicted as a big game hunter, but here, the so-called Kraven does his best to defeat poachers with extraordinary animalistic abilities he got after a deadly encounter with a lion. In addition to Taylor-Johnson, Russell Crowe stars as Kravinoff's father, Nikolai, and Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose ("West Side Story") plays Calypso while Fred Hechinger ("The White Lotus") and Alessandro Nivola ("The Art of Self-Defense") portray Spider-Man villains the Chameleon and the Rhino, respectively. J.C. Chandor of "Triple Frontier" and "All Is Lost" directs.
Long in development, "Kraven the Hunter" finally went before cameras in 2022, with a planned release date of January 13, 2023, before being bumped to October 6. However not long after the first trailer was released in June, the actors' strike forced another lengthy postponement, and it is currently scheduled to drop on August 30, 2024.
Beetlejuice 2 - September 6, 2024
There are few films more iconic to the goth crowd than "Beetlejuice," the 1988 absurdist black comedy from director Tim Burton. The film starred Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, a morose teen who moves into a new home and meets the ghosts of married couple Barbara and Adam (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin), as well as a sass-talking trickster from the underworld named Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). Strange, surreal, and one-of-a-kind, the film made Tim Burton one of Hollywood's hottest directors, and it helped make Keaton and Ryder stars too. And while there've been attempts to get a sequel off the ground ever since, it looks like we're finally getting one in 2024.
Announced in May 2023, "Beetlejuice 2" is finally a go, and it already has its leading lady attached. That actor is Jenna Ortega, who has solid goth credentials as the star of Netflix's "Wednesday," a modern-day update to the classic "Addams Family" series, which is also produced by Tim Burton. It also looks like Winona Ryder is coming back as Lydia Deetz, presumably the mother of Ortega's new character. She'll be joined by Catherine O'Hara as Delia Deetz and Monica Bellucci as Beetlejuice's wife. Plus, Justin Theroux of "The Leftovers" fame is playing an unknown part, and screen legend Willem Dafoe will be playing some sort of afterlife law enforcement officer. And, of course, you can't have a "Beetlejuice" movie without Michael Keaton, and the Oscar-nominated star is indeed returning as the ghost with the most.
Writing the script, meanwhile, are "Wednesday" scribes Miles Millar and Alfred Gough, and as reported by Deadline, Burton himself is returning to direct the project, with long-time collaborator Danny Elfman scoring the pic. The film began shooting in London, but due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, production halted when filming was almost wrapped. Of course, now that the strike is concluded, we're sure the movie will hit that September 24, 2024 release date.
Transformers One - September 13, 2024
"Transformers" is returning to its cartoon roots with "Transformers One." A fully animated feature film — the first for the franchise since "Transformers: The Movie" in 1986 — this new adventure will be a prequel that explores the origins of the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron long before the events of the 2007 blockbuster series starter directed by Michael Bay.
Revolving around the surprising friendship between Optimus Prime and Megatron, this movie will chronicle their journey to becoming bitter rivals and deadly enemies. The voice cast is impressive, with a group of A-list superstars lending their talents to the cartoon prequel. Chris Hemsworth will voice the young Optimus Prime, while Brian Tyree Henry is the new Megatron. "Black Widow" star Scarlett Johansson will voice Elita, Keegan-Michael Key will become Bumblebee, Jon Hamm will play Sentinel Prime, and Laurence Fishburne will portray Alpha Trion.
Directing the movie is "Toy Story 4" filmmaker Josh Cooley, while Steven Spielberg once again serves as producer. "Transformers" fans can expect to see the movie roll out in cinemas on September 13, 2024.
Joker: Folie à Deux - October 4, 2024
The original "Joker" may not have been everybody's cup of tea, but it certainly delivered something that people couldn't stop talking about. After years of speculation over whether or not a sequel to "Joker" would ever hit movie theaters, a follow-up film is officially scheduled for release in October 2024, with Joaquin Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning role of Arthur Fleck. Another key figure from the character's comic book lore will be added to the proceedings in the form of Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga. On top of that, this new film, entitled "Joker: Folie à Deux," will be a musical, which will allow the movie to indulge Gaga's talents as a singer and differentiate itself immensely from its predecessor.
While the concept of making a "Joker" sequel may sound predictable, making it a musical certainly wasn't something anyone expected. Just the prospect of seeing this universe filtered through the lens of a musical sounds incredibly interesting. The idea of Lady Gaga playing a version of Harley Quinn with even a fraction of the energy and passion she brought to her "House of Gucci" performance sounds super exciting. Additionally, she'll be joined by the likes of Catherine Keener ("Get Out"), Brendan Gleeson ("The Banshees of Inisherin"), Harry Lawtey ("Industry"), and Jacob Lofland (the "Maze Runner" movies). Zazie Beetz will reprise her role of stalking victim Sophie from the first film, Todd Phillips is directing and co-writing the screenplay with Scott Silver, and Hildur Guðnadóttir — who won an Oscar for the first film — will return to write the score.
In other words, "Joker: Folie à Deux" — which will reportedly take place in Arkham Asylum — is bound to be as divisive as its predecessor, but it also sounds like the kind of sequel that impressively swings for the fences rather than sits on its laurels.
Smile 2 - October 18, 2024
One of the biggest surprises of 2022 was Parker Finn's "Smile," a psychological horror movie that manages to make a pleasant grin into a terrifying ordeal. Adapted from Finn's 2020 short film "Laura Hasn't Slept," the film was initially going to be a direct-to-steaming original amid the pandemic before it pivoted to a theatrical release in the fall. There, it shocked the world and became a surprising box office smash at a time when movies were struggling in theaters, amassing more than $200 million on a minuscule budget. It was also met with rave reviews from both critics and audiences who praised its fresh take on the genre.
Given its success both critically and commercially, it should come as no surprise that a sequel was quickly greenlit and will arrive in 2024. Finn is back to direct and will likely be penning the script once more, though very little is known about the follow-up as of press time. No cast has been announced, and no story revealed, so we don't yet know if it will follow any of the same characters or simply tell another tale in the same universe. But considering the overwhelmingly positive response to the first film, there's very little doubt that the "Smile" sequel will deliver more bone-rattling chills and have audiences bailing for the blankets. It's readying for an appropriate Halloween release, dropping in cinemas on October 18, 2024.
Terrifier 3 - October 25, 2024
Science fiction and superheroes aren't the only movies to get sequels in 2024; There's also "Terrifier 3," the next in a series of bloody slashers from writer-director Damien Leone. The first film in the series, released in 2016, introduces bloodthirsty killer clown Art, who chases a trio of young women on Halloween. Produced on a shoestring budget, it managed to become an instant cult favorite, leading to a 2022 sequel, and now, a threequel.
"I want to shift back a bit to the tone of 'Part One,' which I felt was a little more simplistic and old school, gritty slasher," Leone told Variety of this upcoming flick. "I want this one to go back in that direction, and I want this to be the scariest one of the trilogy. This one will actually have a little bit more of an evil overtone to it, so this is going to be hopefully the scariest and the darkest."
Picking up right where "Terrifer 2" leaves off, the third film will see the enigmatic Little Pale Girl involved in something intriguing. Leone hasn't elaborated on the details, but he has let fans know that we'll get more info on Sienna Shaw's father and his mysterious notebook, which could begin to connect the dots surrounding the larger mystery. We also know that "Terrifier 3" will be set on Christmas Eve, with Art the Clown acting as an evil version of Kris Kringle — delivering holiday horrors instead of holiday greetings.
The Amateur - November 8, 2024
Following his success on the Apple TV+ original series "Slow Horses" starring Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas, director James Hawes was snatched up by 20th Century Studios to helm "The Amateur," a feature-length spy thriller and remake of a 1981 movie of the same name. This new version will star the Oscar-winning Rami Malek, whose run on the cyber-thriller "Mr. Robot" was parlayed into big screen success with "Bohemian Rhapsody," "No Time to Die," and Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer."
Like the original, which starred John Savage, Christopher Plummer, and Marthe Keller, this remake tells the story of CIA cryptographer Charles Heller (Malek) whose wife is killed in a terrorist attack. While his superiors don't seem particularly interested in tracking down the killer, Heller blackmails them into giving him a crash course in field duty so he can take on the mission himself. After Malek joined the project, it added a bevy of big names including Emmy-winner Rachel Brosnahan and the legendary Laurence Fishburne, though there's no word yet on their roles in the film. Heller's closest confidante is played by Adrian Martinez, while Holt McCallany is reported to be playing CIA Deputy Director Moore. Deadline also revealed that Julianne Nicholson and Caitriona Balfe have also joined the ensemble cast.
"The Amateur" is scheduled to hit theaters on November 8, 2024, but we'll see if that actually pans out. In July 2023, filming shut was down due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which could impact the movie's release date.
Venom 3 - November 8, 2024
There's a common belief, particularly regarding superhero films, that the third movie in a series is the worst. This may be true of the first "X-Men" trilogy, Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" movies, and "Blade: Trinity," but recent threequels like "Logan," "Captain America: Civil War," and "Spider-Man: No Way Home" have broken with that history. In 2024, Sony is hoping to continue that positive trend with a third "Venom" film, currently scheduled for November 8, 2024.
Tom Hardy will be back in the title role, and while Andy Serkis impressed behind the director's chair in the second film, screenwriter Kelly Marcel will take the helm for the new installment. Marcel, who wrote the first two movies, is also penning the script, based on a story she developed with Hardy. Little is known about the plot of the third movie, but after the conclusion of the previous film, there are plenty of dangling plot threads to follow. That said, given Tom Holland's recent announcement that he'll be taking a break from acting, it's unlikely we'll see Peter Parker taking on Eddie Brock just yet, despite the tease in "Venom: Let There Be Carnage."
What we do know is that "Doctor Strange" actor Chiwetel Ejiofor has been cast in an undisclosed role. (Rumor has it he's playing Orwell Taylor, the leader of a vigilante organization that wants to kill Venom.) Emmy-nominated "Ted Lasso" star Juno Temple has recently joined the cast as well. Considering the billion-dollar gross of the first two films and overwhelmingly positive reviews from fans, there's high expectations for the next movie to deliver even more spine-tingling thrills, over-the-top spills, and plenty of gut-bursting kills.
Alto Knights - November 15, 2024
If you're looking to make a top-notch gangster movie about a notorious real-life mobster, then you better cast Robert De Niro, a legend who's appeared in classics like "Goodfellas," "The Godfather Part II" and "The Untouchables," among so many others. But one way to top casting De Niro in a biopic of a famous figure in criminal history is to cast him twice, and that's exactly what director Barry Levinson has done for his 2024 film "Alto Knights" (previously known as "Wise Guys"). The director — who worked with De Niro in 1997's "Wag the Dog" and 2008's "What Just Happened" — has placed the Academy Award winner into dual roles for the upcoming film, which chronicles the rivalry of two real-life mafiosos.
In the film, De Niro will play both Vito Genovese, leader of the Genovese crime family, and his nemesis Frank Costello, head of the Luciano family and target of a failed assassination attempt. It's an unusual move for De Niro, as most movies that feature actors in more than one role typically have their star playing related characters. We're talking siblings, parents, or other family members, and often, it's done in comedies like "Austin Powers" or "The Nutty Professor." Can Levinson pull off having such a well-known and recognizable actor playing the two biggest characters in a dramatic true-crime biopic? Only time will tell, but the film is being penned by "Goodfellas" and "Casino" scribe Nicholas Pileggi, and it will have a supporting cast that includes Debra Messing ("Will & Grace"), Kathrine Narducci ("The Irishman"), and Cosmo Jarvis ("Lady Macbeth"). The film is due for release on November 15, 2024.
Gladiator 2 - November 22, 2024
It's rare to see a best picture Oscar-winner get a sequel, let alone a legacy sequel decades later, but that's exactly what we're getting in 2024 when Ridley Scott returns to direct "Gladiator 2." The original, released in 2000, won five Academy Awards, making it into a bona fide classic. The third film that Scott has returned to (counting a sequel to "Blade Runner" and a prequel to "Alien"), "Gladiator 2" will see a mostly-new cast of characters populate a story that takes place in an entirely different world.
Paul Mescal, who earned an Oscar nomination for his work in "Aftersun," will be starring as the lead character. He'll be playing a grown-up Lucius, the little boy portrayed by Spencer Treat Clark in the original film. Connie Nielsen will be returning as Lucius' mom, Lucilla, daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and sister to Joaquin Phoenix's Commodus in the first movie.
These two will be joined by an all-star cast that includes Denzel Washington ("The Equalizer 3") and Pedro Pascal ("The Mandalorian"), with Derek Jacobi also returning to his original role as Gracchus. May Calamawy of "Moon Knight" is set to star as the female lead, with "Stranger Things" standout Joseph Quinn playing Emperor Caracalla and Fred Hechinger of "The White Lotus" replacing Barry Keoghan as Emperor Geta. You can also expect to see Lior Raz ("Fauda"), Peter Mensah ("Spartacus: Blood and Sand"), and Matt Lucas ("The Great British Bake Off").
Written by David Scarpa, this film is scheduled for November 22, 2024. Filming shut down due to the actors' strike, but now that it's concluded, Ridley Scott is getting back to business very soon, hoping "Gladiator 2" will still entertain audiences that day.
Wicked: Part One - November 27, 2024
After years of stops, starts, and missed release dates, a feature film adaptation of "Wicked" is finally on the way. This vision of L. Frank Baum's Oz reimagines Elphaba, aka the Wicked Witch of the West, as a sympathetic protagonist. Such a story is told through vibrant musical numbers like "Popular" and "Defying Gravity," which have become enormously popular with theater kids and the general public alike. Given that ubiquity — not to mention the popularity of Oz as a fictional realm — it's no surprise that a movie version of "Wicked" is highly anticipated by the general public.
This adaptation is being directed by Jon M. Chu, who proved his musical chops while helming the "In the Heights" movie, while Cynthia Erivo of "Harriet" and pop star Ariana Grande headline a star-studded ensemble cast as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. They'll be joined here by the Oscar-winning Michelle Yeoh ("Everything Everywhere All at Once") as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum ("Jurassic Park") as the Wizard of Oz. You can also expect to see the likes of Jonathan Bailey ("Bridgerton"), Bowen Yang ("Saturday Night Live"), Bronwyn James ("Harlots"), Keala Settle ("The Greatest Showman"), Ethan Slater of Broadway fame, and newcomer Marissa Bode, among others.
With actors like this around, there's no question that the beloved musical numbers in "Wicked" will be delivered with plenty of gusto and energy. The potential for memorable imagery in Chu's vibrant visual sensibilities being applied to the land of Oz is also incredibly exciting. It's taken countless years of anticipation, but the first installment in a two-part "Wicked" movie adaptation is scheduled to defy gravity on November 27, 2024. However, we're not sure if it'll actually take flight then, as filming shut down in July 2023 due to the actors' strike.
Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim - December 13, 2024
The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy remains one of the most influential and astonishing epics in modern cinema, adapting J.R.R. Tolkien's acclaimed fantasy novels into a groundbreaking series of films. While a follow-up trilogy that brought "The Hobbit" to the big screen was met with a divisive fan reaction, it still brought down the box office, proving that the franchise has plenty of life left. Following a successful prequel series on Amazon Prime in 2022, "The Lord of the Rings" returns to the movies in 2024 with "The War of the Rohirrim."
This time, however, the franchise is going animated, and it will be directed by Kenji Kamiyama. A skilled filmmaker from Japan who's been involved in some of the best anime of all time, Kamiyama worked on classics like "Ghost in the Shell" and "Akira," and more recently, he directed the anime spin-offs "Blade Runner: Black Lotus" and an episode of "Star Wars: Visions."
Set nearly 200 years before the events of "The Lord of the Rings," the film explores the people of Rohan, led by Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox of "Succession"), who come under attack from their rivals, the Dunlendings. Miranda Otto will reprise her role as Eowyn, narrating the film, while Gaia Wise ("Silent Witness"), Luke Pasqualino ("Snowpiercer"), Laurence Ubong Williams ("Gateway"), and Shaun Dooley ("The Witcher") fill out the rest of the principal cast of voice actors. It is currently readying for an December 13, 2024 theatrical release.
The Karate Kid - December 13, 2024
An absolute icon of the 1980s, "The Karate Kid" stars Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita as teenager Daniel LaRusso and his martial arts mentor Mr. Miyagi, respectively. After a pair of direct sequels, a remake arrived in 2010 starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan as Dre Parker and his mentor Mr. Han. Though it wasn't a big hit, it did keep the franchise alive, and in 2016, said franchise returned to Macchio's films for a streaming series sequel, "Cobra Kai." This led many to believe that we'd seen the last of Parker and Han. But a new "Karate Kid" feature film in 2024 stands to change that.
Hot off six seasons of "Cobra Kai," Macchio will return for a big-screen revival of "The Karate Kid" as Daniel LaRusso. But the real surprise here is that Jackie Chan will reprise his role as Mr. Han, uniting the two versions of the franchise into one cinematic universe. The film will center around a new student from China who discovers purpose and inner strength through martial arts, and it will be directed by Jonathan Entwistle. While we don't know who might fill out the cast, we wouldn't be surprised if characters from "Cobra Kai" make an appearance. The new "Karate Kid" is currently on tap for a December 13, 2024 release.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 - December 20, 2024
Video game adaptations used to be a genre known for duds. But thanks in no small part to "Sonic the Hedgehog," they're now hotter than ever. One of the last blockbusters to release before the COVID-19 pandemic descended in 2020, the first "Sonic" film took in "just" $319 million. Its sequel did even better two years later. That installment introduces the villain Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, who is due for his own spin-off TV series on Paramount+. But that's hardly where the franchise will stop. A proper threequel, "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," will drop in 2024.
Scheduled for release just before Christmas, this flick shifts its release date from that of the previous two movies, which both debuted much earlier in the year. It's still early in the making, so not much is known about this next entry in the series, but a tease on Twitter announcing the film back in August 2022 suggests that both Tails and Knuckles could be back in action alongside the eponymous Sonic, once again voiced by Ben Schwartz.
The inclusion of Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik, however, is up in the air, as the actor has said that he is serious about retiring from acting. If he stands by his word, we'll be in for a new villain, because producers have said they have no plans to replace Carrey in the role. Either way, Sonic is speeding towards release on December 20, 2024.
Mufasa: The Lion King - December 20, 2024
Disney's live-action remake of "The Lion King" proved divisive among fans and critics, with many feeling it was a wholly unnecessary endeavor. But the box office doesn't lie: "The Lion King" made over $1 billion dollars in theaters, which makes it clear there's a huge appetite for it. Thus, in 2024, it will see a prequel in "Mufasa: The Lion King." Replacing Jon Favreau behind the camera is Barry Jenkins, director of "If Beale Street Could Talk" and the TV miniseries "The Underground Railroad." The latter production stars Aaron Pierre, who will step in as the voice of a younger Mufasa.
Returning cast members for the prequel include Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen as Timon and Pumbaa, as well as John Kani as Rafiki. Voicing the younger version of Scar — known as Taka in his early days — is "The Trial of the Chicago 7" star Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Once again, Disney will use life-like CGI animation to recreate the stunning photorealistic world of "The Lion King," this time for a story that explores Mufasa's youth. Previews for the film have revealed that a devastating flood leaves him orphaned, to be adopted by another pride. Battling against the odds, this ordinary outsider will rise up to take his place as the king of the jungle on December 20, 2024.
Jordan Peele's new movie - December 25, 2024
Once known only as a comedian, Jordan Peele has established himself as one of the brightest writer-directors in Hollywood. Oozing with atmosphere and filled with symbolism and allegory, his 2017 sci-fi thriller "Get Out" blew the world away with its story of a young man who discovers a terrifying and bizarre secret after meeting his girlfriend's family. Often exploring themes of racism and social injustice, Peele's films have garnered an outpouring of critical acclaim, with follow-ups "Us" and "Nope" continuing to deliver plenty of thrills and thought-provoking drama.
In 2023, it was announced that Peele's fourth film — which is yet to be titled — will arrive on Christmas Day, 2024, making it alternative programming for big-budget blockbusters "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" and "Thunderbolts." As of press time, we don't know the genre of the film, let alone who will star or what it will be about. But whether it's a chilling horror movie like "Us" or a mind-bending sci-fi like "Get Out," it'll surely be a highly inventive project for the best actors in Hollywood, as Peele remains one of the most in-demand filmmakers currently working. There is, however, at least a decent chance that actor Daniel Kaluuya will make an appearance, as he's starred in two of Peele's three films so far.
Nosferatu - December 25, 2024
The tale of Count Dracula might be the most retold story on the silver screen. One of the first was an unofficial adaptation: 1922's "Nosferatu." This version introduces Count Orlok, a vampire living in Transylvania who is visited by a real estate agent named Thomas Hutter. It has only been remade once, in 1979, by director Werner Herzog.
In 2024, auteur writer-director Robert Eggers will try his hand at a second remake of the 1922 classic. "It" star Bill Skarsgard will play Count Orlok and Nicholas Hoult (who ironically played the title role in 2023's "Dracula"-inspired "Renfield") will play Thomas Hutter. Lily-Rose Depp joins the film as Ellen, Thomas' wife and the woman Nosferatu becomes obsessed with, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson will reportedly play ship owner Friedrich Harding. Willem Dafoe has also joined the film in the role of Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz.
Stuck in development hell since 2015, Eggers' "Nosferatu" is a passion project for the director that he's refused to let go of. He'll finally see it come to fruition when it lands in theaters on December 25, 2024, making it the perfect Christmas treat for horror fans.
The Crow - 2024
Comic book movie remakes have a mixed track record, from the stellar "Dredd" in 2010 to the abysmal "Hellboy" in 2019. Hollywood will try again with "The Crow," a reboot of the grimdark supernatural crime thriller that starred Brandon Lee, scheduled to arrive 30 years after the 1994 original. Of course, the original is most famous for the tragic on-set death of Lee, who was killed during a misfire of a prop gun, but it was also well-received, garnering high praise from critics on its way to becoming a bonafide cult classic.
Though the original was followed by four lackluster sequels — three of which were direct-to-video — a full reboot has been in the works for more than a decade. A 2008 attempt from Stephen Norrington never went anywhere, and directors Corin Hardy and F. Javier Gutierrez were both signed at different times. Actors Bradley Cooper, Luke Evans, and even Jason Momoa have been involved at various points as potential stars.
Finally, after years in development hell, "Snow White and the Huntsman" director Rupert Sanders officially signed on, and "It" star Bill Skarsgard joined the project in the title role. Musician FKA Twigs, Danny Huston ("Yellowstone"), Isabella Wei ("1899), and Laura Birn ("Foundation") will also star in this updated story of a man named Eric Draven, who is murdered by a gang of thugs, then resurrected as a bloodthirsty vigilante. Filming on the picture wrapped in September, 2022, and is currently slated to be released some time in 2024.
The Bikeriders - 2024
Another movie delayed thanks to the lengthy Hollywood strikes, "The Bikeriders" made its debut at the 50th Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2023, but it won't enjoy a theatrical release until an unspecified date in 2024. When it does arrive, though, it stands to be a major movie for Universal and a possible awards contender.
"The Bikeriders" is written and directed by Jeff Nichols, who helmed the Golden Globe-nominated "Loving" in 2016. The film's cast is what will get audience attention, though; its ensemble is headlined by Tom Hardy and includes Jodie Comer, Michael Shannon, Austin Butler, Norman Reedus, and Boyd Holbrook. The film focuses on a fictional biker gang called the Vandals in the 1960s American midwest. Kathy (Comer) and her boyfriend Benny (Butler) become enmeshed with leader Johnny (Hardy) as the group of counter-culture rebels grows into a more dangerous gang of criminal miscreants over the course of a decade.
Thanks to its festival debut, "The Bikeriders" has already received strong reviews from the pros. Critics are praising the film for its gritty portrayal of biker culture in the early days of the movement, which fought the establishment but often crossed the line into violence. The film's cast has been getting the lion's share of the credit, with some calling it a game-changer for leading lady Comer.
The Electric State - 2024
If anything should put "The Electric State," an upcoming sci-fi film from directors Anthony and Joe Russo, on people's watchlists, it's the film's extraordinary cast. Millie Bobby Brown of "Stranger Things" and Chris Pratt of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise play the lead roles, but it's in the supporting cast where things get wild and interesting. Take a deep breath — here we go.
We've got Ke Huy Quan ("Everything Everywhere All at Once"), Brian Cox ("Succession"), and Giancarlo Esposito ("The Mandalorian"). And, oh yeah, there's also Anthony Mackie (the Marvel Cinematic Universe), Billy Bob Thornton ("Bad Santa"), Stanley Tucci ("The Devil Wears Prada"), and Jenny Slate ("Marcel the Shell With Shoes On"). Plus, expect to see George Costanza himself — Jason Alexander of "Seinfeld" fame.
Some of these actors will be playing live-action roles, while others will be doing voice work. As for the plot, it'll be based on the graphic novel of the same name by Simon Stålenhag, which finds a young girl traveling across 1990s America — which has been torn apart thanks to a war between humans and robots. Brown will be playing the young girl looking for her lost brother, and during her journey, she'll cross paths with Pratt's smuggler. As for when you'll meet these two unique characters, we know the film is coming to Netflix sometime in 2024.
Damsel - 2024
Netflix has had a lot of success producing their own movies, with hits in just about every genre. They've had sci-fi smashes like "Upgrade," action favorites like "Extraction," and plenty of anime too. Their track record in the realm of pure fantasy is somewhat sparse, and traditional sword-and-sorcery stories are few. That will change with the release of "Damsel," which will star Netflix favorite Millie Bobbie Brown of "Stranger Things" and "Enola Holmes" fame as a young woman who must face a dragon.
The film is being directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, who helmed "28 Weeks Later" in 2007. It tells the story of a young, handsome prince (Nick Robinson) who takes the hand of the beautiful Elodie (Brown). But soon, Elodie realizes that her role as princess is a lie. In truth, she's been chosen to become a human sacrifice to a man-eating dragon in order to save the kingdom. Trapped with a fire-breathing monster, Elodie must find a way to defeat the beast herself — because if she can't, she'll become its next meal.
Alongside Brown, "Damsel" boasts an impressive cast that also includes Robin Wright, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Angela Bassett, and Ray Winstone. The film was initially scheduled to drop on Netflix on October 13, 2023, but has since been moved to an unknown date in 2024. While no reason was given, the fact that its delay came in the middle of a pair of Hollywood strikes probably isn't a coincidence.
Spaceman - 2024
"Saturday Night Live" alum Adam Sandler has practically transferred his entire career over to Netflix, beginning with his 2016 films "The Ridiculous Six" and "The Do-Over" and proceeding through the likes of "Andy Wexler," "Murder Mystery," and "Hustle." His next movie for Netflix is a drama titled "Spaceman," from director Johan Renck. A thoughtful character study with some serious sci-fi vibes, "Spaceman" puts Sandler into the role of astronaut Jakub Procházka. Sent to the furthest reaches of space on a scientific mission, Procházka faces a personal crisis in the void, where he has nobody to turn to for solace. But soon, he finds an unlikely friend in Hanuš (Paul Dano), a bizarre alien lifeform who has somehow stowed away in the bowels of his ship. With the creature's help, Procházka will discover new truths about himself and the universe at the same time.
Based on the novel "Spaceman of Bohemia" by Jaroslav Kalfar, "Spaceman" also features the talents of Carey Mulligan ("Promising Young Woman"), Kunal Nayyar ("The Big Bang Theory"), and Isabella Rossellini ("Blue Velvet"). Channing Tatum is serving as a producer on the film. Like so many other movies in 2023, its scheduled release was bumped back to 2024 amid the Hollywood strikes. No specific release date has been announced just yet.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley - 2024
Over the last few years, audiences have been treated to a bevy of legacy sequels. Many of them are reprises of '80s classics like "Top Gun," "Blade Runner," and the "Rocky" films. In 2024, fans will get another in the form of a fourth "Beverly Hills Cop" film. Few thought this sequel would ever happen, largely thanks to star Eddie Murphy only reluctantly agreeing to do the third in 1994. This time, though, the actor seems more than happy to be back in action.
The film will be helmed by Mark Molloy, who will be making his feature-length directorial debut. In addition to Murphy, who returns to the role of free-wheeling west coast cop Axel Foley, Judge Reinhold will be back as his partner Billy Rosewood, while Paul Reiser, John Ashton, and Bronson Pinchot reprise their roles from the previous films. A pair of superstar additions to the franchise join the fun with Kevin Bacon and Joseph Gordon-Levitt slated to play a pair of fellow cops.
Though plot details have yet to be revealed, expect the film to be set some 30 years after "Beverly Hills Cop III." A first look at the film has already revealed Foley sporting a Detroit Lions jacket while being confronted by uniformed officers on the street as bystanders gawk. If you want to find out what it's about, you'll have to tune in to Netflix, though no release date has been announced.