With returning favorites and exciting newcomers, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of cinematic exploration and entertainment for audiences around the world.
Mean Girls
Release Date: January 12, 2024
While it may appear to be a remake of the 2004 comedy, this new version is not quite that. Tina Fey, who also wrote the original and makes an appearance in this film, has penned this adaptation of the stage musical Mean Girls, which, in turn, was derived from the original movie. Angourie Rice assumes the role of the new girl Cady Heron, with Reneé Rapp stepping into the shoes of the head Mean Girl, Regina George.
Madame Web
Release Date: February 14, 2024
Madame Web, featuring Dakota Johnson in the role of the clairvoyant Spidey side character, might be a compelling reason to stay engaged, even if Peter Parker himself never makes an appearance. The film also features Sydney Sweeney, Adam Scott, and Zosia Mamet in supporting roles.
Dune: Part Two
Release Date: March 1, 2024
Despite the initial uncertainty surrounding the sequel due to the first installment’s day-and-date release on HBO Max, Warner Bros. ultimately granted Denis Villeneuve the opportunity to proceed. In Part Two, notable figures such as Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux, Austin Butler, and Christopher Walken have joined the cast as Villeneuve continues to unfold the second half of Frank Herbert’s expansive sci-fi novel. With Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya returning, there’s certainly a compelling reason to see the film.
Kung Fu Panda 4
Release Date: March 8, 2024
DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda series is a remarkably underrated gem, skillfully transforming what might have seemed like a lighthearted concept—Jack Black voicing a fat panda skilled in martial arts—into a work that seamlessly blends humor, heartfelt moments, and stunning fight sequences. The narrative follows Po as he confronts a formidable chameleon adversary and embarks on a quest to discover the next Dragon Warrior.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Release Date: March 29, 2024
While details about this sequel remain somewhat elusive, we do know that director Jason Reitman has been succeeded by Gil Kenan. The returning cast includes stars Carrie Coon, McKenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, and Paul Rudd, alongside newcomers Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt. The film is set in New York, specifically at the iconic firehouse from the original films, as teased at the conclusion of Afterlife. After paying a beautiful homage to the original ’80s series, Ghostbusters: Afterlife successfully paved its own narrative path. Now, this fresh ensemble of characters is poised to continue their story with Frozen Empire.
Mickey 17
Release Date: March 29, 2024
Following his Academy Award-winning film Parasite, South Korean director Bong Joon-ho ventures into the sci-fi realm with an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7. The film features Robert Pattinson in the lead role, portraying a disposable employee whose body is regenerated with past memories intact each time he dies. This character is on a mission to colonize a remote and distant world, adding an intriguing layer to the exploration of futuristic themes and the human experience.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Release Date: April 12, 2024
The two iconic kaiju, Godzilla and Kong, are set for another epic encounter in the sequel to the Monsterverse’s 2021 showdown. The synopsis hints at a potential twist, suggesting that this time, Godzilla and Kong may begin as allies, united against “a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world.” Leading the cast is Dan Stevens, alongside returning GvK actors Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle. Adam Wingard, who directed the previous clash, is once again taking the helm for this highly anticipated sequel.
Challengers
Release Date: April 26, 2024
Zendaya takes the lead in the newest film from director Luca Guadagnino, which explores the intricate dynamics among a tennis prodigy-turned-coach (Zendaya), her struggling former champion husband (Mike Faist), and his one-time best friend (Josh O’Connor) — also coincidentally her former boyfriend. The film delves into the complexities of relationships within this tightly woven trio against the backdrop of the world of tennis.
The Fall Guy
Release Date: May 3, 2024
David Leitch stands out as one of the prominent action directors in recent times, with a track record that includes John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and Hobbs & Shaw. Currently, he is taking on the challenge of adapting an ’80s TV show about a stuntman who doubles as a bounty hunter, a theme well-suited to his expertise. Leading the cast are Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. The combination of Leitch’s action direction prowess and the talented cast suggests a promising and thrilling cinematic experience.
IF
Release Date: May 17, 2024
John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds, who are also featured in the film, collaborated to create this fantasy comedy, written by Krasinski. The story revolves around a young girl discovering her ability to see abandoned Imaginary Friends, hence the title IF. The movie boasts an extensive voice cast, presumably for these imaginary friends, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Matt Damon, Steve Carell, Emily Blunt, Awkwafina, and other notable talents.
Furiosa
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the role of a younger Imperator Furiosa, the formidable war rig driver, in this prequel to the critically acclaimed Mad Max: Fury Road—one of the standout films of the century so far. The visionary George Miller returns to direct, and Chris Hemsworth co-stars in this movie that delves into Furiosa’s backstory, narrating the story of her kidnapping and her ascent through the ranks of Immortan Joe.
Garfield
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Chris Pratt, having already voiced Mario, is now set to lend his voice to another iconic character: everyone’s favorite lasagna-loving, Monday-hating cat, Garfield, in a new movie adaptation of the long-running comic strip. Joining the cast is Samuel L. Jackson, who will voice Vic, Garfield’s father. It’s a surprising and intriguing pairing that adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming film.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Release Date: May 24, 2024
In the aftermath of Caesar’s demise in the 2017 film War for the Planet of the Apes, marking the conclusion of the reboot trilogy, director Wes Ball, known for helming the Maze Runner films, takes the reins for the fourth installment in the series. Set many years after the events of War, this new film promises to explore further developments in the world dominated by apes, continuing the legacy of the classic sci-fi franchise.
Ballerina
Release Date: June 7, 2024
The inaugural spin-off film from the John Wick universe features Ana de Armas as one of the skilled female assassins trained by the Ruska Roma. While details remain sparse, it’s confirmed to be another revenge tale, set precisely between the events of Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. Notably, Keanu Reeves and other characters from the John Wick series are slated to make appearances, further connecting the narrative threads within this action-packed cinematic universe.
Bad Boys 4
Release Date: June 14, 2024
In this installment, detectives Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are set to reunite for another explosive action-adventure, continuing the thrilling legacy of the Bad Boys series.
Inside Out 2
Release Date: June 14, 2024
Building on the success of the wonderful Pixar film Inside Out, which explored the inner workings of an emotional young girl’s mind, the stakes are raised in the sequel by venturing into a teenager’s head. Inside Out 2 will revisit Riley as she navigates college life, introducing a new set of emotions to reflect the challenges and experiences of this stage in her life. While Amy Poehler is reported to return, there are indications that not all of the original voice cast, which included talents like Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling, will be reprising their roles for this sequel.
A Quiet Place: Day One
Release Date: June 28, 2024
In the A Quiet Place franchise, the action has predominantly unfolded after the invasion of super-hearing, super-deadly aliens that devastated society. However, the third installment, as suggested by its title, will take us back to the initial days of the alien attack, this prequel will explore the early moments when humanity faced the unknown threat of these monsters. While most of the cast is new, Djimon Hounsou’s character from the second film is set to make a return.
Despicable Me 4
Release Date: July 3, 2024
As we eagerly anticipate the return of Gru and his lovable Minions, it’s worth remembering the master they faithfully serve. Following the spin-off Minions: The Rise of Gru, the Despicable Me franchise is making a comeback with a new mainline installment. While specific details about the mischief Gru and the Minions will encounter are currently under wraps, fans can anticipate another adventure filled with humor and heart, as the franchise continues to captivate audiences with its delightful characters and imaginative storytelling.
Twisters
Release Date: July 19, 2024
Initially conceived as a remake of the 1996 disaster film Twister, Twisters has evolved into a sequel, characterized as a “new chapter.” The connection to its predecessor remains unclear. Lee Isaac Chung, known for his work on the critically acclaimed indie drama Minari, is making the transition to the summer blockbuster scene as the director. The film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos, promising a fresh take on the storm-chasing narrative with potential ties to the original Twister movie.
Deadpool 3
Release Date: July 26, 2024
The highly anticipated return of the Merc With a Mouth is on the horizon, and with it, the possibility of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine making a comeback. This marks the first Deadpool movie since Disney’s acquisition of Fox, and fans are eager to witness how the beloved R-rated humor of the Ryan Reynolds-led franchise will mesh with the typically PG-13 tone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The mystery deepens regarding how and why Hugh Jackman is reprising his role as Wolverine, especially after the acclaimed swan song in Logan. The upcoming film promises to be a unique blend of humor, action, and perhaps a surprise or two from the mutant world.
Borderlands
Release Date: August 9, 2024
Prepare for extraterrestrial antics as Eli Roth directs the adaptation of the popular and eccentric video game series. The star-studded cast includes Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black. The screenplay comes from Craig Mazin, known for his success in transforming another acclaimed video game franchise, The Last of Us, into a hit. With Roth at the helm and a stellar ensemble, the film promises to bring the beloved video game characters to life in a new and exciting way.
Kraven the Hunter
Release Date: August 30, 2024
Originally intended to appear in the Andrew Garfield Spider-Man franchise before its discontinuation by Sony, the classic Spider-Man villain is now making his long-awaited big-screen debut. J.C. Chandor, known for films like All Is Lost and Triple Frontier, is set to direct the movie. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who previously portrayed Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver in Avengers: Age of Ultron, is cast to play the character in this highly anticipated film. Fans can look forward to seeing this iconic Spidey antagonist brought to life under Chandor’s direction and Taylor-Johnson’s performance.
Beetlejuice 2
Release Date: September 6, 2024
Tim Burton and Michael Keaton join forces once again, revisiting one of Burton’s early iconic characters in the sequel to 1988’s Beetlejuice. The cast includes returning stars Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, reprising their roles as Lydia and Delia Deetz, respectively. Jenna Ortega joins the cast as Lydia’s daughter, adding a new dimension to the story. Fans can anticipate a blend of Burton’s unique directorial style, Keaton’s portrayal of the mischievous character, and the return of familiar faces to create a nostalgic and visually captivating sequel to the beloved classic.
Transformers One
Release Date: September 6, 2024
The Transformers series makes a nostalgic comeback with an animated prequel delving into the early days of Cybertron, the home world of the iconic robots, and the genesis of the enduring rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron. Departing from the ongoing storyline of the live-action films, this project is under the direction of Josh Cooley, known for Toy Story 4. The voices of Optimus Prime and Megatron will be brought to life by Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry, respectively.
Joker: Folie à Deux
Release Date: October 4, 2024
Todd Phillips, the director behind the immensely successful R-rated portrayal of the iconic Batman villain, returns with a follow-up to the film that earned Joaquin Phoenix the Best Actor Oscar. Titled “Folie à Deux,” this installment introduces Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, a complex love interest for the lead character. Surprisingly, the film is rumored to take a musical turn, adding a unique and unexpected dimension to the narrative.
Terrifier 3
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Details about the third installment of the beloved horror franchise Terrifier are scarce, but what we do know is that David Howard Thornton is reprising his role as Art the Clown. The film is set on Christmas Eve, adding a holiday twist to the horror. Additionally, there’s anticipation among fans as the reported budget for this installment is significantly larger, promising improved production values compared to its predecessors.
Venom 3
Release Date: November 8, 2024
In the third installment of the Spider-Man-adjacent antihero franchise, Tom Hardy reprises his role as the San Francisco reporter possessed by an alien symbiote. Taking the helm as the writer is Kelly Marcel, though specific details about the plot remain largely undisclosed at this point.
Gladiator 2
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Ridley Scott makes a directorial comeback with the sequel to the historical epic Gladiator. The narrative is said to center around a matured Lucius, portrayed by Paul Mescal, who has ascended to the role of emperor. Connie Nielsen is set to reprise her role as Lucilla in this anticipated continuation of the Gladiator saga.
Wicked
Release Date: November 27, 2024
The iconic Broadway musical, offering a unique perspective on the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, is set to receive a two-part film adaptation. Helmed by director Jon M. Chu, known for his work on “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights,” audiences will be transported to the enchanting world of Oz. Cynthia Erivo is cast as Elphaba, while Ariana Grande takes on the role of Glinda, promising an exciting on-screen rendition of this beloved tale.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Release Date: December 13, 2024
Warner Bros. presents the newest addition to the Lord of the Rings universe, an animated prequel exploring the tales of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary king of Rohan. This realm is home to the renowned horsemen known as the Rohirrim, prominently featured in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Brian Cox lends his voice to the central character, who reigned 183 years before the events depicted in The Two Towers. Additionally, Miranda Otto, reprising her role as Eowyn from the latter film, serves as a framing device for this captivating story.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Release Date: December 20, 2024
The Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise continues its rapid pace with a third installment, expected to feature the return of Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, and Idris Elba as Knuckles. While Jim Carrey, who portrayed the villainous Dr. Robotnik in the first two movies, may consider retirement from acting, a new adversary awaits Sonic. The post-credits scene of Sonic 2 hinted at the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog, promising an intriguing challenge for our beloved blue speedster.
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse
Release Date: TBD
The highly acclaimed 2018 film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” left fans eager for a sequel, and the anticipation was met with not one but two films. The first of the two, “Across the Spider-Verse,” premiered in 2023 to rave reviews and a blockbuster opening weekend. However, it concluded with a suspenseful cliffhanger for Miles Morales and his friends. The sequel, titled “Beyond the Spider-Verse,” is slated to bring closure to this storyline. Originally scheduled for a March 2024 release, the film faced delays and was removed from the schedule amid industry strikes in 2023.