Always planning years in ahead, Hollywood. Movies that producers work on for a year might not be released to the public for several years. This isn’t just applicable to grand television series like “Lord of the Rings,” which necessitate protracted post-production stages. Some movies take more than ten years to complete, like Richard Linklater’s “Boyhood.” There are already a ton of movies set for the distant year of 2024 because it is a universal truth that major motion pictures take so long to produce. Hollywood is getting ready to produce a flood of films for that year, even though it may still sound like the setting for a high-concept sci-fi film.
The majority of the movies currently scheduled for release in 2024 are high-profile blockbuster sequels to long-loved storylines that audiences have been captivated by for years. However, this year will also see the release of a few original features by some of history’s most well-known directors. These projects all fall under different categories, such as family movies, action movies, and horror movies, but they all have distinctive elements that make them the most anticipated must-sees of 2024.
A Quiet Place: Day One
With the upcoming spin-off “A Quiet Place: Day One,” the “A Quiet Place” universe is gearing up to grow considerably. Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn have been cast as two of the new major characters, and while story details are primarily being kept under wraps, it does seem that new people outside the original “Quiet Place” protagonists will be taking center stage here. Behind the scenes, there have also been changes with Michael Sarnoski taking over as director for John Krasinski’s “Pig.” Given how many key personnel changes there were for a “Quiet Place” movie, “Day One” might bring something distinctly new to the franchise.
The title also suggests that viewers will be transported back to the beginning of the alien invasion of noise-sensitive monsters, a setting that was only briefly described in “A Quiet Place: Part II”‘s prologue. Given how adept Sarnoski was at depicting the process of dealing with loss in “Pig,” investigating that area and how people respond to the world’s abrupt change might be highly engaging. Despite the fact that there have already been two films set in the “Quiet Place” universe, there are still plenty of opportunities for “A Quiet Place: Day One” to offer something truly original and unsettling.
Avatar 3
Audiences had to wait 12 years for the next James Cameron film after “Titanic.” Moviegoers had to wait 13 years for this director to release another film after “Avatar.” Between “Avatar: The Way of Water” and Cameron’s upcoming project, an unannounced third “Avatar” film scheduled for release in December 2024, there will be a noticeably shorter interval. While most of “Avatar 3” is being kept a secret by director James Cameron, it is known that this movie will feature several new characters who are sure to cause a stir for the entirety of the “Avatar” sequels. In this film, David Thewlis will make his acting debut as a Na’vi, and Michelle Yeoh and Oona Chaplin will also make their debuts as Na’vi characters.
Beyond those casting rumors, “Avatar 3” is a project shrouded in secret, but considering Cameron’s fondness for lavish spectacle in the previous two “Avatar” films, it should be obvious that this next sequel will share same love. It’s also encouraging to know that “Avatar 3” will introduce fresh characters played by stars like Thewlis and Yeoh rather than relying solely on established characters from the previous installments of the franchise. The prospect of returning to Pandora in “Avatar 3” is really exciting, especially given that it will be released far sooner than Cameron’s other previous directorial follow-up ventures. There is still so much to discover on Pandora.
Blade
The Guardians of the Galaxy or the Eternals are two examples of completely unheard-of superheroes that the Marvel Cinematic Universe frequently worries about. A superhero that has not only been in a feature film before, but also starred in a trilogy of films that were released in the late 1990s and early 2000s, will be the star of one of its planned 2024 releases. Mahershala Ali will be portraying a new iteration of the fictitious character Blade, who was previously portrayed by Wesley Snipes. The two-time Oscar winner is so passionate about the role that he reportedly approached Marvel Studios directly to portray this vampire hunter.
While Ali’s dedication to the character of Blade has remained unwavering throughout the years since he first accepted it, the film “Blade” has faced challenges along the way, including the passing of original director Bassam Tariq. Even while those obstacles have been disheartening, Yann Demange’s appointment as the movie’s new director gives me a lot of hope that this production still has it in her to be something extraordinary. There are a ton of reasons to be optimistic about “Blade,” especially when you consider the fact that Marvel Studios has produced a number of masterpieces despite having a rocky production history.
Captain America: New World Order
Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) will have his own standalone feature with “Captain America: New World Order” after ultimately assuming the role of Captain America in the concluding episode of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” Julius Onah, the director of “Luce,” claims that “Captain America: New World Order” will carry on some of the most intriguing aspects of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” such as the plot involving Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly).
Wilson’s Captain America will, however, also be linked to more extensive elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe mythos in “New World Order,” such as Tim Blake Nelson’s Samuel Stern from “The Incredible Hulk,” who will finally make his long-awaited comeback. Harrison Ford will make his acting debut in this Marvel Studios production as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, and that fact alone should raise awareness of “New World Order” among viewers. The main reason “Captain America: New World Order” is causing so much enthusiasm, above all others, is that it will also provide as a chance to watch the new Captain America fly as a big-screen leading man.
Elio
The first time Adrian Molina worked for Pixar was in 2007 when he was an animator on “Ratatouille”‘s end credits. Since then, Molina has risen through the ranks at Pixar, contributing to further screenplays for “The Good Dinosaur” and “Monsters University,” working as co-director and screenwriter on the 2017 blockbuster “Coco,” among other projects. On the Pixar film “Elio,” Molina will advance to the position of sole director in 2024. There are little details regarding the project, but it will be a science fiction story about a young child who ends himself in the deep reaches of space and is mistaken by alien lifeforms for the Earth’s ambassador. Yonas Kibreab will play the title character in the movie, and America Ferrera will portray Elio’s mother, Olga.
Because “Coco” was such a remarkable feature, the possibility of any future Molina production would be cause for joy. However, “Elio’s” premise is incredibly intriguing. It will be intriguing to observe Pixar’s approach to sci-fi storytelling, a field the company has intermittently explored over the years in films like “Wall-E” and “Lightyear.” “Elio” holds a lot of promise and might add a memorable new chapter to Molina’s illustrious Pixar career.
Furiosa
New George Miller film “Furiosa” That alone should propel it to the very top of any list of the most eagerly awaited movies of 2024. Even more intriguing as a cinematic experience is the fact that it is a George Miller directed film set in the “Mad Max” universe. This time, Anya Taylor-Joy will take on the role of Furiosa from “Mad Max: Fury Road,” not Charlize Theron. This leading lady has had a strong run of films, including notable 2022 releases like “The Northman” and “The Menu,” so the prospect of her working with George Miller as a director sounds simply incredible.
Tom Burke, an actor who may not be well-known but did outstanding work in Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir,” is also a member of the cast of this movie. It will be fascinating to watch what he creates on a far broader canvas than the modest British indies in which he typically stars. Beyond the cast, “Furiosa” will undoubtedly have a more concretely realized spectacle that only Miller would have the audacity and ingenuity to pull off. The cast also stars Chris Hemsworth. “Furiosa” will be the most recent illustration of why any new George Miller film should be eagerly awaited if he is able to reproduce even a small portion of the brilliance of “Fury Road.”
Joker: Folie à Deux
Even though the first “Joker” wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it produced something that both audiences couldn’t stop talking about and distinguished itself from other comic book movie adaptations. A “Joker” sequel is set to be released in October 2024, ending years of rumor and debate over whether or not it would ever happen. In the shape of Lady Gaga‘s portrayal of Harley Quinn, another significant figure from the comic book mythology of the character will be introduced to the proceedings. Additionally, this sequel, named “Joker: Folie à Deux,” will also be a musical, allowing the film to fully utilize Gaga’s singing abilities and setting it apart from its predecessor.
While the idea of a “Joker” sequel may seem inevitable, making it a musical was surely not something anyone foresaw. Even the idea of viewing this universe through a musical filter sounds immensely intriguing. Even more intriguing is the thought of Lady Gaga portraying Harley Quinn with even a small portion of the fervor and passion she displayed during her “House of Gucci” performance. Although “Joker: Folie à Deux” looks like the kind of sequel that brilliantly swings for the fences rather than rests on its laurels, it is likely to be just as controversial as its predecessor.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Given that the “Planet of the Apes” franchise has been ongoing for decades, one may assume that its creative juices are running low. As opposed to that, the most recent trilogy of films in this saga—two of which were directed by “The Batman” filmmaker Matt Reeves—were some of the most thrilling and audacious works to date. As evidenced by the 2001 Tim Burton remake “Planet of the Apes,” the “Planet of the Apes” saga is not immune to producing a forgettable film, yet there is also undeniable creative endurance in this universe. That makes the imaginative possibilities for the “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” sequel in 2024 appear much more enticing.
Though any additional narrative information are still shrouded in mystery, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” is purportedly set decades after the events of “War for the Planet of the Apes.” However, the prospect of continuing the plot introduced in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” is tremendously intriguing, and the presence of franchise newbie director Wes Ball suggests that this sequel may feature some inventive new visual flourishes. Additionally, Owen Teague will be playing the lead ape, and given his outstanding performances in films like “To Leslie,” it will be interesting to see how he will perform in a motion-capture role. Basically, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” has a ton of reasons to make you crazy.
Kung Fu Panda 4
Returning is the Dragon Warrior. Po (Jack Black) will return in “Kung Fu Panda 4” in March 2024 for yet another adventure. That is all that the general public is aware of regarding this upcoming sequel, and even crucial information like the production crew is shrouded in secrecy. Uncertainty won’t stop people from anticipating the possibility of seeing Po embark on another epic mission, though. In the DreamWorks Animation canon, the first three “Kung Fu Panda” films are among the best, with “Kung Fu Panda 2” particularly standing out as the ideal example of how to execute an animated kid’s movie sequel. Without sacrificing the essential elements that made the first “Kung Fu Panda” so brilliant, that movie ventured to take the franchise in a new tonal path.
There’s a decent chance that “Kung Fu Panda 4” will be something spectacular if the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise can produce a sequel as good as “Kung Fu Panda 2.” Additionally, recent DreamWorks Animation films with outstanding overall production values include “The Bad Guys” and “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” The public should get ready for a completely great addition to the “Kung Fu Panda” tale if this upcoming “Kung Fu Panda” film continues that hot streak of invention.
Mickey 17
With his 2024 film “Mickey 17,” Bong Joon Ho returns to science fiction cinema and English-language storytelling after dominating the Academy Awards. The movie “Mickey 17,” starring Robert Pattinson as a man assigned to work on an expedition to populate a distant ice planet, is based on the book “Mickey7” by Edward Ashton. From there, things are going to grow convoluted and full of powerful social commentary on the society around us if previous Joon Ho films are any clue. Despite the lack of information regarding the appearance and feel of the adaptation, it is tough to not be intrigued by Bong Joon Ho’s outstanding body of work.
When one considers the caliber of talent the filmmaker has put together for this project—Toni Collette, Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, and Mark Ruffalo are all present in the supporting cast, while Robert Pattinson plays the lead role—that excitement is only going to grow. Since Pattinson has a history of favoring renowned directors like David Cronenberg, Robert Eggers, and Claire Denis, it’s tremendously intriguing to think about what he could be able to accomplish as an actor under the director of “Parasite.” It goes without saying that there are a lot more than just a handful or even 17 reasons to be excited about the debut of “Mickey 17” by Bong Joon Ho.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part Two
The main character of the many “Mission: Impossible” films, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), has been required to perform some astounding feats throughout this franchise.
Hunt will soon have to accomplish a very difficult feat, though: a two-part blockbuster. The second film in the series, “Dead Reckoning,” which will be released in June 2024, will be broken into two separate releases. In the past, movies like “Divergent: Allegiant” have demonstrated how quickly things can go horribly wrong when one tale is broken into two. But if Hunt could scale the tallest structure in the world and remain alive, it stands to reason that he could succeed in turning “Dead Reckoning” into a gratifying multi-film experience.
Happily, the second “Dead Reckoning” effort will include several new cast members, including Nick Offerman and Holt McCallany, who weren’t present for the original “Dead Reckoning.” It’s always wonderful to see actors like Offerman and McCallany in public, but it’s especially cool to see them in this situation since it suggests that the second half of “Dead Reckoning” will provide something fresh rather than just a repetition of the first. That is just one of the many reasons why audiences are impatiently awaiting the release of “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part Two” in theaters.
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse
It has been a while since viewers had the chance to delve into the expansive and fantastical Miles Morales/Spider-Man universe as depicted in the 2018 film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” However, not only is a continuation of that film in the works, but there will also be two more. “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” the second of those sequels, is scheduled to arrive in theaters in March 2024. It’s not surprising that “Beyond the Spider-Verse” is cloaked in mystery given how little information is known about the first of these sequels, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Although it has been revealed that Jason Schwartzman’s Spot will be the main antagonist in “Across the Spider-Verse,” there are no further specifics on which characters from the first two movies will make an appearance.
Even so, “Into the Spider-Verse’s” vividness makes the idea of spending more time in this Spider-person cosmos immensely enticing. Additionally, the subtitle “Beyond the Spider-Verse” raises some seriously surreal storytelling possibilities for the direction this sequel might take its audience. If the caliber of “Into the Spider-Verse” is any indicator, moviegoers should be excited for what “Beyond the Spider-Verse” has in store. However, we’ll have to wait and see to learn more about what this specific “Spider-Man” movie has up its sleeve.
The animated Transformers movie
Humans have dominated the live-action “Transformers” films’ narrative for the most of their history. The rule has generally been for human-centric aspects like John Turturro wearing a jock strap to take precedence over Autobots and Decepticons, even though “Bumblebee” in 2018 placed more of the attention onto the robots. This has been a frustrating development on a number of levels, not the least of which is how largely uninteresting the humans in this franchise have been. But in 2024, a completely animated film with an undetermined title that focuses solely on the robot world of Cybertron will completely upend that status quo.
The relationship between Optimus Prime and Megatron will be at the center of the film, but it is yet unclear how much or how little the feature will tie into the continuity of the earlier “Transformers” films. The film’s director, Josh Cooley, the Oscar-winning director of “Toy Story 4,” has also been revealed. After “Toy Story 3,” Cooley demonstrated that Woody and Buzz could star in fulfilling stories. Perhaps he can do the same for the Transformers franchise’s robot-focused films. This animated “Transformers” spin-off has a lot of potential, and if it succeeds, perhaps this series can finally stop prioritizing drab human characters above all else.
The Electric State
The exceptional cast of Anthony and Joe Russo’s upcoming sci-fi movie “The Electric State” is the thing that should really get people to watch it. Although Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown play the primary roles, the action really picks up and becomes intriguing in the supporting cast. In the movie, everyone from Brian Cox to Jenny Slate to Ke Huy Quan gives voiceover or live-action performances. Additionally, Jason Alexander appears in the cast in a live-action role. It’s always exciting to see the former “Seinfeld” star on the marquee of a major motion picture.
In addition, it will be intriguing to see how the Russos adapt the amazing graphics from Simon Stlenhag’s original “Electric State” graphic novel into a film. The photographs from the source material make use of evocative deep blue colours and portray enormous robots casually loitering around normal areas, despite the fact that this duo has been recognized for more realistic action stuff like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “The Gray Man.” Working within those limitations might be difficult for the team, but this material might also inspire them to explore interesting new directions as filmmakers. These visual possibilities are just one of the many elements of “The Electric State” that excite the imagination and pique one’s interest in the final product of this science fiction film.
The Fall Guy
In the 1980s, Lee Majors starred in the ABC television program “The Fall Guy,” which ran for five seasons. However, an action film starring Ryan Gosling and directed by David Leitch, the creator of “Bullet Train,” will be released in March 2024. However, Gosling isn’t the only well-known actor in this action film; the ensemble cast will also feature Emily Blunt, Stephanie Hsu, Winston Duke, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Hannah Waddingham.
Many production details, like how closely “The Fall Guy” will resemble its original material, are still unknown because of how long it will be until it is released. However, any chance to see Ryan Gosling fight people seems like fun at the movies (as long as it isn’t “The Gray Man”), and the supporting cast (especially Hsu and Duke) sounds great. Although Leitch’s filmmaking career has had its ups and downs, the best of his productions have an irresistible intensity and atmosphere. Additionally, one of his best films as an auteur, “Atomic Blonde,” also had amazing combat choreography, and this one may follow suit. It goes without saying that “The Fall Guy” has a lot of potential to be much more than a rehash of 1980s TV favorites.
Toto
L. Frank Baum’s fantasy land of Oz, which he established over a century ago, is constantly present in popular culture. Its renown has undoubtedly been helped by its inspiration for the beloved 1939 musical “The Wizard of Oz,” but it also doesn’t hurt that someone tries to develop a new big-screen depiction of this imaginary world every few years. A number of films based in the merry old land of Oz will be released in 2024, one of which being a fully animated film titled “Toto.” The idea behind “Toto,” a film from Warner Bros. and Warner Animation Group, is to recount the story of “The Wizard of Oz” through the viewpoint of Toto, Dorothy’s brave dog.
Returning to the events of “The Wizard of Oz” for a big-screen Oz movie is admittedly a little disheartening because it’s been done before and there are still so many unexplored facets of Oz’s mythos. Other than that, “Toto” sounds like a really intriguing project, especially given that it was directed by Alex Timbers. It is clear from his work on Broadway plays like “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” and “American Utopia” that he understands how to stage a memorable musical performance. Oz is going to receive another classic big-screen adaptation if “Toto” is even somewhat close to as good as his earlier artistic endeavors.
Untitled M. Night Shyamalan Movie
Untitled new thriller from writer/director M. Night Shyamalan is one of the vaguest solid projects scheduled for a 2024 release date. There is no information available regarding the production, which is not surprising given that it is scheduled to enter theaters on April 5, 2024. Not only is April 2024 a long way off, but Shyamalan also has another film on the way called “Knock at the Cabin,” which will arrive in theaters earlier, in February 2023. The attention will almost definitely stay on “Cabin” until it has finished its theatrical run. The public will only then start to learn a little bit about this unnamed 2024 film from the “Sixth Sense” director.
However, despite the fact that almost little is known about it, this untitled M. Night Shyamalan movie can’t help but capture the imagination due to the director’s reputation. Although M. Night Shyamalan’s films can be controversial, his willingness to make non-sequel and wholly original films over the past ten years (with the exception of the major crossover hit “Glass”) has led to works like “Glass” and “The Visit” that, regardless of what you may think about them, have sparked conversation. It’s admirable that Shyamalan is eager to introduce something new to a film industry dominated by recognizable brand names, which gives hope to even completely unproven projects like his untitled 2024 film.
Wicked
A “Wicked” feature film adaptation is finally in the works after years of delays, cancellations, and false starts. Elphaba, called the Wicked Witch of the West, is reimagined in this cherished new interpretation of L. Frank Baum’s Oz as a sympathetic protagonist with an engaging backstory. Vibrant musical numbers like “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” which have gained immense popularity among theatergoers and the wider public, are used to tell this story. Given its widespread appeal and the prominence of Oz as a fictitious setting, it is understandable that people are eagerly anticipating a “Wicked” movie.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead a star-studded ensemble cast as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in this version, which is being directed by Jon M. Chu, who demonstrated his musical filmmaking prowess while presiding over the “In the Heights” movie. There is little doubt that the well-loved musical moments in “Wicked” will be performed with a lot of enthusiasm and vigor when actors like this are there. It’s also extremely exciting to think of the possibility for Chu’s vivid visual sensibility to translate into unforgettable imagery for the Wizard of Oz. It’s taken many years of anticipation, but in December 2024, the first film in a two-part “Wicked” movie adaptation will finally defy gravity in cinemas all around the world.
