Mark your calendars, folks, because there are exciting new movies to be released this year. This is the season of sequels. Although the consensus is that sequels and remakes never live up to the potential of their predecessors, we still have to admit that it’s fun to experience the anticipation of our recurring favorite films. Some have begun to wonder why mainly sequels are being released, with nothing fresh hitting theaters and after considering the question myself, I feel that Hollywood is only creating sequels because they know what films people enjoy and want to continue to profit from. Others might claim it is a lack of ideas being generated, but it is a lack of funding for up-and-coming film directors who cannot translate their visions into reality. No matter how you may feel about sequels and remakes though, there will be plenty of films to entertain yourself with this year.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Calling all Lord of the Rings fans, this animated prequel will be released December 13 in theaters. I have always loved the Lord of the Rings, and cannot wait to see this film. The series has visually appeared epic with past releases, making me curious about a cartoon version of the fantastical Middle Earth. Although most of the cast includes new actors, I am excited to see that the actress who plays Éowyn, Miranda Otto, will be making her comeback. I’m also incredibly interested in how the storyline will fit in as the catalyst for the films we love and hold dear.
2. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
I love love love the Beverly Hills Cop trilogy and cannot wait for the newest addition to the franchise. This comedy action film will have returning cast members including Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley, Judge Reinhold as Detective William Rosewood, and John Ashton as Detective Sgt. John Taggart. The premise follows Axel teaming up with old friends to rescue his daughter. These movies never fail to get me laughing, and I’m so excited to see the return of this series. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F will be available to watch on Netflix on July 3.
3. Twisters
Baby, you got a big storm comin’! Ever since I heard about a sequel for one of my favorite movies to watch in summer, I was stoked. I love watching disaster films, despite their exaggerated nature. Yet I can’t help but find myself with my eyes glued to the screen each time one plays. Twisters, a sequel to the 1996 film Twister, will be released on July 19 in theaters and features a simplistic story that continues to draw viewers in storm chasers hunt down powerful tornadoes. Popular actors in this film are Glen Powell, Kiernan Shipka, and Anthony Ramos.
4. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
After decades of terrorizing audiences, Beetlejuice returns on screen as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice– but be careful not to say his name three times! Some famous faces will reappear in this sequel to the 1988 film including Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and Michael Keaton as the rambunctious Beetlejuice, while the rising star Jenna Ortega will make her first appearance as Astrid Deetz, daughter of Lydia. The Deetz family makes their homecoming after tragedy strikes their family, leaving Lydia’s daughter to discover an afterlife portal. This Burton-esque sequel will come out September 5 in theaters.
5. Moana 2
No one was surprised by how far the popularity of Moana traveled, but what is surprising is that it took eight years to release the sequel! Nonetheless, I am quite curious about what the story writers will craft in this Polynesian landscape. I hope to see more about the Motunui and other mythological creatures that inhabit their world. I was also impressed by the animation style in the first film because of its engrossing and realistic look. I definitely want to watch this follow-up film to see how the style may change. To drum up more of my excitement, Dwayne Johnson will return as Maui, and Auli’i Cravalho will return as Moana. The film will be available in theaters on November 27.
6. Despicable Me 4
Beloved by many since childhood, Despicable Me will return with a fourth movie on July 3.
Steve Carell will voice Gru, as per the prior films, Miranda Cosgrove as Margo, Kristen Wigg as Lucy, and Will Ferrell as Maxime Le Mal. In this fourth film, Gru has a son (who is named after him), and his enemy, Maxime Le Mal, works out his revenge plan on Gru after fleeing prison. I’m expecting this film to be fun and lighthearted like the others, and hope that the minions will make a comeback.
7. Mufasa: the Lion King
Regrettably, I was never into the Lion King movies growing up, but I’m looking forward to the release of a film centered on Mufasa, with hopes that this film is not as soulless as the 2019 live-action one. This movie will combine the best of both worlds in several ways- it will mesh visually realistic elements into an animated style and also work as a prequel and sequel to the other Lion King movies. I am incredibly pumped about the score as well since it has been composed by both Hans Zimmer and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Mufasa: the Lion King will be made available December 20 in theaters.
8. A Quiet Place: Day One
Are you looking for a thrilling movie to watch this summer? Well, look no further! This creepy science fiction film serves as a prequel to the other Quiet Place movies, as it follows a woman, Sammy, desperately trying to survive in New York City as the alien creatures begin to swarm. The story was created by John Krasinski and Michael Samoski and directed by Samoski himself. The cast is entirely different from the other films, with stars Joseph Quinn as Eric and Lupita Nyong’o as Sammy. A Quiet Place: Day One will be released on June 28 in theaters.
9. Wicked
As a musical-lover, I am not a fan of Wicked– never have been, and never will be. But plenty of people are fans of the musical, and they will be pleased to know that a Wicked musical movie will be released on November 27. The tale of Wicked follows Elphaba who befriends Glinda, but their friendship crumbles when they make different decisions- chaotic evil girlhood. Cynthia Erivo will be playing Elphaba, but Ariana Grande will be playing Glinda and I’m not thrilled about that. Growing up, Grande was Cat from Victorious, and I can’t see her any other way. Boq is also played by Ethan Slater, which if you haven’t heard the drama with him and Grande, just feel free to Google it, but it makes me even less excited for this film. Jeff Goldblum, on the other hand, is the Wizard of Oz, which if you ask me is quite literally the best casting choice of the year.
10. Inside Out 2
I’m an Inside Out hater. I’ve never liked the original film, and the last movie I want to see is yet another piece sucking me into this Pixar prison. I find the concept of the range of emotions fascinating, but the idea doesn’t translate well and it makes me redder than Anger. The premise of this film’s addition follows the introduction of Anxiety in the main character Riley. If you want to see this film, which I don’t know why you would, it will be released in theaters on June 14.
With a wide variety of genres being released, the season of sequels rings true, calling all movie lovers to the theater this year to revisit cherished favorites.
