It’s hard to believe we’re almost at the end of 2024. We are in September, which essentially signifies the end of the blockbuster season. This also leads us into “Spooky Season” for films, holiday releases and sure-to-be Oscar nominees. We’ve had some serious highs and lows in films for 2024; it’s been a tremendous mixed bag.
It started pretty rough in January, which is fairly typical. Viewers got smacked in the face with the greatness that “Dune: Part Two” was in March. “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” jump-started blockbuster season, only to be continued by “Twisters” and then completely dominated by “Deadpool & Wolverine” in July. To round it all off in August, “Alien: Romulus” gave the long-running Sci-Fi franchise a much-needed push back to its horror roots. There are so many I could name, both good and bad… but that’s in the past.
With that, it’s time to look to the near future and the films that’ll come out before the calendar year turns. In due time, 2025 will be upon us. But first, I’ll give you my five most anticipated films for the rest of the year. I analyzed 17 upcoming films releasing in the next four months and have narrowed it down to the five that I’m looking forward to the most.
So, without further delay, here are my five most anticipated films remaining in 2024.
JD’s Five Most Anticipated Films Remaining in 2024
5. “Sonic The Hedgehog 3” | Dec. 20
- Starring: Ben Schwartz, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Idris Elba, Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves, James Marsden
- Directed By: Jeff Fowler
Remember the initial design for “Sonic” in the first film that leaked online? Do you also remember the fan base becoming so up in arms that the studio rethought their terrible idea and made Sonic actually look like, you know, Sonic? I’d like to thank everyone in the fan base for cyberbullying the studio because without them we wouldn’t be so lucky to have this film coming out.
So here’s the deal: Sonic, Tails and Knuckles are summoned to take on a powerful new being in their world. Surprisingly, their powers, even when combined, are no match for the mysterious Shadow The Hedgehog. Reluctantly, the trio heads out to find their old foe and only hope of saving the world. You guessed it, Dr. Robotnik.
The film is loosely based on and inspired by the video games “Sonic Adventure 2” and “Shadow The Hedgehog.” It also brings in a newcomer to the franchise, Keanu Reeves, who voices “Shadow.” Surprisingly enough, the script was good enough to lure Jim Carrey out of retirement to reprise his role as “Robotnik,” a role in which he has fully embodied. There are plenty of Easter eggs and nods to both video games in the trailer, and it looks as colorful and intense as any of the films. It should be a blast for both kids and adults alike who are fans of the “Sonic” fanbase.
“Sonic The Hedgehog 3” dashes into theaters Dec. 20.
4. “A Complete Unknown” | Dec. 25
- Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Nick Offerman, Boyd Holbrook, P.J. Byrne, Scoot McNairy
- Directed By: James Mangold
The first of two Christmas Day releases on my list that I’m highly anticipating, “A Complete Unknown,” is the latest biopic from director James Mangold, who is no stranger to the genre. If you remember, in 2005, Mangold Directed the five-time Oscar-nominated “Walk The Line,” the story of Johnny Cash that took the world by storm and landed Reese Witherspoon some hardware, winning the Oscar for Best Actress. This time, Mangold tackles legendary folk musician Bob Dylan and his rise to fame in the 1960s.
The film stars young A-Lister Timothée Chalamet in the lead role of Dylan, and if that doesn’t excite you, I’m not sure what will. Chalamet has been crushing in the film industry as of late. From both “Dune” films to “Wonka,” Chalamet is one of the most sought-after actors today and the future of the industry. The early noise is that an Oscar nomination might be forthcoming for him after this release.
From the trailers alone, it seems Mangold has perfectly encapsulated 1960s New York City in all its glory. With the help of long-time partner Phedon Papamichael as cinematographer, “A Complete Unknown” is sure to be easy on the eyes and could be in the running to win multiple awards.
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3. “Nosferatu” | Dec. 25
- Starring: Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe, Bill Skarsgard, Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Directed By: Robert Eggers
One of the most anticipated horror films of recent memory, Robert Eggers’ version of “Nosferatu” sinks its teeth into theaters on Christmas Day. For those in the dark, it’s the tale of “Dracula,” but not. It is quite literally a direct ripoff of the most popular vampire in pop culture but of a different name. The original film in 1922 caused quite a controversy in its time, as the film’s director, F.W. Murnau, did not get permission from Bram Stoker’s estate. Nevertheless, the film was made and is being made again.
So what makes it so eagerly awaited if it’s just a “Dracula” knockoff? Well, Eggers has breathed new life into the horror genre in the last decade or so. “The Witch” (2015) was a folk horror masterpiece, while “The Lighthouse” (2019) got nominated for best cinematography and had incredible performances from Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. His style is of its own, and horror lovers have taken a liking to it. Not only did he accomplish those two great horror films, but Eggers’ Viking Epic “The Northman” (2022) has garnered praise from fans all across the globe.
“Nosferatu” has a stacked cast, and leading the way is Lily Rose-Depp, who portrays “Ellen Hutter.” She is a haunted woman by “Count Orlok” (Skarsgard), who longs for her. Others joining the cast is Eggers-regular Dafoe, who is followed up by Nicholas Hoult and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The film looks straight out of the same vein as most of the director’s films, and that style fits this story perfectly: Dark, gritty, gothic and, my guess, full of blood. It might be my personal most highly-anticipated horror film ever.
2. “Joker: Folie a Deux” | Oct. 4
- Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Ken Leung, Zazie Beetz
- Directed By: Todd Phillips
The career arc of Director Todd Phillips is something that will be studied in film history books for years to come. He started out making late-night comedies like “Road Trip” and “Old School.” He then took his comedic chops and made arguably the most successful comedy trilogy ever in “The Hangover” franchise. Then, Phillips decided to hit the comic book genre and completely turn it on its head. “Joker” (2019) was nominated for 11 Oscars and won two of them, one of them being Joaquin Phoenix as Best Actor.
The sequel finds us back in Phillips’ Gotham City, and Joker is headed to trial. That’s about the extent of the known plot, other than it’s a “Jukebox Musical.” Many have turned their nose up to the thought of this being a musical, and some early buzz came in last week from the Venice International Film Festival that brought mixed reviews. Many have stated it’s the most ambitious film in a long time and extremely risky. Others gave it high praise, largely in part to the performances of Phoenix and Lady Gaga.
It will be one of those films that is very polarizing for viewers. Many will love it, and others will despise it from what I can gather from the chatter. One thing is certain: The biggest plus from the reviews from Venice is that it is visually stunning and that Phoenix and Gaga are a force.
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1. “Gladiator II” | Nov. 22
- Starring: Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Connie Nielsen
- *Directed By: Ridley Scott
If you had told me two decades ago that this film would happen, I would’ve probably told you to get lost. It has been rumored and in the works on and off for nearly the entire 24 years since the original. Way back in the early 2000s, I was pretty stoked about it. That feeling wore off as the years passed, and the film kept getting scrapped. Not until this spring did the juices start flowing again when the footage hit the internet. I didn’t know I needed this film and was skeptical until I saw the footage firsthand.
There is so much to look forward to here. The cast is stellar. The design and cinematography look to be as captivating as the original. Then they throw in the fact that they are filling the Colosseum with water and sharks for a Naval battle! By the way, if you think that’s ridiculous, it was an actual thing the Romans did. Also, don’t forget the gladiator riding a rhino into the Colosseum for battle… insanity.
Besides what looks to be an epic of mass proportions, I can’t wait to see Denzel Washington as “Macrinus.” His character design is damn near flawless, and it adds a little something extra to the way the film looks. This is a film that needs to be successful for Director Ridley Scott, as many have assumed he’s lost his touch from the 2000s. It’s my most anticipated film for the rest of the year, and I will be seated in an IMAX theater for it.
Thanks for reading my “Most Anticipated Films Remaining In 2024.” I hope you get out to the theaters to see these and more!
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