UPDATE: The much-anticipated holiday movie season has officially begun, with several blockbuster films set to hit theaters and potentially shatter box office records. Leading the charge is “Wicked: For Good”, set to premiere on November 21, 2024. Following the success of its predecessor, which earned an astounding $112.5 million on its opening weekend last year, expectations are sky-high for this sequel.
Directed by Jon M. Chu and featuring stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good” will dive deeper into the magical yet darker world of Oz. The film is already being touted as a strong contender for the Academy Awards, particularly in technical categories and acting nominations for Grande and Erivo.
But “Wicked” isn’t the only major release this season. Nuremberg, set to debut on November 7, 2024, is another film generating buzz. Directed by James Vanderbilt and featuring an impressive cast including Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, this historical drama explores the infamous Nuremberg trials through the eyes of psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, played by Malek. The film has already garnered significant acclaim, receiving a four-minute standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Also releasing on November 14, 2024, is “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t”, the thrilling third installment in the popular franchise about illusionist thieves. Expect high-stakes magic and relentless heists as the ensemble cast, including Jessie Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson, returns to the screen.
Following closely is “Jay Kelly”, also premiering on November 14, 2024, on Netflix. Directed by Noah Baumbach, this comedy-drama stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler, chronicling the journey of a famous actor and his manager as they navigate life choices across Europe. The film is already in the conversation for major awards.
As the holiday season progresses, audiences can look forward to the animated sequel “Zootopia 2”, set to release on November 26, 2024, featuring the beloved characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they tackle a new mystery in their vibrant city.
The excitement continues with “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”, scheduled for December 12, 2024. Directed by Rian Johnson and starring Daniel Craig, this installment promises to keep audiences guessing with a plot described as “the detective’s most dangerous case yet.”
Fans of the Avatar franchise won’t want to miss “Avatar: Fire and Ash”, hitting theaters on December 19, 2024. Directed by James Cameron, this film returns viewers to the enchanting world of Pandora, introducing new challenges and characters that will engage audiences and critics alike.
Finally, the holiday movie season will conclude with “Marty Supreme”, releasing on December 25, 2024. This sports drama stars Timothée Chalamet and chronicles the true story of table tennis champion Marty Reisman, who defied the odds to become a medal winner at the World Table Tennis Championships. Chalamet’s performance is already being predicted as a strong contender for Best Actor at the upcoming Academy Awards.
With a lineup of films poised to captivate audiences and drive box office sales, this holiday season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Be sure to mark your calendars for these must-see releases!
