Film Releases to Look Forward to Post-Lockdown
Martha Wrench
Although the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime have no-doubt been the saviour of many of our endless days in lockdown, there’s nothing quite like going to the cinema. We may not perhaps miss the extortionate prices of overflowing buckets of popcorn or the slurping of Tango Ice Blasts from the people sitting behind us, however there has to be something said for the experience of watching the latest release on a larger than life screen that has the power to completely absorb us and minimise the realities of life outside.
Across the world, cinemas have been shut, causing the postponement of many highly anticipated film releases. With summer often being the season that favours high budget fan favourites, many movie enthusiasts will be left devastated by the delay in the film calendar. However, good news is on the horizon. Many film studios have announced their new release dates giving us all something to look forward to post-lockdown. From the latest addition to the Marvel universe to the highly awaited sequel to A Quiet Place, here is a list of films that have been announced for the post-lockdown season.
1. Mulan – July 24 (UK/US release)
Already having been described as ‘exciting’ and ‘vibrant’, with some classifying it as ‘the best of Disney live-action remakes since Cinderella’, Mulan is set to be a fast favourite. Originally supposed to be out in late March, this new release date is one that Disney hopes will stick. Of course, nothing is certain in this ever-evolving pandemic, however, Disney seem to be optimistic that this release will be able to go ahead. Fingers crossed!
2. Wonder Woman: 1984 – August 14 (UK/US release)
It seems that women are the ones leading the pack in the post-lockdown releases with the second major movie being fronted by another fierce female lead. Three years since the release of the first Wonder Woman starring Gal Gadot, this film sets to be filled with the same action-packed heroism that solidified its initial success.
3. A Quiet Place: Part II – September 4 (UK/US release)
John Krazinski’s A Quiet Place was a surprise smash-hit, taking over $340 million at the box office in comparison to its $17 million budget. Having been originally planned to release in March, this later date will hopefully have the same impact on audiences around the world. It follows on directly from the ending of the first film, revealing more monsters and promising even greater scares.
4. Candyman – September 25 (UK/US release)
Based on the 1992 Candyman by Bernard Rose and produced by Jordan Peele (director of Get Out), this updated version promises a satisfying dose of pure slasher horror. Set in Chicago, it follows the rediscovery of the story of the Candyman, a ghost who would appear if you said ‘Candyman’ into a mirror five times, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake.
5. The French Dispatch – October 16 (UK/US release)
Directed by Wes Anderson and with Timothée Chalamet as its poster boy, this film has excited both arthouse film lovers and Generation Z-ers alike. Although don’t be distracted by Chalamet’s dreamy looks, this film is bursting at its seams with some of the greatest actors around at the moment with the likes of Bill Murray, Saoirse Ronan, and Adrien Brody all joining the cast. Described by Anderson as a ‘love letter to journalists’, this looks set to be yet another Anderson classic.
6. Black Widow – October 28 (UK), November 6 (US)
This is a film that has been long overdue even without its postponement due to Covid-19. Marvel fans have been demanding a Black Widow film since she first appeared on screens, and finally it is in sight. Although previously set to release at the beginning of May, we don’t have to wait too much longer to witness the inevitable epic nature of Marvel’s latest movie. Meanwhile, that means there’s plenty of time to rewatch all of the other Marvel films just to ‘refresh’ our memories.
7. No Time To Die – November 12 (UK), November 25 (US)
It was uncertain whether Daniel Craig was going to return for another James Bond movie after the release of Spectre but we now know that this will be the final outing for him in this role. Although we may not know who the next actor to take on this role will be, what we do know is that the new release date is in November and it looks like it’s going to be filled with everything that we love about the franchise. Hidden gadgets, glamorous cars, and glorious villains, the trailer for this film is fit to burst. With Billie Eilish taking the reigns from a long line of legendary artists for the theme tune, this promises to be one exciting film.
8. Top Gun: Maverick – December 23 (UK/US release)
After thirty-four years since Top Gun was first released, we have been gifted with a sequel. Following Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell who has been one of the Navy’s top aviators for over thirty years, he is forced to confront his past in a way that guarantees excitement, adventure, and danger – all good attributes for a great Tom Cruise film.
[It should be noted that the information provided in this article is subject to change depending on the restrictions in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.]