August
The Suicide Squad
Not a sequel, not a reboot of the initial outing of Suicide Squad. So were not really sure what to make of it. Other than James Gunn is in the director’s chair. His work on Guardians of the Galaxy gives him inherent authority in the comic book film world. So, fans are trusting here.
In this outing the squad is much bigger. Returning Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney, Joel Kinnaman and Viola Davis as Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Rick Flag and Amanda Waller respectively. But the crew has no less than a dozen new editions in the form of Idris Elba, John Cena, Michael Rooker, Pete Davidson, Alica Braga and Nathan Fillion to name a few.
In terms of story line, Gunn revealed to Slash film that the movie’s mission sends the team to a fake Latin American island called Corto Maltese, and Safran laid out the overarching goal: “There they have to destroy a Nazi-era prison and laboratory named Jotunheim, where political prisoners were held, and experimentations took place.”
October
Dune
Nearly 40 years after the original sci-fi cult film Dune gets a remake. This iteration is directed by Dennis Villenueve (Blade Runner 2049) and boasts an all-star cast, including Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Zendaya, Dave Bautista Jason Mamoa and Javier Bardem.
Warner’s also released the official synopsis for the film:
A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
The trailer looks amazing and appears to have Villenueve’s imprint, from color, grandeur and tone, with amazing attention to detail.
November
Eternals
The 25th entry into the MCU will be The Eternals. Based on the Jack Kirby created characters. The films’ synopsis indicated that after an unexpected tragedy following the events of Avengers: Endgame, the Eternals—an immortal alien race created by the Celestials who have secretly lived on Earth for over 7000 years will reunite to protect humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants. The film boasts an all-star cast including Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden and Kit Harrington. Given how well Marvel Studio’s handles its source material we think this will be another smash hit for the MCU.
Spider-Man 3
The third installment of the rebooted franchise, which includes Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far from Home. Official storylines are scant, but the rumor mill is in overdrive. Currently filming in Atlanta, virtually every week there is a casting announcement or rumor. What we know so far is Tom Holland and Marisa Tomei are returning as Peter Parker and Aunt May. Benedict Cumberbatch will reprise his role as Doctor Strange and serve as a mentor to Peter. Also, appearing are Jamie Foxx as Electro and Alfred Molina as Doc Octopus.
Now the fun part, rumor has it the story will expand on the Spider-Verse concept and we will get to see prior incarnations of the web slinger played by Tobey McGuire and Andrew Garfield, along with the respective Mary Jane and Gwen Stacy, so Kirsten Dunst and Emma Stone may return. If they do, let’s hope we get some sort of Miles Morales sighting as well!
Mission Impossible 7
Finally, a film not generated by the MCU, but a sequel nonetheless. Tom Cruise will look to have a busy 2021, as the seventh installment in his Mission Impossible franchise is set for release. Currently, the biggest thing we know about this film is Cruise’s onset COVID-19 rant.
Moviemaking drama aside, Christopher McQuarrie back to direct. Cruise is back with his IMF team, including Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames and Rebecca Ferguson. On the spoilery tip, Vanessa Kirby is back as White Widow and Esai Morales will be playing the villain. Were super psyched to see Morales, a great veteran actor, get some marquee billing. Let’s hope he brings some of that villainy we saw in Ozark to the role.
December
Matrix 4
Talk about saving the best for last. Over 20 years ago, a little sci-fi film called The Matrix debuted and changed cinema forever. Just before the 20th anniversary Warner Bros. announced the sequel that will plunge us back into a dystopian future filled sentinel robots and digital fabrications. Plot and storyline are a guarded as Fort Knox. But we do know that Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Ann Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith are returning. As is original co-director Lana Wachowski, who is set to write, direct, and produce. Newcomers include Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen) and Jessica Henwick (Iron Fist) have been cast in what reports indicate are the lead roles.
The film’s final title has yet to be released, so it’s simply being called Matrix 4. But it is set for release in theaters and HBOMax in December.
Follow ‘LLERO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.