2019 brought cinephiles a wealth of exciting movies, streaming content, and new media. But out with the old and in with the new, as we look ahead to what’s coming soon to a theatre near you. Here are some of our most anticipated sequels of the year (with a prequel thrown in to boot). 2020 really must be “hindsight” because all of these films take us back to a different time when we first fell in love with these franchise flicks!
Bad Boys For Life (JAN 27)
Bad boys, bad boys, what you gonna do… when Will Smith and Martin Lawrence put on their badges again to crack one final case? The action-packed detective buddy genre gets a boost from the wise-cracking onscreen duo who helped put Miami on the scene back in the mid 90s.
A Quiet Place 2 (MAR 20)
Shhhhh…The original film was such a surprise hit in 2018 that Paramount decided to cash in on a sequel as soon as possible. Writer and director John Krasinski is back at the helm for round two, joined by his wife and lead actress, Emily Blunt. The story details are vague, but indicate that the sequel intends to cast a wider net of fear this time around, much to the enjoyment of horror fans everywhere.
No Time to Die (APRIL 8)
Daniel Craig (the longest tenured Bond at 14 years of service) is back in his 5th turn as Agent 007. This marks the 25th James Bond movie in the official EON Productions slate and the first to be shot on IMAX cameras, so expect some sensational visuals. The latest tale features a retired Bond called back to active duty to help thwart a mysterious villain in possession of a dangerous new technology. Hopefully Daniel Craig is up to the task at hand before he must hand off the 007 duties to his yet-to-be-named successor.
Legally Blonde 3 (MAY 8)
Reese Witherspoon is back after a 17-year hiatus, and promises to bring the same wit and charm that made us swoon over attorneys adorned in pink dresses and mini skirts. This film aims to connect her character and values with a new generation of film goers. Elle Woods is sure to have plenty to say about the current state of affairs in 2020!
Wonder Woman 1984 (JUNE 5)
A more recent sequel features another female lead who has captured the attention of movie fans worldwide. Director Patty Jenkins and actress Gal Godot re-team to see if they can match the success of their 2017 smash hit with this action packed script set during the 1980s Cold War period. The franchise is providing so popular, a plot for the 3rd installment is said to already be in the works.
Top Gun: Maverick (JUN 26)
If you’re still feeling the need for speed, three decades after Tom Cruise first sported aviators and a bomber jacket, then next summer can’t come fast enough. Maverick and Iceman are both back and dealing with the age-old question of man vs machine. Will unmanned drones ever be able to take the place of top gun pilots? Maverick and naval aviators everywhere will have something to say about that! Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire…
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (JULY 10)
If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, you can rest easy knowing Dan Akroyd and Bill Murray are only a call away. To be clear, this Ghostbusters has nothing to do with the 2016 reboot. Instead it’s a direct sequel to the 80s comedies, but the reboot will be set in the present day… Ivan Reitman, who helmed the first two films, is back on board to produce and has passed the directing torch to his son, Jason.
Bill & Ted Face the Music (AUG 21)
You’d have to jump in a telephone booth (if you can find one) and travel back in time to San Dimas, Ca. circa 1991 to witness the last time Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter shared the screen together. Now they’re back as middle-aged rocker dads, tasked with saving the universe — they just need to reboot their high school band, Wyld Stallyns, and compose a hit song to save the world…
The Many Saints of Newark (SEPT 25)
The sole prequel on our list is a movie based on the hit TV show from 20 years ago. The film is a throwback which looks at the formative years of Tony Soprano growing up in New Jersey. David Chase, the creator of the Sopranos, will pen the script that explores the tensions between Italians and African-Americans and the race riots in the 1960s. The story is said to revolve around Dickie Moltisanti (Christopher’s Moltisanti’s father) and the heyday of Italian mobsters. With the late James Gandolfini no longer around, the only way to go was a prequel, and who better to portray a young Tony Soprano than Gandolfini’s son himself, Michael?
Godzilla vs Kong (NOV 20)
Monster movie lovers will be drooling over the clash of these two titans who have starred in nearly 50 films combined…the 2020 film is a sequel to Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) and Kong: Skull Island (2017). After decades of speculation, this story will finally crown a winner in the battle of the behemoths and give fans the answer of who is the King of the Monsters!
Coming 2 America (DEC 18)
The last time Prince Akeem came to America was in 1988 to sow his royal oats. Now he’s coming back to Queens to find his long lost son who’s the sole heir to the throne of Zamunda. Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall are back to reprise their starring roles (and hopefully a few supporting ones as well).