(Left) Sigourney Weaver stars in ‘Call Jane.’ (Right) Sophie Turner stars in ‘Trust’.
Preview:
Sigourney Weaver is in talks to join the ‘Tomb Raider TV series.
Sophie Turner is playing Lara Croft.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is co-showrunner.
While she’ll be back on big screens next week with ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’Sigourney Weaver also has her eyes on TV –– and another big, popular property to boot.
(Left) Sophie Turner in ‘Another Me.’ Photo: 20th Century Fox. (Right) Lara Croft from the ‘Tomb Raider’ video game.
Launched in 1996 on Sony’s PlayStation console, the ‘Tomb Raider’ series has gone on to be a huge selling title across various platforms, earning more than $95 million by last year and spawning a massive amount of merchandising.
The series gives the player control of fictional British archaeologist Lara Croft, who travels around the world searching for lost artefacts and infiltrating dangerous tombs and ruins.
That most recent title came from MGM and Warner Bros., but though there had been talk of a sequel, with first ‘Meg 2: The Trench‘s Ben Wheatley and then ‘Lovecraft Country’s Misha Green attached to make it, development stalled.
Amazon, of course, bought MGM, but the rights to the ‘Tomb Raider’ games had already lapsed from the studio because of the lack of forward movement on the new movie.
With the rights firmly in Amazon’s grip, the plans have now shifted to building out an interconnected Lara Croft universe boasting a new game release and what will probably be another movie reboot but is currently focused on a TV series (unrelated to the one already on Netflix).
What has Phoebe Waller-Bridge said about ‘Tomb Raider’?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge from ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
Here’s what ‘Raider’ fan Waller-Bridge had to say:
“Lara Croft means a lot to me, as she does to many, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure. Bats ‘n all.”
When will the ‘Tomb Raider’ series hit screens?
With the show still in the development phase and casting not yet complete, we wouldn’t expect this one on screens much before late next year or at some point in 2027.
Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in 2018’s ‘Tomb Raider.’ Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Tomb Raider’ Franchise:
With the third ‘Avatar’ movie, ‘Fire and Ash,’ headed our way next month, the promotional efforts on behalf of the franchise as a whole are ramping up.
And chief among them is this new behind-the-scenes documentary, which, thanks to its being commissioned by James Cameron, has full access to the production and the many talented people involved in these giant undertakings.
The big issue, of course, is that it’s almost entirely laudatory, the various cast and crew enthusing about how much technology is used in service of performance, to the point where it can become grating.
Script and Direction
Director James Cameron at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.
This is your basic Disney documentary format –– lots of footage of people working out the various of shooting performance capture in and under water, development trials, many, many shots of divers, all interspersed with talking heads about the process.
It doesn’t push boundaries the way Cameron tends to when he makes movies, but then, it doesn’t really need to.
As the documentary itself endlessly argues, it’s the people that make the film itself work –– the various experts in diving, stunts, cameras and more, plus the actors who were the benefit of their hard work and put their own graft in to imagining everything while acting against almost nothing.
The highlights include Kate Winslet discovering a heretofore unknown talent for holding her breath and Sigourney Weaver explaining her joy at performing certain scenes.
Perhaps the biggest issue here is that it’s all so basic; in stark contrast to the huge leaps in technology and the many inventions of Cameron especially. While a lot of the footage will be catnip (Na’vi-nip?) to those who love behind-the-scenes documentaries, it also gets awfully repetitive, battering home the message that the invention was in service of the actors’ work.
And given that it’s confusingly broken up into a 55-minute chunk and a roughly 30-minute one (plus a brief clip of ‘Fire and Ash’), some judicious editing could have squeezed this all down into little more than an hour. But since when does James Cameron do anything small scale?
‘Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films’ receives 68 out of 100.
What’s the story of ‘Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films’?
This new two-part documentary provides a fascinating glimpse into the making of the Oscar-winning box office phenomenon ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ and a first look at the upcoming ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ and features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, concept art, and interviews with cast and filmmakers.
Who is in the cast of ‘Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films’?
Moviefone has compiled a list of the most anticipated movies opening in theaters and/or streaming in November and December of 2025, which not only includes major studio releases but also smaller independent films that you won’t want to miss.
Cast out from his clan, a young Predator finds an unlikely ally in a damaged android (Elle Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.
Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and her little brother Elliot (Elias Janssen) journey into the wildly absurd landscape of their own dreams to ask the Sandman to grant them the perfect family.
Sydney Sweeney in ‘Christy’. Photo: Black Bear Pictures.
Christy Martin (Sydney Sweeney) never imagined life beyond her small-town roots in West Virginia—until she discovered a knack for punching people. Fueled by grit, raw determination, and an unshakable desire to win, she charges into the world of boxing under the guidance of her trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim (Ben Foster). But while Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it—confronting family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death.
Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring in ‘Nuremberg’. Photo: Scott Garfield. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
In postwar Germany, an American psychiatrist must determine whether Nazi prisoners are fit to go on trial for war crimes, and finds himself in a complex battle of intellect and ethics with Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), Hitler’s right-hand man.
(L to R) Alexandra Daddario as Hannah and Cole Sprouse as Thomas in ‘I Wish You All The Best’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
In this refreshingly modern coming-of-age story based on the best-selling book by Mason Deaver, a high school junior (Corey Fogelmanis) comes out as nonbinary and is thrown out of their family’s home. With nowhere else to turn, they move in with their estranged older sister (Alexandra Daddario) and her husband (Cole Sprouse). After enrolling in a new school, they find support from an eccentric art teacher (Lena Dunham) and form an unexpected bond with a kindhearted student (Miles Gutierrez-Riley). With the help of their new relationships, they navigate the awkward hurdles of young adulthood in this sweetly funny journey of self-discovery that celebrates the power of being true to yourself.
Stellan Skarsgård in ‘Sentimental Value’. Photo: Kasper Tuxen Andersen.
Sisters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) reunite with their estranged father, the charismatic Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), a once-renowned director who offers stage actress Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. When Nora turns it down, she soon discovers he has given her part to an eager young Hollywood star (Elle Fanning).
(L to R) Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in ‘Die My Love’. Photo Mubi.
Grace (Jennifer Lawrence) and Jackson (Robert Pattinson) move into an old house deep in the country. With ambitions to write The Great American Novel, Grace settles into her new environment, and the couple soon welcome a child. However, with Jackson frequently – and suspiciously – absent, and the pressures of domestic life starting to weigh on her, Grace begins to unravel, leaving a path of destruction in her wake.
Glen Powell stars in Paramount Pictures’ “The Running Man’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.
(L to R) Justice Smith as Charlie, Ariana Greenblatt as June, Dominic Sessa as Bosco, Jesse Eisenberg as Daniel Atlas, Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves, and Dave Franco as Jack Wilder in ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes.
The Four Horsemen (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Isla Fisher) return along with a new generation of illusionists performing mind-melding twists, turns, surprises, and magic unlike anything ever captured on film.
(L to R) Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland in ‘Keeper’. Photo: Neon.
Liz (Tatiana Maslany) and Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland) escape for a romantic anniversary weekend at a secluded cabin. When Malcolm suddenly returns to the city, Liz finds herself isolated and in the presence of an unspeakable evil that reveals the cabin’s horrifying secrets.
Follows Bobby Sanders (Tom Blyth), an ex-pro-hockey-player-turned-junior-banker as he navigates the peculiar and somewhat surreal world of high finance and faces life’s meaning within this gilded cage.
Based on extensive research involving law enforcement and gang members, a never-before-seen, authentic look inside the underworld of fentanyl trafficking from gangs inside the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester a.k.a. “Big Mac.”
(L to R) Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller and Callum Turner in ‘Eternity’. Photo: A24.
In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen) is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.
Mischa Barton as “Miranda Green” in the mystery thriller ‘Murder at the Embassy’, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
When a private detective (Mischa Barton) is called to investigate a suspicious murder inside Cairo’s seemingly impenetrable British Embassy, she discovers a second crime has been committed that could spark war across the globe. Everyone within the walls of the embassy is a suspect, but the ultimate evil force is lurking right around the corner.
A father and his son arrive at a rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco. They’re searching for Mar — daughter and sister — who vanished months ago at one of these endless, sleepless parties. Surrounded by electronic music and a raw, unfamiliar sense of freedom, they hand out her photo again and again. Hope is fading but they push through and follow a group of ravers heading to one last party in the desert. As they venture deeper into the burning wilderness, the journey forces them to confront their own limits.
Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked For Good’, directed by Jon M. Chu.
Set in the Land of Oz, before and after Dorothy Gale’s arrival from Kansas, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda’s (Arianna Grande) friendship is put to the test as they embrace their new respective identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch of the North, and how the consequences of their actions will change all of Oz forever.
Returning to the house where his family was brutally murdered during the war, ‘the man who refuses to die’ dismantles it, loads it on a truck, and is determined to rebuild it somewhere safe in their honor. When the Red Army commander who killed his family comes back hellbent on finishing the job, a relentless, eye-popping cross-country chase ensues – a fight to the death.
An American actor (Brendan Fraser) in Tokyo struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese “rental family” agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality.
After cracking the biggest case in Zootopia’s history, rookie cops Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) find their partnership isn’t as solid as they thought when Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) orders them to join the Partners in Crisis counseling program. But it doesn’t take long for their partnership to be put to the ultimate test when they find themselves on the twisting trail of a mystery tied to the arrival of a venomous snake in the animal metropolis.
When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.
From Academy Award® winning writer/director Chloé Zhao, ‘Hamnet’ tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, ‘Hamlet’.
(L to R) Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson in ‘Tinsel Town’. Photo: Brainstorm Media.
Egotistical A-lister Bradley Mack (Kiefer Sutherland) is blindsided when his iconic action franchise is abruptly canceled. His career in freefall and worried his Hollywood days are behind him, Bradley heads to England, hoping to rebuild his image as a serious West End actor. But his long-suffering agent has other plans, sending him instead to a small, snow-dusted village to star in the eccentric town’s production of ‘Cinderella’. As he fumbles through rehearsals with a colorful cast of oddball locals, Bradley begins to discover a spark of new beginnings in the form of no-nonsense choreographer Jill (Rebel Wilson).
John Prine in ‘You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine. Photo: Abramorama.
This concert film was shot in October, 2022, over two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. More than 70 artists gathered with family, the Nashville community, and music fans to remember and pay tribute to the life and songs of John Prine.
Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) organizes a special Christmas outing when her family forgets her in the shuffle. By the time they realize their mistake, she’s gone missing. Their Christmas is in jeopardy, but Claire has other plans.
One year since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, the stories about what transpired there have been twisted into a campy local legend, inspiring the town’s first ever Fazfest. With the truth about what transpired kept from her, Abby (Piper Rubio) sneaks out to reconnect with Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, setting into motion a terrifying series of events that will reveal dark secrets about the true origin of Freddy’s, and unleash a long-forgotten horror hidden away for decades.
Kelsey Pribilski in ‘Man Finds Tape’. Photo: Magnolia Pictures.
Pulled in by a series of strange and unexplainable video clips, a brother and sister team up to investigate the events captured in the footage, only to discover a shocking secret that’s overtaking their small-town Texas community.
Famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) embarks on a journey of self discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler).
A scene from ‘Frontier Crucible’. Photo: Well Go USA Entertainment.
In 1870s Arizona Territory, a desperately needed wagon full of medical supplies falls victim to an Apache attack. The only man who can guide it through is Merrick Beckford, but in order to get there, he’ll need to enlist the help of a trio of dangerous outlaws hellbent on survival. When they accidentally kill an Apache scout, all bets are off, and survival is the name of the game.
An idealistic young politician (Emma Mackey) juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor (Albert Brooks).
Sydney Sweeney as Millie Calloway in ‘The Housemaid’. Photo: Daniel McFadden/Lionsgate.
Millie (Sydney Sweeney) is a struggling woman who is relieved to get a fresh start as a housemaid to Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew (Brandon Sklenar), an upscale, wealthy couple. She soon learns that the family’s secrets are far more dangerous than her own.
As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family—forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.
In the wake of the devastating war against the RDA and the loss of their eldest son, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) face a new threat on Pandora: the Ash People, a violent and power-hungry Na’vi tribe led by the ruthless Varang (Oona Chaplin). Jake’s family must fight for their survival and the future of Pandora in a conflict that pushes them to their emotional and physical limits.
A group of friends facing mid-life crises (Paul Rudd and Jack Black) head to the rainforest with the intention of remaking their favorite movie from their youth, only to find themselves in a fight for their lives against natural disasters, giant snakes and violent criminals.
Based on a true story, two down-on-their-luck musicians (Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams.
Amanda Seyfried in ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’. Photo: Searchlight Pictures .
An epic fable about religious leader Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried), the founding leader of the Shaker Movement, who was proclaimed by her followers as the female Christ and went on to build one of the largest utopian societies in American history. Lee — one of the rare female religious leaders at the time —and her followers worshipped through exuberant song and dance.
Ralph Fiennes in ‘The Choral’. Photo: Sony Pictures Classics.
Yorkshire, 1916. A choral society’s male members enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr. Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes) to recruit teenagers. Together, they experience the joy of singing while the young men grapple with their impending conscription.
James Cameron is considering ideas for ‘Avatar’ animated spin-offs.
He hasn’t developed much yet but has broached the subject with Disney.
Third movie ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ hits screens on December 19th.
When James Cameron talks –– particularly when it comes to the subject of his multi-billion-dollar ‘Avatar’ franchise –– people listen.
So when Cameron recently talked about the potential for animated spin-offs from the movies (the third one, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is due later this year), it’s news.
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The filmmaker admitted he wasn’t very far in development with any of the ideas, but is certainly considering different options.
What did James Cameron say about ‘Avatar’ animated ideas?
Director James Cameron at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.
Cameron revealed to Empire that he had discussed with 20th Century Studios owners/’Avatar’ backers Disney about the potential for spin-offs:
“ ‘I said, ‘Look, I want to do an animated anthology series that’s essentially in the world, but stories that you wouldn’t have expected from that world. There might even be an animated feature in there – it might be a feature for streaming, or a theatrical feature.”
He also looked for inspiration for other animated extensions of major sci-fi franchises such as ‘The Animatrix’:
“These are all great examples for how we can add texture and baroque detail to the world of ‘Avatar’. The animated stories could deliver backstory on characters and tangential stuff that happened off-camera within the movies. Who first landed on Pandora? The first expedition. You could go anywhere you want.”
Just don’t go expecting to see it in the next couple of years (because, let’s be honest, Cameron has been busy with the movies). Still, he’s certainly coming up with plans:
“We haven’t done much with that yet. We’re still gathering our stories and that sort of thing, and I’ve got to find the boutique filmmakers, the animators, that want to do it.”
Anyone want to work with James Cameron on a spin-off of some of the most famous movies in history? We’re thinking he’ll find one or two willing candidates…
Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri’s (Zoe Saldana) family grapples with grief after Neteyam’s death, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang.
The conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.
When will the new ‘Avatar’ movie be in theaters?
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ will be with us on December 19th. Feliz Na’vi-dad!
(L to R) Director James Cameron and Jamie Lee Curtis at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Preview:
James Cameron is to co-write an adaptation of ‘The Devils.’
Author Joe Abercrombie will also work on the script.
It follows monsters being pressed into service to save humanity.
Even though he has been head down working on the numerous ‘Avatar’ sequels for the last few years, you can’t keep a brain and a drive such as James Cameron’s on one project forever.
He’s been tinkering with other potential movies and ideas for a while, and though he’s pretty committed to only directing his sci-fi epics (‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is next on the release calendar), he has jumped into other projects in between them.
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Now, as work on ‘Fire and Ash’ chugs through post-production, his Lightstorm Entertainment company has announced the acquisition of rights to Joe Abercrombie’s fantasy novel ‘The Devils,’ which was published last month and is already on several bestseller lists.
Cameron plans to work on a script adaptation of the book, working alongside Abercrombie. Right now, that’s his focus in terms of this potential movie –– we have to imagine he’ll hand directing duties on to someone else.
Cover of ‘The Devils’ by Joe Abercrombie. Photo: Tor Publishing.
Here’s the synopsis for ‘The Devils’:
Brother Diaz has been summoned to the Sacred City, where he is certain a commendation and grand holy assignment awaits him. But his new flock is made up of unrepentant murderers, practitioners of ghastly magic, and outright monsters, and the mission he is tasked with will require bloody measures from them all in order to achieve its righteous ends.
Elves lurk at our borders and hunger for our flesh, while greedy princes care for nothing but their own ambitions and comfort. With a hellish journey before him, it’s a good thing Brother Diaz has the devils on his side.
Hhhm.. a rag-tag force going up against terrifying creatures? Nope, can’t see why Cameron would be interested at all…
James Cameron talks ‘The Devils’
Director James Cameron for ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’
Cameron wrote about why he’s excited to tackle the adaptation:
“How do I describe ‘The Devils?’ A sharply witty horror adventure? An epic battle between good and evil except most of the time you can’t tell which is which? A twisted, stylish, alt-universe middle-ages romp, where your best hope of survival is the monsters themselves? The twists and turns come at a rollercoaster pace, and with Joe’s signature acerbic wit and style. But of course, Joe always teases with the flickers of redemption that make it all worthwhile –– and ultimately quite heartwrenching.”
And this is what he had to say about Abercrombie:
“I’ve loved Joe’s writing for years, cherishing each new read, throughout the epic cycle of the ‘First Law’ books, especially ‘Best Served Cold’ and the ‘Age of Madness’ trilogy. But the freshness of the world and the characters in ‘The Devils’ finally got me off my butt to buy one of his books and partner with him to bring it to the screen. I’m looking forward to the writing process with him, though I’m certain this adaptation will practically write itself because Joe writes very visually, almost in scenes, and with a very cinematic structure. I can’t wait to dig into this.”
Abercrombie, for his part, seems similarly enthused. And why not? It’s not every day one of the world’s biggest filmmakers agrees to co-adapt your book:
“James Cameron has been thrilling audiences, including me, by putting the impossible on film for over four decades. No one can balance mind-blowing action and spectacle with gut-wrenching personal stakes and story the way he does. I can’t think of anyone better to bring this weird and wonderful monster of a book to the screen.”
Naturally, this is not the only project outside of the ‘Avatar’ movies that Cameron has on the go.
Besides ‘The Devils,’ he’s also been working on a movie called ‘The Last Train from Hiroshima,’ based on Charles Pellegrino’s eponymous book that the director optioned in 2010, and his other tome, ‘Ghosts of Hiroshima.’
Cameron’s film will tell the story of a Japanese man who survived the American atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima, with him then boarding a train to Nagasaki and surviving the atomic bomb that was dropped there as well.
Again, however, we don’t know if Cameron plans to actually direct that one or simply oversee its development before handing it off to someone else, as he did with the long-gestating ‘Alita: Battle Angel.’
When will ‘The Devils’ be in theaters?
With the novel just optioned and work barely begun, we can’t imagine this will be on screens any time soon –– after all, the ‘Hiroshima’ project has been developing for more than a decade.
We’re always willing to be surprised by James Cameron, but for now, we can expect ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ on December 19th this year, followed by the fourth movie in December 2029 and the fifth in December 2031.
(L to R) Director James Cameron, Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.
Disney and Marvel have shifted the release dates for the next two ‘Avengers’ movies.
‘Doomsday’ and ‘Secret Wars’ are moving from their May slots to December premieres.
Dates for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ and ‘The Dog Stars’ were also confirmed.
Turns out, making two giant ‘Avengers’ movies back to back is going to take a little longer than originally thought.
Disney and Marvel have announced that the next two team-up films from the comic book behemoth are now set to arrive a little later in theaters than originally planned –– ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is shifting from a planned May 5th, 2026 slot to December 18th, 2026.
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Likewise, ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ will now decamp from a May 5th, 2027 release date to –– you guessed it! –– December 18th that year.
Clearly, directors Joe Russo and Anthony Russo have decided the new movies will require some more work than they figured. Which honestly, is no bad thing –– better to wait and get it right in the hopes of an ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame’-level success, than pump out something quickly.
The sprawling cast for at least the first movie (we’re expecting several to appear in both) was first announced in a viral video Marvel put online showing director’s chairs with the actor’s names on them.
Simu Liu will return as Shang-Chi, a character who really has deserved a sequel before now. And Danny Ramirez, who was introduced as Joaquim Torres in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ and reprised the role in February’s ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ will show up as the new Falcon.
Finally, because you can’t really have ‘Doomsday’ without Doom, Robert Downey Jr. is making his big MCU return, this time playing classic ‘Fantastic Four’ villain Doctor Doom.
We’re sure more cast will be announced before ‘Doomsday’ arrives, but Disney has more time to get the message out.
“We’re very close with Kevin [Feige] and Lou [D’Esposito, Marvel Studios’ Co-President] and the entire Marvel team and we’ve had conversations through the years. We’ve talked about a lot of ideas. Really what happened was, we ended up stumbling upon a [‘Secret Wars’] idea that activated all of us, you couldn’t see it coming until it came, and once it came it was like, ‘Well, that’s a story we need to tell.’”
And that creative spark extended to regular collaborator Stephen McFeely, who is also back writing the new movies.
While other co-writer Christopher Markus is so far sticking with the Russos’ AGBO company to keep it running, McFeely was tempted back into the MCU machine.
Here’s what Joe told Empire:
“There were ideas that we were trying to wrap our heads around that preceded this one, and we just never found the story. I remember calling Steve and said, ‘Hey, crazy idea. What do you think if we all go back and do Secret Wars?’ He was like, ‘F*** no. Absolutely not.’ And then he hung up. And the next morning at 7.30 he called and were like, ‘Alright, I have an idea…’ ”
‘Secret Wars’ would draw from (through the usual Marvel movie filter where changes will be made) a pair of 1980s comic book series focused on an all-powerful antagonist known as the Beyonder, who in the first installment pitted Marvel’s heroes and villains against each other on a planet known as Battleworld.
In a 2015 revival by Jonathan Hickman, the resulting conflict left the multiverse collapsed, the survivors living on a single planet ruled by classic villain Doctor Doom.
The Russos have previously talked about their enthusiasm for ‘Secret Wars,’ so this one made sense.
What other movie release dates were announced?
Director James Cameron at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.
In a Thanos-like snap, three Marvel dates have disappeared from the calendar completely. The place holders for February 13th, 2026, November 6th, 2026, and November 5, 2027, have all been removed from Disney’s calendar, pointing towards the result of Marvel’s commitment to quality over quantity.
It wasn’t all Marvel changes –– Disney also confirmed the dates for some of the movies headed our way via its 20th Century Studios, including Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller ‘The Dog Stars,’ starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin. That one will be released on March 27th, 2026.
Then there is sequel ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ which will see the return of Meryl Streep‘s imperious magazine editor Miranda Priestly as she navigates the challenges of the declining print industry. The comedy drama sequel is due on May 1st, 2026.
Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
Preview:
Disney brought several movies to its CinemaCon 2025 presentation.
The likes of ‘Tron: Ares,’ ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ and more were showcased.
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ also showed footage, alongside Pixar’s Elio, Freakier Friday and the new, live-action/CG ‘Lilo & Stitch
While it is still looking to rebuild its fortunes, Disney can at least look back on 2024 as one with several big hits, especially ‘Inside Out 2’ and ‘Deadpool & Wolverine.’
But it will have to prove that this year’s slate can match past successes. Luckily, the Mouse House has more strings to its bow than even the likes of Universal or Warner Bros., and heavy hitters including Pixar, Marvel and James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ series primed and ready with new entries, plus the return of ‘Tron’ to the grid… er, cinemas.
Following the usual stuff about sponsors and theater owners (got to play to the crowd!), the Disney presentation signaled the end of CinemaCon’s studio events and began with the traditional sizzle reel of upcoming movies, framed in amusing fashion by having ‘Lilo & Stitch’s titular blue troublemaker wander through the rest of the slate.
Getting the presentation off to its formal stage start was Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
He was joined by Andrew Cripps, head of theatrical distribution at the studio to unveil the typically packed schedule of movies the studio will have across the rest of the year, and to extol the fact that Disney movies are Disney movies are typically in theaters an average of three weeks longer than any other studio.
2025’s live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’. Photo: Walt Disney Pictures.
The latest animated-to-live-action conversion project faces additional pressure following ‘Snow White’s poor showing at the box office this past month. With Disney bosses pushing pause on a planned ‘Tangled’ live-action movie, ‘Lilo’ will need to perform in order to keep that particular strand of the company’s strategy alive beyond ‘Moana,’ due next year.
Some fresh, sneak peek footage from the new movie was screened for the crowd, featuring Stitch on a trip with Lilo and family; they go to a restaurant where the little blue alien causes the requisite chaos even as Lilo tries to teach him to behave. Some of what was shown has already popped up in the trailer, including Stitch squirting her with a soda gun.
(L to R) Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan were ushered on stage to promote this sequel to the 2003 original, which moves the story forward and features even more body-switching chaos than last time as Curtis’ Tess and Lindsay’s Anna Coleman switch places with their teenage daughter/granddaughter.
Curtis and Lohan cued up a look at some brand new footage from the movie, which according to the duo has been playing well with test audiences.
Curtis says that the film was…
“Made to be seen on a big screen.”
The scene played showed Tess and Anna trying to win back Anna’s boyfriend –– but in different bodies.
‘Freakier Friday’ brings body swap chaos to theaters on August 8th.
(L to R) Jared Leto and Jeff Bridges at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
The studio went all out with a light show to promote the third ‘Tron’ movie, and also brought Jeff Bridges and new franchise face Jared Leto to the stage.
Bridges said,
“To be back on the grid was incredible, and working with Jared… It was a great time.”
For his part, Leto said he was obsessed and this was everything he wanted from a movie. It took him to a world he had never seen before.
Leto described his character, Ares:
“An advanced program that crosses over to real world to fulfill his directive.”
After confirmation of Nine Inch Nails doing the music for the new movie, we got a look at some new footage.
What was screened was a look at Ares riding his bike in the real world, with Bridges’ Kevin Flynn narrating. We also see him ask Ares, “Are you ready? Because there is no coming back…”
‘Tron: Ares’ departs the grid for our world on October 10th.
With ‘The Amateur’ due on screens next week, its chunk of the presentation was minimal, limited to a full version of the scene in the pool we glimpse in the trailer, but show full-length here. It was followed by the trailer.
‘The Amateur,’ as mentioned, will find a way into theaters on April 11th.
Elle Fanning at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas.Photo: Disney.
The new ‘Predator’ movie from ‘Prey’s Dan Trachtenberg immediately looked interesting, since the Predator creature is more of a protagonist in this one, and it takes place on a new planet where he’s been exiled and must fight his way back.
Star (no, not as the Predator!) Elle Fanning arrived on stage to confirm that this movie breaks new ground in the ‘Predator’ universe. She also said something unprecedented happens. Her character is not being chased, she teams up with Predator and you see him in new light.
She cued up the first trailer for the new movie, which sees the Predator battling a giant, nearly invincible beast with Fanning’s help.
‘Predator: Badlands’ stalks into cinemas on November 7th.
Strong, for the record, plays Jon Landau, Springsteen’s manager and producer. He said he sees the role as Lewis to Springsteen’s Clark.
White, meanwhile, explains that the movie charts Springsteen’s teenage years to around 1982.
Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen in ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere.’ Photo: 20th Century Studios.
We got a first look at the trailer for the new movie, which is directed by Scott Cooper. The footage wraps up showing Springsteen in concert performing ‘Born to Run.’
‘Deliver Me from Nowhere’ has yet to announce when it’ll be delivered to theaters.
(L to R) Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
James L. Brooks’ new comedy drama stars Emma Mackey as an idealistic young politician who juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor (Albert Brooks).
She co-stars with Jamie Lee Curtis, and the latter returned to the stage alongside Mackey for the presentation.
Brooks, meanwhile, received the Cinema Vérité Award on stage and called for more movies to have a 35-day window in theaters.
Director James L. Brooks receives the Cinema Vérité Award at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
He also had a great quote about previewing movies with audiences:
“A woman came up to me and said the loveliest words: ‘they’re crying in the ladies toilet.’ Compare that to data.”
After Brooks’ emotional speech, we got a first look at the movie itself. The scene that played took place in a bar, where Curtis’ character takes Ella to meet her father, Woody Harrelson. They haven’t spoken in years after he dated her friend.
That was followed the trailer.
‘Ella McCay’ will be in cinemas on September 19th.
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From there, it was time to look at team Searchlight’s output, following a victory lap for the awards success of ‘A Real Pain’ and ‘A Complete Unknown.’ The studio arm’s new offering is…
Unlike the 1989 version, this Jay Roach-directed sees Cumberbatch and Colman as a successful chef and her businessman husband whose lives start to fall apart when he’s fired.
Things go from bad to worse, and as we saw in the trailer that played, it gets to the point where she has him at gunpoint.
‘The Roses’ fights for its place in theaters on August 29th.
Talking of guns, we moved on to one of the studio’s biggest… Marvel!
First up was the next movie from the prolific superhero franchise.
(L To R) David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
The ‘Thunderbolts*’ portion of the show kicked off with a funny bit about the cast being MIA –– Wyatt Russell appeared to have lost a lot of cash in the casino with co-star Julia Louis-Dreyfus hoping the movie makes money so they can pay his debts!
The scene featured the Thunderbolts driving through New York as Harbour’s Red Guardian tries to bond with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). The team has to fight their way through bad guys to Avengers tower.
(L To R) Hannah John-Kamen, Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Wyatt Russell in ‘Thunderbolts*’. Photo: Marvel Studios.
We got an extended look at the Avengers Tower scene where Louis-Dreyfus gathers the gang –– after having sent them to kill each other and being frustrated that they teamed up.
There was also a very brief look at the introduction of Sentry (Lewis Pullman). And following that? A sizzle reel of scenes from the movie, which appears to be full of chaotic fun.
‘Thunderbolts*’ heads to cinemas on May 2nd. Less than a month for this one, folks!
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That was followed by Marvel boss Kevin Feige, currently in the UK on the set of ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ (which is “days away from the start of production”) confirming the appearance of the original X-Men team in the new movie.
We also got our first look at Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer, who cautions that planet Earth is “marked for death.” Kirby’s Sue Storm says they’ll “fight the threat as a family”.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ flies into theaters on July 25th.
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To switch tracks (but still be galactic rather than Galactus), it was the turn of the animation arm(s).
Zoe Saldaña at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
Pixar’s latest finds a young lad dreaming of being abducted by aliens.
Zoe Saldaña, who plays the title character’s Aunt Olga, arrived on stage to talk about the new ‘toon.
A scene from the movie was shown in 3D, showing Elio brought on board an alien spaceship that is more like a living planet via a tractor beam, where he meets the vessel’s AI. He’s been recruited to join the universe’s smartest creatures to work together as a collective… But have they made a mistake? Elio meets and bonds with a young alien creature.
‘Elio’ heads into space (and theaters) on June 20th.
Ke Huy Quan introduces ‘Zootopia 2’ at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
Thanksgiving sees the return of Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), the mismatched buddy duo of rabbit police officer and crafty fox. This time around, they’re on an undercover mission to stop a murderous reptile (Ke Huy Quan’s Gary).
In a video introduction, we got Bateman changing the show’s title to “ZinemaCon” and there are animal jokes about theaters –– AMZ, Pandango, Fur D X, followed by giving other Disney movies critter-like makeovers (‘Thundercolts,’ ‘Sealio,’ ‘The Fantastic Fur.’)
‘Zootopia 2’. Photo: Disney.
Quan arrived on stage to discuss the sequel and his role as Gary the snake. And that Judy and Nick go to a therapy animal (played by ‘Abbot Elementary’s Quinta Brunson) to sort their strained friendship –– which we saw in a scene from the movie. That was followed by a scene of Nick and Judy at Marsh resort trying to track down Gary.
‘Zootopia 2’ goes wild in theaters on November 26th.
Zoe Saldaña at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
James Cameron appeared via video from New Zealand, where he’s still at work on the latest ‘Avatar’ outing. He was sorry he isn’t there in person, but he did tell the crowd he’d sent some footage.
He promised “increased emotional heart and soul,” and that the Sully family will be put through the wringer (again) as they face the Ash People. We’ll also meet the Wind Traders.
Saldaña (who has been part of the franchise since the 2009 original) returned to the stage to introduce the footage.
Zoe Saldaña at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
We saw Jake and wife Neytiri (Saldaña) flying a dragon creature to Wind Traders’ ship where Miles “Spider” Socorro (Jack Champion), the son of Miles Quaritch, lives now.
That preceded a reel of other scenes, including Jake telling Neytiri they can’t live in hate, humans attacked the Na’vi, a shot of the whale-like creatures we met in ‘The Way of Water,’ the return of Stephen Lang’s Quaritch and Varang, the Na’vi leader of the volcano-dwelling Ash People threatening Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), the daughter of Dr. Grace Augustine’s Na’vi avatar who was adopted by the Sully family.
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ welcomes us back to Pandora on December 19th.
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And that’s all, folks!
(L To R) Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Wyatt Russell, and Hannah John-Kamen at the Disney presentation at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. Photo: Disney.
Moviefone has compiled a list of the most anticipated movies opening in theaters and/or streaming in 2025, which not only includes major studio releases but also smaller independent films that you won’t want to miss.
Gerard Butler as ‘Big Nick’ O’Brien in ‘Den of Thieves 2: Pantera’. Photo Credit: Rico Torres for Lionsgate.
Big Nick (Gerard Butler) is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), who is embroiled in the treacherous and unpredictable world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.
Isabelle Fuhrman as Charlotte in the romance film ‘Wish You Were Here’, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
When the perfect night with a perfect stranger ends suddenly the next morning, Charlotte (Isabelle Fuhrman) searches for answers and meaning in her disappointing life until she uncovers a secret that changes everything.
(L to R) Scott Eastwood as “Joe” and Sylvester Stallone as “Chester” in the action crime thriller ‘Alarum’, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
After the CIA discovers the whereabouts of two rogue spies (Scott Eastwood and Willa Fitzgerald), who have not only gone off-grid but have become husband and wife, all hell is unleashed on their winter honeymoon cabin resort in the woods by a consortium of international spy organizations who are after a ‘flight pill’, aka a hard drive, and all of whom suspect the two may have joined a network of rogue spies known as the Alarum,” according to since removed post.
Lucy Liu in ‘Presence’ directed by Steven Soderbergh. Photo: Peter Andrews. Copyright: The Spectral Spirit Company.
A family moves into a suburban house and becomes convinced they’re not alone.
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‘Wolf Man’ (1/17)
Julia Garner in ‘Wolf Man’. Photo: Universal Pictures.
With his marriage fraying, Blake (Christopher Abbott) persuades his wife Charlotte (Julia Garner) to take a break from the city and visit his remote childhood home in rural Oregon. As they arrive at the farmhouse in the dead of night, they’re attacked by an unseen animal and barricade themselves inside the home as the creature prowls the perimeter. But as the night stretches on, Blake begins to behave strangely, transforming into something unrecognizable.
(L to R) Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in ‘Back in Action’. Photo: Netflix.
Years after giving up life as CIA spies to start a family, Emily (Cameron Diaz) and Matt (Jamie Foxx) are pulled back into the world of espionage when their cover is blown.
A pilot transports (Mark Wahlberg) an Air Marshal (Michelle Dockery) accompanying a fugitive (Topher Grace) to trial. As they go across the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested as not everyone on board is who they seem.
Michelle Yeoh as Georgiou in ‘Star Trek: Section 31’, streaming on Paramount+, 2024. Photo Credit: Jan Thijs/Paramount+.
Emperor Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) joins a secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets and faces the sins of her past.
(L to R) Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon in ‘You’re Cordially Invited’. Photo: Amazon Prime Video.
When two weddings are accidentally booked on the same day at the same venue, each bridal party is challenged with preserving their family’s special moment.
Ariel Winter as Hayley in the thriller, ‘Like Father Like Son’, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
Eli (Dylan Flashner) is a young man whose father waits on death row for the crime of murder in the first degree. As Eli’s life begins to fall apart, he discovers similar terrifying triggers in himself and takes extreme measures to ensure that the family’s string of savagery comes to an end.
Ke Huy Quan in ‘Love Hurts’. Photo: Universal Pictures.
A realtor (Ke Huy Quan) is pulled back into the life he left behind after his former partner-in-crime (Ariana DeBose) resurfaces with an ominous message. With his crime-lord brother (Daniel Wu) also on his trail, he must confront his past and the history he never fully buried.
After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), Sam (Anthony Mackie) finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
Paddington in ‘Paddington in Peru’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
Paddington (Ben Whishaw) travels to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey through the Amazon rainforest and up to the mountain peaks of Peru.
When twin brothers Hal (Theo James) and Bill (Theo James) discover their father’s old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths start occurring all around them.
Daisy Ridley as Joey the action film ‘Cleaner’, a Quiver Distribution release.
Set in present-day London, a group of radical activists take over an energy company’s annual gala, seizing 300 hostages in order to expose the corruption of the hosts. Their just cause is hijacked by an extremist within their ranks, who is ready to murder everyone in the building to send his anarchic message to the world. It falls to an ex-soldier turned window cleaner, played by Daisy Ridley, suspended 50 stories up on the outside of the building, to save those trapped inside, including her younger brother.
(L to R) Cooper Hoffman and Christoph Waltz in the Action/Comedy film ‘Old Guy’, a The Avenue release. Photo courtesy of The Avenue.
An aging hitman (Christoph Waltz) is forced to train a young prodigy (Cooper Hoffman) when his employer moves to replace the old guard. But when they learn they are being betrayed, the unlikely pair turns into a lethal team – with their double-crossing bosses in their sights.
Ving Rhames as Elliot in the thriller ‘Uppercut’, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
When Elliott (Ving Rhames), a tough ex-boxing champion, accepts the challenge to train Toni (Luise Grossmann), the two mismatched characters form an unlikely alliance. Their sparring and Elliott’s keen insights show the resilient young fighter that real strength comes from the challenges you overcome when life throws its biggest punches your way.
Michael Fassbender in ‘Black Bag’. Photo: Focus Features.
From Director Steven Soderbergh, ‘Black Bag’ is a gripping spy drama about legendary intelligence agents George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) and his beloved wife Kathryn (Cate Blanchett). When she is suspected of betraying the nation, George faces the ultimate test – loyalty to his marriage or his country.
In a retro-futuristic past, orphaned teenager Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown) traverses the American West with an eccentric drifter and a sweet but mysterious robot in search of her younger brother.
(Center) Rachel Zegler as Snow White in ‘Snow White.’ Photo: Disney.
A live-action musical reimagining of the classic 1937 film, starring Rachel Zegler in the title role and Gal Gadot as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen, the magical music adventure journeys back to the timeless story with beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy.
Jack Black in ‘A Minecraft Movie’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
Four misfits (Jason Momoa, Sebastian Hansen, Emma Myers and Danielle Brooks) find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when they are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they’ll have to master this world while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected, expert crafter, Steve.
Rami Malek in ‘The Amateur’. Photo: 20th Century Studios.
After his life is turned upside down when his wife (Rachel Brosnahan) is killed in a London terrorist attack, a brilliant but introverted CIA decoder (Rami Malek) takes matters into his own hands when his supervisors refuse to take action.
Robert Pattinson in ‘Mickey 17’. Photo: Warner Bros.
Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) has found himself in the extraordinary circumstance of working for an employer who demands the ultimate commitment to the job… to die, for a living.
Ben Affleck as Christian Wolff in ‘The Accountant.’ Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
When Medina’s (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) former boss (J.K. Simmons) is killed by unknown assassins, she’s forced to contact Christian (Ben Affleck) to solve the murder. With the help of his estranged but highly lethal brother Brax (Jon Bernthal), Chris applies his brilliant mind and less-than-legal methods to piece together the unsolved puzzle.
Tom Cruise in ‘Mission” Impossible – The Final Reckoning,’ which opens in theaters on May 23rd, 2025.
After escaping a calamitous train crash, Ethan (Tom Cruise) realizes The Entity is stashed aboard an old Russian submarine, but a foe from his past named Gabriel is also on the trail.
(L to R) Jackie Chan, Ben Wang and Ralph Macchio in Columbia Pictures ‘Karate Kid: Legends’. Photo: Sony Pictures.
After a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. Li struggles to let go of his past as he tries to fit in with his new classmates, and although he doesn’t want to fight, trouble seems to find him everywhere. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren’t enough. Li’s kung fu teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
Taking place during the events of ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum‘, the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.
Gerard Butler in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’. Photo: Universal Pictures.
On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup (Mason Thames) stands apart, defying centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson in ’28 Years Later’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
Racing legend Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) is coaxed out of retirement to lead a struggling Formula 1 team—and mentor a young hotshot driver—while chasing one more chance at glory.
(L to R) Jonathan Bailey as paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis and Scarlett Johansson as skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards.
Five years after the events of ‘Jurassic World Dominion‘, covert operations expert Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) is contracted to lead a skilled team on a top-secret mission to secure genetic material from the world’s three most massive dinosaurs. When Zora’s operation intersects with a civilian family whose boating expedition was capsized, they all find themselves stranded on an island where they come face-to-face with a sinister, shocking discovery that’s been hidden from the world for decades.
(L to R) David Corenswet and Krypto in ‘Superman.’ Photo: James Gunn’s Instagram account.
Superman (David Corenswet), a cub reporter in Metropolis, embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent.
‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’. Photo: Marvel Studios Instagram Account.
Against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel’s First Family is forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.
2025’s ‘The Bad Guys 2’. Photo: Universal Pictures.
The now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.
(L to R) Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan presenting ‘Freakier Friday’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Years after Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Anna (Lindsay Lohan) endured an identity crisis, Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover lightning might indeed strike twice.
Christian Bale in ‘The Bride!’ Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
In the 1930s, a lonely Frankenstein travels to Chicago to seek the aid of a Dr. Euphronius in creating a companion for himself. The two reinvigorate a murdered young woman and the Bride is born. She is beyond what either of them intended, igniting a combustible romance, the attention of the police and a wild and radical social movement.
Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in ‘Michael.’ Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur.
An in-depth portrayal of Michael Jackson (Jaafar Jackson), a complicated man, who became the King of Pop. The biopic will bring to life Jackson’s most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.
A highly sophisticated Program called Ares (Jared Leto) is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.
Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in ‘Wicked’, directed by Jon M. Chu. Photo: Universal Pictures.
Follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda (Ariana Grande), the Good Witch of the North. The second of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
Detectives Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia and turns the mammal metropolis upside down.
(L to R) Director James Cameron, Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.
In the wake of the devastating war against the RDA and the loss of their eldest son, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) face a new threat on Pandora: the Ash People, a violent and power-hungry Na’vi tribe led by the ruthless Varang. Jake’s family must fight for their survival and the future of Pandora in a conflict that pushes them to their emotional and physical limits.
Kate Winslet in ‘The Regime.’ Photograph by Miya Mizuno/HBO.
Preview:
Kate Winslet will star in and produce a new drama called ‘The Spot’.
The show was created by ‘Men in Black’ writer Ed Solomon.
It’ll follow a successful surgeon who may have been involved in a hit-and-run death.
Kate Winslet continues to keep the TV side of her career bubbling along even as she stars in movies. And she’s once more taking a leading role both in front of and behind the camera, signing on to star in and executive produce a new drama for Hulu called ‘The Spot.’
According to Deadline, ‘The Spot’ follows a successful surgeon (Winslet) and her school teacher husband who suspect she might be responsible for a child’s hit-and-run death.
While looking into the matter, dark secrets are revealed that will test their relationship as they confront the possibility of hidden guilt and betrayal.
Who is working on ‘The Spot’?
(L to R) Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Dave Franco in 2013’s ‘Now You See Me.’ Photo: Lionsgate.
While Winslet has that executive producer credit and will no doubt be involved creatively, actual showrunning duties are falling to Ed Solomon, who created and will write what is likely to be a limited series (since stars such as Winslet don’t normally want the commitment of a full season of TV).
Solomon might be best known for co-writing the three ‘Bill & Ted’ movies, but his scripting career also includes work on ‘Men in Black’, the first two ‘Now You See Me’ movies and ‘No Sudden Move.’
That latter title was one of his collaborations with director Steven Soderbergh, and the pair has worked together on several projects, including ‘Mosaic’ and ‘Full Circle’.
‘The Spot’ was developed by A24, which has seen some big success in the TV field of late with shows including Netflix awards-grabber ‘Beef’ and ‘The Sympathizer’, which co-starred Robert Downey Jr. The show will be co-produced by A24 and 20th Television, which like Hulu, falls under the giant umbrella of Disney.
What else has Kate Winslet appeared in recently?
Kate Winslet stars in director James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’
Winslet has her latest film, ‘Lee’, a biopic about war photographer Lee Miller, due in theaters on September 27th. She’s attached to another true-life tale, ‘Fake!’ about Jen McAdam and her involvement with the One Coin Ponzi scheme.
And it’s expected she’ll be showing up again in Na’vi form for James Cameron’s next ‘Avatar’ movie, which we know is subtitled ‘Fire and Ash,’ and will be out on December 19, 2025.
(L to R) Director James Cameron, Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.
D23 2024 finished off its first day on Friday, August 9th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California with a presentation showcasing the upcoming Disney movies and TV shows.
The presentation included upcoming film and television projects from Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and kicked off with Walt Disney Animation.
Bob Iger at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
But first, CEO of the Walt Disney Company Bob Iger took to the stage to address the arena full of fans. It was Iger’s first D23 in five years and he told the audience how much he missed them.
“There is nothing more that we love then surprising you and filling your heart with love. The world needs to be entertained more than ever before, and we take that seriously. We have a lot to be proud of and more to look forward to.”
Actress Ginnifer Goodwin took to the stage to show footage from her upcoming sequel, ‘Zootopia 2’. She also announced that Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan is joining the cast as a snake named Gary.
“Now, reptiles have a shady past, and Gary could send the crew on a whole new mission.”
‘Zootopia 2’ is scheduled for release on November 26, 2025.
Jennifer Lee presenting at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Next, CEO of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee announced that the long-awaited third installment of the ‘Frozen’ franchise will be release in 2027.
“Coming out of ‘Frozen II’ we still have some questions.”
She also revealed concept art from the new movie, which featured Elsa and Anna on horseback with Olaf riding along.
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Pixar Animation Studios
‘Dream Productions’
‘Dream Productions’. Photo: Disney.
CCO of Pixar Pete Doctor began by thanking the audience for their support of the box office hit ‘Inside Out 2’.
“I want to thank all of you for going to theaters and making ‘Inside Out 2’ the number one animated movie of all time.”
He also announced a new Disney+ series set in the world on ‘Inside Out’ called ‘Dream Productions’. The series is set between the original film and the sequel and Doctor screened footage for the audience.
Doctor also announced another Disney+ series called ‘Win or Lose‘, and the new movie ‘Hoppers’, which stars Bobby Moynihan and newly announced villain, Jon Hamm.
Next, Doctor introduced the fifth installment in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise and had this to say:
“We are excited for Jesse, Woody and what all the gang will do next.”
Doctor then introduced the director and writer of the movie, Pixar-regular Andrew Stanton. Stanton revealed that the villain of the new movie will be technology.
“Toys’ jobs are harder when the toys go up against what kids are obsessed with today, technology. This time around its toys vs. tech.”
(L to R) Zoe Saldaña and Yonas Kibreab at D23 2024 presenting ‘Elio’. Photo: Disney.
Zoe Saldaña was on hand to present her upcoming movie, ‘Elio’ and show footage from the film. The new movie follows an eleven-year-old boy named Elio Solis (Yonas Kibreab) who accidentally becomes the intergalactic Ambassador of planet Earth after being beamed up to the Communiverse by aliens for making contact.
The actress had this to say about the movie:
“I felt a real connection to the character. It felt authentic. I can’t wait for you all to see it.”
‘Elio’ is scheduled for release on June 13th, 2025.
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‘Incredibles 3’
Pete Doctor presenting ‘Incredibles 3’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Finally, Doctor announced the long-awaited third installment of the ‘Incredibles’ franchise entitled ‘Incredibles 3’.
“Brad Bird is developing it now. We think the film is special and hope you enjoy it.”
Jude Law presenting ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Actor Jude Law presented the first trailer from the upcoming Disney+ series, which will be release this December. The series is told from the perspective of a group of kids who get lost in the vastness of space and are trying to find their way home.
Law addressed the fans and expressed his joy to be part of the project:
“I’m thrilled to share with you ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’. It means a great deal for me to be part of the ‘Star Wars’ family’.
You can watch the trailer below, which reveals Law’s character is a Jedi.
(L to R) Dave Filoni, Chief Creative Officer, Lucasfilm and Jon Favreau appears at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California on August 09, 2024. Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
Director Jon Favreau and producer Dave Filoni surprised the crowd by presenting some exclusive footage from the upcoming feature film version of the Disney+ show. The footage featured the main characters on a new adventure, as well as ‘Star Wars’ familiars like At-Ats, snowtroopers and surprisingly, Babu Frick from the recent ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’.
Favreau had this to say about the movie:
“We are getting an opportunity to bring these characters to the big screen.”
Filoni added:
“We’re all excited to have ‘Star Wars’ back on the big screen.”
Favreau mentioned that they just started filming a few weeks ago. The movie is scheduled to release in 2026.
(L to R) Anthony Mackie and Kevin Feige presenting ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and actor Anthony Mackie presented footage from ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ but it was the same footage shown a few weeks ago at San Diego Comic-Con.
The footage included a meeting between President Ross (Harrison Ford) and Sam Wilson (Mackie), where Ross asks Wilson to form a new Avengers team. Another scene reveals that the Celestial left behind after the events of ‘Eternals’ is made of Adamantium, the same metal that made Wolverine’s claws. The footage also reveals Giancarlo Esposito’s villain Sidewinder and ends with Ford’s Ross becoming the Red Hulk on the White House lawn in front of the press.
Mackie had this to say about playing the iconic role:
‘The shield is very heavy. It’s an amazing honor.’
‘Captain America: Brave New World’ opens in theaters on February 14th, 2025.
With the film currently shooting, the cast was unable to appear but sent a video that features actor Joseph Quinn in his superhero costume.
Again, the footage shown was the same from Comic-Con, but features the Fantastic Car, the team in their astronaut suits, Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) teaching a science class on television, Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) in Thing form on a dating show, and a final scene of villain Galactus (Ralph Ineson) looking in on the Baxter Building where H.E.R.B.I.E. is vacuuming the living room.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is scheduled for release on July 25th, 2025.
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‘Ironheart’
The cast of ‘Ironheart’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
“I have been having the best time playing Riri and I can’t wait for you to see the series”.
The footage reveals that Riri is expelled from MIT following the events of ‘Wakanda Forever’ and makes an uneasy alliance with Ramos’ villain, The Hood.
“We’re channeling the essence of the original series but forging a new path.”
The footage sees the return of the Punisher and Bullseye, our first look at the White Tiger, and a confrontation between Matt Murdock and the Kingpin that reveals he knows who the Daredevil really is.
The series will premiere on Disney+ March, 2025 and Cox revealed that they’ll begin shooting season 2 soon.
The group revealed the new trailer from the show, which you can watch below. The trailer shows Agatha trying to put her coven back together, and it also gives us our first glimpse of Audrey Plaza in the series.
‘Agatha All Along’ will premiere on Disney + September 18th.
(L to R) Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler presenting ‘Snow White’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot appeared to introduce the new trailer for the upcoming live-action remake, as well as screen an extended scene featuring the iconic ‘Whistle While You Work.’
Zegler said this about the making the movie:
“It’s been an honor of a lifetime. It’s been the most incredible experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you.”
Gadot added:
“It was lots of fun to do something different than I’ve ever done before. It was delicious and fun.”
The cast of ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Award winning director Barry Jenkins was on hand to present the new trailer for the live action ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’, which is a prequel to Jon Favreau’s 2019 movie. Jenkins announced that Lin-Manual Miranda will write the music, as well as the return of Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Pumbaa and Timon, respectively, who all appeared to greet the crowd.
You can watch the new trailer below, and the film is scheduled for release on December 20th.
Bridges, who starred in the original, had this to say about his return:
“I’m Just a small part of this”.
Lee explained that she plays Eve Kim, a programmer that helped create Ares, who’s now come into our world. The footage shows Leto’s Ares in the real world, and our first look at Bridges as Kevin Flynn.
Leto said this about his character’s motives:
“He’s a program looking to make the real world his, permanently”.
Finally, it was announced that Nine Inch Nails will provide the music for the movie, which will be released on October 10th, 2025.
(L to R) Director James Cameron, Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.
Oscar-winning director James Cameron revealed that the official title of ‘Avatar 3’ is ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. He also brought actors Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña on to the stage before showing concept art from the upcoming film. However, Cameron told the crowd it was too early to show footage.
Cameron had this to say about the new movie:
“It’s an insane adventure, and feast for eyes, but has high stakes. There are new characters that you will love, and love to hate. You’ll see more of Pandora than you ever seen before. The new film is not what you expect but what you want.”
Worthington added:
“We have been hard at work getting it done.”
Saldaña finished by thanking the fans for their support:
“We want to personally thank you for your support.”
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is scheduled for release on December 19th, 2025.
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D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Presented by Visa. Photo: The Walt Disney Company.
