Tag: the batman

  • Best Robert Pattinson Movies of All Time Ranked

    Robert Pattinson attends the 98th Oscars® at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Credit/Provider: Michael Baker / The Academy. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Robert Pattinson attends the 98th Oscars® at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Credit/Provider: Michael Baker / The Academy. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Robert Pattinson is one of the most popular actors working today!

    The actor began his career playing Cedric Diggory in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire‘, but of course, is best known for playing Edward Cullen in the ‘Twilight‘ franchise.

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    Since then, Pattinson has appeared in several critically acclaimed films such as ‘The Lost City of Z‘, ‘Good Time‘, and ‘The Lighthouse‘, as well as appearing in Christopher Nolan‘s ‘Tenet‘, and taking on the iconic title role in ‘The Batman‘.

    Pattinson’s latest role is opposite Zendaya in ‘The Drama‘, which opened in theaters on April 3rd.

    In honor of his new film, Moviefone is counting down the top 20 movies of Robert Pattinson’s impressive career.

    Let’s begin!

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘The Drama’


    20. ‘Mickey 17‘ (2025)

    Robert Pattinson as Mickey 17 in 'Mickey 17,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Robert Pattinson as Mickey 17 in ‘Mickey 17,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Unlikely hero Mickey Barnes (Pattinson) finds himself in the extraordinary circumstance of working for an employer who demands the ultimate commitment to the job… to die, for a living.

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    19. ‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse‘ (2010)

    Bella (Stewart) once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward (Robert Pattinson) and her friendship with Jacob (Taylor Lautner), knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life.

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    18. ‘High Life‘ (2019)

    Monte (Pattinson) and his baby daughter are the last survivors of a damned and dangerous mission to deep space. The crew—death-row inmates led by a doctor (Juliette Binoche) with sinister motives—has vanished. As the mystery of what happened onboard the ship is unraveled, father and daughter must rely on each other to survive as they hurtle toward the oblivion of a black hole.

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    17. ‘Maps to the Stars‘ (2015)

    Driven by an intense need for fame and validation, members of a dysfunctional Hollywood family chase celebrity, one another, and the relentless ghosts of their pasts. Their fragile ecosystem is disrupted by the arrival of Agatha (Mia Wasikowska), the scarred and estranged pyromaniac daughter.

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    16. ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1‘ (2011)

    Bella Swan (Stewart) and Edward Cullen’s (Robert Pattinson) honeymoon phase is abruptly disrupted by betrayals and unforeseen tragedies that endanger their world.

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    15. ‘Die My Love‘ (2025)

    (L to R) Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in 'Die My Love'. Photo: Kimberley French/Mubi.
    (L to R) Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in ‘Die My Love’. Photo: Kimberley French/Mubi.

    After inheriting a remote Montana house, Jackson (Pattinson) moves there from New York with his partner Grace (Jennifer Lawrence), and the couple soon welcome a child. As Jackson becomes increasingly absent and rural isolation sets in, Grace struggles with loneliness, creative frustration, and unresolved emotional wounds. What begins as an attempt at renewal gradually turns into an intense psychological descent, placing strain on their relationship and exposing the fragile balance between love, identity, and motherhood.

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    14. ‘Water for Elephants‘ (2011)

    In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon).

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    13. ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon‘ (2009)

    Forks, Washington resident Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is reeling from the departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), and finds comfort in her friendship with Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), a werewolf. But before she knows it, she’s thrust into a centuries-old conflict, and her desire to be with Edward at any cost leads her to take greater and greater risks.

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    12. ‘Cosmopolis‘ (2012)

    Riding across Manhattan in a stretch limo during a riot in order to get a haircut, a 28-year-old billionaire asset manager’s life (Pattinson) begins to crumble.

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    11. ‘The King‘ (2019)

    England, 15th century. Hal (Timothée Chalamet), a capricious prince who lives among the populace far from court, is forced by circumstances to reluctantly accept the throne and become Henry V.

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    10. ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2‘ (2012)

    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2'. Photo: Summit Entertainment.
    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2’. Photo: Summit Entertainment.

    After the birth of Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy), the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi.

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    9. ‘Remember Me‘ (2010)

    Still reeling from a heartbreaking family event and his parents’ subsequent divorce, Tyler Hawkins (Pattinson) discovers a fresh lease on life when he meets Ally Craig (Emilie de Ravin), a gregarious beauty who witnessed her mother’s death. But as the couple draws closer, the fallout from their separate tragedies jeopardizes their love.

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    8. ‘The Lost City of Z‘ (2017)

    A true-life drama in the 1920s, centering on British explorer Col. Percy Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam), who discovered evidence of a previously unknown, advanced civilization in the Amazon and disappeared whilst searching for it.

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    7. ‘Good Time‘ (2017)

    After a botched bank robbery lands his younger brother in prison, Connie Nikas (Pattinson) embarks on a twisted odyssey through New York City’s underworld to get his brother Nick (Benny Safdie) out of jail.

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    6. ‘The Lighthouse‘ (2019)

    Two lighthouse keepers (Pattinson and Willem Dafoe) try to maintain their sanity while living on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.

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    5. ‘The Drama‘ (2026)

    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in 'The Drama'. Photo: A24.
    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in ‘The Drama’. Photo: A24.

    A happily engaged couple (Pattinson and Zendaya) is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails.

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    4. ‘Tenet‘ (2020)

    Armed with only one word – Tenet – and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist (John David Washington) journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.

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    3. ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire‘ (2005)

    When his name emerges from the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) becomes a competitor in a grueling battle for glory among three wizarding schools—the Triwizard Tournament. But since Harry never submitted his name for the Tournament, who did? Now Harry must confront a deadly dragon, fierce water demons, and an enchanted maze only to find himself in the cruel grasp of He Who Must Not Be Named.

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    2. ‘Twilight‘ (2008)

    When Bella Swan (Stewart) moves to a small town in the Pacific Northwest, she falls in love with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), a mysterious classmate who reveals himself to be a 108-year-old vampire. Despite Edward’s repeated cautions, Bella can’t stay away from him, a fatal move that endangers her own life.

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    1. ‘The Batman‘ (2022)

    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “The Batman,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “The Batman,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    From Warner Bros. Pictures comes Matt Reeves‘ ‘The Batman’, starring Pattinson in the dual role of Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne.

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  • Matt Reeves Directing Apple TV Series Based on ‘Bonfire of the Vanities’

    (Left) 'The Batman' director Matt Reeves at CinemaCon 2022. Photos: Eric Chardonneau. (Right) Melanie Griffith and Tom Hanks in 'The Bonfire of the Vanities'. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
    (Left) ‘The Batman’ director Matt Reeves at CinemaCon 2022. Photos: Eric Chardonneau. (Right) Melanie Griffith and Tom Hanks in ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    Preview:

    • David E. Kelley is adapting ‘Bonfire of the Vanities’ into a series.
    • Matt Reeves will direct and executive produce.
    • Apple TV is backing the series.

    Tom Wolfe’s trenchant New York society satire ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’ has a somewhat checkered history on the screen –– despite Brian De Palma directing and a cast that included Tom Hanks, Melanie Griffith and Bruce Willis in the cast, the 1990 movie adaptation was a notorious flop.

    But that isn’t stopping ‘Presumed Innocent’ showrunner David E. Kelley and ‘The Batman’ director Matt Reeves, who are teaming up to adapt the story for Apple TV.

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    While we would assume Reeves would be spending all his time preparing to shoot ‘The Batman’ sequel, he seems to have the bandwidth to work on another project –– and chances are the show might not be ready to go before cameras until he’s done with the main production on the movie.

    Related Article: Sebastian Stan is in Talks for a Mystery Role in ‘The Batman: Part II’

    What’s the story of ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’?

    (L to R) Tom Hanks and Bruce Willis in 'The Bonfire of the Vanities'. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
    (L to R) Tom Hanks and Bruce Willis in ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

    Wolfe’s 1987 novel follows a Wall Street bond trader named Sherman McCoy, the quintessential master of the universe, who lives a charmed life until he takes a wrong turn, ends up in the Bronx, and his frightened mistress takes the wheel and runs over a Black man who approached the couple. Cue chaos!

    What else are David E. Kelley and Matt Reeves working on?

    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves on the set in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'The Batman,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves on the set in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Kelley is still aboard ‘Presumed Innocent’, which is going the anthology route for its second season, switching up the story and cast to include Rachel Brosnahan as the lead.

    Reeves, as mentioned, is in pre-production on his ‘Batman’ follow-up, but he’s also a prolific producer, attached to various DC properties and others.

    (L to R) Director Matt Reeves and actor Robert Pattinson on the set of 'The Batman'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Director Matt Reeves and actor Robert Pattinson on the set of ‘The Batman’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    List of Matt Reeves Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Matt Reeves Movies On Amazon

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  • Scarlett Johansson in Talks for ‘The Batman: Part II’

    Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “The Batman,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    (Left) Scarlett Johansson attends the Academy’s 2019 Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom on Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Hollywood, CA. Credit/Provider: Todd Wawrychuk / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “The Batman,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • Scarlett Johansson may be joining ‘The Batman: Part II.’
    • Her potential role is unknown for now.
    • Robert Pattinson will return as the Caped Crusader.

    With a script in hand and filming set to kick off tomorrow, ‘The Batman: Part II’ writer/director Matt Reeves is building the ensemble around returning star Robert Pattinson (back as Bruce Wayne/Batman).

    And according to Deadline, Scarlett Johansson could well be showing up in Gotham City.

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    If Johansson –– who was famously part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Natasha “Black Widow” Romanoff –– does make the leap to DC, we’ll have to wait to learn which role she’ll take as there are no details yet.

    Related Article: Matt Reeves Will Now Start Shooting ‘The Batman: Part II’ Spring 2026

    What’s the story of ‘The Batman II’?

    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “The Batman,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “The Batman,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Little is known officially about what Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader will tackle, but we do know that Colin Farrell is likely to return as Oz Cobb, the villainous gangster nicknamed “The Penguin” while ‘The Batman’ actors Andy Serkis (Alfred) and Jeffrey Wright (James Gordon) are also predicted to be back.

    We can probably expect to see Batman tackle another menace from his rogues’ gallery, with Barry Keoghan teased as a potential Joker at the end of the original movie, but nothing confirmed about him actually playing the role.

    And there had been chatter about Clayface, but with the character set to get his own movie within the main DC Studios universe (as opposed to ‘The Batman’, which falls under the ‘Elseworlds’ banner of movies/TV that don’t fit there), we’d expect someone else to threaten our hero.

    Could that someone be Johansson?

    Where else can we see Scarlett Johansson?

    Scarlett Johansson as skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett in 'Jurassic World Rebirth', directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Scarlett Johansson as skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett in ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’, directed by Gareth Edwards. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    The actor/producer has been busy setting up roles of late –– she recently was announced as boarding Mike Flanagan’s new take ‘Exorcist’ movie.

    Next up, Johansson will be seen in James Gray’s ‘Paper Tiger’ opposite Miles Teller and Adam Driver. She also has a variety of other projects in development or making their way towards production, including her potential role as Mother Gothel in the live-action ‘Tangled’ for Disney.

    When will ‘The Batman: Part II’ be in theaters?

    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves on the set in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'The Batman,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves on the set in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Following a variety of release date shifts as Reeves and co-writer Mattson Tomlin honed the script, the movie is currently set to land on screens on October 1, 2027.

    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'The Batman,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Batman: Part II’:

    Buy Batman Movies On Amazon

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  • Best Jeffrey Wright Movies

    Jeffrey Wright in 'Highest 2 Lowest'. Photo Credit: David Lee.
    Jeffrey Wright in ‘Highest 2 Lowest’. Photo Credit: David Lee.

    For over 30 years Jeffrey Wright has been delivering complex and compelling performances on screen.

    The actor first gained attention for his title role in ‘Basquiat,’ and since has appeared in such popular movies as ‘Shaft,’ ‘Ali,’ ‘Syriana,’ ‘The French Dispatch,’ ‘The Batman,’ Daniel Craig‘s James Bond series, and ‘The Hunger Games‘ franchise.

    Recently he has appeared in Wes Anderson‘s ‘Asteroid City,’ Netflix‘s ‘Rustin,’ and ‘American Fiction,’ for which he has received an Oscar-nomination for Best Actor.

    His latest film, ‘Highest 2 Lowest‘, which pairs him with Denzel Washington and director Spike Lee, opens in theaters on August 15th before being available to stream on Apple TV+ on September 5th.

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    In honor of his new film, Moviefone is counting down the 25 best movies of Jeffrey Wright’s long and impressive career, including ‘Highest 2 Lowest’.

    Let’s begin!


    25. ‘Quantum of Solace‘ (2008)

    (L to R) David Harbour and Jeffrey Wright in 'Quantum of Solace'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    (L to R) David Harbour and Jeffrey Wright in ‘Quantum of Solace’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    Quantum of Solace continues the adventures of James Bond (Daniel Craig) after ‘Casino Royale.’ Betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved, 007 fights the urge to make his latest mission personal. Pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, Bond and M (Judy Dench) interrogate Mr. White, who reveals that the organization that blackmailed Vesper is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined.

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    24. ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1‘ (2014)

    Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) reluctantly becomes the symbol of a mass rebellion against the autocratic Capitol.

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    23. ‘The Manchurian Candidate‘ (2004)

    Years after his squad was ambushed during the Gulf War, Major Ben Marco (Denzel Washington) finds himself having terrible nightmares. He begins to doubt that his fellow squad-mate Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Liev Schreiber), now a vice-presidential candidate, is the hero he remembers him being. As Marco’s doubts deepen, Shaw’s political power grows, and, when Marco finds a mysterious implant embedded in his back, the memory of what really happened begins to return.

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    22. ‘Lady in the Water‘ (2006)

    Apartment building superintendent Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti) rescues what he thinks is a young woman (Bryce Dallas Howard) from the pool he maintains. When he discovers that she is actually a character from a bedtime story who is trying to make the journey back to her home, he works with his tenants to protect his new friend from the creatures that are determined to keep her in our world.

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    21. ‘W.‘ (2008)

    The story of the eventful life of George W. Bush (Josh Brolin), his struggles and triumphs, how he found both his wife and his faith—and the critical days leading up to his decision to invade Iraq.

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    20. ‘Source Code‘ (2011)

    Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Rutledge in 'Source Code.' Photo: Summit Entertainment.
    Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Rutledge in ‘Source Code.’ Photo: Summit Entertainment.

    When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.

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    19. ‘Broken City‘ (2013)

    In a broken city rife with injustice, ex-cop Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg) seeks redemption and revenge after being double-crossed and then framed by its most powerful figure, the mayor (Russell Crowe). Billy’s relentless pursuit of justice, matched only by his streetwise toughness, makes him an unstoppable force – and the mayor’s worst nightmare.

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    18. ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2‘ (2015)

    With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

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    17. ‘The Laundromat‘ (2019)

    When her idyllic vacation takes an unthinkable turn, Ellen Martin (Meryl Streep) begins investigating a fake insurance policy, only to find herself down a rabbit hole of questionable dealings that can be linked to a Panama City law firm and its vested interest in helping the world’s wealthiest citizens amass larger fortunes.

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    16. ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire‘ (2013)

    Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow (Donald Sutherland) prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever.

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    15. ‘Asteroid City‘ (2023)

    (L to R) Fisher Stevens, Jeffrey Wright, Tony Revolori, and Bob Balaban in director Wes Anderson's 'Asteroid City,' a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features.
    (L to R) Fisher Stevens, Jeffrey Wright, Tony Revolori, and Bob Balaban in director Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features.

    The itinerary of a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention (organized to bring together students and parents from across the country for fellowship and scholarly competition) is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events.

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    14. ‘Syriana‘ (2005)

    The Middle Eastern oil industry is the backdrop of this tense drama, which weaves together numerous story lines. Bennett Holiday (Wright) is an American lawyer in charge of facilitating a dubious merger of oil companies, while Bryan Woodman (Matt Damon), a Switzerland-based energy analyst, experiences both personal tragedy and opportunity during a visit with Arabian royalty. Meanwhile, veteran CIA agent Bob Barnes (George Clooney) uncovers an assassination plot with unsettling origins.

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    13. ‘O.G.‘ (2018)

    Louis Menkins (Wright) is five weeks away from being released after 26 years in prison. He is faced with the decision to put his own release at risk in order to protect a young man named Beecher from growing gang controversies.

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    12. ‘The Ides of March‘ (2011)

    Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman’s (Ryan Gosling) idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where ‘victory’ is relative.

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    11. ‘No Time to Die‘ (2021)

    Bond (Daniel Craig) has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter (Wright) from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

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    10. ‘Shaft‘ (2000)

    (L to R) Samuel L. Jackson and Jeffrey Wright in 2000's 'Shaft'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Samuel L. Jackson and Jeffrey Wright in 2000’s ‘Shaft’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    New York police detective John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) arrests Walter Wade Jr. (Christian Bale) for a racially motivated slaying. But the only eyewitness disappears, and Wade jumps bail for Switzerland. Two years later Wade returns to face trial, confident his money and influence will get him acquitted — especially since he’s paid a drug kingpin (Wright) to kill the witness.

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    9. ‘Ali‘ (2001)

    In 1964, a brash, new pro boxer, fresh from his Olympic gold medal victory, explodes onto the scene: Cassius Clay (Will Smith). Bold and outspoken, he cuts an entirely new image for African Americans in sport with his proud public self-confidence and his unapologetic belief that he is the greatest boxer of all time. Yet at the top of his game, both Ali’s personal and professional lives face the ultimate test.

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    8. ‘Only Lovers Left Alive‘ (2014)

    A depressed musician (Tom Hiddleston) reunites with his lover (Tilda Swinton) in the desolate streets of Detroit. Though their romance has endured several centuries, it is tested by the arrival of her capricious and unpredictable younger sister (Mia Wasikowska).

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    7. ‘The French Dispatch‘ (2021)

    The staff of an American magazine based in France puts out its last issue, with stories featuring an artist sentenced to life imprisonment, student riots, and a kidnapping resolved by a chef.

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    6. ‘Rustin‘ (2023)

    Activist Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo) faces racism and homophobia as he helps change the course of Civil Rights history by orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington.

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    5. ‘Highest 2 Lowest‘ (2025)

    Denzel Washington in 'Highest 2 Lowest'. Photo Credit: David Lee.
    Denzel Washington in ‘Highest 2 Lowest’. Photo Credit: David Lee.

    When a titan music mogul (Denzel Washington), widely known as having the “best ears in the business”, is targeted with a ransom plot, he is jammed up in a life-or-death moral dilemma.

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    4. ‘Basquiat‘ (1996)

    The brief life of Jean Michel Basquiat (Wright), a world renowned New York street artist struggling with fame, drugs and his identity.

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    3. ‘Casino Royale‘ (2006)

    Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a banker to the world’s terrorists, is scheduled to participate in a high-stakes poker game in Montenegro, where he intends to use his winnings to establish his financial grip on the terrorist market. M (Judi Dench) sends Bond (Daniel Craig) on his maiden mission as a 00 Agent—to attend this game and prevent Le Chiffre from winning. With the help of Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) and Felix Leiter (Wright), Bond enters the most important poker game in his already dangerous career.

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    2. ‘The Batman‘ (2022)

    From Warner Bros. Pictures comes Matt Reeves’ ‘The Batman,’ starring Robert Pattinson in the dual role of Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne.

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    1. ‘American Fiction‘ (2023)

    Jeffrey Wright stars as Thelonious "Monk" Ellison in writer/director Cord Jefferson’s 'American Fiction,' an Orion Pictures Release. Photo credit: Claire Folger. © 2023 Orion Releasing LLC. All Rights Reserved.
    Jeffrey Wright stars as Thelonious “Monk” Ellison in writer/director Cord Jefferson’s ‘American Fiction,’ an Orion Pictures Release. Photo credit: Claire Folger. © 2023 Orion Releasing LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘American Fiction’ is Cord Jefferson’s hilarious directorial debut, which confronts our culture’s obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish “Black” book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.

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  • ‘The Batman: Part II’ to Begin Filming Next Spring

    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves on the set in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure 'The Batman,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves on the set in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • Matt Reeves will start shooting ‘The Batman: Part II’ in Spring next year.
    • Robert Pattinson will be back as Bruce Wayne/Batman.
    • The movie will be in theaters in October 2027.

    Looks like co-writer/director Matt Reeves is finally ready to light the Bat-signal.

    While it wasn’t announced with the most fanfare, Warner Bros. Discovery’s executives confirmed in a letter to shareholders that ‘The Batman: Part II’ will start shooting in Spring next year.

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    Reeves had been busy writing the script for the sequel with Mattson Tomlin, and DC Studios co-chief James Gunn commenting that he’d been waiting to see drafts from the pair, but confirming that he was content to wait until the director was happy. With Reeves having delivered the first full draft, things are moving forward.

    Related Article: Robert Pattinson’s ‘The Batman’ Sequel Release Delayed By a Year

    What’s the story of ‘The Batman II’?

    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “The Batman,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “The Batman,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Little is known officially about what Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader will tackle, but we do know that Colin Farrell is likely to return as Oz Cobb, the villainous gangster nicknamed “The Penguin” while ‘The Batman’ actors Andy Serkis (Alfred) and Jeffrey Wright (James Gordon) are also predicted to be back.

    We can probably expect to see Batman tackle another menace from his rogues’ gallery, with Barry Keoghan teased as a potential Joker at the end of the original movie, but nothing confirmed about him actually playing the role.

    And there had been chatter about Clayface, but with the character set to get his own movie within the main DC Studios universe (as opposed to ‘The Batman’, which falls under the ‘Elseworlds’ banner of movies/TV that don’t fit there), we’d expect someone else to threaten our hero.

    What else is happening with DC Studios?

    James Gunn at CinemaCon 2025. Photo: Warner Bros.
    James Gunn at CinemaCon 2025. Photo: Warner Bros.

    One other interesting nugget from the shareholders letter is a comment from WB CEO David Zaslav about how Gunn will be both the writer and director on a new instalment for what said features the ‘Super Family’.

    Which does echo Gunn’s previous comments that he’s working on a follow-up to this summer’s ‘Superman’, but one that won’t directly feature David Corenswet’s hero in the lead (though he will be part of the movie).

    Gunn himself replied to a fan on Threads confirming that he’s well into the scripting process.

    When will ‘The Batman: Part II’ be in theaters?

    While it has previously been delayed, ‘The Batman: Part II’ is currently scheduled for release on October 1st, 2027.

    Batman can battle villains –– let’s hope he can also make release dates!

    Robert Pattinson in 'Superpowered: The DC Story.'
    Robert Pattinson in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Batman Part II’:

    Buy Batman Movies On Amazon

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  • Chris Pine to Star in Action Movie ‘Run the Night’

    Chris Pine in 'Poolman'. Photo: Vertical Entertainment.
    Chris Pine in ‘Poolman’. Photo: Vertical Entertainment.

    Preview:

    • Chris Pine will star in ‘Run the Night.’
    • He’ll play a man who is accused of crossing Dutch mobsters.
    • Robert Alonzo is directing the movie.

    It feels like a couple of years since we’ve seen Chris Pine on our screens. And indeed, it has been –– see the section on his recent career below.

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    But if Pine has anything to do with it, the lack of him in movie theaters could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.

    According to Variety, he’s attached to a new thriller called ‘Run the Night,’ which will find him as someone who gets in deep with the Dutch mob (yes, there is a Dutch mob and we don’t mean the Pennsylvania Dutch) and ends up having to fight to protect his family.

    The new movie will be directed by Robert Alonzo, a hugely well-respected second unit director and stunt coordinator who had worked on major titles including ‘Deadpool,’ ‘The Batman’ and ‘The Flash,’ to name a few. Most recently he handled the action for ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ and clearly impressed Marvel enough that he’s busy on ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’

    Which does make us wonder when he’ll be available to shoot this new movie, since we can’t imagine ‘Doomsday’ will be a short production span. Still, Pine has other work to get on with while he waits.

    This new thriller comes from Todd Lieberman of Hidden Pictures, who will produce alongside his company’s president Alex Young, while Pine and Ian Gotler will be involved behind the scenes via their Barry Linen banner. Lionsgate has snapped up international rights.

    Related Article: Chris Pine is Going ‘Nowhere Fast’ in New Crime Thriller From Noah Hawley

    What’s the plot of ‘Run the Night’?

    Chris Pine stars in 'Wish.'
    Chris Pine stars in ‘Wish.’

    The new movie follows a banker (Pine), accused of betraying the Penose (the Dutch mob), who is dumped naked in the heart of Amsterdam with a $10 million bounty on his head.

    Hunted by the city’s most violent gangs, he must fight his way across the city by dawn to save the lives of his wife and child — a mission that reveals he was never just the money guy.

    John Glenn and Alex Davidson, wrote the script, based on a story by Glenn. The former has worked on the likes ofJohn Glenn ‘Eagle Eye’ and 2008’s ‘The Lazarus Project,’ which he also directed. And he’s currently the executive producer of Lionsgate Television’s new ‘Robin Hood’ series.

    Davidson, meanwhile, has one other credit, an untitled project in development about Peter Buckley, the most losing boxer in history.

    ‘Run the Night’: the star and filmmakers speak

    Chris Pine as Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick in Outlaw King. Credit: Netflix
    Chris Pine as Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick in Outlaw King. Credit: Netflix

    Here’s Pine’s comment on making the new movie, which will see him reunite with Alonzo after the latter handled second unit on 2009’s ‘Star Trek’:

    “I love this story, character, and reuniting with Rob. There are so many places for this character to go, and I’m excited about the possibilities of bringing him to life on the big screen.”

    And this is what Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson had to say about the new project:

    “Chris is an incredible actor and has the perfect combination of warmth and physicality needed to bring this role to life. We’re proud to be the home of Todd Lieberman’s Hidden Pictures and to be partnering with him and the exceptionally talented filmmaking team on this riveting and explosive action thriller.”

    Finally, producer (and Hidden Pictures boss) Todd Lieberman said this:

    “Rob Alonzo is the next great action director. With Rob’s talent behind the camera and our movie star Chris in front, I’m excited by what we have in store for audiences.”

    Where else can we see Chris Pine?

    Chris Pine plays Edgin in 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' from Paramount Pictures and eOne.
    Chris Pine plays Edgin in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ from Paramount Pictures and eOne.

    Pine, who might still be best known for his role as Captain Kirk in the aforementioned ‘Star Trek’ and its sequels, had a busy 2023.

    He voiced the villainous Magnifico in Disney’s animated ‘Wish,’ won plenty of praise playing the misunderstood Edgin in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ and made his own directorial debut with quirky comedy drama ‘Poolman’ which if we’re being charitable didn’t exactly win over critics or audiences.

    Most recently, he was involved in comedy short film ‘What’s the Deal with Birds?’ as a producer and voice talent.

    The actor worked on director Carolina Cavalli’s ‘The Kidnapping of Arabella,’ which also features Benedetta Porcaroli, though that has yet to lock down a release date.

    Beyond that (and ‘Run the Night’) he has a few movies on his To Do list, including the long-developing new entry in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise.

    He’s also in the cast list for Noah Hawley’s new crime thriller ‘Nowhere Fast,’ about a small-town criminal who inadvertently kills the nephew of his boss.

    When will ‘Run the Night’ be in theaters?

    Since production company Hidden Pictures and international rights holders Lionsgate will put the movie up for sale to prospective distributors at this year’s Cannes Market, we’ll have to wait and see when it might land on screens.

    Chris Pine in 2009's 'Star Trek'. Photo: Paramount Pictures.
    Chris Pine in 2009’s ‘Star Trek’. Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    Other Chris Pine Movies:

    Buy Chris Pine Movies on Amazon

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  • Colin Farrell Considering Starring in ‘Sgt. Rock’

    (Left) Colin Farrell accepts the award for Male Actor - Limited Series, Anthology Series, Made for TV Movie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Sgt. Rock from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
    (Left) Colin Farrell accepts the award for Male Actor – Limited Series, Anthology Series, Made for TV Movie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, airing live from the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Sgt. Rock from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.

    Preview:

    • Colin Farrell is circling the lead in ‘Sgt. Rock.’
    • Luca Guadagnino is attached to direct the movie for DC Studios.
    • Daniel Craig was previously considering the idea.

    It looks like it’s all change in the ranks for ‘Sgt. Rock,’ though depending on who you believe, not such a big change.

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    While word arrived back in November that Daniel Craig was looking to reunite with his ‘Queer’ director Luca Guadagnino for a very different project –– the adaptation of the militaristic DC Comics title –– there have been conflicting reports of how far Craig got in the process.

    DC Studios co-chief James Gunn, for example, shot down the idea that the actor was actively in consideration, merely that he was floated as a potential lead.

    Here’s what Gunn and co-president Peter Safran said recently:

    “You know, we never met with Daniel. We never really even announced ‘Sgt. Rock.’ ”

    Still, it would appear that the process of finding a main man for the ‘Rock’ role has been ongoing no matter what the DC bosses say, and Deadline reports that Colin Farrell is now circling the part.

    Farrell, of course, is fresh off of winning a clutch of awards for another DC-related project, the TV spin-off of ‘The Batman’ called ‘The Penguin,’ focused on the criminal character.

    According to Deadline’s sources, he’s looking to board ‘Sgt. Rock’ but will first have to figure out his busy schedule (more on that below).

    Related Article: Daniel Craig in Talks to Star in DC’s ‘Sgt. Rock’ for Director Luca Guadagnino

    What’s the story of ‘Sgt. Rock’?

    Sgt. Rock from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.
    Sgt. Rock from DC Comics. Photo: DC Comics.

    Created by Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert, the character first debuted in the 1959 DC issue ‘Our Army at War’ as a WWII soldier who served in the infantry. The character gained steam in 1977 when he received his own comic book series; it ran until July 1988.

    Rock’s talent includes shooting down German fighter planes with a single submachine gun and tossing grenades with great accuracy. When he’s without a gun, he’s a great street fighter, and can survive gunshots. He’s a calm guy with heart, but also has a “combat antenna” able to detect an incoming enemy siege. There was also a toy series in the 1980s for Sgt. Rock around the time G.I. Joe was soaring in comic books and on TV.

    Who else is working on ‘Sgt. Rock’?

    Director Luca Guadagnino attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios’ 'Challengers' at Regency Village Theatre on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.
    Director Luca Guadagnino attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘Challengers’ at Regency Village Theatre on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.

    Though Craig is not reuniting with Guadagnino for this new project, the director has recruited someone he’s worked with before: screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes. Which, given that he collaborated with the director on both tennis love triangle drama ‘Challengers’ and the Craig-starring William S. Boroughs ‘Queer’ suggests this is coming together quickly.

    There’s also the mention that Guadagnino might (if he signs on) push this ahead of his plan for a new ‘American Psycho’ adaptation, as we brought word about last year.

    And the prolific director has been busy –– he already has Amazon MGM Studios’ Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield thriller ‘After the Hunt’ making its way through post-production release later this year on October 10th.

    What else is Colin Farrell working on?

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobb in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Macall Polay/HBO.
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Macall Polay/HBO.

    Farrell, is, of course, an actor in demand, and he has a few projects lined up in the coming months.

    He’ll be filming the second season of twisty Apple TV+ drama ‘Sugar’ this year.

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    Plus, assuming he’s ready to put himself back into the prosthetics for the character –– something he’s said he definitely needs time away from –– Farrell may well be preparing for a new season of ‘The Penguin.’ There’s also the chance he’ll be back in for ‘The Batman’ sequel.

    And Farrell is also on board for ‘Belly of the Beast,’ which reportedly explores the unlikely friendship between notorious literary titan Norman Mailer (Ben Stiller) and his protégé, Jack Henry Abbott (Farrell). ‘All of Us StrangersAndrew Haigh co-wrote and will direct that one.

    Before any of that, at least release-wise, he has ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,’ in which he co-stars with Margot Robbie, and is due on September 19th.

    There’s also ‘Conclave’ and ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ director Edward Berger’s movie ‘The Ballad of a Small Player,’ which co-stars Tilda Swinton.

    The story for that one follows a high-stakes gambler who decides to lay low in Macau after his past and debts catch up with him. Along the way he encounters a kindred spirit who might just hold the key to his salvation.

    Production Asia occurred last summer, with Rowan Joffe adapting the script based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne.

    What else is happening with DC?

    David Corenswet as Superman in 'Superman,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.
    David Corenswet as Superman in ‘Superman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    DC Studios is gearing for its big cinematic relaunch, with hopes tied to Gunn’s ‘Superman,’ which lands on July 11th.

    That’ll be followed by ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,’ which has Craig Gillespie directing and will soar into theaters on June 26th next year.

    Beyond that, the picture is murkier despite a big confident announcement from Gunn and Safran. A movie based on Batman villain Clayface is in development and recently landedSpeak No Evil’ director James Watkins to call the shots.

    Batman himself is likely to return in ‘The Brave and the Bold,’ but that has experienced some scripting and director delay issues.

    On the small screen, things are healthier, with the likes of the animated ‘Creature Commandos’ already out and a new season of ‘Peacemaker’ on the way. We also know that ‘Green Lantern’-based series ‘Lanterns’ is now filming.

    When will ‘Sgt. Rock’ be on screens?

    With no official commitment to the movie yet, there is zero information about a release date for the movie at this time.

    Director Luca Guadagnino on the set of 'Challengers', a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. Credit: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures. © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Director Luca Guadagnino on the set of ‘Challengers’, a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. Credit: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures. © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    List of Luca Guadagnino Movies:

    Buy Luca Guadagnino Movies on Amazon

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  • Every Live-Action Joker Film and TV Appearance, Ranked

    Joaquin Phoenix in Director Todd Phillips' ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.'
    Joaquin Phoenix in Director Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker: Folie à Deux.’ Photo courtesy of Todd Phillips’ Instagram account.

    While the sequel to 2019’s Oscar-winning ‘Joker‘, ‘Joker: Folie à Deux‘ failed to score with audiences at the box office, there is no denying that the DC Comics character is one of the most popular villains in pop culture history.

    The character’s first live-action appearance was in the 1966 TV series ‘The Batman‘, played by Cesar Romero, who would go on to reprise the role in the 1966 movie based on the series. Legendary actor Jack Nicholson would take over the role for a new generation in Tim Burton‘s ‘Batman‘, eventually followed by Heath Ledger in ‘The Dark Knight‘, Jared Leto in the DCEU movies, Cameron Monaghan on the TV series ‘Gotham‘, and Joaquin Phoenix in ‘Joker’ and its follow up.

    Ledger and Phoenix would both go on to receive Academy Awards for their performances, making both of them the only actors in history to win Oscars for playing a comic book character, and Joker the only character to ever receive that an honor.

    With ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ currently in theaters, Moviefone is counting down every live-action Joker appearance ever, on both TV and film, including the latest.

    Let’s begin!


    11. ‘Suicide Squad‘ (2016)

    (L to R) Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and Jared Leto as The Joker in 'Suicide Squad'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and Jared Leto as The Joker in ‘Suicide Squad’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    From DC Comics comes the ‘Suicide Squad’, an antihero team of incarcerated supervillains who act as deniable assets for the United States government, undertaking high-risk black ops missions in exchange for commuted prison sentences.

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    10. ‘Joker: Folie à Deux‘ (2024)

    (L to R) Brendan Gleeson as Jackie Sullivan and Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Joker: Folie à Deux,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Scott Garfield/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.
    (L to R) Brendan Gleeson as Jackie Sullivan and Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Joker: Folie à Deux,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Scott Garfield/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.

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    9. ‘The Batman‘ (2022)

    Barry Keoghan as the Joker in 'The Batman'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    Barry Keoghan as the Joker in ‘The Batman’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    From Warner Bros. Pictures comes Matt Reeves‘ ‘The Batman’, starring Robert Pattinson in the dual role of Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne.

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    8. ‘Batman‘ (1966)

    (L to R) Lee Meriwether as The Catwoman, Frank Gorshin as The Riddler, Burgess Meredith as The Penguin and Cesar Romero as the Joker in the 1966 movie 'Batman'. Photo: 20th Century-Fox.
    (L to R) Lee Meriwether as The Catwoman, Frank Gorshin as The Riddler, Burgess Meredith as The Penguin and Cesar Romero as the Joker in the 1966 movie ‘Batman’. Photo: 20th Century-Fox.

    The Dynamic Duo (Adam West and Burt Ward) faces four super-villains (Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, Frank Gorshin and Lee Meriwether) who plan to hold the world for ransom with the help of a secret invention that instantly dehydrates people.

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    7. ‘The People’s Joker‘ (2024)

    Vera Drew in 'The People's Joker'. Photo: Altered Innocence.
    Vera Drew in ‘The People’s Joker’. Photo: Altered Innocence.

    An aspiring clown (Vera Drew) grappling with her gender identity combats a fascistic caped crusader.

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    6. ‘Gotham‘ (2014 – 2019)

    Cameron Monaghan as "J" in 'Gotham'. Photo: Warner Bros. Television.
    Cameron Monaghan as “J” in ‘Gotham’. Photo: Warner Bros. Television.

    Everyone knows the name Commissioner Gordon (Ben McKenzie). He is one of the crime world’s greatest foes, a man whose reputation is synonymous with law and order. But what is known of Gordon’s story and his rise from rookie detective to Police Commissioner? What did it take to navigate the multiple layers of corruption that secretly ruled Gotham City, the spawning ground of the world’s most iconic villains? And what circumstances created them – the larger-than-life personas who would become Catwoman (Camren Bicondova), The Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor), The Riddler (Cory Michael Smith), Two-Face (Nicholas D’Agosta) and The Joker (Cameron Monaghan)?

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    5. ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League‘ (2021)

    Jared Leto as Joker in 'Zack Snyder's Justice League'. Photo: Max.
    Jared Leto as Joker in ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’. Photo: Max.

    Determined to ensure Superman’s (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions. The task proves more difficult than Bruce imagined, as each of the recruits must face the demons of their own pasts to transcend that which has held them back, allowing them to come together, finally forming an unprecedented league of heroes. Now united, Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), and The Flash (Ezra Miller) may be too late to save the planet from Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds), DeSaad (Peter Guinness), and Darkseid (Ray Porter) and their dreadful intentions.

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    4. ‘Batman‘ (1966 – 1968)

    Cesar Romero as the Joker on the 1966 TV series 'Batman'. Photo: 20th Century-Fox Television.
    Cesar Romero as the Joker on the 1966 TV series ‘Batman’. Photo: 20th Century-Fox Television.

    Wealthy entrepreneur Bruce Wayne (Adam West) and his ward Dick Grayson (Burt Ward) lead a double life: they are actually crime fighting duo Batman and Robin. A secret Batpole in the Wayne mansion leads to the Batcave, where Police Commissioner Gordon (Neil Hamilton) often calls with the latest emergency threatening Gotham City. Racing to the scene of the crime in the Batmobile, Batman and Robin must (with the help of their trusty Bat-utility-belt) thwart the efforts of a variety of master criminals, including The Riddler (Frank Gorshin), The Joker (Cesar Romero), Catwoman (Julie Newmar), and The Penguin (Burgess Meredith).

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    3. ‘Joker‘ (2019)

    Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker in 'Joker'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker in ‘Joker’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    During the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian (Joaquin Phoenix) is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.

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    2. ‘Batman‘ (1989)

    Jack Nicolson as the Joker in 1989's 'Batman'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    Jack Nicolson as the Joker in 1989’s ‘Batman’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    Batman (Michael Keaton) must face his most ruthless nemesis when a deformed madman calling himself “The Joker” (Jack Nicholson) seizes control of Gotham’s criminal underworld.

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    1. ‘The Dark Knight‘ (2008)

    Heath Ledger as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight'. Photo: Warner Bros.
    Heath Ledger as the Joker in ‘The Dark Knight’. Photo: Warner Bros.

    Batman (Christian Bale) raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as the Joker (Heath Ledger).

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  • TV Review: ‘The Penguin’

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobb in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Macall Polay/HBO.
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Macall Polay/HBO.

    Launching on HBO and Max with its first episode on September 19th, ‘The Penguin’ marks the first (and so far only) series to continue the story of Matt Reeves’ 2022 superhero movie ‘The Batman.’

    Switching the focus from the suited vigilante played by Robert Pattinson (who the producers have been at length to point out won’t appear in case you were waiting for the hero to flap in and deliver some “kapow” punches to our wannabe kingpin), the story here is told at street level, with the machinations double-crosses of the criminal world at the forefront.

    Does ‘The Penguin’ succeed in its plans?

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobb in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    With executive producer and showrunner Lauren LeFranc citing ‘The Sopranos’ as a big inspiration for the new show, it’s not hard to see where ‘The Penguin’ takes its endless double-crosses and criminal political maneuvering from.

    Trouble is, a lot of what happens here –– minus the ‘Batman’-flavored trappings including Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti’s characters in particular, doesn’t exactly feel fresh. We’ve seen small-time gangsters looking to make it big in movies and TV for years, and you’ve really got to offer something more special than just Farrell given the chance to speechify about gangsters from whom he takes his own inspiration or wax nostalgic about how his neighborhood and Gotham in general were better back in the day.

    Fortunately, a scattering of truly solid performances do help boost the interest levels higher than it might be, and the show does tend to maintain the style of Reeves’ movie.

    Script and Direction

    Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    (L to R) Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    As we mentioned above, a lot about the show feels quite familiar if you’ve watched any movie or show set within a gangster world. There is jockeying for power, criminal schemes involving drugs and one or two explosions of action, such as an impressive set piece in the second episode where Oz is chased by Sofia Falcone’s forces.

    It’s just that little of it is truly all that revolutionary, and you’ll be able to see a lot of the plot turns coming. And there are some remarkable coincidences that help our main character along the way.

    Main director Craig Zobel, who handles the first three episodes, does make a good stab at convincing us that this is set in the same Gotham of ‘The Batman.’ The only downside is that scenes set in the suburbs, or at the sprawling Falcone compound outside of it look starkly realistic compared to the visual effects-heavy grubbiness of the main cityscape.

    Related Article: ‘The Penguin’ Panel at San Diego Comic Con Had a Virtual Colin Farrell and a New Trailer

    Performances

    The show’s saving graces are mostly in its acting, with Farrell and Milioti in particular standing out –– not shocking since they are the narrative’s twin focus.

    Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobb in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Reprising his role from the movie, Farrell once more dons the prosthetics and fat suit so as to become almost unrecognizable as the scheming wannabe kingpin. Here in series form, given the scope and breadth to really explore the character, he goes to town, chewing through the scripts and bringing him to vibrant, waddling life.

    He’s helped by some enlightening –– if predictable –– backstory elements, including deceased family members and a doting mother (played by Tony Winner Deirdre O’Connell) sliding into dementia.

    Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone

    Cristin Milioti in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Cristin Milioti in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Milioti is given a truly different role here, and she embraces it fully –– all wide-eyed psychopathy and chilling ability to order the deaths of her enemies. It helps that she also has a troubled backstory and, in the first few episodes is dealing with not only the death of her father but another personal tragedy.

    She makes for a superb foil to Farrell and the two share excellent chemistry, weaving around one another as they jostle for power.

    Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar

    Rhenzy Feliz in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Rhenzy Feliz in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    Introduced as a street kid interrupted trying to steal the rims from Oz’s car, Feliz’ Victor is the third pillar in the triumvirate of lead roles. He quickly becomes a driver and potential protégé for Oz, who recognizes the same scrappy ambition he possesses in the young man.

    And in his interplay with Farrell, Feliz is able to interject some of the rare flashes of humor into the show.

    Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni

    Clancy Brown in Max's 'The Penguin.'
    Clancy Brown in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    The main rival to the Falcone family, Maroni is currently languishing in jail for his crimes after being set up.

    Brown is typically good in the role, bringing quiet menace mixed with charisma, though the role is naturally smaller and more limited given his location (for now).

    He’s ably supported by Shohreh Aghdashloo as wife Nadia, even if fans of ‘The Expanse’ might bemoan the fact that she has (yet) been given the chance to unleash foul-mouthed rants given the less restrictive environs of an HBO show.

    Other Notable Characters

    While he isn’t introduced until late into episode 2, Theo Rossi’s Dr. Julian Rush shows promise as a fun character to watch. Michael Zegen, meanwhile, has a small yet pivotal role as Alberto Falcone, the crime boss’s drug addict –– and drug pushing –– son.

    Final Thoughts

    Colin Farrell as Oswald "Oz" Cobb in Max's 'The Penguin.' Photo: Courtesy of Max.
    Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb in Max’s ‘The Penguin.’ Photo: Courtesy of Max.

    ‘The Penguin’ won’t win many awards for originality in its crime story, but it is at least watchable and certainly isn’t a waste of its main cast. It just doesn’t always live up to the movie.

    Eagle-eyed fans of the ‘Batman’ franchise as a whole, meanwhile, will appreciate subtle nods to actors who played the Penguin on TV and in movies –– make note of two particular Gotham storefronts.

    ‘The Penguin’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the story of ‘The Penguin’?

    The new series is set a week after the events of ‘The Batman’ left crime boss Carmine Falcone dead and his empire in disarray.

    As seen in the movie, Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell), also known as The Penguin, formerly a lieutenant to Falcone, tries to fill the power vacuum left by his death. He faces off against rival factions as he asserts his authority.

    But he’ll face a big challenge from those who Falcone left in charge of his operation, and particularly from Sofia Falcone (Cristin Milioti), recently released from Arkham Asylum.

    Who is in the cast of ‘The Penguin’?

    • Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb/Penguin
    • Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone
    • Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguilar
    • Michael Kelly as Johnny Viti
    • Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nadia Maroni,
    • Deirdre O’Connell as Francis Cobb
    • Clancy Brown as Salvatore Maroni
    • James Madio as Milos Grapa
    • Scott Cohen as Luca Falcone
    • Michael Zegen as Alberto Falcone
    • Carmen Ejogo as Eve Karlo
    • Theo Rossi as Dr. Julian Rush
    'The Penguin' premieres on Max beginning September 19th.
    ‘The Penguin’ premieres on Max beginning September 19th.

    Other Movies and TV Shows in the Batman Franchise:

    Buy Batman Movies On Amazon

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  • Zendaya and Robert Pattinson in Talks for ‘The Drama’

    (Left) Zendaya stars as Tashi in director Luca Guadagnino’s 'Challengers,' an Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo credit: Niko Tavernise. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'The Batman.' Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/ ™ & © DC Comics.
    (Left) Zendaya stars as Tashi in director Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Challengers,’ an Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo credit: Niko Tavernise. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘The Batman.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures/ ™ & © DC Comics.

    Preview:

    • Zendaya and Robert Pattinson are in talks for ‘The Drama’.
    • It’s the new movie from ‘Dream Scenario’ filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli.
    • A24 is backing the film.

    As they find space in their schedules waiting for other big projects to kick back in again, Zendaya (who will be shooting the long-delayed third season of ‘Euphoria’ at some point) and Robert Pattinson (who is awaiting Matt Reeves’ script for ‘The Batmansequel) are looking to co-star in a new movie together.

    That film is called ‘The Drama’ and will be the latest effort from writer/director Kristoffer Borgli, who saw success last year with the Nicolas Cage oddity ‘Dream Scenario’.

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    Deadline reports that the starry duo are in early talks to take the lead roles in the movie.

    What’s the story of ‘The Drama’?

    Zendaya attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios’ 'Challengers' at Regency Village Theatre on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
    Zendaya attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘Challengers’ at Regency Village Theatre on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.

    Plot details for this latest Borgli movie are under wraps at this point, but Deadline has heard that it could well follow a romantic couple who have decided to get married, but who hit a rough patch before the big day.

    Given how ‘Dream Scenario’ turned out –– Cage starred as an unassuming college professor who unexpectedly starts showing up in people’s dreams, to initially comedic and then weirdly violent effect, meditation on insta-celebrity and cancel culture –– we’d expect there will be more to it than that. And you know neither Pattinson nor Zendaya would want to star in a basic romantic drama.

    Related Article: Every Zendaya Movie, Ranked!

    Who is backing ‘The Drama’?

    Nicolas Cage and director Kristoffer Borgli on the set of 'Dream Scenario.'
    (L to R) Nicolas Cage and director Kristoffer Borgli on the set of ‘Dream Scenario.’ Courtesy of A24.

    This new movie will find Borgli returning to the A24 fold, as the studio previously backed ‘Dream Scenario’ and is happy to stay in business with the director.

    And fellow A24 stalwart Ari Aster is producing the film via his Square Peg company. It’s another reunion, as Aster’s company previously backed ‘Dream Scenario’. Also on the ‘Hereditary’ director’s producing schedule is ‘Death of a Unicorn’ starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega and ‘Eddington’ starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone.

    What else are Zendaya and Robert Pattinson working on?

    Zendaya in 'Euphoria.'
    Zendaya in ‘Euphoria.’ Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO.

    Zendaya, who returned to Arrakis for ‘Dune: Part Two’ may well be headed back sooner rather than later if rumors of Denis Villeneuve developing ‘Dune: Messiah’ as his potential next film pan out.

    As mentioned, there’s also HBO’s ‘Euphoria’, which is scheduled to start filming its third season early next year.

    On Pattinson’s side of things, he’s working on Lynne Ramsay’s new movie ‘Die, My Love’ opposite Jennifer Lawrence.

    There is also horror movie remakePossession’ on which he’s a producer. Plus, ‘The Batman’ sequel is waiting in the wings and will likely kick off shooting next year.

    Finally, Pattinson will be back on our screens in Bong Joon Ho’s latest, sci-fi satire ‘Mickey 17’, which is due to be released on January 31st.

    When will ‘The Drama’ be on screens?

    No release date has been mentioned for the movie yet, but if it starts shooting this year, it could well be out early in 2025.

    Robert Pattinson in 'Superpowered: The DC Story.'
    Robert Pattinson in ‘Superpowered: The DC Story.’ Photograph by Courtesy of Max/Warner Bros.

    Other Kristoffer Borgli Movies:

    Buy Kristoffer Borgli Movies on Amazon

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