Tag: The Marvels

  • 2023 Movie Preview

    Moviefone's 2023 Movie Preview.
    Moviefone’s 2023 Movie Preview.

    2023 has just started and its already shaping up to be another incredible year for movies!

    From long-awaited sequels such as ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ and ‘Dune: Part Two’ to a live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’ and even an adaption of ‘Barbie,’ 2023 promises a little bit of something for everyone.

    Moviefone has compiled a list of the most anticipated movies opening in theaters and/or streaming in 2023, which not only includes major studio releases but also smaller independent films that you won’t want to miss.

    Let’s begin!


    January:

    M3GAN‘ (1/6)

    M3GAN, Gemma (Allison Williams) and Cady (Violet McGraw) in 'M3GAN,' directed by Gerard Johnstone.
    (L to R) M3GAN, Gemma (Allison Williams) and Cady (Violet McGraw) in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    A brilliant toy company roboticist (Allison Williams) uses artificial intelligence to develop M3GAN, a life-like doll programmed to emotionally bond with her newly orphaned niece (Violet McGraw). But when the doll’s programming works too well, she becomes overprotective of her new friend with terrifying results.

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    The Drop‘ (1/13)

    Jermaine Fowler and Anna Konkle in Hulu's 'The Drop.'
    (L to R) Jermaine Fowler and Anna Konkle in Hulu’s ‘The Drop.’

    Premiering on Hulu, in this clever cringe comedy, a seemingly happy married couple (Jermaine Fowler and Anna Konkle) confronts a test of their marriage when one of them drops a baby while at a destination wedding at a tropical island.

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    Plane‘ (1/13)

    Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance and Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in "Plane.' Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.
    (L to R) Gerard Butler as Brodie Torrance and Mike Colter as Louis Gaspare in “Plane.’ Photo Credit: Kenneth Rexach.

    After a heroic job of successfully landing his storm-damaged aircraft in a war zone, a fearless pilot (Gerard Butler) finds himself between the agendas of multiple militias planning to take the plane and its passengers hostage.

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    There’s Something Wrong with the Children‘ (1/17)

    Briella Guiza as Lucy, David Mattle as Spencer, and Zach Gilford as Ben Winslow in 'There's Something Wrong With The Children.'
    (L to R) Briella Guiza as Lucy, David Mattle as Spencer, and Zach Gilford as Ben Winslow in ‘There’s Something Wrong With The Children.’

    When Margaret (Alisha Wainwright) and Ben (Zach Gilford) take a weekend trip with longtime friends Ellie (Amanda Crew) and Thomas (Carlos Santos) and their two young children (Briella Guiza and David Mattle), Ben begins to suspect something supernatural is occurring when the kids behave strangely after disappearing into the wood.

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    Alice, Darling‘ (1/20)

    Anna Kendrick in 'Alice, Darling.'
    Anna Kendrick in ‘Alice, Darling.’

    In the taut thriller, Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick (‘Up in the Air‘) stars as a woman pushed to the breaking point by her psychologically abusive boyfriend, Simon (Charlie Carrick). While on vacation with two close girlfriends (Kaniehtiio Horn and Wunmi Mosaku), Alice rediscovers the essence of herself and gains some much-needed perspective. Slowly, she starts to fray the cords of codependency that bind her. But Simon’s vengeance is as inevitable as it is shattering – and, once unleashed, it tests Alice’s strength, her courage, and the bonds of her deep-rooted friendships.

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    Shotgun Wedding‘ (1/27)

    Jennifer Lopez as Darcy Rivera and Josh Duhamel as Tom Fowler in 'Shotgun Wedding.'
    (L to R) Jennifer Lopez as Darcy Rivera and Josh Duhamel as Tom Fowler in ‘Shotgun Wedding.’ Photo Credit: Ana Carballosa.

    Premiering on Prime Video, Darcy (Jennifer Lopez) and Tom (Josh Duhamel) gather their lovable but very opinionated families for the ultimate destination wedding, just as the couple begin to get cold feet. And if that wasn’t enough of a threat to the celebration, suddenly everyone’s lives are in danger when the entire party is taken hostage. “’Til Death Do Us Part” takes on a whole new meaning in this hilarious, adrenaline-fueled adventure as Darcy and Tom must save their loved ones—if they don’t kill each other first.

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    Infinity Pool‘ (1/27)

    Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgård star in Brandon Cronenberg's 'Infinity Pool.'
    (L to R) Mia Goth and Alexander Skarsgård star in Brandon Cronenberg’s ‘Infinity Pool.’

    While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror.

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    February:

    80 for Brady‘ (2/3)

    Rita Moreno, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Sally Field in '80 For Brady' from Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R) Rita Moreno, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Sally Field in ’80 For Brady’ from Paramount Pictures.

    The movie is inspired by the true story of four best friends (Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field) living life to the fullest when they take a wild trip to the 2017 Super Bowl LI to see their hero Tom Brady play.

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    Knock at the Cabin‘ (2/3)

    Dave Bautista, Abby Quinn, and Nikki Amuka-Bird in 'Knock at the Cabin,' directed and co-written by M. Night Shyamalan.
    (L to R) Dave Bautista, Abby Quinn, and Nikki Amuka-Bird in ‘Knock at the Cabin,’ directed and co-written by M. Night Shyamalan. © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    While vacationing at a remote cabin, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four armed strangers who demand that the family make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse. With limited access to the outside world, the family must decide what they believe before all is lost.

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    Baby Ruby‘ (2/3)

    Kit Harington and Noémie Merlant in 'Baby Ruby.'
    (L to R) Kit Harington and Noémie Merlant in ‘Baby Ruby.’

    The tightly scripted world of a vlogger and influencer unravels as postpartum depression, a lack of support from those in her orbit, and her baby’s apparent hostility all mount. Starring Noémie Merlant and Kit Harington.

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    Magic Mike’s Last Dance‘ (2/10)

    Channing Tatum as Mike Lane and Salma Hayek Pinault as Maxandra Mendoza in Warner Bros. Pictures musical comedy 'Magic Mike's Last Dance,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Channing Tatum as Mike Lane and Salma Hayek Pinault as Maxandra Mendoza in Warner Bros. Pictures musical comedy ‘Magic Mike’s Last Dance,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.

    Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) takes to the stage again after a lengthy hiatus, following a business deal that went bust, leaving him broke and taking bartender gigs in Florida. For what he hopes will be one last hurrah, Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite (Salma Hayek) who lures him with an offer he can’t refuse… and an agenda all her own. With everything on the line, once Mike discovers what she truly has in mind, will he—and the roster of hot new dancers he’ll have to whip into shape—be able to pull it off?

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    Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania‘ (2/17)

    Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Kathryn Newton as Cassandra "Cassie" Lang, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/Wasp in Marvel Studios' 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.'
    (L to R): Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Kathryn Newton as Cassandra “Cassie” Lang, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/Wasp in Marvel Studios’ ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 Marvel.

    Superhero duo Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), together with Hope’s parents Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), find themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures, and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.

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    Cocaine Bear‘ (2/24)

    Keri Russell in director Elizabeth Banks' 'Cocaine Bear.'
    Keri Russell in director Elizabeth Banks’ ‘Cocaine Bear.’

    Inspired by the 1985 true story of a drug runner’s plane crash, missing cocaine, and the black bear that ate it, this wild thriller finds an oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converging in a Georgia forest where a 500- pound apex predator has ingested a staggering amount of cocaine and gone on a coke-fueled rampage for more blow … and blood.

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    Jesus Revolution‘ (2/24)

    Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith in 'Jesus Revolution.'
    Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith in ‘Jesus Revolution.’ Photo Credit: Dan Anderson.

    In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) is searching for all the right things in all the wrong places: until he meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher. Together with Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer), they open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival of radical and newfound love, leading to what Time Magazine dubbed a “Jesus Revolution.”

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    March:

    Creed III‘ (3/3)

    Michael B. Jordan stars as Adonis Creed and Jonathan Majors as Damian Anderson in 'CREED III.'
    (L to R) Michael B. Jordan stars as Adonis Creed and Jonathan Majors as Damian Anderson in ‘CREED III,’ a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. Photo credit: Eli Ade. © 2022 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damien Anderson (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damien – a fighter who has nothing to lose.

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    Inside‘ (3/10)

    Willem Dafoe stars as Nemo in director Vasilis Katsoupis' 'Inside,' a Focus Features release.
    Willem Dafoe stars as Nemo in director Vasilis Katsoupis’ ‘Inside,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Wolfgang Ennenbach / Focus Features.

    The movie tells the story of Nemo (Willem Dafoe), an art thief trapped in a New York penthouse after his heist doesn’t go as planned. Locked inside with nothing but priceless works of art, he must use all his cunning and invention to survive.

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    Scream VI‘ (3/10)

    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream VI.'
    Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’ © 2022 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.”. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.”

    Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter. In the new sequel, Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Mindy Meeks-Martin), Mason Gooding (Chad Meeks-Martin), Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter), Hayden Panettiere (Kirby Reed) and Courteney Cox (Gale Weathers) return to their roles in the franchise alongside Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, and Samara Weaving.

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    Shazam! Fury of the Gods‘ (3/17)

    Ross Butler as Super Hero Eugene, Adam Brody as Super Hero Freddy, Grace Caroline Currey as Super Hero Mary, Zachary Levi as Shazam, Meagan Good as Super Hero Darla and D. J. Cotrona as Super Hero Pedro in New Line Cinema’s action adventure Shazam! Fury of the Gods,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Ross Butler as Super Hero Eugene, Adam Brody as Super Hero Freddy, Grace Caroline Currey as Super Hero Mary, Zachary Levi as Shazam, Meagan Good as Super Hero Darla and D. J. Cotrona as Super Hero Pedro in New Line Cinema’s action adventure ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2022 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC.

    Billy Batson (Zachary Levi and Asher Angel) and his foster siblings, who transform into superheroes by saying “Shazam!”, are forced to get back into action and fight the Daughters of Atlas (Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler), who they must stop from using a weapon that could destroy the world.

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    Boston Strangler‘ (3/17)

    'Boston Strangler' premieres March 17th on Hulu.
    ‘Boston Strangler’ premieres March 17th on Hulu.

    Debuting on Hulu, Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley) was the first reporter to connect the murders and break the story of the Boston Strangler. She and fellow reporter Jean Cole (Carrie Coon) challenged the sexism of the early ’60s to report on the city’s most notorious serial killer and worked tirelessly to keep women informed. McLaughlin pursued the story at great personal risk and uncovered corruption that cast doubt on the true identity of the Boston Strangler.

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    Moving On‘ (3/17)

    Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda star in director Paul Weitz's 'Moving On.'
    (L to R) Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda star in director Paul Weitz’s ‘Moving On.’

    Two old friends (Jane Fond and Lily Tomlin) who reconnect at a funeral, and decide to exact revenge on the widower (Richard Roundtree) who wronged them decades before.

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    65‘ (3/17)

    Adam Driver in Sony's '65.'
    Adam Driver in Sony’s ’65.’

    An astronaut (Adam Driver) crash lands on a mysterious planet only to discover he’s not alone.

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    Champions‘ (3/23)

    Casey Metcalfe as Marlon, James Day Keith as Benny, Woody Harrelson as Marcus, Ashton Gunning as Cody, and Tom Sinclair as Blair in director Bobby Farrelly's 'Champions,' a Focus Features release.
    (L to R) Casey Metcalfe as Marlon, James Day Keith as Benny, Woody Harrelson as Marcus, Ashton Gunning as Cody, and Tom Sinclair as Blair in director Bobby Farrelly’s ‘Champions,’ a Focus Features release. Courtesy of Focus Features

    Woody Harrelson stars in the hilarious and heartwarming story of a former minor-league basketball coach who, after a series of missteps, is ordered by the court to manage a team of players with intellectual disabilities. He soon realizes that despite his doubts, together, this team can go further than they ever imagined.

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    John Wick: Chapter 4‘ (3/24)

    Keanu Reeves and Donnie Yen in 'John Wick: Chapter 4.'
    (L to R) Keanu Reeves and Donnie Yen in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.

    John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.

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    A Good Person‘ (3/31)

    Florence Pugh as Allison and Morgan Freeman as Daniel in 'A Good Person,' directed by Zach Braff, a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film.
    (L to R) Florence Pugh as Allison and Morgan Freeman as Daniel in ‘A Good Person,’ directed by Zach Braff, a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. Credit: Jeong Park / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures. © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Allison (Florence Pugh) is a young woman with a bright future – a wonderful fiancé, a blossoming career, and supportive family and friends. But her world crumbles in the blink of an eye when she survives an unimaginable tragedy and emerges from recovery with an opioid addiction and unresolved grief. In the following years, it is the unlikely friendship she forms with her would-be father-in-law (Morgan Freeman) that gives her a fighting chance to put herself back together and move forward with her life.

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    Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves‘ (3/31)

    Justice Smith plays Simon, Sophia Lillis plays Doric, Chris Pine plays Edgin and Michelle Rodriguez plays Holga in 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves'
    (L to R) Justice Smith plays Simon, Sophia Lillis plays Doric, Chris Pine plays Edgin and Michelle Rodriguez plays Holga in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ from Paramount Pictures.

    A charming thief (Chris Pine) and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.

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    April:

    The Super Mario Bros. Movie‘ (4/7)

    'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' will open in theaters on April 7, 2023.
    ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ will open in theaters on April 7, 2023.

    A plumber named Mario (Chris Pratt) travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother, Luigi (Charlie Day), trying to save a captured princess (Anya Taylor-Joy).

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    One True Loves‘ (4/7)

    Phillipa Soo as Emma and Simu Liu as Sam in the romance, 'One True Loves,' The Avenue release.
    (L to R) Phillipa Soo as Emma and Simu Liu as Sam in the romance, ‘One True Loves,’ The
    Avenue release. Photo courtesy of The Avenue.

    The story follows the moving love story of a woman (Phillipa Soo) unexpectedly forced to choose between the husband (Luke Bracey) she has long thought dead and the fiancé (Simu Liu) who brought her back to life.

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    Renfield‘ (4/14)

    Nicolas Cage as Count Dracula, and Nicholas Hoult as Renfield in director Chris McKay's 'Renfield.'
    (L to R) Nicolas Cage as Count Dracula, and Nicholas Hoult as Renfield in director Chris McKay’s ‘Renfield.’

    Centered on R.M. Renfield (Nicholas Hoult), who was an inmate at a lunatic asylum who was thought to be suffering from delusions, but is actually a servant of Dracula (Nicolas Cage).

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    Evil Dead Rise‘ (4/21)

    Gabrielle Echols as Bridget, Nell Fisher as Kassie, Lily Sullivan as Beth, Morgan Davies as Danny and Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie in New Line Cinema’s horror film “Evil Dead Rise," a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (L to R) Gabrielle Echols as Bridget, Nell Fisher as Kassie, Lily Sullivan as Beth, Morgan Davies as Danny and Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie in New Line Cinema’s horror film “Evil Dead Rise,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Road-weary Beth (Lily Sullivan) pays an overdue visit to her older sister Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland), who is raising three kids on her own in a cramped L.A. apartment. But the sisters’ reunion is cut short by the discovery of a mysterious book deep in the bowels of Ellie’s building which gives rise to flesh-possessing demons, and thrusts the sisters into a primal battle for survival as they’re faced with the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.

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    May:

    Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3‘ (5/5)

    Marvel Studios' 'Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.'
    Marvel Studios’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.’

    After acquiring Knowhere from the Collector (Benicio del Toro), we find the Guardians working to repair the extreme damage done by Thanos (Josh Brolin), determined to make Knowhere a safe haven, not only for themselves, but for all refugees displaced by the harsh universe.

    It isn’t long before their attempt to return to normal is upended by a brutal attack from a new unknown enemy, and Peter (Chris Pratt), still reeling from the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana), must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

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    Book Club: The Next Chapter‘ (5/12)

    Diane Keaton stars as Diane, Jane Fonda as Vivian, Candice Bergen as Sharon and Mary Steenburgen as Carol in "Book Club: The Next Chapter,' a Focus Features release.
    (L to R) Diane Keaton stars as Diane, Jane Fonda as Vivian, Candice Bergen as Sharon and Mary Steenburgen as Carol in “Book Club: The Next Chapter,’ a Focus Features release.
    Credit: Riccardo Ghilardi / © Endeavor Content.

    The highly anticipated sequel follows our four best friends (Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen) as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.

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    Fast X‘ (5/19)

    'Fast X' Logo.
    ‘Fast X’ Logo. Courtesy of Vin Diesel’s Instagram account.

    The tenth installment in the ‘Fast & Furious‘ Saga starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Momoa, John Cena, Helen Mirren, Brie Larson, and Charlize Theron.

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    The Little Mermaid‘ (5/26)

    The Little Mermaid (2023)
    Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel (Halle Bailey) longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). With mermaids forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s (Javier Bardem) crown – in jeopardy.

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    June:

    Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse‘ (6/2)

    ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ lands in theaters on June 2nd, 2023.
    ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ lands in theaters on June 2nd, 2023.

    Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) returns for the next chapter of the Oscar-winning ‘Spider-Verse saga.’ After reuniting with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence.

    But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.

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    Transformers: Rise of the Beasts‘ (6/9)

    'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.'
    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

    ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ will take audiences on a ‘90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new breed of Transformer – the Maximals – to the existing battle on earth between Autobots and Decepticons. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. and starring Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback.

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    The Flash‘ (6/16)

    Ezra Miller as the Flash
    Ezra Miller as the Flash in 2017’s ‘Justice League.’

    The Flash (Ezra Miller) travels back in time to prevent the murder of his mother, an act which disrupts time significantly.

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    Elemental‘ (6/16)

    Elemental
    Pixar’s ‘Elemental.’ © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

    In a city where fire, water, land, & air residents live together, a fiery young woman (Leah Lewis) & a go-with-the-flow guy (Mamoudou Athie) will discover something elemental: How much they have in common.

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    Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny‘ (6/30)

    Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in Lucasfilm's 'IJ5.'
    Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in Lucasfilm’s ‘IJ5.’ ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Finding himself in a new era, approaching retirement, Indy (Harrison Ford) wrestles with fitting into a world that seems to have outgrown him. But as the tentacles of an all-too-familiar evil return in the form of an old rival (Mads Mikkelsen), Indy must don his hat and pick up his whip once more to make sure an ancient and powerful artifact doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

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    July:

    Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One‘ (7/14)

    ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ will be in theaters on July 14th, 2023.
    ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ will be in theaters on July 14th, 2023.

    The seventh installment of the ‘Mission: Impossible‘ franchise starring Tom Cruise.

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    Barbie‘ (7/21)

    Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ 'Barbie,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
    (Center) Margot Robbie as Barbie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Barbie,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures.

    Directed by Greta Gerwig, ‘Barbie’ is a live-action feature film based on the popular line of Barbie dolls starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

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    Oppenheimer‘ (7/21)

    Cillian Murphy stars in 'Oppenheimer,' written and directed by Christopher Nolan.
    Cillian Murphy stars in ‘Oppenheimer,’ written and directed by Christopher Nolan.

    Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s (Cillian Murphy) role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. Also starring Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Robert Downey Jr.

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    The Marvels‘ (7/28)

    Marvel Studios' 'The Marvels' opens in theaters on July 28, 2023.
    Marvel Studios’ ‘The Marvels’ opens in theaters on July 28, 2023.

    Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) trade places with each other every time they use their powers and must team up to fix their problem.

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    August:

    Haunted Mansion‘ (8/11)

    Disney's 'Haunted Mansion.'
    Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion.’

    A single mom named Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her 9-year-old son, who are looking to start a new life, move into a strangely affordable mansion in New Orleans, only to discover that the place is much more than they bargained for.

    Desperate for help, they contact a priest (Owen Wilson), who, in turn, enlists the aid of a widowed scientist-turned-failed-paranormal expert (LaKeith Stanfield), a French Quarter psychic (Tiffany Haddish), and a crotchety historian (Danny DeVito) to help exorcise the mansion. Also starring Jared Leto, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Winona Ryder.

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    Blue Beetle‘ (8/18)

    'Blue Beetle' is scheduled to be released in the United States on August 18, 2023.
    ‘Blue Beetle’ is scheduled to be released in the United States on August 18, 2023.

    Jaime Reyes (Xolo Mariduena) acquires a mysterious scarab that binds to his spine and provides him with a powerful suit of blue alien armor.

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    September:

    The Equalizer 3‘ (9/1)

    Director Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington on the set of 'The Equalizer 3.'
    Director Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington on the set of ‘The Equalizer 3.’ Photo by: Stefano Cristiiano Montesi.

    The third film in ‘The Equalizer’ franchise starring Denzel WashingtonDakota Fanning and Gaia Scodellaro.

    jFZytmJPFsY2Ncc3wIz8A

    A Haunting in Venice‘ (9/15)

    'A Haunting in Venice' is scheduled to be released in the United States on September 15, 2023.
    ‘A Haunting in Venice’ is scheduled to be released in the United States on September 15, 2023.

    Celebrated sleuth Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), now retired and living in self-imposed exile in Venice, reluctantly attends a Halloween séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

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    October:

    Kraven the Hunter‘ (10/6)

    Aaron Taylor-Johnson to play the popular Spider-Man villain in Sony's 'Kraven the Hunter'
    Aaron Taylor-Johnson to play the popular Spider-Man villain in Sony’s ‘Kraven the Hunter’

    Sergei Kravinoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is a big game hunter, who takes a magical serum giving him superhuman abilities and a longer life.

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    November:

    Dune: Part Two‘ (11/3)

    Timothée Chalamet in Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune.'
    Timothée Chalamet in Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune.’

    Follow the mythic journey of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he unites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, Paul endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

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    The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes‘ (11/17)

    Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird and Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.'
    (L to R) Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird and Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.

    Years before he would become the tyrannical President of Panem, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) is the last hope for his fading lineage, a once-proud family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With the 10th annual Hunger Games fast approaching, the young Snow is alarmed when he is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), the girl tribute from impoverished District 12.

    But, after Lucy Gray commands all of Panem’s attention by defiantly singing during the reaping ceremony, Snow thinks he might be able to turn the odds in their favor. Uniting their instincts for showmanship and newfound political savvy, Snow and Lucy Gray’s race against time to survive will ultimately reveal who is a songbird, and who is a snake.

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    December:

    Wonka‘ (12/15)

    A young Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) embarks on a mission to spread joy through his chocolate, which quickly becomes a phenomenon.

    7PX0aWkDHjBzDFfk25tQK7

    The Color Purple‘ (11/20)

    An adaptation of the Broadway musical ‘The Color Purple,’ based on the acclaimed novel and its film adaptation, and starring Taraji P. Henson, Corey Hawkins, and H.E.R.

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    Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom‘ (11/25)

    Jason Momoa in 2018's 'Aquaman.'
    Jason Momoa in 2018’s ‘Aquaman.’

    When an ancient power is unleashed, Aquaman (Jason Momoa) must forge an uneasy alliance with an unlikely ally to protect Atlantis, and the world, from irreversible devastation.

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  • D23 Expo 2022: Lucasfilm, Marvel, and 20th Century Studios Presentation

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    D23 Expo 2022 achieved peak genre fan love today with the Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios presentation in the jam-packed Anaheim Convention Center.

    You can watch Moviefone’s exclusive backstage interviews with talent by clicking on the video player above.

    Disney chairman Alan Bergman took the stage of the center’s Arena to welcome fans and introduce tons of upcoming offerings from the House of Mouse’s most successful studios.

    Lucasfilm got things started with a first look at what the ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ are up to. Lucasfilm president Kathy Kennedy presented a new look at ‘Andor.’ Debuting in just 11 days on Disney+, it begins five years prior to the events of ‘Rogue One.’

    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.

    Stars Genevieve O’Reilly (Mon Mothma) and Diego Luna (Cassian Andor) described it as the tale of “a revolutionary [learning] there’s a purpose. That there’s something to fight for.”

    The two were joined by co-star Adria Arjona, whose character Bix Caleen has feelings for Andor. “She cares deeply for him,” said the actress, “sometimes to her own detriment. It’s complicated.”

    The film’s final trailer was tenser and grittier than most ‘Star Wars’ we’ve seen before, with nary a cute sidekick in sight. The first three episodes debut on September, 21st.

    Next up was a detour from ‘Star Wars’ with another Disney+ spinoff series – the return of ‘Willow.’ The 1987 film’s stars Warwick Davis and Joanne Whalley appeared – “At last we have some scenes together,” laughed Davis – alongside new co-star Christian Slater and presented a new trailer. It featured the returning Brownies, knights, sword fights, and a far greater number of female warriors than the original movie.

    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.

    There was lots more ‘Star Wars’ presented to fans when writer-producer-Force guru Dave Filoni appeared in his trademark cowboy hat and announced the first two episodes of the 16-episode second season of the animated ‘Bad Batch’ will drop on January 4th.

    Filoni also offered a peek at a six-episode series of animated shorts called ‘Tales of the Jedi,’ half of which will star fan-fave Jedi Ahsoka Andu, with the other three featuring Count Dooku. All episodes drop on October 26th, and the trailer promises appearances by Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, Yoda, Bail Organa, and Darth Maul.

    Filoni’s co-producer on ‘The Mandalorian,’ Jon Favreau, arrived from the midst of shooting the ‘Ahsoka’ live-action series starring Rosario Dawson. And ‘Spider-Man‘ director Jon Watts and actor Jude Law showed up to rep ‘Skeleton Crew.’ A live-action show about a group of kids who get lost in the ‘Star Wars’ galaxy, it’s a new story set, like Ahsoka, in the New Republic era.

    Then it was turn for the cast of the third season of ‘The Mandalorian’ to take the spotlight: including Katee Sackhoff, Amy Sedaris, Giancarlo Esposito, and everyone’s favorite Mando, Pedro Pascal. The season’s first teaser revealed a platoon of sky-diving, jetpack firing Mandos, Mando and Grogu in a chase through space, lots more of Swallow’s mysterious Armorer, Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze taking command, and a regal-looking Carl Weathers.

    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.

    Without a doubt, the highlight of the Lucasfilm presentation came next – as stars Harrison Ford and Phoebe Waller-Bridge joined director James Mangold in presenting the first-ever footage from the fifth ‘Indiana Jones’ film.

    Fans thrilled to the sight of a horsebound Ford racing though a subway, chases along the tops of trains, motorcycles chasing planes, the welcome John Rhys-Davies back as Sallah, and a very Toht-like Mads Mikkersen as the baddie.

    A visibly choked up Ford returned the audience’s gratitude. ”No, thank you, said the veteran actor, “for making these films such an incredible experience. I’m very proud to say that this one is fantastic. And [Phoebe Waller-Bridge] is one of the reasons. Indiana Jones films are about mystery and adventure but they’re also about heart. I’m really happy that we have a really human story to tell as well as a movie that will kick your ass.”

    “This is it!” he joked of his return to his most iconic role, “I will not fall down for you again! But thank you so much. Thank you James Mangold for picking up the pieces and making a spectacular film.”

    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
    Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
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    Not to be outdone by Indy, it was then Marvel Studios turn on stage, with chief Kevin Feige introducing a live musical presentation of “Rogers: The Musical,’ with composer Mark Shaman conducting as a full Broadway cast cavorted on stage.

    The most anticipated Marvel release followed – with a new look at November’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ The scene consisted of Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda defending Wakanda’s Vibranium reserve before an international committee, as the Dora Milaje thwart a mercenary attack on a Wakandan research center.

    “Chadwick [Boseman] was with us every step of the way,” saidBassett of her late co-star. “He showed us the way.”

    “I’m excited for my bro to look down on us and smile,” added Wright.

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
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    Coogler is also responsible for ‘Ironheart,’ the upcoming Disney+ series featuring Riri Willaims, Tony Stark’s genius-inventor successor in the MCU. A first look saw star Dominique Thorne confronting antagonist The Hood, played by ‘Hamilton’ star Anthony Ramos, a practitioner of the dark arts. Expect a unique battle of tech versus magic when the show drops next year.

    Also coming next year is ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.’ Stars Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly were joined by Jonathan Majors, a.k.a. Kang the Conqueror.

    A first look depicted Scott Lang flying high after the success of his autobiography, the return of his frenemy Jimmy Woo (Randall Park), and his daughter Cassie (now played by Kathryn Newton) opening up a whole world of trouble when she sends a signal to the Quantum realm, drawing the attention of the fearsome Kang, the cybernetic MODOK, new co-star Bill Murray, who plays an an old friend Michelle Pfeiffer’s Janet van Dyne.

    “Have I killed you before?” asks Kang upon first meeting Ant-Man.

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
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    Fans won’t have so long to wait for Marvel’s first Halloween “Special Presentation” – ‘Werewolf by Night.’ Stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Laura Donnelly hit the stage alongside director Michael Giacchino, best known as the composer of many beloved Pixar film scores.

    Shot in retro-style black and white, debut footage was reminiscent of classic Universal Monster movies – and revealed a quick shot of Marvel Comics’ Man-Thing in his MCU debut.

    ‘Secret Invasion’ next wowed fans, with star Don Cheadle offering a first look at the upcoming Disney+ series. Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury, Olivia Coleman, and ‘Captain Marvel’ Skrull Ben Medohlson appeared in footage that took the espionage side of the MCU to a new level.

    The biggest applause for Marvel TV came when Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, and Sophia Di Martino presented a look at ‘Loki’ season 2. The stars were joined by ‘Everything, Everywhere, All at Once’ actor Ke Huy Quan in the new role of a TVA archivist.

    “Sorry, I’m so confused right now,” said Quan, who debuted in 1984’s ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.’ “Is this NOT the ‘Indiana Jones’ panel?”

    The footage featured the return of actors Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Wunmi Mosaku, along with the intriguing return of Kang as a sculpture Loki uncovers.

    Marvel had more in store for Disney+ subscribers with ‘Echo,’ spinning off the deaf villain of ‘Hawkeye’ into her own series. Stars Alaqua Cox, Graham Greene, and Vincent D’Onofrio debuted footage that saw the return of D’Onofrio’s Kingpin (with a bandaged eye after the events of ‘Hawkeye’).

    “To bring Fisk and Maya back together again was a thrill,” said the actor. “We had some crazy scenes.”

    Though nothing was revealed of another Kingpin-starring project – ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ – star Charlie Cox presented a look at his blind hero’s appearance in TV’s ‘She-Hulk.’ The scene showed Daredevil flirting with Jennifer Walters during a stakeout, as he described his ability to hear heartbeats.

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.

    More Marvel movies arrived with ‘Captain America: New World Order’ stars Anthony Mackie, Shira Haas (as Israeli superhero Sabra), Danny Ramirez, Carl Lumbly, and Tim Blake Nelson – back in the MCU after 14 years as The Leader.

    “It’s amazing,” said Mackie of bringing his Cap to the big screen. “I’m nervous. It’s exciting. It’s everything I expected it to be.”

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.

    Fans also cheered on the arrival of 2024’s misfit team movie ‘Thunderbolts,’ Marvel’s answer to DC’s ‘The Suicide Squad.’ Stars Wyatt Russell (John Walker/US Agent), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava/Ghost), David Harbour (Red Guardian) and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (Valentina Allegra de Fontaine), and Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier) appeared with art of their characters, and Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow II) offered a video greeting.

    “These are my kinds of people,” said Stan. “They look like a troubled bunch.”

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
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    Even bigger applause went to ‘The Marvels,’ when Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, and Teyonah Parris gave a first look at the MCU’s first-ever all female superhero team.

    “I had such an amazing time with these beautiful women – inside and out. It was so nice to have a team. I have a team!”

    Footage from the July release opened with Monica Rambeau in a space on a mission for Fury, before being suddenly body swapped with Ms. Marvel.

    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
    Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
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    Last but not least… The panel concluded with a treat from 20th Century Studios, with director James Cameron dialing in from New Zealand, where he’s finishing the first of several ‘Avatar’ sequels, ‘The Way of Water,’

    “Right now it’s pretty hectic around here. We’re finishing up a five-year production cycle. This has been a bit of an odyssey. Shooting and capturing for movie 2, movie 3, and the first part of movie 4. We’re finishing up movie 2.”

    Several scenes of 3D were presented of the films’ new Na’vi warriors, with underwater footage drawing gasps from the audience.

    “The whole movie deals with the protection of family and protection of familial love,” said Sam Worthington.

    Courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
    Courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
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  • Kevin Feige Teases When We’ll See More of Marvel’s Phase 5

    Kevin Feige from Marvel Studios and Brie Larson from 'Captain Marvel'
    (L to R) Kevin Feige from Marvel Studios and Brie Larson from ‘Captain Marvel’ at San Diego Comic-Con International 2016 in San Diego, California. ©Marvel Studios 2016.

    Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige is not a man who gives up secrets. Nor is he particularly inclined to offer much more than veiled hints about the next steps in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But he did at least say something…

    “As we’re nearing the end of Phase 4, I think people will start to see where this next saga is going,” confides Feige in the latest issue of Total Film. “I think there have been many clues already, that are at least apparent to me, of where this whole saga is going. But we’ll be a little more direct about that in the coming months, to set a plan, so audiences who want to see the bigger picture can see a tiny, tiny, tiny bit more of the roadmap.”

    Right now, the remaining titles to come from Phase 4 are movies including ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (more on that below), ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ and ‘The Marvels’. TV output will include ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’, the untitled Halloween special, a ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’, ‘Secret Invasion’, ‘Ironheart’ and ‘Armor Wars’.

    Big themes for this phase so far have definitely been the multiverse, with the introduction of Kang (Jonathan Majors), who will crop up in a few more stories, and more cosmic characters.

    In related Marvel news, we got a new look at the next movie to arrive in the hugely successful MCU.

    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ is headed to theaters on July 7th and sees the return of Chris Hemsworth’s Asgardian warrior.

    In this latest outing, he’s still hanging around with the Guardians of the Galaxy but starts to crave a more peaceful existence. The chances of that are slim to none, though, not least because Christian Bale’s Gorr the God Butcher is out to destroy all beings like our hero.

    And then there’s the not-so-inconsequential matter of his former flame, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who has somehow acquired the powers of the Thunder God himself, including the ability to wield restored hammer Mjolnir.

    With Taika Waititi once more co-writing and directing, it promises to be another blend of comedy and character drama, plus a full helping of thunder-powered action. In this latest look at the movie, we see Thor confronting Gorr and attempting to rally the people of Earth’s New Asgard – a task not helped by insectoid Miek’s screechy whiteboard use.

    And to be filed under the more of a wish list item, Chris Evans has been addressing whether he’d return to the MCU. It sounds like he’s happy keeping Cap wrapped but wouldn’t mind returning as someone else from his Marvel – albeit not MCU – cinematic past.

    “Look, I would love it,” Evans told MTV news about playing Johnny Storm/Human Torch again. “I would love it. That would actually be an easier sell to me than coming back as Cap. You know what I mean? Cap is so precious to me. And you know, I almost don’t wanna disrupt what a beautiful experience that was. But Johnny Storm, I feel like he didn’t really get his day. That was before Marvel really found its footing. So, I loved that role and, you know, who knows?”

    Given that Marvel is developing a new take on the Fantastic Four, we’d guess he won’t be back. But, as Evans says, who knows? It’s a big movie multiverse out there.

    Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards, Jessica Alba as Susan Storm, and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm in 2005's 'Fantastic Four.'
    (L to R) Chris Evans as Johnny Storm, Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards, Jessica Alba as Susan Storm, and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm in 2005’s ‘Fantastic Four.’
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  • TV Review: ‘Ms. Marvel’

    Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios' 'Ms. Marvel'
    Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

    Premiering June 8th on Disney+ is the new Marvel series ‘Ms. Marvel,’ which introduces the title character to the MCU, who will next be seen in ‘The Marvels.’

    The first and final episodes of the six-part series were directed by executive producers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah (‘Bad Boys for Life,’ ‘Batgirl’), and introduces audiences to Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani). She is a 16-year-old Pakistani-American obsessed with Captain Marvel and the Avengers, who eventually gains the ability to harness cosmic energy and create constructs with her magical bangle, making her a superhero too.

    In addition to Vellani, the cast also includes Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh, and Rish Shah. The result is a fun and family friendly Disney+ series that skews young but has enough superhero action and character development to please MCU fans.

    The series begins by introducing us to Kamala Khan (Vellani), a 16-year-old Pakistani-American Avengers fan girl, whose favorite superhero is Captain Marvel. With her best friend Bruno (Lintz), Kamala is making a Captain Marvel cosplay costume to wear to the upcoming Avengers-Con. But her over protective mother Muneeba (Shroff) does not want Kamala attending and would rather she focus on her school work. Searching for an item to personalize her costume, Kamala finds a bangle belonging to her grandmother in the attic and sneaks out with Bruno to attend the convention.

    Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios' 'Ms. Marvel.'
    Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

    But when an accident endangers the patrons at the convention, Kamala discovers that her bangle gives her the ability to harness cosmic energy and create physical constructs. She uses her powers to save the day but unknowingly becomes a public hero and is now being hunted by a mysterious organization.

    Meanwhile, Kamala battles with her mother and father (Kapur) for independence, encourages her friend Nakia (Fletcher) to be her own person, meets a mysterious new boy (Shah), and works with Bruno to control her new powers and become a hero.

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ is the seventh series Marvel Studios has produced for Disney+ following ‘WandaVision,’ ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,’ ‘Loki,’ ‘What If …?,’ ‘Hawkeye,’ and ‘Moon Knight,’ with countless more Marvel series on the horizon. ‘Ms. Marvel’ retains the high quality and production value that fans expect from the Marvel movies, as well the Disney+ shows. But it also feels unique and stand-alone, even if it takes place in the MCU.

    One of the criticisms of the Marvel shows and movies since the launch of Disney+ is that the films are just advertisements for the series, and vice a versa. While its well known that Iman Vellani will star opposite Brie Larson in the upcoming ‘The Marvels,’ the new Disney+ series feels nothing like an advertisement for what is to come, but rather an introduction to something new in the MCU … a Marvel fan!

    Just like in the real world where we have Comic-Cons where fans dress up as their favorite fictional characters, it would only make sense that within the world of the MCU, they would have similar conventions where fans celebrate their favorite heroes, only in the MCU the heroes are not fictional. Making Kamala Khan a fan girl was a brilliant move, as it makes her an extremely retable character for the Marvel fans watching the show.

    man Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan and Matt Lintz as Bruno in Marvel Studios' 'Ms. Marvel.'
    (L-R) Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan and Matt Lintz as Bruno in Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel,’ exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

    Fans of Kamala Khan will also notice that her powers have been drastically changed from the comics, where she was originally given the ability to stretch. Marvel has decided to change that, perhaps concerned fans couldn’t take two stretchy characters in the same universe now that John Krasinski has been introduced as Reed Richards in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,’ and a ‘Fantastic Four’ movie is in pre-production.

    But they also changed the origin of how Kamala received her powers, with them now coming from a bangle that belonged to her grandmother. Instead of stretching, Kamala can harness cosmic energy and create physical constructs, not unlike the Green Lantern from DC Comics. But, the constructs she creates includes her signature “big hand” from the comics. The choice to change up her powers and how she got them really works and rooting them in her own family history and culture helps drive the character and her story.

    In fact, the strongest part of the first two episodes, besides the superhero action sequences, is the sense of family and culture you get from Kamala’s relationship to her loved ones and friends. You really get a sense of who Kamala is in the opening moments of the series, watching the young girl juggle school, friends, family and the occasional fun. Actress Iman Vellani is a lovely discovery, and her performance as Kamala Khan is excellent bringing a very relatable teenager to the screen with all the emotions and expectations that come with that.

    Zenobia Shroff and Mohan Kapur bring a lot to the series playing Kamala’s parents. Shroff’s Muneeba is an extremely traditional and protective mother, but you do get the sense that she is just trying her best to raise her daughter safely. Kapur’s Yusef is clearly the “fun dad” and its heartbreaking to watch Kamala pull away from his love as she grows and matures. Along with Saagar Shaikh who plays Kamala’s brother, all four actors do wonderful work creating a completely believable and relatable family dynamic.

    Yasmeen Fletcher as Nakia; Matthew Lintz as Bruno, and Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios' 'Ms. Marvel.'
    (L-R): Yasmeen Fletcher as Nakia; Matthew Lintz as Bruno, and Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel.’ Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

    Matt Lintz and Yasmeen Fletcher play Kamala’s friends, Bruno and Nakia, respectively. My best guess is that as the series goes on, they will play roles similar to Ned Leeds and MJ in the Tom HollandSpider-Man’ series, as Kamala’s closest allies. But keep an eye on Bruno, as its clear he has hidden feelings for Kamala, he could go over to the dark-side if her friendship with the mysterious Karman progresses. It’s also obvious that something else is going on with Rish Shah’s Karman and discovering who’s side he is really on is going to be one of the big questions answered by the series’ end.

    First and final episode directors and executive producers Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah do a great job of setting the tone for the series with the first episode, and also using animation to progress the story. Their other big contribution is focusing on Kamala as a person first, before meeting her as a hero. They really set her up as an average teenager, worried about school, family, friends, and of course, boys.

    Coming off of the practically hard R-rated horror of ‘Moon Knight,’ some Marvel fans might be confused by the teenage family drama of ‘Ms. Marvel,’ but should give the series a chance. While the show is clearly for a younger audience, there is still a lot there for older fans of Marvel to enjoy.

    The first two episodes of ‘Ms. Marvel’ receives 4 out of 5 stars.

    Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios' 'Ms. Marvel.'
    Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan in Marvel Studios’ ‘Ms. Marvel.’ Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.
  • First Trailer for Disney+ Series ‘Ms. Marvel’

    Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan
    Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan in Disney+’s ‘Ms. Marvel.’

    Marvel has shown a real willingness to expand its roster of characters of late, seeking out people from the pages of the comics who don’t look like a lot of the current crop. And whose stories are on the weirder side. With ‘Moon Knight’ (starring Oscar Isaac as a vigilante who has multiple personalities and a penchant for white suits) due to hit Disney+ on March 30th, we now know that he’ll be followed by ‘Ms. Marvel.’

    The focus here is Kamala Khan, a 16-year-old Jersey City native who hero worships Captain Marvel (hence her alter ego), crushes on boys at school, hasn’t quite figured out her life. Iman Vellani plays the main character, Marvel’s first Muslim title hero.

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ premiered as a standalone comic book series back in 2014 from creators Sana Amanat, G. Willow Wilson, and Adrian Alphona. The TV adaptation was originally announced at the D23 convention back in 2019.

    Boasting a visual style that harkens back to its comic book roots more than even Marvel has tried before, it also has similarities to how ‘Turning Red’ played with form, and with just a hint of ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. The World’. It’s bubbly, bright, and from the looks of the trailer alone, star Vellani brings a bright, unforced performance that juggles the starstruck Avengers fan-turned-hero with the adorkable teen side.

    There are flights of fantasy, dream montages and, when the moment calls for it, crashing back down to reality thanks to her family and friends.

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    Marvel is tweaking her power origin (in the comics, she’s an Inhuman, activated by the Terrigen Mist, but after the benighted ‘Inhumans’ the studio is clearly backing away from that idea so fast you’d barely have time to hear the beeping warning sound. Here, her energy is much more like purple cosmic crystals, which she can manipulate.

    And then there’s her abilities, which were once more focused on Mr. Fantastic-style body morphing but have moved towards the crystal idea (though there is some stretchiness to be found lurking in the trailer.)

    ‘Ms. Marvel’ has ‘Sex Education’ and (keeping it in the Marvel family) ‘Loki’ veteran Bisha K. Ali as its head writer, with episodes directed by ‘Bad Boys for Life’ duo Adil & Bilall, as well as Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Meera Menon. ‘Ms. Marvel’ also stars Saagar Shaikh as Kamala’s older brother Amir, and Zenobia Shroff and Mohan Kapur as her mother and father. Matt Lintz plays her best friend Bruno. But maybe we don’t talk about him yet.

    The series has been delayed at least once – originally thought to be aimed at a late 2021 release, it was pushed to this year, with talk of a late 2022 release. But as the trailer reveals, it’ll make its Disney+ bow on June 8.

    There had been thought that the delay was because of fan concerns for the character moving too far away from her roots in terms of powers (see above), but it might have been to shift the show closer to the character’s next step.

    Vellani’s Khan, you see, is part of ‘Captain Marvel’ sequel ‘The Marvels’, so let the speculation begin as to whether Brie Larson shows up as Kamala’s idol at some point in the show (final episode end credit sting?) to invite her on a bigger adventure.

    Ms. Marvel Poster
    Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan in Disney+’s ‘Ms. Marvel.’

    ‘The Marvels’ arrives in theaters on February 17th next year.

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