UPDATE: The highly anticipated holiday movie season has officially kicked off, starting with the release of “Wicked: For Good” on November 21. Following the groundbreaking success of the first installment last year, which grossed $112.5 million in its opening weekend, expectations are soaring for this sequel to shatter box office records yet again.
The excitement around “Wicked” is palpable as it promises to draw fans back to the mythical land of Oz, this time with a darker twist. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film is set to compete strongly in various Academy Award categories, especially for its performances.
Meanwhile, another major contender, “Nuremberg,” directed by James Vanderbilt, is set to premiere on November 7. Starring Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, this gripping drama explores the psychological intricacies of the Nuremberg Trials, receiving rave reviews, including a four-minute standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival.
On November 14, audiences can look forward to “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” the third installment in the popular heist franchise featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson. This film promises thrilling magic and audacious robberies.
Also on November 14, the Netflix comedy-drama “Jay Kelly,” starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, will capture hearts as it follows the journey of an actor and his manager navigating life and friendship across Europe, with major awards buzz already surrounding it.
The animation world will be buzzing with the release of “Zootopia 2” on November 26. The sequel continues the adventures of detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, featuring an all-star voice cast including Jason Bateman and Ginnifer Goodwin. Fans are eager to see how the film will build on the success of its predecessor, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
As the season progresses, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is set to release on December 12, with Daniel Craig returning as the iconic detective Benoit Blanc. This highly anticipated sequel is generating buzz for its mysterious plot, which remains tightly under wraps.
The epic saga continues with “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” hitting theaters on December 19. Directed by James Cameron, this installment promises to take viewers back to Pandora with new challenges involving the “Ash People,” ensuring audiences will be captivated once again.
Finally, closing out the year is “Marty Supreme,” a sports drama centered on the life of table tennis champion Marty Reisman, set to release on December 25. Featuring Timothée Chalamet, this film is also generating strong Oscar buzz, particularly for Chalamet’s performance.
The holiday season is shaping up to be a cinematic feast, with “Wicked” leading the charge toward a record-breaking box office. As audiences prepare for these major releases, industry experts and fans alike are eager to see which films will take home the coveted Academy Awards in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for updates as this exciting movie season unfolds!
