The years 2020 and 2021 proved disastrous for the theater business and the film industry. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the theaters were shut, and the cinegoers were cramped in their apartments. The streaming platforms fared well during the pandemic due to straight-to-ott releases. But, it was a risky leap for the producers as they did not earn from the movie directly. However, in 2022, the theaters were rejuvenated with 100% occupancy and less number of covid cases. Audiences could witness the magic of celluloid with many grand movies like ‘Doctor Strange’, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, and others released in the cinema halls. However, the anticipation of films in 2023 has already peaked.
In 2022, many people went back to the theaters to watch the films. OTT platforms like Netflix suffered greatly due to low subscriptions and higher inflation. The streaming platform got rid of many of its titles. The last quarter registered 53.1 million attendance to cinema halls. This number was reflected in the box-office numbers of many films. Tom Cruise-starrer ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ made $718 million, and the 2018 sequel to the late Chadwick Boseman-starrer ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ collected $425 million. Currently, ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’, one of the most anticipated sequels has made over $830 million. These were some of the most anticipated films of 2022. Now, let’s take a look at some titles that have been buzzing and are ready to explode in 2023.
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10) Shazam! Fury Of The Gods
After the first look at ‘Shazam!’ in 2019, the audience was left with many questions. One of the questions was who will be the heir of the seventh chair? So, to answer them, Warner Bros., announced that the film will have a sequel. It had a 2022 release date, but they postponed the film to 2023.
In the sequel, we will see Zachary Levi return in the red suit along with his foster siblings Jack Dylan Grazer as Freddy Freeman and Faithe Harman as Darla Dudley. But, there are new additions which include Helen Mirren as Goddess Hespera and Lucy Liu as Kalypso. The Superman cameo is still not confirmed as Henry Cavill will no longer play the character.
Release Date: March 17th, 2023.
9) The Flash
The Ezra Miller starrer ‘The Flash’ has had many hindrances in terms of Miller’s controversies affecting the franchise. In 2021, during the DC Fandome, Warner Bros. gave us a peek at the sequel. The tease informed us that the superhero will loiter around various timelines. But, specifically, The Flash will follow Barry Allen in the past when he will stop his mother, Nora Allen’s death. The travel to the past will be shaking the timeline. Andy Muschietti will be helming the film.
Release Date: June 16, 2023
8) The Marvels
After a successful flight in 2019, Brie Larson will be wearing the cape back. But, this time around she will not be alone in this all-woman superhero crusader. Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel and Monica Rambeau will be joining her. Nina DaCosta, who directed the 2018 thriller ‘Little Woods’ starring Tessa Thompson will direct the film. So, Kamala Khan, Carol Danvers, and Monica Rambeau from S.W.O.R.D will assemble.
Release Date: July 28, 2023
7) Guardians Of The Galaxy (Volume 3)
One of the most loved Marvel sub-franchise will bid adieu with its last installment ‘Guardians of the Galaxy (Volume 3)’. As per Fandango, it is one of the most anticipated movies of 2023. The team will be disbanded in the final iteration of this James Gunn directorial. One of the most emotional parts will be the departure of Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Racoon.
As per the official synopsis, “In Marvel Studios ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’, our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them”.
Release Date: May 5, 2023
6) Barbie
There has been buzz about the film since Amy Schumer was to lead the film. But, in 2019, Margot Robbie was topped for the role of Barbie. Ryan Gosling will be playing Barbie’s partner, Ken. As for the story, there has been speculation that it will follow the story of Barbie being ousted from the glamorous world into a real one. But, a teaser has hinted at what to expect from the story. Along with these two, Will Ferrell, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, and others will star in this Mattel Doll drama. The contemporary feminist director Greta Gerwig will be directing the film who is known for ‘Little Women’ and ‘Lady Bird’.
Release Date: July 21, 2023
5) John Wick: Chapter 4
One of the slickest assassins will be back on the big screen with the fourth chapter in the ‘John Wick’ universe. To have a small recap, John Wick breaks the Continental protocol of not killing anyone on the property. This increases the contract money on his head. After the ‘Parabellum’ thrill, Keanu Reeves will be back as the assassin for vengeance and hunting down every member of the High Table. The Bowery King will be back accompanying Wick in his endeavor. Chad Stahelski, who has helmed the three installments will be back for the fourth chapter as well.
Release Date: March 24th, 2023
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4) Fast X
A franchise started on a small scale in 2001 has become one of the most profitable and loved ones in the world. There have been many additions, subtractions, demise, and replacements, but the high-speeding cars and Vin Diesel have been inseparable parts of the franchise. The new film is the first part of a two-part film, which will be the last in the franchise. The Toretto gang is intact with some new additions like Jason Momoa, Daniela Melchoir, and Brie Larson. It is reported that Gal Gadot may reprise her character Gisele Yashar. Louis Leterrier known for films like ‘The Incredible Hulk’ and the upcoming ‘Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ will be directing one of the last films in the franchise.
Release Date: May 19, 2023
3) Dune: Part Two
The story based on the Frank Herbert sci-fi novel about colonization ‘Dune’ was released back in 2021 and proved to be a box-office blockbuster. Along with box-office success, due to its spectacular visuals, the film swept major awards at the Academy Awards. But, meeting Chani’s people at the end, Paul Atreides and his mother will avenge the destruction of Arkansas in the upcoming sequel. Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, and Christopher Walken will join the original cast in part two.
Release Date: November 3, 2023
2) Oppenheimer
July 2023 will be a treat for the cinephiles due to varied films from different genres. But, the most anticipated of all is Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’. It is a biopic about Robert Oppenheimer, a nuclear physicist who erected a team consisting of the first nuclear detonation on July 16th, 1945. The episode was one of the significant events setting the path for nuclear weapons. It has one of the most talented lots in the industry. Cillian Murphy will play the titular role. The cast consists of Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., and others.
Release Date: July 21, 2023
1) Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (Part I)
Films starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt is a celebration for the fans of the widely successful franchise ‘Mission Impossible’. But, the makers and the superstar is taking things a few notches up with some deadly stunts never attempted in the cinema’s history. On December 18th, 2022, Tom Cruise released a video during NFL expressing gratitude to the cine-goers for making the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ such a success. In the video, we saw a little peek into what can we expect from the seventh installment of the franchise. ‘Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning’ will take things from ‘Fallout’, where the Impossible Mission Force prevented a nuclear apocalypse. The anticipation is at its peak with this Christopher McQuarrie directorial.
Release Date: July 14, 2023
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