2020 is finally upon us. Over the next few months, some of the most highly anticipated movies will arrive in theatres.
It probably won’t come as a surprise that many of the films scheduled to release this year are sequels, prequels, reboots, part of a larger connected film universe, or spin-offs of existing franchises. But let’s face it, movies like James Bond and Fast & Furious get big budgets because they make huge profits. It’s harder and harder for filmmakers to get funding for a truly original idea these days. Luckily there’s at least one of those included on this list of movies that we’re looking forward to watching, but only when they finally hit theaters next year!
From Denis Villeneuve’s star-studded Dune remake to Christopher Nolan’s super-secret action drama, here are Goliath’s most anticipated movies of 2020. Enjoy!
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Although fans of the original films might not be pleased to hear, another Ghostbusters movie is on the way. Unlike the poorly received all-female reboot released in 2016, this is going to be a direct sequel to Ghostbuster II.
The upcoming sequel will be directed by Jason Reitman, son of the original director Ivan Reitman.
Following the announcement that he’d be directing Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Reitman spoke about his love of Ghostbusters and that the upcoming film will NOT be a reboot.
“I’ve always thought of myself as the first Ghostbusters fan, when I was a six-year-old visiting the set… I wanted to make a movie for all the other fans. This is the next chapter in the original franchise. It is not a reboot. What happened in the ’80s happened in the ’80s, and this is set in the present day.”
Ghostbusters: Afterlife will star Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Carrie Coon, and the ageless Paul Rudd. In addition to the new cast members, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Annie Potts will all be reprising their famous roles.
Source: Picture via Sony PicturesTop Gun: Maverick
Whether we like it or not, a sequel to Tony Scott’s 1986 action drama Top Gun is releasing June 26, 2020. The upcoming sequel, titled Top Gun: Maverick, will be directed by Joseph Kosinski, best known for TRON: Legacy and Only the Brave. It will feature the return of Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, who will be reprising their roles from the original.
As for the rest of the cast, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Glen Powell, Jon Hamm, and the great Ed Harris have also joined the project. Teller will play Bradley Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s late flight partner Nick “Goose” Bradshaw.
In terms of plot, Maverick finds himself as a flight instructor mentoring the new generation of U.S. Navy pilots.
Source: Screenshot via Paramount PicturesBloodshot
Based on the Valiant Comics character of the same name, Bloodshot is an upcoming superhero movie directed by Dave Wilson. It stars Vin Diesel as Marine Raymond “Ray” Garrison a.k.a. Bloodshot, alongside Sam Heughan, Guy Pearce, Eiza González, and Toby Kebbell.
The comic-book adaptation will be the first installment of the Valiant Cinematic Universe (VCU), a five-movie contract between Song and Valiant Comics. Initially, an adaptation of Jim Shooter and David Lapham’s Harbinger comic book series was intended to be the VCU’s first film. However, it was later pushed back, opening the door for Bloodshot.
Here is an official synopsis, courtesy of Sony Pictures.
Based on the bestselling comic book, Vin Diesel stars as Ray Garrison, a soldier recently killed in action and brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot by the RST corporation. With an army of nanotechnology in his veins, he’s an unstoppable force –stronger than ever and able to heal instantly. But in controlling his body, the company has sway over his mind and memories, too. Now, Ray doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not – but he’s on a mission to find out.
Bloodshot is scheduled to open on March 13, 2020.
Source: Screenshot via Sony PicturesBIOS
One of the movies we’re most excited about Miguel Sapochnik’s upcoming post-apocalyptic science fiction film BIOS, starring the phenomenal Tom Hanks.
The story of BIOS follows a man named Finch (Hanks), an inventor and last man on Earth. Faced with his own mortality, Finch builds an android to keep him and his dog company.
The movie will also feature Caleb Landry Jones — known best for Get Out and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri — as Jeff, the robot created by Finch. We were quite impressed with Jones’ performance as the psychotic Jeremy Armitage in Get Out, so we’re looking forward to seeing him in a starring role alongside one of the best.
Amblin Entertainment’s BIOS arrives in theatres on October 2, 2020.
Source: Screenshot via Blumhouse ProductionsGreyhound
Greyhound is an upcoming war film. It follows Navy Commander Ernest Krause and his attempt to guide a Destroyer and convoy away from German U-boats on their heels.
The screenplay is based on C.S. Foster’s The Good Shepherd, This war novel is well known for the creation of the fictional Royal Navy officer Horatio Hornblower, the primary protagonist of Forester’s novel series.
Directed by Aaron Schneider, Greyhound stars Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Shue, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Stephen Graham, and Rob Morgan. It’s scheduled to release on May 8, 2020.
Source: Photo via AP PhotoArtemis Fowl
Artemis Fowl is an upcoming science fantasy adventure film based on Eoin Colfer’s first novel of a series of the same name. The story is about a 12-year-old genius named Artemis Fowl II, who happens to be a descendant of criminal masterminds. When his father goes missing, Artemis and his trusted Bodyguard Bulter search for those responsible.
Directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Tamara Smart, Nonso Anozie, Josh Gad, and Judi Dench, Artemis Fowl is set to open in theatres on May 29, 2020.
Source: Picture via DisneyRed Notice
This highly-anticipated upcoming action movie starring Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds was originally in the works at Universal Pictures. Unfortunately, the studio dropped the project. That’s when Netflix swooped in and took over. Typically, Netflix wouldn’t spend upwards of $200 million on a film with no pre-existing intellectual properties. But when you have the chance to land a film featuring three of Hollywood’s brightest stars, it’s practically a no-brainer.
Rawson Marshall Thurber, best known for Central Intelligence and Skyscraper, will write, direct and produce Red Notice. He will once again team up with Johnson, who is said to be playing an Interpol agent tasked with apprehending one of the world’s most notorious art thieves. Barring any changes, Netflix has scheduled Red Notice for a November 13, 2020 release.
Although the streaming service has stated they’ll be more cautious with big-budget projects in the future, Netflix also shelled out the big bucks for Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, which netted the company a great number of nominations and a few awards.
Source: Photo via AP PhotoBlack Widow
Ever since Black Widow sacrificed herself for the Soul Stone in Endgame, fans have been wondering how Marvel would reintroduce Natasha Romanoff for the Black Widow movie. Well, fans don’t have to worry since the movie is set just after Captain America: Civil War.
In Black Widow, Romanoff must confront her past as an assassin. While Scarlet Johansson will once again reprise her role as Black Widow, she’ll be joined by Rachel Weisz, David Harbour, O.T. Fagbenie, and Florence Pugh. Additionally, William Hurt will reprise his role as Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross.
Black Widow will hit theaters on May 1, 2020.
Source: Screenshot via Marvel StudiosComing 2 America
It’s been over 30 years since Coming to America was released. Although it’s been a long time since Eddie Murphy was on the big screen, we’re looking forward to his return as the crown prince of Zamunda, Prince Akeem.
Other than Murphy, Coming 2 America (clever title) will feature the return of Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, John Amos, and Paul Bates. It will also feature Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Kiki Layne, Rick Ross, and Wesley Snipes as newcomers. Snipes, in particular, is said to be playing General Izzi, a ruler of a neighboring nation and likely antagonist of the film.
An official synopsis has yet to be released, but we’re hearing the story will follow Prince Akeem as he returns to the United States in search of his long-lost son and heir to the throne of Zamunda.
Source: Screenshot via Paramount PicturesBob’s Burgers: The Movie
The Belcher family is officially heading to the big screen!
Despite the property changing hands due to Disney’s acquisition of Fox, the House of Mouse has confirmed that a Bob’s Burgers movie is a go. Featuring the voices of H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, John Roberts, and Kristen Schaal, the upcoming film is being described as a musical comedy that according to series creator Loren Bouchard, will “scratch every itch the fans of the show have ever had,” and will “take our characters on an epic adventure.”
Although a synopsis has yet to be released, we’re hearing the Bob’s Burgers movie will include a subplot centered around Louise and her night light Kuchi Kopi inside her fantasy world.
The Bob’s Burgers movie is scheduled for July 17, 2020
Source: Screenshot via FoxDeath on the Nile
Following the box office success of 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express, Fox quickly green-lit the sequel, Death on the Nile, based on Agatha Christie’s 1937 novel of the same name. The story will follow Belgian Detective Hercule Poirot during his investigation of the mysterious murder of a young heiress that took place aboard a cruise ship on a tour of the Nile River.
Kenneth Branagh will return to direct and star in the upcoming sequel. In addition to Branagh, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Tom Bateman, Annette Bening, and Letitia Wright are also set to star.
Death on the Nile is currently set for October 9, 2020.
Source: Screenshot via 20th Century FoxSonic the Hedgehog
Considering the ridiculous backlash and negative reactions to the first trailer, we probably shouldn’t have included Sonic the Hedgehog on our list. Despite all the redesigns and delays, something about seeing the Blue Blur on the big screen for the first time has us hopefully optimistic.
Video game movies have a terrible track record. However, if Paramount Pictures learned anything from the success of Pokemon: Detective Pikachu, the Sonic the Hedgehog movie should be decent. At least, everything following Sonic’s redesign has been promising. Plus, with Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, and Jim Carrey on board, we really doubt Sonic will flop.
Sonic the Hedgehog is now scheduled to release on February 14, 2020.
Source: Screenshot via Paramount Pictures/Sega of AmericaBad Boys for Life
Although it released January 17, you can’t disregard how long people waited for Bad Boys for Life. The very first Bad Boys was released back in 1995 when Will Smith was at the height of his blockbuster, A-list star powers. The sequel, Bay Boys II, didn’t see the light of day until eight years later, releasing in 2003. Fast forward 17 more years to 2020 and the trilogy will finally be complete.
Will Smith and Matthew Lawrence play detectives, Mike Lowry and Marcus Burnett. Presumably, they will be much older and grumpier partners this time around, but the story should be a familiar one: they must stop a powerful Miami drug lord (played by Jacob Scipio) who is determined to kill Mike. There will surely be shootouts, car chases, explosions, and plenty of wise-cracks.
Joe Pantoliano returns as Captain Conrad Howard and Mexican TV/film star Paolo Nunez also joins the cast. Unfortunately — or fortunately, depending on your opinion of his movies — Michael Bay will not be back to direct or produce this time around.
Source: Screenshot via Sony PicturesDune
Based on the Frank Herbert novel of the same name and remake of David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune began production in March 2019. Following the success of films like Sicario, Blade Runner 2049, and Arrival, Villeneuve is the ideal choice to spearhead the film.
Here is the official synopsis, courtesy of Warner Bros.
A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
Villeneuve’s Dune might be one of the most impressive casts ever assembled. The cast features the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Stephen Henderson, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem.
Dune is scheduled to release on November 20, 2020
Source: Picture via IndieWireDolittle
A new Doctor Dolittle movie. Sounds like a recipe for a snoozefest, right? Well, maybe not.
Although the fictional doctor hasn’t been done justice — see the mediocre Eddie Murphy films and the handful of even worse direct-to-video sequels — Dolittle is based on the second of Hugh Lofting’s children’s books. Essentially a reboot of the film franchise, Robert Downey Jr. replaces Murphy as the good doctor and Stephen Gaghan is attached to direct.
Downey isn’t one to pick bad projects, which is why we’re giving this new film the benefit out of the doubt. However, it helps that the supporting cast is also top-notch. In addition to Antonio Banderas and Michael Sheen in human roles, Dolittle‘s animals will be voiced by the likes of Selena Gomez, Marion Cotillard, John Cena, Emma Thompsons, and Tom Holland.
Yes, both Iron Man and Spider-Man are starring in a new Doctor Dolittle film. What a time to be alive.
Source: Screenshot via Universal PicturesJungle Cruise
Set during the Great Depression, Disney’s upcoming adventure movie stars Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Jack Whitehall, Édgar Ramírez, Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and inspired by the Disney theme park attraction of the same name, Jungle Cruise follows the story of a brave riverboat captain named Frank (Johnson) who takes scientist Lily Houghton (Blunt) and her brother McGregor Houghton (Whitehall) into the jungle to find the Tree of Life.
As for the rest of the cast, we know Venezuelan born actor Édgar Ramírez will portray an unnamed antagonist in the film, as will Friday Night Lights‘ star Jesse Plemons. Paul Giamatti, on the other hand, is reported to be playing a “crusty harbormaster,” which actually makes a lot of sense.
Given the star-studded cast, the film’s connection to Disney’s popular park attraction and July 24th release date, we have a strong feeling Jungle Cruise will be one of the highest-grossing films of 2020.
Source: Screenshot via DisneyMulan
The Disney live-action remake train keeps on rolling with 1998’s Mulan next on the docket.
Unlike some of Disney’s recent live-action fare, it’s hard to be too cynical about Mulan, given that a) its historical-themed narrative feels tailor-made for a live-action format and b) it presents a great opportunity for the predominately Asian cast.
And what a cast it has. Chinese stars Yifei Lu, Li Gong, Donnie Yen, and Jet Li star in prominent roles.
Mulan is pretty much guaranteed to do big business overseas, so it doesn’t matter as much if it doesn’t perform as well as Disney’s other live-action films in North America. But given all the things Mulan has done right thus far, it certainly deserves to.
Source: Picture via DisneyBirds of Prey
Without trying to sound mean, the DC Extended Universe hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations. While the movies have still managed to rake in billions at the box office, many of the DC films haven’t received very favorable reviews from film critics and fans. Not that a poor Rotten Tomatoes score is going to stop DC and Warner Bros. from making more movies, though.
Birds of Prey is a female-focused spin-off to Suicide Squad. As evidenced by the “Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn” subtitle, the movie focuses mostly on Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn with Black Canary and Huntress playing second fiddle.
Considering Ewan McGregor’s Black Mask is the antagonist, it appears that Jared Leto’s Joker will be absent from this one. To be honest, that’s probably a good thing.
Source: Screenshot via Warner Bros.The King’s Man
The first Kingsman movie from 2014 was a surprise hit. Based on a comic book series, the R-rated action/comedy combined the suave styling of a Bond flick with slick action scenes. It all worked astonishingly well. Then a sequel in 2017 introduced fans to the Statesman, the American counterparts of the Kingsman.
Director Matt Vaughn will return to the Kingsman franchise with The King’s Man. As a prequel to the prior movies, The King’s Man explores the origins of the Kingsman organization. The movie will have a massive cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Harris Dickinson, Daniel Brühl, Djimon Hounsou, and Charles Dance.
Despite multiple delays, The King’s Man is finally set to release September 18, 2020
Source: Screenshot via 20th Century StudiosGodzilla vs. Kong
Although the dust just settled on the last big monster flick, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, we’re already excited for the next. The next being Godzilla vs. Kong, the first clash of the titans in Legendary Pictures’ growing “MonsterVerse”.
The film stars Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood, Big Little Lies, Hold The Dark) and Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), with a heavy dose of secretive Monarch activities and government conspiracies. But honestly, we’re just tuning in for the monsters.
The iconic Japanese lizard has been given new life in the MonsterVerse. Plus, Kong: Skull Island turned out way better than most people thought it would. So we expect great things when these two titanic forces clash come November 20, 2020.
Source: Picture via Warner Bros.No Time to Die
As the landmark 25th Bond film, many are excited for No Time to Die. Add in the fact that it will Daniel Craig’s final time as the iconic MI6 agent and the hype is through the roof.
No Time to Die will be directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (Beasts of No Nation, True Detective) and see the returns of Lea Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, and Christoph Waltz. Coming off incredible performances on Mr. Robot and in Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek will join the cast as Safin, the antagonist of the film.
The recent Bond films have been exciting, gritty, and overall really good. A lot of people scoffed when Craig originally got the job, but those same fans will be sad to see him go after No Time to Die.
Source: Screenshot via Universal PicturesA Quiet Place Part II
A Quiet Place really came out of nowhere in 2018. Written and directed by John Krasinski — who also starred alongside his real-life wife Emily Blunt — it was a drastic change for many of us who were used to seeing him play the goofy and lovable Jim Halpert on The Office. It was about as far from the Dunder Mifflin offices as you can get.
The first movie was a terrifying take on the classic alien invasion, with creatures who hunt humans based on sound. The sequel, which will also be directed by Krasinksi, will once again star Blunt as Evelyn Abbott. However, we expect to see much less of Krasinski on screen, since his character was killed in the first one. There’s always flashbacks and dream sequences, though!
Hopefully, A Quiet Place Part II gives us a look at the larger world of survivors. The first movie alluded to numerous families trying to live out their days in silence. There’s also the possibility that Evelyn will somehow be able to lead a fight back against the creatures, after discovering a sound frequency that seems to cripple them. We’ll find out on March 20.
Source: Screenshot via Paramount PicturesF9
The last movie in this testosterone-fueled series, The Fate of the Furious, made over $1.2 billion at the global box office. That basically means they will be making these movies until the end of time. Although the Hobbs & Shaw spinoff dominated 2019, the real sequel will make its way to screens in 2020.
F9 brings back Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, and Jordana Brewster to race around in ridiculous supercars, blow stuff up, and inevitably save the day from whatever terrorist/hacker/government conspiracy is endangering everyone this time.
Look, we’re not going to pretend the Fast & Furious franchise produces films that should be nominated for Best Picture. But dammit if they aren’t fun.
F9 rolls into theatres on May 22, 2020.
Source: Picture via Universal PicturesWonder Woman 1984
We are usually quick to point out that the DC movies don’t have a track record of being… well, any good. One of the very few exceptions, though, was 2017’s Wonder Woman. Staring the Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, the WWI tale provides some excellent backstory for the Amazonian warrior.
Director Patty Jenkins will return to the helm for Wonder Woman 1984, currently slated for a June 5, 2020 release date. This movie obviously flashes us forward in time by a large margin. Although it skips WWII, it brings us into the height of the Cold War as Wonder Woman clashes with the considerable forces of the Soviet Union.
We expect lots of 80s nostalgia in this flick, along with the introduction of a new enemy. Kristen Wiig has been cast as Barbara Ann Minerva, a.k.a. Cheetah. Chris Pine will also be back, although we’re not sure how they are going to explain his character still being alive. Or still young and handsome, for that matter.
Regardless, we expect this movie to once again be the bright spot in the DCEU next summer.
Source: Picture via Warner Bros.Tenet
Initially, Christopher Nolan’s Tenet was so shrouded in mystery that we literally couldn’t tell you anything about it. Thanks to the trailer, we know it stars John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Elizabeth Debicki. Plus, there are some shenanigans revolving around time. Apart from that, we are still confused about the plot.
Despite the movie’s cryptic nature, we’re going to give director/writer/producer extraordinaire Christopher Nolan the benefit of the doubt. Considering his past achievements, it’s safe to assume that Tenet will be a worthy addition to his already impressive filmography.
Tenet is scheduled to hit theatres on July 17, 2020
Source: Screenshot via Warner Bros.Morbius
We can’t escape the ever-expanding library of comic book movies. In particular, Sony Pictures plans to milk its license to the Spider-Man characters for all it’s worth.
Along with a planned sequel to Venom, Sony is planning to do a movie about lesser-known Spidey antagonist, Michael Morbius. Morbius is a young scientist who accidentally turns himself into a vampire while attempting to cure himself of a rare blood disease.
Directed by Daniel Espinosa and starring Jared Leto, Morbius will be set in Sony’s Marvel Universe. Although they share the same Spider-Man for now, don’t confuse it with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Morbius is set for July 31, 2020.
Source: Screenshot via Sony Pictures