Superheroes, alcoholic musicians, and awkward teenagers filled 2018. The year had plenty of outstanding movies across every genre, now it is time to put those films behind us as we enter 2019. The new year has plenty of the usual comic book adaptions and remakes along with some original ideas sprinkled throughout. These are what I am looking forward to the most in the coming months.
#18: The New Mutants (Aug. 2)
While the X-Men universe continues to be a mess, Josh Boone’s (The Fault in Our Stars) spin on the iconic team of heroes could make for a refreshing taste for audiences. A horror twist with an all-star cast ranging from Anya Taylor-Joy (Split), Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones), and Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things) then this could be the comic book flick that fans need in their life.
#17: You Are My Friend (Oct. 18)
Tom Hanks dives into the shoes of another iconic public figure with his portrayal of Fred Rogers. Not much is known as of now, but the film will center around Rogers’ iconic children’s show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
If the film sucks, at least we can all (hopefully) agree that Hanks will put on an incredible performance.
#16: Godzilla: King of the Monsters (May 31)
2014’s Godzilla had some positives, but overall the monster flick suffered from unsympathetic characters, a waste of a solid cast, and a plethora of plot holes. However, after San Diego Comic-Con‘s debut trailer for the sequel, my expectations were roasted from the kaiju’s fire. With another strong cast of actors (do not waste their talent, please) and a new director, Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat), then maybe we can finally have a good movie with one of cinema’s most iconic monster.
#15: Brightburn (May 24)
What if Superman was not such a nice guy? James Gunn is producing a scenario where the iconic superhero comes to Earth as a sinister entity and not the man who saves the planet. A horror movie spin on one of DC’s biggest characters, this will either go down as one of the best films of the year or an utter dud.
#14: Hellboy (April 12)
David Harbour (Stranger Things, End of Watch) buffs up to fight some mythical creatures and demons.
I have never seen the other films, so I have zero expectations set, but I love Harbour’s work, so how bad can it be?
#13: Shazam! (April 5)
Zachary Levi (Chuck) has the charm to make the goofy looking DC project work, but with DC’s track record, the odds are not in their favor. With a fun, light-hearted tone and restructuring the current universe, Shazam! could save the rest of DC or dig the grave even deeper.
#12: Pokemon Detective Pikachu (May 10)
The quality of the upcoming Pokemon movie will be a toss-up. Either we get a fun and innovative flick for the franchise or some moronic pile of trash that has one saving grace, and that is Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool).
#11: Wonder Woman 1984 (June 5)
While the final act of Wonder Woman felt flat in some ways with atrocious CGI and some flaws in storytelling, the film was a blast that lifted the spirits of DC fans around the globe. Now, they have to do it all over again and not mess it up. Being in the DC universe, every step can be your last.
#10: Star Wars: Episode IX (Dec. 20)
The new entry in the latest trilogy of Star Wars closes its current story arc. The pinnacle moment will unfold the fate of characters like Kylo Renn (Adam Driver), Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe (Oscar Isaac).
#9: Pet Sematary (April 5)
The original adaption of Stephen King’s classic novel has not aged too well. Now with King adaptions on the rise yet again, hopefully, fans will have another horror flick to enjoy.
I have the odd mix of a huge fan and skeptic when it comes to horror. The genre tends to suffer from the generic to some having genius ideas but manage to come out like a monstrosity that nobody wants. With John Lithgow ( and a hauntingly effective trailer, maybe we can get another golden scary movie based on one of horror’s most prolific authors.
#8: Joker (Oct. 4)
The base level of Joker means for a possibly incredible supervillain movie. A grounded origin story on one of the most infamous baddies in the comic book world, The Joker. Joaquin Phoenix (Her, Gladiator, Walk the Line) as the iconic clown with makeup could mean for a performance unlike anything achieved before with the character.
My one worry stems from the director and writer, Todd Phillips. He may seem familiar due to his work in comedies. While I love The Hangover, I even like the second and third, yes the third Hangover. Maybe I am too cynical about DC films because of co-writer Scott Silver (8 Mile, The Fighter) could help hold everything together to prevent Joker from turning into a mess.
#7: Zombieland 2 (Oct. 11)
10 year anniversary of Zombieland lands on Oct. 2019. After years of rumors about a sequel, we will finally get the cast and minds behind the film to reunite to deliver a gory ride that will hopefully have twinkies.
At the time, director Ruben Fleischer and writers Dave Callaham, Rhett Reese, and Paul Wernick may not pop up on anyone’s radar. Since then Fleischer has directed Venom, Wernick and Reese wrote both Deadpool movies and Callaham wrote Godzilla in 2014, and currently in the works for Wonder Woman 1984. With new experiences, the trio could outdo their original flesh-eating creation.
#6: Captain Marvel (March 8)
A new entry in the MCU and the first female lead in the universe? Count me in.
A prequel that will introduce Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) who will become the most powerful Avenger seen on the big screen so far. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) appears to further the connection, and he has hair and both eyes. We might see a superpowered female character, but what is most important, how does Nick lose his eye?
The current track record for giant Marvel monster has crushed everything in its path. Nothing will slow it down, especially when we see the connection to Avengers 4.
#5: John Wick: Chapter 3 (May 17)
The John Wick series beats out any other action movie in history. I will fight anyone who disagrees.
The first came out, and like most, I thought a man avenging his dog’s death sounded horrendously stupid. Then I saw how smart the writing was along with the best fight choreography I have ever seen.
By the time the sequel rolled around, I had thought lightning could not strike twice, but it did. No way they will do a third, until the announcement.
The final film has me in the palm of its hand. After two incredibly explosive films, a third entry cannot fail.
#4: IT: Chapter 2 (Sept. 6)
Despite my skepticism, the first IT blew my expectations away. While the horror lacked, the tension, incredible acting, and loveable cast of personalities, the film grabbed me the throughout its entirety. The second the title came up for the sequel, I was sold without leaving the theater.
#3: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (Aug. 9)
Tarantino’s mind always comes up with some of the best films in cinema history. While the quality does not always match up, Pulp Fiction is a masterpiece that stands above most movies, his work defeats most releases in the year.
His next project will be a Pulp Fiction style surrounding the Charles Manson killings in the late 60s. The tone, pacing, and cast will not surprise anyone of a Tarantino film. He has his own way of doing things with the biggest, and best stars in entertainment. Expect excellent dialog, extreme violence, and memorable characters.
#2: Spider-Man: Far From Home (July 5)
Slight spoilers from Infinity War due to what happens to Spidey by the end of that film.
My favorite superhero gets another film after his already phenomenal standalone, Spider-Man: Homecoming, you bet I am excited.
Taking place minutes after the events of Avengers 4, Spidey will have to face new foes and deal with the aftermath of Thanos’ destruction.
Based on a trailer only shown at Brazil Comic-Con an idea about the story for Far From Home. Plenty of surprises will happen which makes me realize why Marvel said the next phase will get more experimental.
My only question and slight worry stem from the marketing. How can you market a new movie about a character who is dead from Infinity War? With a release date set two months after the untitled Avengers sequel, I wonder how Marvel will pull this off without ruining any surprises for both films. I hope Marvel can juggle well.
#1: Avengers: End Game (April 26)
The epic conclusion that killed fan favorites and plenty more will comes this April. The team might feel down, but they are going to get up to kill Thanos.
Any MCU fan will buy tickets once available to catch the second part to one of the most epic superhero films ever created.
Header Image via Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios/Paramount Pictures
Tristan Zelden 