What to expect from 2024: Most-anticipated film releases in new year

As credits roll on the year 2023, we contemplate a year as dynamic and dramatic as any on-screen story. While Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro brought Martin Scorsese’s epic western, Killers of the Flower Moon to life, Wes Anderson painted the screen with his quirky charm in Asteroid City, and Tom Cruise defied death (again!) in the explosive Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. 

But beyond the spectacle, a shadow loomed: the historic SAG-AFTRA strike, which gripped the industry for four long months. Actors and writers demanded fairer compensation and improved working conditions, raising vital conversations about power dynamics and artists’ rights. Though a deal was eventually reached, the strike’s echoes will undoubtedly influence the year ahead.

As the excitement shifts to the horizon, the 2024 film calendar promises to be a cinematic crossroads with many highly anticipated releases. Look out for them here:

Mickey 17 

The film, scheduled to release on 29 March, will mark Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon-Ho’s first venture into pure sci-fi, following his Oscar streak with the critically acclaimed social satire Parasite.

An adaptation of the 2022 novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, the film is about a disposable crew member on a dangerous space mission who can regenerate himself after death with most of his memories intact. 

Robert Pattinson takes the lead as Mickey, joined by a stellar supporting cast including Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.

The expectations from Bong Joon-Ho are at an all-time high, given his track record of delivering thought-provoking and visually stunning films.

Dune: Part Two

The sands of Arrakis are yet to settle, as everyone eagerly awaits the return of Dune: Part Two on 1 March. This epic film promises to delve deeper into Frank Herbert’s complex universe, leaving fans hungry for even more spice as we witness the transformation of a boy into a prophesied leader.

Building on their portrayals in Dune: Part One, Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya step back into the roles of Paul Atreides and Chani in this epic saga.

Director Denis Villeneuve’s masterful blend of breathtaking landscapes (that inspire awe just from the trailer) and cutting-edge sci-fi innovations are sure to return. Expect even more majestic sandworms, colossal spaceships, and breathtaking vistas of alien worlds.

Challengers

Directed by Luca Guadagnino who captivated audiences with his visually stunning and emotionally charged films like Call Me by Your Name and Suspiria, this Zendaya-starrer promises to be a complex exploration of relationships, ambition, and self-discovery against the backdrop of athletic competition. 

A fiery tennis player-turned-coach Tashi (Zendaya) has transformed her husband (Josh O’Connor) from a mediocre tennis player to a Grand Slam champion.

To reignite his competitive spirit, she pushes him into a challenger’s event, where he faces his former best friend (Mike Faist) and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, now a burnt-out player.

The film is slated to release on 26 April. 

Merry Christmas

This is not going to be your typical holiday rom-com. Two powerhouse actors-—Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi-—will ignite the screen as star-crossed lovers whose passionate encounter takes a dark turn. Slated to release on 12 January, the film marks Kaif’s Tamil debut. 

Helmed by Sriram Raghavan, the mastermind behind acclaimed thrillers like Andhadhun, Johnny Gaddaar and Badlapur, Merry Christmas promises a masterclass in cinematic tension and psychological twists.

Laapataa Ladies

After her critically acclaimed debut feature Dhobi Ghat, Kiran Rao returns to the director’s chair with this heartwarming story about two young brides. 

Manju and Chunnu find themselves hilariously lost on their train journey to their new homes after getting married. In the heart of rural India, amidst bustling bazaars and sun-drenched fields, they must navigate unfamiliar territory, forge unexpected friendships, and discover their strength in the face of adversity.

Rao, known for her delicate touch and evocative storytelling, paints a vivid portrait of rural India, capturing the warmth of its people and the beauty of its landscape. 

The film is scheduled to be released on 1 March. 

Deadpool 3

Get ready for more fourth-wall-shattering hijinks as the foul-mouthed mercenary swings into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with guns (and swords) blazing! The Deadpool franchise has been touted as one of the most anti-MCU films in the superhero genre, courtesy of Ryan Reynolds’ signature brand of irreverent humor. It will be interesting to see how the third installment stacks up against the first two. 

Releasing on 26 July, Deadpool 3 promises to be the bloodiest, funniest, and most meta entry in the franchise yet, as the R-rated anti-hero navigates the unfamiliar waters of the MCU.

The much-anticipated film will also feature Hugh Jackman as he dons the adamantium claws one last time as Wolverine. 

The film is scheduled to be released on July 26.

Jigra

Directed by the acclaimed Vasan Bala, known for his gritty and stylish storytelling in films like Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota, the upcoming Alia Bhatt-starrer Jigra promises a powerful portrayal of the unbreakable bond between two siblings and a fight for justice.

Jigra marks Alia Bhatt’s foray into action territory, as the story unfolds across the vibrant landscapes of bustling Mumbai and the stark beauty of rural India. 

The action-packed film is set to heat up the theaters on 27 September.

Joker: Folie à Deux

Joaquin Phoenix is set to reprise his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck/The Joker, but this time, he’s not alone. Lady Gaga joins the party as Harley Quinn, rumored to be a key component of the “folie à deux”—a shared delusional disorder. 

Expect a twisted romance and a descent into even deeper chaos than Gotham has ever seen, the film is helmed by Todd Phillips as he returns to orchestrate the symphony of madness, promising an even bolder and more visually stunning experience. 

Icelandic musician and composer Hildur Guðnadóttir returns to compose the score, and with Lady Gaga’s powerhouse vocals added to the mix, an ear-splitting soundtrack is guaranteed to stay with you long after the credits roll. 

The film is scheduled to be released on October 4.