As the holiday season approaches, the film industry gears up for an exciting slate of releases that includes several highly anticipated titles. Leading the charge is Wicked: For Good, the sequel to last year’s blockbuster, which will premiere on November 21, 2024. The first part of the adaptation, which debuted in November 2023, shattered box office records, achieving the largest opening weekend for a Broadway musical film both in North America and globally, with an impressive $112.5 million from 3,888 theaters.
This year, the buzz surrounding Wicked: For Good suggests it may surpass its predecessor’s success. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film features a star-studded cast, including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The story offers a darker perspective on the beloved tale from The Wizard of Oz, delving deeper into the lives of its characters, and is expected to be a strong contender in various Academy Award categories.
Other Major Releases This Holiday Season
The holiday season will not only spotlight Wicked: For Good but also a variety of films that are generating excitement among audiences. Nuremberg, directed by James Vanderbilt, is set to release on November 7, 2024. Starring Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, the film explores the psychological challenges faced by psychiatrist Douglas Kelley as he evaluates Hermann Göring’s fitness to stand trial at the historic Nuremberg Trials. After its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film received a standing ovation lasting four minutes, one of the longest in TIFF’s history.
On November 14, 2024, audiences can catch Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, the third installment in the popular heist thriller franchise. With familiar faces such as Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson, the film promises a mix of magic and suspense as the illusionists return for another thrilling adventure.
Another notable release on the same day is Jay Kelly, a comedy-drama directed by Noah Baumbach, featuring George Clooney and Adam Sandler. This film follows the journey of an actor and his manager as they traverse Europe, reflecting on life and friendship. It has already sparked discussions regarding its potential for award nominations.
Animated Features and Sequels
The animated sequel Zootopia 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on November 26, 2024. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, it continues the adventures of detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they tackle a new mystery involving a disruptive reptile in their vibrant city. The original Zootopia won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, raising expectations for the sequel.
Following closely is Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, releasing on December 12, 2024. Directed by Rian Johnson and featuring Daniel Craig as the renowned detective Benoit Blanc, this film is shrouded in secrecy but is anticipated to be a strong player during awards season.
Additionally, Avatar: Fire and Ash will return audiences to Pandora on December 19, 2024. Directed by James Cameron, the third installment in the Avatar franchise will introduce new challenges as the Na’vi face off against the enigmatic “Ash People.”
Lastly, the sports drama Marty Supreme will premiere on December 25, 2024. Directed by Josh Safdie and starring Timothée Chalamet, the film recounts the inspiring true story of table tennis champion Marty Reisman, who achieved remarkable success at a young age, positioning it as a significant contender for awards.
As the holiday season unfolds, these films are set to capture the hearts of audiences around the world, making this a remarkable time for cinema.
