Every summer, a wave of new films hits theaters around the world. Many of these are blockbusters; one can always expect superhero flicks or a big brand name getting its own feature film. Some movies get less publicity but are still something to look forward to. This summer, there are important and intriguing projects on the horizon. The following are some of those that I am most excited about.
“Friendship” – Releasing worldwide May 23
Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd are set to star in an irreverent comedy about a man (Rudd) moving into a new neighborhood, where he meets an awkward goofball (Robinson) who pushes too hard to strengthen their relationship. Both Robinson and Rudd have been praised for their acting and writing for comedies, Robinson having been on “Saturday Night Live” for four years until he starred in his own shows, “Detroiters” and “I Think You Should Leave.” I’m curious to see how Robinson does as a lead in a movie, since the humor on all three shows is based on short skits or single episodes and not an hour or more of an overarching plotline. “Friendship,” which first premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2024 but won’t get a worldwide release until May 23, will be director Andrew DeYoung’s first feature-length film. It will also be distributed by A24 Films LLC, which is known for its ability to spot good indie movies.
“F1” – Releasing June 27
Academy Award-winning actor Brad Pitt is starring in this new movie from director Joseph Kosinski (“Top Gun: Maverick.”) “F1” is an intense action/sports movie about fictional Formula One racer Sonny Hayes, who returns to racing after a 30-year hiatus. In “Maverick,” Kosinski showed that he is more than capable of creating a film with amazing stunts, cinematography and action sequences, as well as emotional depth and multi-dimensional characters. This, combined with the acting of Brad Pitt, who has a phenomenal track record, makes me believe that his upcoming movie is going to be a great cinematic experience.
“Superman” – Releasing July 11
In 2022, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. formed DC Studios, a new production venture for superhero movies and TV shows headed by filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran. Gunn had already written and directed for DC before this, “The Suicide Squad,” and a TV show, “Peacemaker.” Both were praised for their humor, action and characters; the latter is the highest-rated project in the DC Extended Universe. Three years later, the first real film that DC Studios will produce, “Superman,” is on the way. Starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicolas Hoult, it will kickstart the DC Universe, DC’s new answer to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Gunn and Safran have a lot of work to do to create their cinematic universe, but I trust in their abilities, as both have a great history in film production and an apparent genuine love for comic books.
“Eddington” – Releasing July 18
Critically acclaimed filmmaker Ari Aster is writing and directing a new film set during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will detail events in the small town of Eddington, New Mexico, as Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) fight for influence over the region. According to the information already put out about the movie, it’s not a break from Aster’s catalogue of horror movies and dark comedies. However, it will also have western aspects, which Aster is less experienced with. I’m excited to see how he handles the project and its themes of the dark time COVID sent the world through.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” – Releasing July 25
Despite being co-CEO and co-chairman of DC Studios, James Gunn is not restricting his talents to that company only. Gunn is also directing an upcoming movie for The Walt Disney Company’s MCU, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” The Fantastic Four are some of Marvel’s most beloved characters, appearing first before the Avengers. Despite this, their highest-rated cinematic adaptation to this point on the International Movie Database is at a 5.7 out of ten. For this reason, so many fans, myself included, are excited to see Gunn’s attempt at saving the property. The cast features Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn.
“Nobody 2” – Releasing August 15
“Nobody”, released in 2021, follows Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell, an ex-military family man who is forced to go back to his violent ways after his home is invaded by burglars associated with the Russian mob. Its sequel, which is set to release August 15, will have Odenkirk reprise the role of Mansell, who will encounter another crime family while on vacation with his family. There isn’t much information about this movie yet, but its director, Timo Tjahjanto, is known for his work on action and horror films. The original “Nobody” is a staple in contemporary action movies, and I hope that “Nobody 2” will continue with that legacy.
