WHAT TO WATCH THIS SEASON

Top movies to watch this ember season and stories behind them

2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in cinema, especially with the delays from the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes pushing major releases into next year. It's looking like a blockbuster-heavy lineup, with familiar franchises like *The Karate Kid* and *Beetlejuice 2* being revived alongside the ever-present Marvel juggernauts.

This year also promises to feature a diverse mix of genres: beyond superhero sequels, we're getting high-profile biopics, potentially intriguing sports dramas, and video game IP adaptations—an area that has been gaining significant traction. Although the release schedules remain uncertain due to ongoing strike delays, fans can expect a high volume of high-budget films aiming to draw crowds back to theaters after the pandemic shifted viewing habits towards streaming.

With the promise of animated hits, more action-packed thrillers, and an array of clever franchise reboots, 2024 could end up being a major rebound year for the movie industry. Studios seem determined to find the sweet spot between tapping into nostalgia and introducing fresh content.

KRAVEN THE HUNTER AUGUST 30, 2024

*Kraven the Hunter* is poised to be another key entry in Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU), following in the footsteps of *Venom* and *Morbius*. The film centers on the iconic Marvel character, Kraven, known in the comics as one of Spider-Man’s most formidable foes. However, in this adaptation, Kraven takes the lead in his own solo story, portraying him as more of an anti-hero, which diverges from his comic book origins, where his primary obsession is hunting Spider-Man.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for his roles in *Kick-Ass* and *Avengers: Age of Ultron*, steps into the shoes of Kraven, bringing a fierce and intense portrayal to the character. The film will likely explore Kraven’s motivations, his moral complexities, and his quest for survival in a brutal environment, all while being independent of any Spider-Man-centric storyline. This shift allows the film to craft a unique narrative within the SSU, much like *Venom* did with Eddie Brock’s standalone journey.

Fans of the SSU are likely eager to see how Kraven will fit into this evolving world of anti-heroes and morally ambiguous characters. With the growing interest in these darker, grittier Marvel-adjacent stories, *Kraven the Hunter* could be another hit for Sony's expanding Spider-Verse.

Release Date - December 13, 2024

Director - J.C. Chandor

Cast - Aaron Taylor-Johnson , Fred Hechinger , Russell Crowe , Alessandro Nivola , Christopher Abbott , Ariana DeBose

Main Genre - Action

CHALLENGERS - APRIL 26, 2024.

*Challengers* is generating a lot of buzz, not only for its star power—headlined by Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist—but also for the steamy chemistry hinted at in early promotional images. With Zendaya already commanding attention for her intense and complex role in *Euphoria*, this film promises to evoke a similar level of anticipation, drawing comparisons to the *Fifty Shades of Grey* phenomenon.

The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, is poised to blend romance, drama, and tension in a way that reflects his unique storytelling style, as seen in his previous work *Call Me By Your Name*. Guadagnino's reputation for creating emotionally charged, visually lush films is one reason fans are excited, but *Challengers* also stands out for its new collaboration with screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes. Known for his background in playwriting and novel writing, Kuritzkes brings a fresh voice to this project, which promises a mix of sharp dialogue and layered character dynamics.

With the buzz comparing *Challengers* to a blend of Woody Allen’s *Match Point* and the sensuous road trip narrative of *Y tu mamá también*, the film is expected to dive into a compelling web of love, rivalry, and perhaps betrayal, set against the backdrop of competitive tennis. Fans of both Guadagnino and Zendaya are eager to see this combination of talent unfold, making it one of 2024's most anticipated releases.

FALL GUY - MARCH 1, 2024.

*Fall Guy* is a modern reboot of the beloved 1980s TV series, and with its action-packed premise, it's shaping up to be a potential hit. With Ryan Gosling taking on the role of Colt Seavers, a worn-out stunt coordinator turned reluctant investigator, the film promises a mix of high-octane stunts, mystery, and humor. The script, penned by Drew Pearce, known for his work on *Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation* and *Iron Man 3*, is expected to deliver a strong, engaging story that honors the spirit of the original show while adding a fresh twist.

One of the film's most exciting aspects is its director, David Leitch, whose background as a stuntman makes him an ideal fit for a movie centered on the world of stunt work. Leitch’s work on action-heavy films like *John Wick*, *Atomic Blonde*, and *Deadpool 2* showcases his ability to craft jaw-dropping set pieces while balancing character-driven storytelling. This hands-on understanding of the stunt world will likely add a layer of authenticity and excitement to *Fall Guy*'s action scenes.

The long journey to bring *Fall Guy* to the big screen has finally paid off, perhaps boosted by the success of Quentin Tarantino’s *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*, which also explored the life of a stuntman. With Leitch's experience and Gosling's star power, the film is poised to be a standout in 2024’s lineup of action films, promising thrills, laughs, and a nostalgic nod to the original series.

THUNDERBOLT - DECEMBER 20, 2024

*Thunderbolts* is one of Marvel's most anticipated 2024 releases, thanks to its intriguing premise and star-studded cast. With *Stranger Things*’ David Harbour and *Pam & Tommy*’s Sebastian Stan headlining the ensemble, both actors are enjoying A-list status after gaining momentum during the pandemic. The recently released press materials and trailer have teased a fresh direction for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with a tone and approach designed to set it apart from the more heroic *Avengers* franchise.

What makes *Thunderbolts* stand out is its focus on anti-heroes and supervillains, rather than the traditional do-gooders Marvel is known for. The team-up of morally ambiguous characters offers a new dynamic, giving fans something akin to Marvel's version of *Suicide Squad*, but with its own unique flavor. This shift in focus taps into a growing trend of audiences being drawn to more complex, layered characters, often with darker motivations, as seen in other recent superhero films and series.

The presence of acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky, known for his cerebral and visually striking films like *Black Swan* and *Requiem for a Dream*, only adds to the excitement. His artistic vision and knack for exploring complex characters should bring a fresh perspective to the MCU, especially when dealing with the darker tones of the *Thunderbolts*.

Given Marvel's track record of successfully launching lesser-known properties, *Thunderbolts* is expected to be a box-office success. By combining a beloved cast, a darker tone, and an Oscar-nominated director, the film is well-positioned to make a significant impact when it hits theaters, and fans are eager to see how this new corner of the MCU unfolds.

BORDERLAND AUGUST 9, 2024

*Borderlands* is gearing up to be one of 2024's biggest video game-to-film adaptations, and fans of the franchise are eager to see how it translates to the big screen. Known for its quirky, chaotic tone and colorful, dystopian world, *Borderlands* offers a zany space epic filled with humor, action, and plenty of eccentric characters. The film promises to capture the same energy that has made the game series so beloved by its fans.

Director Eli Roth, who is known for his horror films like *Hostel* and the upcoming *Thanksgiving*, brings his signature style to the project. While *Borderlands* is primarily comedic, Roth’s ability to blend humor and horror seamlessly should help him infuse the film with a dark, edgy feel that complements the chaotic, violent world of the game. Roth’s experience with intense action sequences and dark humor is a perfect match for the zany, often brutal tone of the *Borderlands* universe.

With a star-studded cast, including Cate Blanchett as Lilith and Kevin Hart as Roland, the film looks to balance comedy and action, staying true to the tone of the games while creating a cinematic experience that will attract both fans of the franchise and newcomers. As one of the most anticipated gaming adaptations in recent years, *Borderlands* could set a new bar for video game films, blending Roth’s gritty direction with the outlandish humor and larger-than-life characters that have made the game so iconic.

FURIOSA MAY 24, 2024

*Furiosa*, the highly anticipated prequel to *Mad Max: Fury Road*, is already generating excitement due to the immense success of its predecessor. Director George Miller began production back in 2020, capitalizing on the momentum that *Fury Road* built as a post-apocalyptic, action-packed juggernaut. Although reshoots and potential delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strike could push its May release, the film remains one of 2024's most eagerly awaited blockbusters.

The biggest draw for *Furiosa* is undoubtedly Anya Taylor-Joy, who takes on the role of a younger Furiosa, stepping into the shoes of a character originally made iconic by Charlize Theron. Taylor-Joy has already proven her versatility with standout performances in stylized thrillers like *The Menu*, period dramas like *Emma*, and psychological horror with *The Queen’s Gambit*. Now, she's tackling the action genre in what promises to be her most physically demanding role to date. If she channels even a fraction of the ferocity that Theron brought to *Fury Road*, this prequel is poised to be another high-octane thrill ride.

What makes *Furiosa* so promising is the potential to explore the character's backstory, particularly her transformation into the battle-hardened warrior fans know and love. The film will likely dive into the origins of her amputated arm, her gritty survival instincts, and the trauma that shaped her fierce demeanor. Under George Miller's direction, expect explosive action sequences, stunning visuals, and a deeper dive into the world of *Mad Max*, expanding on the mythology of one of the franchise's most fascinating characters.

CAPTAIN AMERICA - BRAVE NEW WORLD - JULY 26, 2024

*Captain America: Brave New World* is already one of the most buzzed-about Marvel films of 2024, with Anthony Mackie officially taking on the mantle of Captain America after his journey in *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*. Mackie’s transition from Falcon to Cap has been highly anticipated, but what’s really amping up fan excitement is Harrison Ford stepping into the role of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, previously played by the late William Hurt.

Ford, a legendary actor known for his franchise-defining roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, is set to bring his gravitas to Ross, a character whose presence in the MCU has been steadily growing. Ford’s addition to the Marvel universe is huge, and his portrayal of Ross is expected to play a pivotal role in the future of the MCU. Early photos have teased Ford as the Red Hulk, confirming that Ross will likely undergo a massive transformation in *Brave New World*. Seeing Ford in motion-capture gear, with his familiar features translating into the monstrous Red Hulk, has generated a wave of excitement, as it promises a unique blend of Ford’s signature intensity and Marvel’s signature CGI spectacle.

What makes this so thrilling is that Ford has the potential to give Ross the larger-than-life presence that the character deserves. With rumors swirling about the Red Hulk playing a key part in the film, fans are eager to see how Marvel will handle this iconic transformation, and Ford’s involvement has raised expectations to new heights. Ford's character arc could have long-term implications for the MCU, and his presence adds yet another legendary actor to Marvel's already star-studded roster.

DUNE (PART 2) - MARCH 1, 2024

Denis Villeneuve's Dune adaptation got off swimmingly, earning over $400 million at the box office during the malaise of 2021's dearth of content thanks to the pandemic. Now Villeneuve has completed shooting on Dune: Part Two, with a late-Winter release date and Austin Butler set to beef up the franchise as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.

VENOM 3 - JULY 11, 2024

*Venom 3* is shaping up to be one of Marvel’s most exciting 2024 summer blockbusters. With the previous film, *Venom: Let There Be Carnage*, pulling in an impressive half-a-billion dollars globally, the expectations for this sequel are understandably high. Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock/Venom, a role he’s transformed into one of Marvel's most entertaining and complex anti-heroes, bringing humor, intensity, and a unique energy to a character that has become a fan favorite.

What makes *Venom 3* even more promising is the introduction of new-to-the-franchise stars Juno Temple and Andrew Garfield. Temple, known for her dynamic performances in shows like *Ted Lasso* and *The Offer*, brings fresh talent and intrigue to the cast. Meanwhile, Andrew Garfield’s potential involvement is creating buzz around the possibility of more multiverse connections, especially considering his role as Spider-Man in *Spider-Man: No Way Home*. His return to the Spider-Verse, especially in the *Venom* universe, could offer huge crossover appeal, with fans eagerly anticipating what that dynamic could mean for the plot.

Tom Hardy’s screen presence has been crucial in turning *Venom* into a blockbuster franchise, elevating the character from a relatively niche corner of Marvel’s universe into a heavyweight contender alongside bigger properties. With the film boasting a beefed-up cast and the possibility of expanding the multiverse connections, *Venom 3* could very well be Marvel's biggest theatrical release of 2024, building on the franchise’s goofy yet action-packed formula while pushing its boundaries even further.

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