New year - new films on the way...
Wolf Man
Director: Leigh Whannell
UK Release Date: January 17, 2025
Universal tries again with the reimagining of classic monsters - and things are going to get a bit hairy - so step up for the Wolf Man, directed by Leigh Whannell (The Invisible Man). Starring Christopher Abbott as the furry fiend, this promises to be a gothic horror and psychological torment. Add the excellent Julia Garner and this modern update could be a gritty, atmospheric horror experience - and let's face it, can't be worse than the last attempt with The Mummy!?
The Monkey
Director: Osgood Perkins
UK Release Date: February 21, 2025
Based on a Stephen King short story, The Monkey is directed by Osgood 'Longlegs' Perkins. This horror film centres on a cursed cymbal-clapping toy monkey that brings terror to a small town. Am looking for a bone-chilling horror with a nostalgic '80s vibe, a retro horror with just enough chills to have you questioning every innocuous childhood memory. Let the freaky nightmares begin, and probably the a boost in monkey figure sales?
Mickey 17
Director: Bong Joon-ho
UK Release Date: March 7, 2025
What happens when you’re a disposable clone sent on a one-way trip to alien hell? Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 answers that with a mind-bending journey of survival and soul-searching. Robert Pattinson stars as the titular Mickey, who’s probably wishing he had better life insurance. Expect existential crises served with stunning visuals and thought-provoking themes.
Alto Knights
Director: Barry Levinson
UK Release Date: March 21, 2025
Mob bosses, moral ambiguity, and Margaret Qualley stealing every scene she’s in - Alto Knights is set to deliver a crime drama so gripping you’ll feel like you’re dodging bullets. Barry Levinson’s slick direction makes this one a must-watch for fans of dark alley deals and double-crosses. Just don’t get on their bad side with Robert De Niro in a dual role as 1950s mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello - capiche?
Final Destination: Bloodlines
Directors: Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein
UK Release Date: May 16, 2025
A wild card entry. Death’s favourite game of cat and mouse is back, and it’s playing for keeps. Bloodlines promises more of those jaw-dropping, cringe-as-you-see-death-coming scenes that made the franchise iconic. If you’ve ever felt a twinge of paranoia, this film might push you over the edge. You can run, you can hide, but you can’t escape death...
F1
Director: Joseph Kosinski
UK Release Date: June 27, 2025
Joseph Kosinski follows the Tony Scott playbook and brings his Top Gun: Maverick flair to the racetrack - will this be a Days of Thunder or a motorway pileup of carnage? Forget speed limits, F1 looks like offering a high-octane experience, bringing the drama, rivalry, and danger of the racing world to the big screen. With a cast of young hotshots and seasoned pros *cough Brad Pitt*, this film might just make you feel the need for speed :).
Superman
Director: James Gunn
UK Release Date: July 11, 2025
James 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Gunn takes the reins of the DC Universe. Can he deliver a Superman film brimming with hope, charm, and enough jaw-dropping action to make you believe a man can fly… again. As a huge Superman fan, I'm hoping this isn’t just another cape-and-tights flick; I'm hoping for a love letter to the world’s greatest superhero. Don’t miss it, unless you hate fun.
Predator: Badlands
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
UK Release Date: November 7, 2025
The iconic alien hunter returns in Predator: Badlands, Elle Fanning will play more than one character. Gotta hope this kicks more butt than the messy The Predator as the humans face intense challenges dramatically and physically as they try to fight the seriously hard-to-kill badass dreadlocked space killer. I want to believe so let's get to the chopper and see!
The Running Man
Director: Edgar Wright
UK Release Date: November 7, 2025
I'm old enough to have caught the original Running Man at the cinema back in '87. So I'm excited to see what Director Edgar 'Shaun of the Dead' Wright does with this fresh adaptation of Stephen King's story. Presenting a visceral take on the deadly game show where survival is the only prize, here's to cutting-edge effects and a timely critique of media culture. Warning: side effects may include an uncontrollable urge to cancel your streaming subscriptions.
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M. Chu
UK Release Date: November 21, 2025
Part one blew the magical doors off and now my favourite musical gets the second part of this cinematic treatment in Wicked: For Good. Directed again by Jon M. Chu, there are rumours of a mash-up bonus with additional Wizard of Oz material incorporated. I'm expecting more dazzling visuals, more soaring songs and sheer soul-boosting joy - so I'll be grabbing my broomstick and getting ready for a magical showdown. Wicked: For Good should leave fans singing their hearts out so get ready to defy gravity - or at least resist the urge to ugly cry.
Which of these future blockbusters have you most excited? My wife is rooting for Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy - which brings Colin Firth's Darcy back, even though he died - my fingers are crossed that he'll show up as a zombie!?
Speaking of zombies am also really hoping that 28 Years Later will be good as loved the first two movies!
What are you looking forward to? You can comment below and as always, let the darkness guide you...
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