With 2020 now behind us, it is time to start looking forward to what 2021 has to offer. While we’re still in the midst of dealing with COVID-19 (especially in North America), at this point, studios have fully adapted to the unconventional world we are living in at the moment, so we hopefully won’t be seeing as many delays this year. 2021 is looking to be a stacked year for film and there are quite a few highly anticipated releases to look forward to. Without further ado, here are my picks for my top 10 most anticipated films of 2021.
Before I start, here’s a list of some honourable mentions:
L-r, Regan (Millicent Simmonds), Marcus (Noah Jupe) and Evelyn (Emily Blunt) brave the unknown in “A Quiet Place Part II.”
John Krasinski’s inventive horror film A Quiet Place absolutely blew me away and was one of my absolute favourite films of 2018. Not only was the film’s use of sound revolutionary, but it also had a surprising amount of emotional depth that not many saw coming. While the film doesn’t necessarily need a sequel, Krasinski is returning to the directing chair and it features the same cast and crew, so that’s certainly a reason for optimism. A Quiet Place Part 2 was supposed to be released in March, the week after theatres initially shut down worldwide due to the lockdown. Certain critics were given the opportunity to watch the film prior to the lockdown and the reactions to it were stellar, with many stating it was a worthy sequel that lived up to its predecessor. With themes that are somewhat relevant to the pandemic, A Quiet Place Part 2 is going to hit closer to home than it would have if it were released last year.
Many longtime fans were questioning whether Pixar still had any gas left in the tank. Fortunately, the acclaimed animation studio released one of their very best and most mature films to date last month in the form of Soul. With Soul, Pixar proved that they still are capable of delivering magical cinematic experiences. Luca is set to be their 24th film and many fans are getting the feeling that it could be another knockout. The film is a coming-of-age tale about a boy living near the Italian Riviera, who befriends a sea monster. While we’re still waiting on a trailer, the stills and clip that have been released so far are absolutely gorgeous, displaying a colourful animation style. While its entirely possible the film could be a more kid-oriented entry into Pixar’s filmography in the vein of Onward and Finding Dory though it looks to be more along the lines of Cocoand Soul.
#8) Amsterdam (TBA)
David O. Russell had a legendary run in the early 2010’s with the star-studded Oscar contenders The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. It’s been five years since his last film,Joy, hit theatres. The film was admittedly a misfire, but it’s been long enough that fans are now anxiously awaiting Russell’s next move. The film seems like a return to form, based on the cast alone. The film revolves around a unlikely partnership between a doctor and a lawyer, and stars Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Rami Malek, Zoe Saldana, Robert DeNiro, Mike Myers, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Rock, Michael Shannon, Andrea Riseborough and Matthias Schoenaerts. While the premise is still very vague, Amsterdam(a working title) is undoubtedly destined for Oscar gold.
Initially scheduled to premiere at the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, The French Dispatch saw a few delays before it eventually settled on a 2021 release. Wes Anderson is a personal favourite filmmakers, so it’s no surprise that his tenth feature length film is making my list once again. The trailer was released at the beginning of 2020 and by the looks of it, Anderson’s anthology based love letter to the newspaper industry could very well be one of his best films to date. Regardless of if you enjoy his quirky sensibilities, Anderson is a master of his craft who’s writing and visual style cannot be replicated and it looks like he’s once again crafted another completely original technical marvel. With an absolutely stacked cast (maybe his best lineup yet), it’s impossible not to be intrigued by Anderson’s latest endeavour.
#6) Nightmare Alley (TBA)
Daily Mail
Coming off of the Best Picture winning opus The Shape of Water, legendary filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro is back with another star-studded Oscar contender that looks to be one of his best films to date. Based on the 1946 novel of the same name, an ambitious carnival worker turned con-man, with a talent for manipulating people teams up with a female psychiatrist, who reveals to be even more dangerous than he is. The film has an absolutely stellar cast including Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe, Toni Collette, Richard Jenkins, Ron Perlman, Rooney Mara, David Strathairn and Tim Blake Nelson. With Del Toro directing and writing the script, this is sure to be one of the most creative and magical films the year has to offer.
#5) Last Night in Soho (April 23rd)
Edgar Wright is one of the few filmmakers working today that can draw in mass audiences by name recognition alone. His unique brand of comedy, singular visual style and knack for creating iconic protagonists makes him a star in his own right. Despite not being quite a fan of everything Wright has made, he’s undoubtedly a brilliant filmmaker who flawlessly seamlessly blends genres together in a way that no other filmmaker is able to do. Originally scheduled for September 2020, Last Night in Soho was pushed to April 2021, just shortly after the Oscars eligibility making it one of the first major releases of 2021. Last Night in Soho is a departure for Wright, as it seems him steering away from his typical comedic style and going in an art-house horror direction. The images that have been released so far look stunning and are definitely reminiscent of 1970’s horror films, with a neo-noir twist. With current “it-girls” Anya Taylor-Joy and Thomasin McKenzie starring in the film, The film is sure to be one of the most widely discussed films of the year.
#4) C’mon C’mon (TBA)
Page Six
Despite being very well respected in the independent scene, Mike Mills is a filmmaker who deserves way more praise and exposure than he receives. Beginners is excellent, but its his magnum opus 20th Century Womenthat really floored me. Its been over four years since the aforementioned film hit theatres and Mills is finally preparing to release his highly anticipated follow up. C’mon C’mon stars Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix as an artist who becomes the guardian of his precocious young nephew and forges an unexpected bond over a cross country road trip. The film will be entirely shot in black & white and will likely be just as visually stunning, technically unique and deeply human as Mills’ previous films. Mills is once again partnering with A24, who will likely campaign the film for awards consideration.
#3) Soggy Bottom (TBA)
TMZ
Whenever Paul Thomas Anderson announces a new film, it’s impossible to not anticipate. He has proven himself time and time again to be one of the most consistent filmmakers currently working, as there is artistic merit in every single one of his films. His latest directorial endeavour, Soggy Bottom, sounds like it could very well be a personal favourite of his. The film is a 1970s coming-of-age epic, depicting a high school student whose life is turned around when he suddenly becomes a world famous actor. The full cast has yet to be revealed but so far includes the likes of Bradley Cooper, Alana Haim, Benny Safdie and newcomer Cooper Hoffman. The film sounds very much in the same vein as Almost Famous and PTA’s own Boogie Nights. It will certainly be one of the most widely discussed films of the year and could finally earn Paul Thomas Anderson his long awaited Oscar
(L-r) TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET as Paul Atreides and REBECCA FERGUSON as Lady Jessica Atreides in Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure “DUNE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic science-fiction novel topped my list last year and while it didn’t quite reach the top this time around due to some more competition, it’s hard to not be more excited for it than a year ago. Dune was initially set for release this past December before the film was postponed. While we didn’t get to see the film, Warner Bros. released from the most recent trailer that looked absolutely spectacular. Villeneuve has proven with Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, that he has mastered the craft of elevated blockbusters, making him the perfect choice to adapt the previously deemed “unadaptable” novel. The scope on display is like nothing we have ever seen before and it’s a film that will certainly draw audiences back into theatres, after the state of cinema has been damaged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a spectacular filmmaker at the helm, an absolutely stacked cast and a score from legendary composer Hans Zimmer, Dune is without question the biggest cinematic event of the year.
As much as I am starving for a major theatrical event in the vein of Dune, there is absolutely no way Steven Chbosky’s adaptation of the Tony award winning Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen would not top my list. Having had the chance to attend the theatre production live in Toronto a couple of years ago, and it absolutely blew me away and made me a massive fan of both the play and the accompanying soundtrack. Chbosky directed an all-time favourite film in The Perks of Being a Wallflower so as soon as it was announced he would be helming the Dear Evan Hansen adaptation, it was inevitably going to top of this list. The film will see Ben Platt will be reprising his role as Evan Hansen, while Kaitlyn Dever, Amy Adams, Julianne Moore and Amandla Stenberg round out the impressive supporting cast. While the film is not officially slated for a 2021 release, it just wrapped production this month and is heading into post, so it will most likely be ready for awards season.
Due to the severeness of the COVID-19 pandemic and the complete shutdown of theatres in most areas, many studios have postponed the release of their upcoming films. Within the past few weeks, we have compiled a list of every major 2020 release that has been postponed indefinitely or rescheduled.
FIRST COW – Instead of dropping the film on VOD, A24 announced that they will be holding off to re-release Kelly Reichardt’s acclaimed film once theatres reopen. The film played in select theatres in North America for just over a week, but was prematurely pulled due to the shutdown.
A QUIET PLACE PART II – The highly anticipated sequel to one of 2018’s biggest breakout hits had already been screened for critics and was nearly a week away from its release, when director John Krasinski announced via Instagram that the film was postponed to a later date. The film is currently scheduled to release on September 4th, 2020.
THE CLIMB– Sony Pictures Classics acclaimed indie comedy screened at a variety of festivals including last year’s TIFF and this year’s Sundance film festivals. It was scheduled to release on March 20th, 2020, but has been delayed indefinitely.
THE TRUTH – Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film premiered at Cannes in 2019 to a strong critical reception and opened theatrically in certain countries a few months later. IFC had set a North American release date for March 20th domestically, but has since been postponed. IFC announced that it will be included in their summer 2020 release slate as long as theatres are open, but an exact release date has not yet been set.
MULAN – Disney’s highly anticipated remake of their acclaimed animated classic was set to release on March 27th, but has since been postponed to July 24th, 2020.
PETER RABBIT 2: THE RUNAWAY – The sequel to the 2018 family film Peter Rabbit was set to be released in North America on April 3rd. Sony initially postponed the film to August but has now been given a release date of January 15th, 2021.
THE LOVEBIRDS – This action-packed romantic comedy starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani was initially set to hold its world premiere at SXSW before releasing theatrically on April 3rd, 2020. However, the film was postponed indefinitely before being sold to Netflix who have since given it a release date of May 22nd, 2020.
NEW MUTANTS – After numerous delays, Disney has once again postponed 20th Century’s X-Men spinoff after its most recent release date of April 3rd, 2020. Disney has yet to announce a new release date.
ANTLERS – Searchlight Pictures’ highly anticipated independent horror film was set to release on April 17th, 2020 but has since been postponed indefinitely.
NO TIME TO DIE – The highly anticipated 25th instalment in the James Bond franchise was the first film to be postponed due to COVID-19, causing an unprecedented seismic shift across the film industry. It was initially set to release this past April but has been postponed to November 12th, 2020. in the UK and November 25th, 2020. in North America.
ANTEBELLUM – Lionsgate’s highly anticipated “social horror” movie starring Janelle Monae was initially scheduled to hit theatres on April 24th but has been rescheduled to August 21st, 2020.
BLACK WIDOW (+ THE ETERNALS & OTHER FILMS IN THE MCU) – The first film of Phase 4 of the MCU was initially set to release on May 1st but has since been moved to November 6th, 2020; the original release date of The Eternals. Additionally, Disney further restructured the MCU’s entire “Phase 4” release calendar. The Eternals has since been pushed back to February 12th, 2021; Shang-Chi & the Legend of the Ten Rings has been pushed to May 7th, 2021; Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has been moved to November 5th, 2021; Thor: Love & Thunder is set to be released on February 18th, 2022; Black Panther 2 will now be released on May 8th, 2022; Captain Marvel 2 has now been given a release date and will open on July 8th, 2022.
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD – After premiering last year at TIFF, Armando Iannucci’s comedic retelling of the classic Charles Dickens novel was set to release on May 8th but has since been delayed until further notice.
SPIRAL – Chris Rock’s unique take on the Saw franchise was scheduled to hit theatres on May 15th, 2020. but has since been pushed an entire year to May 21st, 2021.
THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW – Joe Wright’s highly anticipated thriller starring Amy Adams, Julianne Moore and Gary Oldman was set to release on May 15th, 2020. but has since been postponed indefinitely.
FAST & FURIOUS 9 – The latest instalment in the ever-growing Fast & Furious franchise was set to be released on May 22nd and was expected to be one of the year’s biggest financial successes, however, Universal decided to postpone the film to April 2nd, 2021.
SPONGEBOB: SPONGE ON THE RUN – Paramount’s animated family film was scheduled to be released on May 22nd but has since been rescheduled to August 7th, 2020.
WONDER WOMAN 1984 – Patty Jenkins’ highly anticipated sequel to the 2017 smash hit Wonder Woman, was initially scheduled to be released on June 5th but has since been pushed back to August 14th, 2020.
CANDYMAN – This Jordan Peele produced horror film based on a classic legend was scheduled to be released on June 12th but has since been moved to September 25th, 2020.
GREYHOUND – After numerous date switches, Tom Hanks’ WWII drama finally settled on a June 12th, 2020 release date. However, the film has since been delayed for a fourth time and does not currently have a new release date.
SOUL – Pixar’s highly anticipated upcoming film was scheduled to hit theatres on July 19th (the usual Pixar release date spot), but has since been rescheduled to November 20th, 2020. That release date is significant as it will also mark the 25th anniversary since the release of Pixar’s first feature-length film, Toy Story.
IN THE HEIGHTS – Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Tony winning musical of the same name was scheduled to hit theatres on June 26th, 2020. but has since been pushed back an entire year to June 18th, 2021.
TOP GUN: MAVERICK – The highly anticipated sequel to Tom Cruise’s 1985 smash hit was initially set to be released on June 24th, but has since been pushed back to December 23rd, 2020. With a Christmas weekend release date, many Oscar fans are wondering if its now possible that Tom Cruise could get some attention during awards season for his performance.
MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU – The latest film in Illumination Pictures’ highly successful Despicable Me franchise was initially set to be released on July 3rd, 2020. However, the film has been pushed back an entire year and will now be released on July 2nd, 2021.
FREE GUY – Ryan Reynolds’ video game inspired comedy was scheduled to hit theatres on July 3rd but has since been postponed until December 11th, 2020.
GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE – The latest film in the Ghostbusters franchise was scheduled to hit theatres on July 10th, 2020. but has since been pushed back to March 5th, 2021.
THE FRENCH DISPATCH – Wes Anderson’s star-studded journalism dramedy was scheduled to hit theatres on July 24th, but has since been pushed to October 16th, 2020. This date change cements The French Dispatch as a major awards contender.
JUNGLE CRUISE – Disney initially planned to release this adventure-comedy starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt on July 30th, 2021. However, due to the rescheduling of Mulan, they decided to push back Jungle Cruise a full year to July 30th, 2021.
MORBIUS – The latest film in Sony Pictures’ expanded Spider-Man universe was set to be released on July 2020 but has since been pushed back to March 19th, 2021.
INFINITE – Antoine Fuqua’s latest film was set to be released on August 7th but has since been postponed until May 28th, 2021. However, it is unclear whether the film was pushed back exclusively because of the Coronavirus.
MALIGNANT – James Wan’s latest horror film was set to be released on August 14th but has since been delayed indefinitely due to Wonder Woman 1984 now occupying the film’s former release date.
NOBODY – Universal’s upcoming action-thriller starring Bob Odenkirk was scheduled to hit theatres on August 14th, 2020. but has since been pushed back to February 26th, 2021.
THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK – The highly anticipated prequel to the acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos was originally set to be release in September 2020 but has since been pushed back to March 12th, 2021.
VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE – The sequel to Sony’s commercially successful Spider-Man spinoff, Venom, has been moved from October 2020 to June 25th, 2021.
KING RICHARD – Will Smith’s Richard Williams biopic was scheduled to be released in November 2020 but has since been pushed back an entire year to November 19th, 2021. The release date indicates that the studio is confident in its awards prospects.
RAYA & THE LAST DRAGON – Disney Animation’s latest film was initially scheduled to be released on November 25th, 2020 but has since been pushed to March 12th, 2021, due to Soul claiming its former release date.
In the coming weeks, we will continue to provide updates regarding any further delays.
March is not a month that’s consistently known for any type of films. However, just like last march, there seems to be a large amount of highly anticipated fare to please us in a post Parasite best picture world. With high profile, multi-million dollar blockbusters (Onward, A Quiet Place Part II), the long awaited releases of some films with extended delays (My Spy, The Hunt) and some indie ensemble streaming titles (Lost Girls, Blow the Man Down) there’s definitely a significant amount of niche content that’s worthy of a cinema visit/home viewing. Welcome to our March 2020 movie preview, where we let you know about the noteworthy releases of the month and follow them up with 5 top picks. Hope to see you at the movies!
