Summer 2024 Movie Preview: Roller Coaster of Ups and Downs

Summer 2023 was a roller coaster ride for the film industry, with its fair share of ups and downs. Strikes disrupted filming schedules, but many upcoming films are on track for their 2024 release dates. In this comprehensive preview, we’ll take a look at what Summer 2024 has in store for moviegoers. While some release date decisions may baffle us, there are also exciting prospects on the horizon.

Marvel Kicks Off the Summer Season with Deadpool 3

As tradition dictates, Marvel is set to kick off the summer movie season in May. This time, they’re doing it with “Deadpool 3.” However, this highly anticipated film faced delays due to actor strikes, which have impacted the entire industry. The uncertainty caused by these strikes looms large.

“Deadpool 3” carries the weight of revitalizing Marvel’s fortunes, much like “No Way Home” did for the Spider-Man franchise. It’s a crossover event for the Fox Marvel movies, and the excitement is palpable. If it sticks to its release date, this film could be a game-changer for Marvel.

Amanda Seyfried’s Bridesmaids Adventure

Amanda Seyfried may not have landed the role of Sue Storm, but she’s got an exciting movie coming up that’s reminiscent of “Bridesmaids.” In this film, she stars alongside Ariana Dubose, Liza Koshy, and SNL’s Chloe Feynman. The story revolves around four friends who embark on a drunken adventure after receiving a call from an old friend questioning her impending marriage. With a talented cast and the influence of Kay Cannon, known for her work on “Pitch Perfect,” this film has the potential to be a hit.

Memorial Day Weekend Battle Royale

Memorial Day weekend is a coveted release date, and in Summer 2024, it’s no different. Multiple studios, including Warner Bros., Disney’s Fox, Sony, and Paramount, are vying for a piece of the holiday weekend pie. Let’s delve into the potential blockbusters lined up:

Movie	Studio	Highlights
Furiosa Prequel	Warner Bros.	Anya Taylor-Joy replaces Charlize Theron; Chris Hemsworth stars
New Planet of the Apes	Disney’s Fox	Disney’s revival of the franchise with a new director
Garfield	Paramount	CGI-live-action hybrid starring Nicholas Holt
Imaginary Friends	Sony	John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Ryan Reynolds, and Matt Damon
Bad Boys 4	Sony	Will Smith’s return post-“The Slap”
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 2	Paramount	Tom Cruise’s relentless action franchise

Memorial Day Weekend usually draws crowds, but the competition is fierce. Warner Bros.’ “Furiosa Prequel” faces scrutiny after Charlize Theron’s departure, while Disney’s “Planet of the Apes” revival is in Westball’s hands. Will Smith’s “Bad Boys 4” release on Juneteenth is also a gamble considering the holiday’s significance.

June 2024: A Jam-Packed Month

June 2024 is another jam-packed month, reminiscent of the overcrowded June 2023. Here’s what’s in store:

• Ballerina: A “John Wick” spin-off with Anna De Armas in the lead role.
• The Watchers: Warner Bros.’ horror film starring Dakota Fanning.
• Inside Out 2: Pixar’s anticipated sequel.
• Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 2: Tom Cruise returns for more high-octane action.

“Ballerina” is a significant test for Anna De Armas, who steps into the lead role. It’ll depend on the quality of the fight sequences and the intrigue of the storyline. “Inside Out 2” aims to recapture Pixar’s former glory, while Tom Cruise hopes to retain IMAX screens with “Mission Impossible.”

July 2024: Mufasa, Despicable Me, and Venom

July kicks off with Disney’s “Mufasa,” scheduled for July 5th. This visually stunning film promises a fresh take on a beloved classic, likely attracting audiences despite the fatigue surrounding live-action adaptations.

Universal’s “Despicable Me 4” doesn’t need IMAX screens, but it’s sure to dominate Dolby theaters. This franchise consistently performs well, and the fourth installment should be no exception.

Sony’s “Venom 3” faces uncertainty after the lukewarm reception of the previous entry. It all hinges on the quality of the movie and the competition it faces.

Twisters, Alien, and Craven in August

August 2024 offers a diverse lineup of films. Sony Animation’s “Herald in the Purple Crayon” sets the stage for the month. Then, Lionsgate aims to release “Borderlands,” a video game adaptation with a stellar cast that has undergone extensive reshoots.

Universal brings a horror film to the table with “Speak No Evil,” featuring James McAvoy and directed by Barry Jenkins. “Alien” returns to the big screen, with Fede Alvarez at the helm. It’s a gamble with a director known for horror, and the cast leans toward the slasher genre.

Sony’s move of “Craven” from October 2023 to Labor Day weekend 2024 is intriguing. “Shang-Chi” performed well in this spot in 2021, making it a potential win for Sony. However, the movie’s success depends on its quality and competition.

Conclusion: Summer 2024 – A Mixed Bag of Excitement and Uncertainty

Summer 2024 promises a mix of excitement and uncertainty for the film industry. Marvel’s “Deadpool 3” seeks to breathe life back into the franchise, while Disney hopes to revive “Alien.” Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends will see fierce battles among studios.

As for the audience, it’s a season to look forward to with various genres and big-name stars gracing the screen. Whether these films live up to the hype and the competition remains to be seen. Summer 2024 is poised to be another roller coaster ride in the world of cinema.