The holiday movie season is officially upon us, bringing a slate of high-profile films that are anticipated to make significant impacts at the box office and potentially the Academy Awards. Leading the charge is the much-anticipated release of Wicked: For Good, which is set to premiere on November 21, 2024. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this sequel follows the record-breaking success of the first part, which opened with an impressive $112.5 million in its debut weekend and became the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical globally.
The storyline of Wicked revisits the familiar world of “The Wizard of Oz,” but with a fresh perspective that reveals the darker side of Oz. With stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, both of whom are expected to garner Academy Award consideration for their performances, this film is poised to shatter records once again.
Other Major Releases This Season
In addition to Wicked: For Good, several other films are set to capture audience attention this holiday season. Nuremberg, releasing on November 7, features Rami Malek and Russell Crowe. The film, based on the book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist” by Jack El-Hai, explores the psychological evaluations surrounding the Nuremberg trials. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, earning a four-minute standing ovation, one of the festival’s longest.
Another notable entry is Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, debuting on November 14. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, this installment continues the franchise’s theme of illusion and heists, featuring returning cast members such as Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson.
On the same day, Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach, will also be released. Starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, the film tells the story of an actor and his manager embarking on a reflective journey across Europe. It has already sparked discussions regarding award potential.
Animation and Thrillers Join the Lineup
The animation sector will see the release of Zootopia 2 on November 26. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, the sequel returns to the vibrant city of Zootopia, where detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde face new challenges with a disruptive reptilian character.
Following closely, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is set for December 12. Directed by Rian Johnson and featuring Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, this film is shrouded in secrecy but is expected to be a strong contender for awards.
The much-anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash, directed by James Cameron, will be released on December 19. This third installment of the Avatar franchise promises to take audiences back to Pandora, introducing new factions and conflicts within its rich narrative.
Finally, Marty Supreme, set to debut on December 25, focuses on the life of table tennis champion Marty Reisman, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. This sports drama is already being discussed as a potential major player in the upcoming awards season.
As the holiday season unfolds, these films not only highlight the diversity of cinematic storytelling but also reflect the industry’s resilience and creativity, making this one of the most exciting periods for moviegoers. With such a rich lineup, audiences are sure to find something that resonates with them during this festive time.