As the holiday season approaches, film enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a lineup of major movie releases, with several contenders poised for Academy Award recognition. Following the record-breaking success of Wicked (Part One), which set the record for the biggest opening weekend for a Broadway musical film globally, excitement builds for its sequel, Wicked: For Good, scheduled to debut on November 21.
The first installment of Wicked made waves in North America, opening in 3,888 theaters and earning approximately $112.5 million during its opening weekend. Directed by Jon M. Chu and featuring a star-studded cast including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film reimagines the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz, presenting a darker narrative that has captivated audiences. The sequel is anticipated to surpass its predecessor’s box office performance and is expected to be a strong contender in several technical categories at the Academy Awards.
Another film generating considerable buzz is Nuremberg, which premieres on November 7. Directed by James Vanderbilt, the film stars Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, and is based on the book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai. Set during the Nuremberg Trials following World War II, the story follows psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, tasked with evaluating Hermann Göring’s fitness to stand trial. The film received significant acclaim during its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, receiving a standing ovation that lasted four minutes, one of the event’s longest.
On November 14, audiences can look forward to Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, directed by Ruben Fleischer. This third installment in the popular franchise features a mix of returning and new talent, including Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson. The film promises a thrilling combination of magic and heists that fans have come to love.
Also releasing on November 14 is Jay Kelly, a comedy-drama directed by Noah Baumbach. Starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, the film follows the journey of a famous actor and his manager as they navigate life and friendship while traveling across Europe. It is already generating discussion as a potential award contender.
The animated sequel, Zootopia 2, will hit theaters on November 26. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, this film brings back beloved characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they investigate a new mystery threatening their city. The original Zootopia won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, setting high expectations for its successor.
As December unfolds, audiences can anticipate Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, set for release on December 12. Directed by Rian Johnson, this film sees Daniel Craig reprise his role as detective Benoit Blanc. Although details about the plot remain tightly under wraps, it has been described as “the detective’s most dangerous case yet,” positioning it as a likely Oscar contender.
Following closely is Avatar: Fire and Ash, which premieres on December 19. Directed by James Cameron, this third installment of the Avatar franchise returns viewers to Pandora. With a new threat emerging from the “Ash People,” expectations are high for both box office success and technical achievements.
Finally, the holiday film season culminates with the release of Marty Supreme on December 25. Directed by Josh Safdie, this sports drama tells the true story of table tennis champion Marty Reisman, played by Timothée Chalamet. With strong predictions for Chalamet’s performance as Best Actor, this film is anticipated to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
As these films prepare to hit theaters, the holiday season promises to deliver a diverse array of cinematic experiences. From musicals to intense dramas, audiences worldwide will have plenty of options to enjoy during this festive time.
