It is safe to say that 2020 will not go down in history as Hollywood’s best year in film, but 2021 still has a shot at the title. Last year teemed with movie announcements and excitement, but the pandemic all but slowed things to a halt leading to disappointment after disappointment. The movies that did get released often went directly to a streaming service.
Movie theaters have slowly begun to re-open, and with them, anticipated blockbusters are finally being premiered. Fans eagerly await some of the most anticipated sequels from major franchises to hit the big screen, and fortunately for movie buffs, there is quite a list.
Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard (June 16)
Professional bodyguard Michael Bryce has sworn off from his life of stressful work in the bodyguard industry, but everything changes when an old friend needs a favor.
When Darius Kincaid's wife, Sonia, goes missing, he finds himself on a desperate mission to save her. The always fun Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek return for this action-packed sequel to the 2017 comedy.
Fast & Furious 9 (June 25)
It's all about the family, but just because someone is blood doesn't make them a part of the team. When Cipher enlists Dominic Toretto's estranged brother to seek out revenge, Dom might just be in for a fight for his life.
The Fast and Furious fam is back and raring to go this June in the ninth installment of the franchise including Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, and introducing John Cena.
The Suicide Squad (August 6)
Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, and other supervillains and ex-cons from Belle Reve alike join the suspicious and mysterious Task Force X in this upcoming Suicide Squad installment.
Suicide Squad (2016) failed to get the ratings that producers had anticipated, but DC is giving it another go with The Suicide Squad premiering this Summer. Along with many members of the original cast, the sequel is adding Sylvester Stallone, Michael Rooker, John Cena, and Idris Elba to the star-studded group.
The King's Man (August 20)
Weaving the tale of the founding of the Kingsman agency in the early 20th century, The King's Man follows one man and his protégé as they struggle to save the world amidst threats of war.
Despite a series of unfortunate setbacks, this prequel continuation of the two-film franchise is finally hitting the big screen on August 20th. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Matthew Goode, Gemma Arterton, and Ralph Fiennes, it will also see the return of Kingsman alum Stanley Tucci, revisiting his role as Merlin.
Venom 2: Let There Be Carnage (September 24)
Though only little is known about details of the plot, Venom 2: Let There Be Carnage takes place a year after the first film and will see the long-awaited face-off between symbiote rivals, Venom and Carnage.
A follow-up to Sony's hit superhero flick based on the classic Marvel comics, Venom 2: Let There Be Carnage stars Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, and Woody Harrelson. It is set to finally make its way to theaters on September 24th.
No Time To Die (October 8)
James Bond finally gets his shot at a well-earned retirement, but his peace is disturbed when the CIA comes a-knocking for one last time, leading him on a treacherous mission that might not only mark the end of his career but the end of his life.
Starring Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas, and Rami Malek, it has been reported that No Time To Die will also introduce Captain Marvel's Lashana Lynch as the next Agent 007.
Top Gun: Maverick (November 19)
It truly is the era of remakes, reboots, and sequels to classics since Top Gun first made its debut in 1986. This sequel sees the return of Tom Cruise as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell.
After over 30 years in the Navy, Maverick is still up to his old ways, working as a test pilot and doing anything and everything to make sure that he never has to stop doing what he loves most in the world - flying. See Top Gun: Maverick in theaters starting November 19th.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17)
Spider-Man: No Way Home has seen its share of ups and downs throughout development. In 2019, a deal could not be reached between Sony and Disney for rights to the character, and at one point, it was unclear if the third installment in the Spider-Man franchise would be allowed to appear as a part of the MCU or not. Later, it was delayed due to the worldwide pandemic.
Finally, fans can breathe easily. Though much about it has been kept under wraps, it appears that Spider-Man: No Way Home will definitely see its premiere in mid-December.
Sherlock Holmes 3 (December 22)
Robert Downey Jr. starred as the brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes, in 2009, and repeated the role in the movie's sequel in 2011. Ten years later after a series of scheduling conflicts, Sherlock Holmes 3 is coming to theaters.
Little is known about the story other than that it will continue the exciting adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his loyal partner, Watson, but Downey Jr. promises great things are in store. "We want it to be the best of the series, so that's a pretty tall order."
The Matrix 4 (December 22)
Another sequel decades in the making, The Matrix 4 debuts more than 20 years after the 1999 original. Not only is it written and directed by Lana Wachowski (co-creator of the franchise), but it brings back Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss.
It will also introduce other huge names such as Priyanka Chopra, Jonathan Groff, and Neil Patrick Harris.