By Lauren Durose, Film & TV Co-Deputy Editor
Griselda (January 25)
Sofia Vergara depicts the cocaine queen, Griselda Blanco. Made by the same team that produced Narcos (2015-2017), it is expected to have a similar feel without being a direct spinoff; the miniseries will fit snugly into the crime drama category on Netflix as of January 25, and across six episodes will tell the story of how Blanco built one of the most successful cartels in history. It is only weeks to wait until this savage yet charming show hits our screens.
Bob Marley: One Love (February 16)
Following in the footsteps of Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) and Respect (2021), Reinaldo Marcus Green directs the newest musical biopic, this time following the reggae singer and song-writer Bob Marley. Throughout his life, from rise to fame up until his death in 1981, Marley will be depicted by Kingsley Ben-Adir, alongisde Lashana Lynch portraying his wife, Rita - who herself, along with Ziggy and Cedella Marley, are producers adding an authenticity to this biopic that others sometimes lack.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (February 22)
The live-action adaptation of the noughties animation sees Aang, and his friends go up against the Fire-Nation. After a one-hundred-year sleep, the young airbender discovers he is the only one who can stop a war that has spanned a century. So many feel a sense of nostalgia for the original series, creating a growing excitment for this recreation, particularly as it was announced six years ago. For those who are ready to reminisce, Daniel Dae Kim - who has previously leant his voice to the franchise as both General Fong and Hiroshi Sato - will be returning as Fire Lord Ozai.
Challengers (April 26)
The combination of Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist in a tale of tennis promises to be a favourite of movies released this year. Directed by Luca Guadagino, Challengers follows the life and career of athlete turned coach Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) and her relationships with both her husband, Art (Faist), and former lover, Patrick (O'Connor), as they face each other from opposing ends of the tennis net; it is sure to be filled with the tension that occurs in competition both on and off the court. The talent of the leading trio has been witnessed and rewarded on multiple occasions, increasing anticipation for its release.
Bridgerton, Series 3 (Part 1: May 16, Part 2: June 13)
Gentle readers, the long-awaited series three of Julia Quinn and Shondaland's Bridgerton, will finally be ready to grace our streaming services in two parts this summer. Audiences will witness the love story between Penelope Fetherington [aka Lady Whistledown] (Nicola Coughlan) and the third Bridgerton, Colin (Luke Newton). Along with Eloise's (Claudia Jessie) discovery that her closest friend is the omniscient writer who has created an awful lot of scandal in the ton, the third series has much to follow up on. With the first two series - and the Queen Charlotte spinoff – being such successes, the desire for the third series is evident amongst watchers.
Joker: Folie a Deux (October 4)
Joaquin Phoenix will return to his academy award winning role as the Joker, this time joined by Lady Gaga who will takeover the notorious role of Harley Quinn. Gaga has not only been cast for her acting talents, previously displayed in the likes of House of Gucci (2021), but also for that of her singing - yes, Joker: Folie a Deux will be a musical. Todd Phillips returns as both director and co-writer, his initial creation of the 2019 Joker was a resounding success and warrants these levels of excitement as fans, both film and comic alike, wait to see if this will match or top its predecessor.
Paddington in Peru (November 8)
With so many exciting films and television this year it was hard to decide what should make this list, but there was no doubt that the beloved Paddington bear had earned his spot. The third instalment of this film franchise swaps the streets of London for that of the rainforest in Peru. Paddington (Ben Whishaw) and Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton) will bring their adopted family, The Browns, to where the bears have grown up in South America. It is often difficult for
sequels to live up to their originators, and yet - for me at least - Paddington 2 seemed to smash the first out of the water. We can only hope that the third will do the same.
Wicked: Part One (November 27)
One short day in the Emerald City! In the well-known world of Wizard of Oz, the prequel tells the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) as they meet and bond throughout their time at univeristy. It is arguably one of the most iconic and beloved musicals and this two-parter (the latter coming out in 2025) is highly anticipated. The voices involved - Grande, Erivo, and Jonathan Bailey - bring a confidence that this movie will be everything enthusiasts need it to be.
Of course, there are so many more movies coming out, an Amy Winehouse biopic, the second part to Dune and even Despicable Me 4. Likewise, the onslaught of new television is often overwhelming, but either way, I can positively reassure you that there is plenty for you to set your eyes upon this year.
Featured Image: Courtesy of IMDb
What are you most excited to see in 2024?
