The Biggest Movie Sequels and Prequels of 2024

The Cinematic Extravaganza of 2024: An In-Depth Look at the Biggest Movie Sequels and Prequels

2024 promises to be an exciting year for movie enthusiasts, with a plethora of animated releases, sequels, and prequels set to grace the big screen. From beloved franchises returning to the spotlight to new ventures exploring uncharted territories, the cinematic landscape is poised for a thrilling ride. Let’s delve into the most anticipated releases, providing a comprehensive guide to the cinematic feast that awaits.

1. Great Pretender Razbliuto: A Dazzling Heist Continuation (WIT Studio/Crunchyroll, January 9)

“Great Pretender” captivated audiences in 2020 with its high energy, vibrant visuals, and a lovable cast of international con artists. The heist-centric anime is set to continue its captivating story with “Great Pretender Razbliuto.” This movie promises to introduce a new con artist, adding layers to the main crew’s narrative while concocting another thrilling scheme.

The anime’s allure lies not only in its dynamic plot but also in its colorful palette and unexpected twists—hallmarks of any great heist story. With an ending theme song by the legendary Freddy Mercury, “Great Pretender Razbliuto” is poised to be a cinematic spectacle, maintaining the anime’s reputation for fun and unpredictable storytelling.

2. Orion and the Dark: Charlie Kaufman’s Script Comes to Life (DreamWorks/Netflix, February 2)

“Orion and the Dark” emerges as a Netflix gem with a script penned by the visionary Charlie Kaufman, renowned for his work on mind-bending films like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” The movie, based on Emma Yarlett’s book, follows a young boy, voiced by Jacob Tremblay, as he embarks on an adventure filled with strange creatures, confronting his deepest fears along the way.

Early previews of the film promise a Kaufmanesque journey, featuring Muppet-inspired creatures and a handcrafted visual style. With Kaufman’s unique storytelling and Tremblay’s engaging voice acting, “Orion and the Dark” is set to be a visually striking and emotionally resonant animated experience.

3. The Tiger’s Apprentice: A Magical Journey (Paramount Animation/Paramount+, February 2)

After more than 15 years since its announcement, “The Tiger’s Apprentice” is finally set to captivate audiences. Originally slated for theaters, Paramount shifted the release to Paramount+, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in this magical adventure directed by Raman Hui.

Adapted from Laurence Yep’s book, the film follows a Chinese-American boy discovering his lineage of magical protectors. With an ensemble cast featuring Michelle Yeoh, Sandra Oh, Henry Golding, and Sherry Cola, “The Tiger’s Apprentice” promises a visually stunning journey into a world of ancient phoenixes and shape-shifting tigers.

4. Kung Fu Panda 4: Po Faces Retirement (DreamWorks/Universal, March 8)

The beloved Dragon Warrior, Po the Panda, returns in “Kung Fu Panda 4” to tackle his most significant challenge yet—retirement. This installment promises a perfect blend of stunning action choreography, heartfelt storytelling, and the trademark humor that made the “Kung Fu Panda” trilogy a fan favorite.

Directed by Mike Mitchell, known for “Shrek Forever After” and “Sky High,” the film introduces new characters voiced by Viola Davis, Awkwafina, and Ke Huy Quan. As Po trains the next Dragon Warrior and assumes a spiritual leadership role, audiences can anticipate uproarious scenarios and, undoubtedly, another visually spectacular addition to the franchise.

5. The Garfield Movie: Chris Pratt’s Animated Venture (DNEG Animation/Sony Pictures Releasing, May 24)

“The Garfield Movie” takes a bold step into the animated realm with Chris Pratt at the helm. The casting choices, including Samuel L. Jackson as Garfield’s estranged father, Vic, and Harvey Guillén as Odie, promise a unique and exciting take on the iconic character.

Animated by DNEG Animation, known for its successes like “Ron’s Gone Wrong” and “Entergalactic,” the film aims to bring Garfield’s charm to a new generation. With a quirky voice cast and cutting-edge animation, “The Garfield Movie” is poised to be a delightful and entertaining addition to the 2024 lineup.

6. Inside Out 2: Exploring Teenage Turmoil (Pixar, June 14)

Pixar ventures into the intricate landscape of teenage emotions with “Inside Out 2.” Building on the success of its predecessor, the film goes beyond the mind of a young girl and delves into the complexities of a teenager’s emotions.

Maya Hawke joins the cast as Anxiety, adding a new layer to the emotional spectrum. Directed by Kelsey Mann in his feature debut and with Meg LeFauve returning to pen the script, “Inside Out 2” promises a deeply relatable story about growing up and facing the challenges of adolescence. The film retains the emotional intelligence of the original while exploring new facets of the human experience.

7. Despicable Me 4: The Minions Return (Illumination/Universal, July 3)

“Despicable Me 4” marks the return of Gru and the Minions in the latest installment of the immensely successful franchise. While details about the plot are scarce, the involvement of director Chris Renaud and scriptwriter Mike White, known for “The White Lotus,” generates anticipation for another comedic adventure.

After a seven-year hiatus since the last “Despicable Me” movie, the franchise aims to recapture the charm that endeared audiences to Gru and his lovable Minions. With the Minions’ mischievous antics and the promise of a fresh storyline, “Despicable Me 4” looks to continue the franchise’s legacy of animated hilarity.

8. Twisters: A Surprising Sequel (July 19)

In a surprising turn of events, a sequel to the 1996 cheesy thriller “Twister” is set to hit screens in 2024. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, acclaimed for his work on “Minari,” this unexpected sequel introduces a compelling mix of elements. While the script details remain shrouded in mystery, the involvement of young stars like Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and David Corenswet adds an intriguing layer to the project.

“Twisters” raises questions about how Chung, known for his thoughtful and sensitive storytelling, will navigate the world of tornado-driven suspense. The combination of a classic blockbuster concept with a director of Chung’s caliber makes “Twisters” a fascinating release to watch out for.

9. Deadpool 3: Merc with a Musical Twist (July 26)

“Deadpool 3” carries the weight of expectations as it brings Ryan Reynolds’s irreverent Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Shawn Levy, the movie not only promises the return of Reynolds but also features Hugh Jackman reprising his role as Wolverine, injecting a dose of nostalgia from the Fox superhero movies.

The intriguing aspect of “Deadpool 3” lies in its unexpected twist—it’s a musical. Titled “Folie à Deux,” the film suggests a departure from the typical superhero genre, embracing a unique and potentially genre-defying approach. With the return of familiar faces and Reynolds’s signature humor, “Deadpool 3” aims to stand out in a crowded superhero landscape.

10. Alien: Romulus – Fede Álvarez’s Grimy Fun (August 14)

“Alien: Romulus” takes a bold step into the Alien franchise, exploring new dimensions under the direction of Fede Álvarez. Known for his work on “The Evil Dead” remake and “Don’t Breathe,” Álvarez brings a promise of grimy fun to the iconic sci-fi series.

As a streaming movie on Hulu, “Alien: Romulus” is expected to carve its path with a unique vision. While details about the script are under wraps, the involvement of Álvarez hints at a potential blend of horror and suspense. Alien fans can look forward to a fresh take on the extraterrestrial terror that has defined the franchise for decades.

11. Beetlejuice 2: Keaton’s Return with Burton (September 6)

Michael Keaton makes a triumphant return to the big screen in “Beetlejuice 2,” directed by Tim Burton. The sequel brings back the iconic duo of Keaton and Burton, aiming to recapture the manic energy that made the original “Beetlejuice” a cult classic.

Joined by Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, and Jenna Ortega, the cast promises a blend of seasoned talent and contemporary flair. While the challenge of recreating the magic of the 1988 classic looms large, the anticipation surrounding Keaton’s return adds a layer of excitement to “Beetlejuice 2.”

12. Transformers One: Unveiling the Origin (Paramount Animation, September 13)

“Transformers One” takes a bold leap into the origins of the iconic Autobots and Decepticons. Directed by Josh Cooley, known for “Toy Story 4,” the film promises to unravel the friendship-turned-rivalry between Optimus Prime and Megatron as they navigate the homeworld of Cybertron.

The decision to return the popular live-action franchise to its animated roots opens new possibilities for storytelling and visual exploration. Chris Hemsworth lends his voice to Optimus Prime, while Brian Tyree Henry voices Megatron. With a canvas as vast as Cybertron, “Transformers One” looks set to provide an epic origin story that delves into the rich history of these iconic characters.

13. The Wild Robot: Chris Sanders’ Return to DreamWorks (DreamWorks/Universal, September 20)

Chris Sanders, co-director of animated gems like “Lilo & Stitch” and “How to Train Your Dragon,” returns to DreamWorks with “The Wild Robot.” Based on Peter Brown’s illustrated book, the film narrates the tale of a robot stranded on a deserted island, unintentionally becoming the protector of an orphaned gosling bird.

With Sanders at the helm, “The Wild Robot” promises a captivating blend of heartwarming storytelling and visually stunning animation. As the robot embarks on a journey of survival and discovery, audiences can anticipate a poignant narrative that explores themes of friendship and resilience.

14. The War of the Rohirrim: A 2D Tolkien Fantasy (Release Date Not Specified)

For fans craving a return to Middle-earth, “The War of the Rohirrim” emerges as a beacon of excitement. Set to be an epic 2D anime film based on the appendices of “The Lord of the Rings,” the movie explores the history of the House of Eorl, rulers of Rohan.

Drawing inspiration from the WETA archives and featuring a score by Stephen Gallagher (“The Hobbit”), the film promises to transport audiences back to the cinematic magic of Peter Jackson’s films. A rare venture into 2D fantasy, “The War of the Rohirrim” stands as a special cinematic event for Tolkien enthusiasts and animation lovers alike.

15. Joker: Folie à Deux – Todd Phillips’ Musical Twist (October 4)

In an unexpected turn, Todd Phillips returns to the world of “Joker” with a unique twist—musicality. Titled “Folie à Deux,” the sequel challenges the conventions of the superhero genre, promising a departure from the typical gritty narratives associated with the character.

While the casting of Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn raises eyebrows, the musical aspect adds an intriguing layer to the project. Will “Joker: Folie à Deux” break free from the superhero trope, or will it present an R-rated musical journey akin to “Mayhem of the Music Meister”? The anticipation surrounding this sequel lies in its potential to redefine the boundaries of superhero storytelling.

16. Smile 2: Unraveling Demonic Generational Trauma (October 18)

Following the surprising success of “Smile” in 2022, the horror genre welcomes the return of the menacing grin in “Smile 2.” Director Parker Finn’s elevated take on demons and generational trauma struck a chord with audiences, earning the film accolades for its striking imagery and gripping storytelling.

While details about “Smile 2” remain shrouded in mystery, expectations run high for Kyle Gallner’s Joel, who inherits the curse from his ex-girlfriend Rose. Building on the foundations of the original, “Smile 2” explores the horror of generational curses with the promise of more spine-chilling moments and atmospheric tension.

As the cinematic landscape of 2024 unfolds, audiences can look forward to a diverse array of animated releases, sequels, and prequels. From the whimsical adventures of “Orion and the Dark” to the high-stakes heists in “Great Pretender Razbliuto,” each film promises a unique cinematic experience. Whether it’s revisiting beloved characters like Po the Panda or embarking on new journeys with Transformers, 2024 is set to be a year of cinematic exploration and visual delight. So, buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through the realms of animation, fantasy, and horror, as the silver screen beckons with tales that captivate and exhilarate.

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