While Covid-19 variants still raise concern for many, it appears (at least to most film studios) that the hurdle has been jumped and movie theaters are back. Now, 2022 is looking to bring about the releases of some major blockbusters that, up until this point, were struck down with delay after delay.
When many think about the movie that drew people back into the theaters, chances are most fingers will point to “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” The third film in Tom Holland’s first Marvel Cinematic Universe trilogy broke countless records and still stands at an insane box office performance of $1,892,225,728 (Box Office Mojo). Marvel Studios is looking to kick off the summer with another massive success in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, which hits theaters May 6.
Speaking of Marvel Studios, another expected heavy-hitter this summer is “Thor: Love and Thunder.” A short teaser trailer was recently released, giving fans their first look at what they can expect from Taika Waititi’s second outing with the God of Thunder. “Thor: Love and Thunder” will strike theaters on July 8.
Apart from the MCU, the summer is looking to bring some other major continuations to billion-dollar franchises. The dinosaurs are running loose on the world in the ultimate finale “Jurassic World: Dominion” on June 10. The film will see Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard team up with the returning trio of Sam Neil, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum. Parents should prepare themselves as the Minions make their return to cinemas with “Minions: The Rise of Gru” on July 1. Speaking of animated outings, Chris Evans will be traveling to “infinity and beyond” in the Pixar prequel “Lightyear” on June 17.
While Halloween is a few months away, the summer movie season also looks to bring about some more spooky offerings for the brave at heart. May will kick things off with the big-budget remake of the Stephen King classic “Firestarter” on May 13, as well as the psychological thriller by A24, “Men,” on May 20. One that has received some early praise from film festivals is Scott Derrickson’s “The Black Phone”, out on June 24. Another award winner on the way is the latest by Oscar-winner, Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” on July 22.
Some of the other notable releases for the months ahead include the Brad Pitt action film “Bullet Train” on July 29. Currently sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, A24 will also be delivering “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” in theaters on June 24. Austin Butler and Tom Hanks will be bringing The King of Rock and Roll to life in “Elvis” on June 24 as well. It should be noted that all release dates are subject to change.
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