Last year was a non-event for the world of cinema but this year will be different with several 2021 blockbuster movies headed our way. Let’s face it, 2020 will go down in history as one of the worst years ever for films. With cinemas shuttered, many highly-anticipated films were postponed or shifted to streaming.
This year, Hollywood will pick up the pieces and get projectors and cameras rolling again. Already, several major productions have resumed filming. As cinemas begin to open, audiences are slowly making their way back to experience the big screen.
This year there will be no shortage of films headed our way. Some of which should be deservedly experienced in cinemas, or a preferred streaming platform. Here are the 2021 blockbuster movies (and their tentative dates) that should be on your radar.
Godzilla vs Kong (26 March)
When it comes to 2021 blockbuster movies, nothing is bigger than King Kong and Godzilla. Two of film’s most iconic monsters will tango in Godzilla vs. Kong. The film is not only a direct sequel to 2019’s King of the Monsters but also 2017’s Skull Island. Who would win in this fight? Your guess is good as ours but do expect mayhem and destruction like you have never seen before.
Black Widow (29 April)
Avengers: Endgame marked the final outing of Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow. Or so we thought. Well, Natasha Romanoff is back in her own standalone adventure. The prequel tale follows the former KGB assassin and her family. The Marvel Phase 4 film also stars Florence Pugh, David Harbour and Rachel Weisz.
F9 (27 May)
The ninth instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise sees Dominic Toretto and team face off against his own brother. John Cena takes on the role of Dom’s estranged sibling who just so happens to be a deadly assassin. Also reprising her role from Fast 8 is Charlize Theron who returns as the villainous Cipher.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (24 June)
Tom Hardy is back as Eddie Brock who co-exists with an alien symbiote known as Venom. The sequel borrows a couple of pages from the comics by introducing archnemesis Carnage. Woody Harrelson will portray serial killer Cletus Kasady who encounters the same symbiotic entity that transforms him into the supervillain.
Top Gun: Maverick (1 July)
Thirty five years after the original film, Tom Cruise is back as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. In this sequel to Top Gun, Mitchell still maintains his position as one of the US Navy’s best pilots. However, he soon faces ghosts of his past when he is assigned to train a new squad of graduates. Maverick also must contend with new technology that may effectively change his position as a fighter pilot.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (8 July)
Marvel’s first all-Asian superhero flick has got us more than a little excited. Simu Liu stars as the mystical martial artist Shang-Chi with Tony Leung as The Mandarin. Rounding up the cast are Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Jiang Nan, Meng’er Zhang and Ronny Chieng.
The Suicide Squad (5 August)
Director James Gunn reboots the Suicide Squad for DC and Warner Bros. Judging by his take on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, this one has our interest piqued. Will Smith is sitting out this antihero adventure, so the team will be without Deadshot. In his place though is Idris Elba who will portray Bloodsport. Original cast members Margot Robbie and Jai Courtney are back as Harley Quinn and Captain Boomerang.
Dune (1 October)
Denis Villeneuve’s take on Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi novel Dune promises to be an epic production. If it is anything like Blade Runner 2049, then expect to be treated to some stunning visuals and special effects. Helping Villeneuve weave this sci-fi tale is a splendid cast including Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Zendaya and Josh Brolin.
No Time to Die (October)
Daniel Craig’s last performance as James Bond was due out last year. Now a year later, we will finally see the actor ride off into the sunset as 007. Cary Fukunaga directs the 25th James Bond film with Rami Malek playing the nefarious villain. No Time To Die sees Bond going back into active service to rescue a kidnapped scientist. In his mission he crosses paths with a mysterious villain armed with a dangerous piece of tech.
West Side Story (9 December)
This beloved Broadway musical will be brought to life with Steven Spielberg’s highly capable hands. Interestingly, West Side Story will be the Academy Award winner’s first ever musical project. A direct adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical, the film will feature music by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler portray Tony and Maria, who find romance in the middle of a gang war.
The Matrix 4 (22 December)
Admittedly we are a bit sceptical about this return to the Matrix. But with original cast members Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss back as Neo and Trinity, we are cautiously optimistic. Priyanka Chopra and Jessica Henwick round up the cast in this new tale by Lana Wachowski.