As the sweltering summer heat sets in, theatergoers worldwide eagerly anticipate the arrival of the year’s most highly anticipated movies. The months of July and August promise many blockbusters, ranging from action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas and everything in between. Even though summer movie season officially kicked off Memorial Day weekend, there are even more blockbusters that we are anxiously waiting to premiere.
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“Sing Sing” – July 12th
Cast: Colman Domingo, Paul Raci
Get ready for a powerful cinematic experience! Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo takes the spotlight in “Sing Sing,” a gripping film about prison inmates staging theatrical shows in a max-security facility in upstate New York. This captivating story is inspired by a real-life program that brings the transformative power of the arts behind bars.
Director Greg Kwedar went above and beyond to ensure authenticity, casting men who have actually experienced incarceration or participated in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts Program. Don’t miss this compelling blend of drama and reality!
“Twisters” – July 19th
Cast: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
Nearly three decades after the release of the iconic disaster film “Twister,” audiences are in for a whirlwind of excitement with “Twisters,” a standalone sequel that promises to take storm-chasing to new heights. Directed by the critically acclaimed Lee Isaac Chung, known for his poignant drama “Minari,” this action-packed thrill ride boasts an impressive cast and a fresh take on the genre.
While “Twisters” pays homage to its predecessor, it introduces a new generation of storm chasers, led by the charismatic trio of Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos. These intrepid adventurers will face off against not just one but twin tornados, raising the stakes and amplifying the intensity of the film’s high-octane action sequences.
In a departure from the original, “Twisters” aims to shed light on the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on severe weather patterns. Screenwriter Mark L. Smith worked closely with climate experts to ensure that the film’s narrative accurately reflects the challenges posed by our rapidly changing environment, adding a layer of relevance and urgency to the proceedings.
“Twisters” hits theaters on July 19th.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” – July 26th
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin
In a long-awaited crossover event, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) welcomes two iconic characters into its ever-expanding world. Ryan Reynolds reprises his role as the irreverent and fourth-wall-shattering “Deadpool”, while Hugh Jackman wears his claws once more as the fan-favorite Wolverine. While plot details remain shrouded in secrecy, one thing is certain: the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman is sure to be special.
Rumors have been swirling about potential cameos and surprises in store for audiences. From Taylor Swift’s alleged appearance to the possibility of other X-Men characters making their MCU debuts, the film promises delightful surprises for comic book fans and moviegoers alike. “Deadpool & Wolverine” premieres in theaters on July 26th.
“The Instigators” – August 2nd
Cast: Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Hong Chau, Paul Walter Hauser, Michael Stuhlbarg, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina
From the director of the “Bourne” series, Doug Liman, comes “The Instigators,” a high-stakes heist thriller keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. Starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck as career criminals caught up in a botched robbery, the film takes a unique turn when a therapist, played by Hong Chau, becomes embroiled in their getaway plan.
At its core, “The Instigators” is a thrilling heist story that takes unexpected twists and turns. As the botched robbery unfolds, the characters find themselves in increasingly precarious situations, forcing them to navigate a web of deceit, betrayal, and high-stakes action. “The Instigators” premieres in theaters on August 2nd and airs on Apple TV+ on August 9th.
“Borderlands” – August 9th
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Ariana Greenblatt, Jamie Lee Curtis
In the wake of successful video game adaptations like “The Last of Us” and the upcoming “Fallout” series, “Borderlands” promises to bring the beloved space Western video game franchise to the big screen with a star-studded cast and a healthy dose of action and adventure. Led by Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett, the ensemble cast of “Borderlands” is a veritable who’s who of Hollywood talent. Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Ariana Greenblatt, and fellow Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis round out the cast, each bringing their unique talents to the table.
True to the spirit of the video game series, “Borderlands” delivers a quirky and offbeat adventure that blends humor, action, and a touch of the absurd. With director Eli Roth at the helm, known for his work in the horror genre, audiences can expect a healthy dose of thrills and chills amidst the film’s intergalactic misadventures. “Borderlands” premieres in theaters on August 9th.
“It Ends With Us” – August 9th
Cast: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj
Based on the blockbuster novel by Colleen Hoover, “It Ends With Us” hopes to be a powerful and poignant exploration of love, trauma, and the complexities of human relationships. Starring Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, the film follows her journey as she navigates the intricacies of a passionate romance with a charming neurosurgeon, Ryle, played by Justin Baldoni, who also serves as the director.
At its core, “It Ends With Us” tackles the sensitive and often overlooked issue of domestic abuse. Lily’s past experiences with witnessing violence in her childhood shape her perceptions and interactions with Ryle, creating a complex web of emotions and dynamics that challenge traditional notions of love and relationships. “It Ends With Us” premieres in theaters on August 9th.
“Close to You” – August 16th
Cast: Elliot Page, Alia Shawkat, Will Sasso
Directed by Dominic Savage and co-written by Elliot Page, the film follows Sam, a young man returning to his hometown for the first time since transitioning, navigating a whirlwind of emotions and personal revelations. At the heart of “Close to You” is Elliot Page’s groundbreaking performance as Sam. Page’s nuanced portrayal of a transgender individual confronting the challenges of self-acceptance and societal perceptions promises to be a powerful and resonant experience for audiences.
Beyond its powerful storytelling, “Close to You” also serves as a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. By shining a spotlight on the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, the film aims to foster greater understanding, empathy, and acceptance, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society. “Close to You” premieres on August 16th in theaters.
“Blink Twice” – August 23rd
Cast: Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Kyle MacLachlan, Simon Rex, Alia Shawkat
Formerly known as “Pussy Island,” Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, “Blink Twice,” is poised to captivate audiences with its blend of mystery, suspense, and high-stakes drama. Starring Naomi Ackie as Frida, a cocktail waitress who finds herself whisked away to a private island by tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum), the film promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as events take a sinister turn.
While Zoë Kravitz is no stranger to the world of acting, having starred in numerous critically acclaimed films and television shows, “Blink Twice” marks her foray into the realm of directing. Kravitz’s directorial debut promises to be a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience. “Blink Twice” premieres in theaters on August 23rd.
“The Crow” – August 23rd
Cast: Bill Skarsgård, FKA twigs, Danny Huston
Thirty years after Brandon Lee’s tragic passing during the filming of the original “The Crow,” this haunting tale of vengeance and redemption is set to receive a long-awaited reboot. Directed by Rupert Sanders, the film stars Bill Skarsgård as the titular character, a murdered musician resurrected to avenge the deaths of himself and his girlfriend.
While the reboot aims to breathe new life into the cult classic, it also pays homage to the legacy of Brandon Lee and the original film. Skarsgård, known for his chilling portrayal of Pennywise in the “It” films, brings a unique intensity to the role, ensuring that the spirit of the original is preserved. “The Crow” premieres in theaters on August 23rd.