Everything old is new again in 2025, after what was a darned good year for movies in 2024. Just consider the sequels, reboots and reimaginings heading to theaters this year:
“Guardians of the Galaxy” whiz James Gunn gives audiences another update of “Superman” (July 10) with a dashing Clark Kent (David Corenswet), a hip Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and a menacing Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). Disney de-animates (sort of) “Snow White” (March 21) with Rachel Zegler whistling a happy tune. Director Maggie Gyllenhaal brings back to life “The Bride” (of Frankenstein, that is, Sept. 26) with Jesse Buckley and Christian Bale.
Meanwhile, Hollywood ensures the “Jurassic Park” franchise won’t go extinct with “Jurassic World Rebirth” (July 2) with Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson battling dinos. The trailer for Danny Boyle’s latest zombie odyssey “28 Years Later” (June 20) with Aaron Taylor-Johnson promises to be one of the must-see horror films of 2025. And of course, “Wicked for Good” (Nov. 21) wraps up Jon M. Chu’s magical adaptation of the Broadway smash. It’s certain to be ever so popular. There’s also “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” (May 23) starring American cinema’s Energizer Bunny Tom Cruise as super-spy Ethan Hunt; and Pixar’s annual summer release “Elio” (June 13).
And here are four “original” releases I can’t wait to see.
“Sinners”: Oakland native Ryan Coogler enters Jordan Peele terrain with his first horror entry, starring frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan. The freaky trailer looks to raise not only the stakes but the shivers of what looks to be a vampire blood-chiller involving twin brothers in the 1930s.
Details: Due in theaters March 7.
“Black Bag”: Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender play married spies whose work duties create major headaches in this Steven Soderbergh-directed thriller. The trailer promises a sexy cat-and-mouse game and we’re more than happy to play along.
Details: In theaters March 14.
“I’m Still Here”: Already a major hit in Brazil, celebrated filmmaker Walter Salles’ first film in 12 years serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the courageous families who survived an oppressive South American regime in the ‘70s. Based on one family’s true story, it’s a powerful indie drama with a knockout lead performance from Fernanda Torres.
Details: Due in Bay Area theaters Jan. 24.
“Death of a Unicorn”: Who could resist an irreverent and goofy/scary tale about the discovery of a unicorn that spawns something monstrous? We’re ordering tickets right now. Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni and Richard E. Grant headline the A24 genre bender.
Details: Slated for spring release.
“Mickey 17”: Oscar-winning filmmaker Bong Joon-ho (“Parasite”) is set to trip us out yet again by sending Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) into space to die again and again in this sci-fi epic. It’s based on a well-received novel.
— Randy Myers, Correspondent
