As the leaves turn shades of red, orange, and gold, film lovers know that the fall season isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters—it’s also about some of the most anticipated films of the year. Traditionally, the fall movie season delivers a mix of big-budget blockbusters, award-season hopefuls, and indie darlings that captivate audiences with their storytelling and performances. Jeff Derderian explores how fall 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting season for film enthusiasts, offering a wide array of genres to satisfy every taste.
Here are some of the most anticipated films that will be hitting theaters this fall:
1. Dune: Part Two
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films of the year. The first part of the epic science fiction adaptation wowed audiences and critics alike with its stunning visuals, immersive world-building, and intricate plotlines. Based on Frank Herbert’s classic novel, the story follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he rises to power and faces new challenges on the desert planet of Arrakis.
Dune: Part Two will pick up where the first film left off, diving deeper into the complex relationships between noble families, the political intrigue of the universe, and the mystical elements of the Fremen people. With an all-star cast that includes Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, and Florence Pugh joining the ensemble, this film promises to be a grand spectacle that will leave audiences mesmerized. Expect sweeping landscapes, stunning cinematography, and a profound exploration of power, destiny, and rebellion.
2. The Killer
Release Date: November 10, 2024
Directed by David Fincher and starring Michael Fassbender, The Killer is a film that has been generating buzz ever since its announcement. Based on the French graphic novel series of the same name, this neo-noir thriller follows a cold and methodical hitman (played by Fassbender) who begins to crack under the psychological strain of his deadly profession.
Fincher, known for his mastery of the thriller genre (Se7en, Zodiac, Gone Girl), is expected to deliver another gripping and meticulously crafted film. Fassbender, returning to the big screen after a brief hiatus, is the perfect choice to portray a character who struggles with his sense of morality while remaining a master of his deadly craft. With Fincher at the helm, The Killer could be a dark, cerebral, and tension-filled journey that will linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.
3. Wish
Release Date: November 22, 2024
This fall, Disney is celebrating 100 years of animation with Wish, a film that promises to be both a nostalgic homage to the studio’s legacy and a fresh, modern story that speaks to today’s audiences. Directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn, Wishis set in the fantastical Kingdom of Wishes and centers around a young girl named Asha who makes a powerful wish for the stars to guide her on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.
With a cast led by Ariana DeBose and featuring new original songs, Wish taps into the magic and wonder that has made Disney films beloved across generations. Given its connection to Disney’s centennial celebration, Wish is expected to be a beautifully animated and emotionally resonant film, perfect for families and animation lovers alike. It will undoubtedly carry the hallmarks of Disney’s timeless storytelling: adventure, friendship, and the power of dreams.
4. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Release Date: November 17, 2024
The highly anticipated prequel to The Hunger Games series is finally here. Based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes takes audiences back to the early days of Panem, long before Katniss Everdeen ever volunteered as tribute. This prequel focuses on a young Coriolanus Snow (played by Tom Blyth) as he mentors a female tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), during the 10th annual Hunger Games.
The prequel delves into Snow’s rise to power, revealing the origin story of one of the most infamous villains in YA literature. With Francis Lawrence, who directed the previous films in the franchise, returning to helm this one, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes promises to be a thrilling and insightful addition to the Hunger Games universe, offering a deeper look into the social and political complexities of Panem.
5. Napoleon
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Ridley Scott’s Napoleon stars Joaquin Phoenix as the legendary French military leader and emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. The film is said to focus on Napoleon’s rise to power, his tempestuous relationship with his wife, Josephine (played by Vanessa Kirby), and the brutal military campaigns that helped him shape European history.
Known for his grand historical epics such as Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, Scott is expected to deliver a visually stunning and ambitious portrayal of one of history’s most complex figures. With Joaquin Phoenix in the lead, fresh off his Oscar-winning performance in Joker, audiences can expect a commanding and intense portrayal of Napoleon, capturing both his brilliance and his flaws. This epic biographical drama is likely to be a major contender during the awards season, especially with Scott’s keen eye for historical detail and dynamic storytelling.
6. Wonka
Release Date: December 15, 2024
For those seeking a whimsical escape this fall, Wonka, directed by Paul King (Paddington), will take audiences into the origins of the world’s most famous chocolate maker, Willy Wonka. Starring Timothée Chalamet as the young, eccentric chocolatier, the film promises to be a charming and fantastical journey filled with music, magic, and a touch of nostalgia for fans of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Set before the events of Roald Dahl’s classic story, Wonka will explore the origins of the titular character and how he came to create his famous chocolate factory. With Chalamet’s charismatic performance and Paul King’s whimsical direction, Wonka is poised to be a delightful family-friendly film that taps into the wonder of imagination.
Fall 2024 is packed with an incredible lineup of films that promise to captivate audiences of all ages and tastes. From the epic sci-fi landscapes of Dune: Part Two to the historical drama of Napoleon, the heart-pounding tension of The Killer, and the enchanting worlds of Wish and Wonka, there is something for everyone this season. Whether you’re heading to the cinema for a blockbuster spectacle or a thoughtful drama, fall 2024 is shaping up to be a memorable time for movie lovers.