Anticipated Films of 2024

“Dune 2,” “Deadpool 3,” and “Joker: Folie à Deux” are anticipated to make a splash at the box office in 2024, according to the film industry publication Hollywood Reporter.

Despite the Hollywood strike last year leading to delays or cancellations of some projects, there are still many high-budget films expected to debut this year – from sequels to established franchises like Gladiator and Beetlejuice, to comic book adaptations like Deadpool and Joker.

Hollywood Reporter highlights several films set to premiere this year, featuring a lineup of stars and garnering high praise from audiences.

The Book of Clarence

Trailer “The Book Of Clarence”. Video: CGV

Director: Jeymes Samuel Genre: Adventure, Comedy

Set in 33 AD, the story revolves around Clarence (played by LaKeith Stanfield), a poor man living in Jerusalem. Recognizing the influence of Jesus Christ, Clarence exploits religion for personal gain, drawing the attention of the Roman Empire. Throughout his schemes, Clarence gradually explores his own beliefs and principles.

“The Book of Clarence” holds a 94% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety comments: “The director overcomes limitations to create a bold take on faith.” In addition to LaKeith Stanfield, the cast includes RJ Cyler, Alfre Woodard, James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Teyana Taylor.

Argylle

Trailer ‘Argylle’
Trailer “Argylle,” released domestically on February 10 (Lunar New Year’s Day). Video: CGV

Director: Matthew Vaughn Genre: Action, Thriller

The film follows novelist Elly Conway (played by Bryce Dallas Howard), renowned for her mystery novel Argylle. Trouble ensues when the events Elly writes about in her book start happening in real life, making her a hunted target.

Elly is forced to become a spy to evade the pursuit of criminal gangs. Along the way, she encounters many comedic and perilous situations, including a meeting with the character Argylle (played by Henry Cavill) from her own novel.

“Argylle” garners attention for its star-studded cast including singer Dua Lipa, actors Catherine O’Hara, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, and Ariana DeBose.

Madame Web

Trailer ‘Madame Web’
Trailer “Madame Web”. Video: Sony Pictures Vietnam

Director: S. J. Clarkson Genre: Action, Adventure

Inspired by the Marvel Comics character of the same name, the film follows medical worker Cassandra Webb (played by Dakota Johnson) who discovers she has strange powers after an accident. Her abilities help her protect many people, including three girls, Julia Carpenter (played by Sydney Sweeney), Anya Corazon (played by Isabela Merced), and Mattie Franklin (played by Celeste O’Connor).

Cassandra must join forces with the three women to combat the villain Ezekiel Sims (played by Tahar Rahim). Ezekiel, who once worked with her mother, researched spider life in the Amazon. Like Cassandra, the antagonist can see the future.

The film promises to open up new possibilities for Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man Universe (SSU). The cast also includes Emma Roberts (as Mary Parker), Adam Scott (as Ben Parker), Mike Epps, and Zosia Mamet.

Dune 2

Trailer ‘Dune 2′
Trailer “Dune 2”. Video: Warner Bros. Vietnam

Director: Denis Villeneuve Genre: Action, Adventure

The sequel continues the story from the previous installment, focusing on Paul Atreides’ (played by Timothée Chalamet) journey of revenge against those who destroyed his family. Paul receives assistance from the Fremen tribe and Chani (played by Zendaya) – the beautiful girl he befriended during his exile.

Compared to the first part, Paul Atreides becomes more hardened after experiencing significant family turmoil. From a naive teenager, he must bear the fate of the entire planet Arrakis, with simmering resentment under the desert sands waiting to erupt. Paul succeeds in conquering the terrifying giant sandworms seen in the previous installment, earning cheers and admiration from the populace.

The first installment premiered in 2021, grossing over $400 million and winning six Oscars. The second installment features Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux, Austin Butler, and Christopher Walken.

Mickey 17

Teaser ‘Mickey 17’
Teaser “Mickey 17”. Video: Offscreen

Director: Bong Joon Ho Genre: Adventure, Drama

This marks the return of director Bong Joon Ho following the global success of “Parasite.” The film is based on the sci-fi novel of the same name by Edward Ashton. The story follows Mickey 17 (played by Robert Pattinson), a clone without emotions, on a journey to the snow-covered planet Niflheim to conquer it. All Mickeys share a common trait: when one version dies, a new body is regenerated with most of the memories intact.

The project stars Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, and Toni Collette. According to ComingSoon, in June 2023, a test screening of the film received positive reviews. Some critics praised the film for its adept handling of political themes, characteristic of the director’s style. Robert Pattinson delivers an excellent performance, while Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette shine.

Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire

Trailer ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’
Trailer “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” released domestically on April 12. Video: Warner Bros. Vietnam

Director: Adam Wingard Genre: Action, Adventure

The film continues the events of “Godzilla vs. Kong.” This time, the giant ape Kong returns to his homeland – the Hollow Earth – the birthplace of the Titans. Here, Kong establishes a new kingdom with mysterious creatures, encountering Skar King – a similar species of Titan seeking to dominate the Hollow Earth. Kong must join forces with Godzilla to protect humans and creatures alike.

According to Variety, the film expands Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment’s Monsterverse. The cast includes Rebecca Hall (as Dr. Ilene Andrews), Brian Tyree Henry (as Bernie Hayes), and Kaylee Hottle (as Jia, the only one who can communicate with Kong).

Challengers

Trailer ‘Challengers’
Trailer “Challengers”. Video: Warner Bros. Vietnam

Director: Luca Guadagnino Genre: Drama, Romance

The film stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a tennis prodigy. Tashi is ambitious and resorts to any means to secure the top spot, both on and off the court. She marries Art (played by Mike Faist), a tennis player facing a string of losses. Tashi devises a plan to train Art to regain his former glory.

During training, Tashi reunites with Patrick (played by Josh O’Connor) – Art’s old friend, who had a past romance with the tennis player. At a tournament, Art and Patrick become opponents. As memories of love resurface, Tashi stands at a crossroads with choices that could change her life and relationships.