This week came in hot with the first stills fromGladiator II, finally giving fans of the 2000 movie a treat after a long wait. 24 years after the original premiered, the upcoming sequel is filled with a star-studded cast, and a brand-new warrior to root for in the bloody battles set to happen in the Colosseum. In addition to the film’s first images, another headline made musical lovers even more pumped to know thatWickedwill arrive on the big screen a few days earlier. Other major news stories that came out includeupdates onNow You See Me 3, as well as potential guest appearances from the newly-appointedFantastic Fourat an upcoming event. To keep you in the loop on what is happening in the film world, here is a detailed breakdown of all the big announcements that came out this week.
‘Gladiator II’ First Images Take Paul Mescal to the Colosseum
After much anticipation,Vanity Fair gave a generous first lookatGladiator IIearly this week. The outlet shared several images of the main cast at the Colosseum, including a shot featuring an intense sword fight betweenPaul MescalandPedro Pascal.TheNormal Peoplealumwill be the main warrior in the upcoming sequel, playing Commodus' nephew Lucius. Other cast members who are also part of the ensemble includeDenzel Washington,Joseph Quinn, andConnie Nielsen. According toRidley Scott, the film’s identity will be shaped by the OG installment’s legacy, honoring Maximus (Russell Crowe) 20 years after his tragic death. As reported last month,Gladiator IIwill be arriving internationally on November 15 and in North America on November 22.
Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal Clash in First ‘Gladiator II’ Images
Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal are sweaty and bloody in the first images from Ridley Scott’s highly-anticipated sequel.
‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ Hope to Spark a New Barbenheimer This November
A surprise announcement aboutWicked’s theatrical premiere was made this week, informing us that it would arrive sooner than expected.Originally set to come out on November 27(alongsideMoana 2), the movie’s release date changed to November 22, becoming the main competitor toGladiator IIat the box office. Several people believe that these two titles arriving on the big screen on the same day could leadto another “Barbenheimer” moment, with fans lining up to watch one or the other (or even both). The film based on the beloved Broadway musical is directed byJon M. Chu(responsible forIn the HeightsandCrazy Rich Asians) and hasAriana GrandeandCynthia Erivoplaying Galenda and Elphaba, two very different witches who are close at first but have a major fallout when one of them takes a dark turn.
‘Wicked’ Gets in the Arena With ‘Gladiator II’ With New Release Date
Are you not entertained?
‘The Fantastic Four’ in Talks To Make Guest Appearance at the San Diego Comic-Con
AfterSDCC posters surfaced onlineshowing Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn as Mr. Fantastic and Human Torch, it is very probablethatThe Fantastic Fourcastmight be making their official debut at the event. The reboot will commence filming on July 29, a day after San Diego Comic-Con is over, meaning that the likelihood of the actors making a quick stop at the convention is big. The news about the cast’s attendance hasn’t been confirmed yet, but there are high chances that Marvel Studios presidentKevin Feigemight introduce them as the new faces taking on the beloved comic book superheroes. In addition to Pascal and Quinn,Vanessa KirbyandEbon Moss-Bachrachwill play Invisible Woman and The Thing.
Are The Fantastic Four Coming to San Diego Comic Con?
SDCC 2024 begins on July 25.
Ti West Is Open To Expand ‘X’ Franchise After ‘Maxxxine’
AlthoughMaxxxinehas been marketed as the final chapter of theXfranchise,Ti Westis still pondering whether to make more sequels and spinoffs related to the horror trilogy. In a recent interview with Collider’s ownPerri Nemiroff, the director brought fans hope by hinting that Maxine (played byMia Goth) hasn’t finished her spree yet. When asked about the promo for the film alluding to the end of the franchise, West simply responded that he “didn’t make the trailers”, which clearly shows he is still very optimistic about continuing to venture into this universe. When adding the finishing touches to the third installment, he discussed thathe already has an ideafor another film if number 3 has a positive reception:
“There is this one weird idea that I have that is kind of … if I explained it, it would make sense.But we’ll see what happens. Let’s get this movie done first, see if people like it. Then we’ll go from there.”
In her interview with Nemiroff,MaxxxinestarLily Collinsalso expressed her desire to go back on set for a fourth movie, which is also assuring.
The ‘MaXXXine’ Trailers Have Lied to You — Ti West Is Still Game for a Fourth Film
The filmmaker may not be done with Mia Goth’s titular slasher just yet.
‘Now You See Me 3’ Coming Out Next Year With Even More Magic Tricks
The Four Horsemen have a lot more tricks up their sleeves, andNow You See Me 3will see them orchestrating another heist-meets-illusion show. Lionsgate announced this week that the film is expected to arrive in theaters on July 22, 2025. Although plot details are currently under wraps, it has already been confirmed thatJesse Eisenberg,Isla Fisher,Woody Harrelson,Dave Franco, andMorgan Freemanwill all be back for the upcoming sequel. In addition to the returning cast, the third installment will also introduce a new group of magicians, withJustice Smith,Dominic Sessa,Ariana Greenblatt,andRosamund Pikeplayingthem onscreen.
‘Now You See Me 3’ Just Got a Massive Update
Jesse Eisenberg is set to return for the threequel next year.
Peter Jackson Finally Revealed What ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ Is About
AfterThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy garnered a massive following over the years,Peter Jacksonis returning to the franchiseas the producer of the upcoming prequelThe Hunt of Gollum. This week, the renowned filmmaker gave further insight into what fans can expect from the movie, sharing that it will be less about epic battles and more about understanding Gollum’s mind. The project will serve as an origin story for the character, and it will further examine the differences between him and Sméagol. Here is what he had to say about the plot:
“The Gollum/Sméagol character has always fascinated me because Gollum reflects the worst of human nature, whilst his Sméagol side is, arguably, quite sympathetic. I think he connects with readers and film audiences alike, because there’s a little bit of both of them in all of us. We really want to explore his backstory and delve into those parts of his journey we didn’t have time to cover in the earlier films. It’s too soon to know who will cross his path, but suffice to say we will take our lead from Professor Tolkien.”
Peter Jackson Reveals Major Plot Details For ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt For Gollum’
“I think he connects with readers and film audiences alike.”
‘Avatar 4’ Begins Shooting and Sets Release Date for Years From Now
James Cameronis adding another sequel to theAvatarfranchise, and although it is only coming out in 2029 (yes, a few years from now), it is exciting to know thatthe film has begun shooting. The update was shared byJoel David Moorethrough his Instagram handle. The actor who plays Norm Spellman in the sci-fi franchise said in the post’s caption that he is back in New Zealand and that being in the country feels nostalgic to him since he has been heading there for the past 17 years working on theAvatarfilms. In an interview with Collider,Zoe Saldaña also expressed her enthusiasmto work alongside Cameron in the upcoming installment, stating that the director never ceases to blow her mind.
‘Avatar 4’ Star Shares an Exciting Filming Update
The sequel is currently slated to premiere in December 2029.
