As the holiday season approaches, Hollywood is set to release an impressive lineup of films, aiming to revitalize the box office following a challenging fall. Notably, the musical adaptation of “Wicked: For Good” has already made a significant impact with its global debut. The upcoming slate promises a mix of genres and star power, potentially making for a vibrant end to the year.
Upcoming Releases
The holiday season kicks off with several films scheduled for release starting December 5, 2023. Among them is “Dust Bunny,” featuring Mads Mikkelsen as a ghostbuster tackling childhood fears. Another noteworthy title is “Fackham Hall,” described as a parody of “Downton Abbey,” infused with a Pythonesque sense of humor.
On the horror front, “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” sees Josh Hutcherson and Elizabeth Lail return to battle the animatronic terrors. The cinematic adaptation of “Merrily We Roll Along” showcases a Tony-winning revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical, filmed with the original cast led by Daniel Radcliffe. Rounding out December 5 is “Rosemead,” where Lucy Liu portrays a mother confronting her son’s obsession with mass shootings.
December 12 brings “Dead Man’s Wire,” a true-crime thriller directed by Gus Van Sant, featuring Al Pacino. James L. Brooks, known for “Terms of Endearment,” returns after a 15-year hiatus with “Ella McCay,” starring Emma Mackey in a poignant family drama.
Major Releases on the Horizon
The excitement continues on December 19 with “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” marking James Cameron’s return to Pandora. This highly anticipated sequel is expected to draw large audiences for its extensive runtime of over three hours. Additionally, “Is This Thing On” features Bradley Cooper in his directorial debut, exploring the complexities of love in middle age with Will Arnett and Laura Dern.
Another intriguing title releasing on the same day is “The Housemaid,” starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, which delves into the dark dynamics of a wealthy family and their new maid, an ex-convict.
Christmas Day will see the release of “Father Mother Sister Brother,” a critically acclaimed film by Jim Jarmusch that won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. This film offers a unique, humorous, and insightful perspective on familial relationships. In a lighter vein, “Anaconda” features Jack Black and Paul Rudd in a comedic reimagining of the 1997 jungle thriller.
Fans of music will enjoy “Song Sung Blue,” where Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star as a Neil Diamond tribute duo navigating love and life through classic songs. Lastly, “Marty Supreme” is expected to keep Timothée Chalamet in the awards conversation with his portrayal of a 1950s table tennis player, aiming for another Best Actor Oscar nomination.
This holiday season, Hollywood is betting on a diverse range of films that cater to various tastes, hoping to captivate audiences and generate significant box office returns. With a mix of humor, drama, and fantasy, the upcoming releases could mark a triumphant end to a tumultuous year for the film industry.
