Most Anticipated Movies of 2023
Although 2022 was a disappointing year in film, 2023 promises to be different. Will this be the first year post-COVID for movies to come back full swing? We can only hope! Crossing my fingers!
Barbie - I just recently rewatched Lady Bird recently and I really gained a new appreciation for that film and Greta Gerwig’s abilities as a director. Margot Robbie is perfect casting and I always am a fan of Ryan Gosling. From the name alone, I wouldn’t ever think I’d be excited for this movie. However, all the talent behind it makes it very promising. Ryan Gosling also said he had to accept the role of Ken after seeing the script, saying it’s the best he’s ever read.
Oppenheimer - Christopher Nolan definitely always promises something unique with the way he tells stories. I’m really hoping this is a redemption for him after the mess that Tenet was. I already know a bit about Oppenheimer’s story and I think his life and the development of the atomic bomb are fascinating. The cast is full of name brand talent and the most recent trailer has me excited for what Nolan has in store. I’m very interested to see how he tackles his first go at a biopic type movie. I feel he’ll offer some special storytelling abilities and unexpected elements to this more grounded and true to life story.
Indian Jones and the Dial of Destiny - Indiana Jones may be my favorite movie franchise ever. Although it was a disappointment, even Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was a fun adventure to me. James Mangold is really the reason I have hope for Harrison Ford’s final send off as the iconic character. I’m always a bit weary with Marvel and Lucasfilm projects nowadays but Ford v Ferrari and Logan are very strong films. The trailer didn’t do much for me and the title is pretty weak but I’m still holding out hope.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One - I love to support big budget filmmaking like this. In a time when I think franchise movies have started becoming dry and stale, these movies continue to up their game. Check out the 10 minute featurette on Tom Cruise’s major stunt for the movie if you need something to sell you.
Untitle Roosevelt Martin Scorsese - Whether this actually ends up coming out this year, I don’t know. What I do know is Roosevelt was a pretty interesting and courageous figure and Scorsese always has me excited. Leonardo DiCaprio is set to star and we know the two of them love to work together, putting out some very solid movies.
Dune: Part Two - Denis Villeneuve!!! That name should really sell it on its own. Although I was disappointed to find out when seeing the first that it was only part one of this epic tale, I need to know how Paul Atreides journey ends and can’t wait to see how Villeneuve’s creativity pours out on the screen. If this one lands, Part One and Two could together form a cinematic masterpiece. I’m already pulling for Best Picture on this one.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes - I only really enjoyed the first film in the franchise but I love these type of futuristic, dystopian stories. I’m very interested to see a prequel on how the Hunger Games themselves started. It’s some pretty heavy subject material and if the talent behind it handles it correctly, it could definitely impress.
Wonka - Willy Wonka was one of my favorites growing up. The premise is so interesting to me with such an enigmatic figure building this candy empire. I also really enjoyed the book. Although Timothy Chalamet isn’t always my cup of tea, I think he could knock this role out of the park. The real reason I’m holding such high hopes for this retelling is Paul King. Both Paddington movies were amazing and such feel good stories. If he can bring some of that magic to this project, I think it could be a real gem.
Elemental- The last few Pixar movies haven’t resonated with me but their track record always gets me anticipating their next project. The trailer also showed a lot of creativity in my opinion and resonated immediately with me.
The Killer - David Fincher is my favorite working director so any project of his excites me. I wasn’t a fan of Mank so since Gone Girl, I’ve been itching for another great Fincher film. Just the title alone sounds like this is right in his wheel house, reminiscent of his other work. Michael Fassbender is also a favorite of mine and I’m hoping this can be somewhat of a comeback for him. If Fincher brings his A game to this project, it could me something special.
Maestro - My excitement for this all rests on the fact that Bradley Cooper is directing. Star is Born was phenomenal and the fact that Spielberg opted out of this one to let Cooper direct gets me even more hopeful.
Asteroid City - Wes Anderson is pretty hit or miss for me. I think Grand Budapest was his last great film and this one is described as his biggest project yet. There’s not to much more information that catches my attention but I’m crossing my fingers this is a hit.
Ferrari - There’s not too much information on this one but Michael Mann is the real reason to look forward to this film. Heat is an absolute classic and hopefully this one gives us something similar.
Napoleon - Napoleon is one of those major historical figures we still have yet to see get the big screen treatment. We know Kubrick put in a lot of effort to try to make it happen. Maybe with some better technology further down the road, he could have done it. Now in the hands of the legendary Ridley Scott, this could still be great. Joaquin Phoenix will definitely deliver a memorable performance and Apple TV+ really seems to be making the right choices as of late. They clearly know what projects to put their money behind.
