Your Guide To The Biggest Films Still To Be Released in 2021
Giant worms? Check. Jackasses? Check. Mind-boggling sci-fi about VR and human memories? Also that.
As much as I hate to acknowledge the passage of time, we are over halfway through 2021. Gross, I know. Many of the films I listed back in December have actually come out so it was high time we went through and delivered an update. Without any mucking around, here are the films to look forward to as we battle the rest of 2021.
The Suicide Squad
Guardians of the Galaxy director, James Gunn’s reimagining of/sequel to 2016’s Suicide Squad is stacked with a starstudded cast and insane visuals. The Suicide Squad is lead by Idris Elba, Margot Robbie and John Cena, and also stars Pete Davidson, Jai Courtney and Sylvester Stalone. Robbie is back as Harley Quinn, and if early reviews are anything to go by, the movie is a deliriously fun ride. Check it out in cinemas from August 5.
Reminiscence
From the mind of Westworld co-writer Lisa Joy, comes this mind-bending sci-fi about a man who uses VR technology designed to help people relive their memories, to find his long lost true love. Starring Hugh Jackman, the film is out on August 19.
Candyman
The much-anticipated remake of the 1992 cult horror classic was supposed to come out last year. But, you know, COVID-19. Directed by Nia Decosta, Candyman doubles as a remake and sequel and is sure to give you goosebumps. Take your easily spooked friends to see it on August 19.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
The MCU introduces it’s first Asian American hero in Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The cast is stacked, with Simu Liu, Tony Leung, Awkwafina, and Michelle Yeoh all getting top billing. Like most Marvel films, not a lot is known plot-wise, but the trailer looks kick-ass. Mark your calendars for September 2.
Malignant
Malaysian-Australian horror filmmaker James Wan made Malignant between overseeing the Conjuring films and directing Aquaman. Returning to his thriller roots, Malignant follows Madison, a woman paralyzed by shocking visions of grisly murders, but her torment worsens as she discovers that these waking dreams are in fact terrifying realities. Catch it on September 9.
The Many Saints Of Newark
Few TV show fans have waited longer and harder for content than fans of the HBO series, The Sopranos. The standalone film will take a look at the formative years of New Jersey gangster, Tony Soprano. The Many Saints of Newark is in cinemas on September 23.
Zola
Based on a viral thread of tweets posted by Aziah “Zola” King posted in 2015, Zola has a lot to live up to. This exhilarating girl gaze stripper romp stars Taylour Paige as Zola, a woman who gets caught up in a two-day bender with a sex worker, her pimp and unstable boyfriend. See it in cinemas September 23.
No Time To Die
Needing no introduction, Daniel Craig’s James Bond instalment is almost two years overdue thanks to COVID-19. Here’s hoping the new September 30 release date sticks.
The Drovers Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson
From Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri director, Leah Purcell’s The Drovers Wife was inspired by the classic Henry Lawson poem. Purcell adapted the poem into an award-winning play in 2015. The Australian western is asks the question: how far do you go to protect your loved ones? It hits cinemas on October 14.
Dune
Starring Jason Mamoa, Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Zendaya and Dave Bautista, Dune is an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic science fiction novel series by the same name. Originally set for release last year, Dune is now set for cinema release on October 21.
Jackass Forever
The Jackass crew are back for a final crusade. Join old pals such as Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O and Wee Man in cinemas, the same day as Dune, on October 21.
Last Night In Soho
Very little is known plot-wise about beloved director Edgar Wright’s latest psychological thriller. Starring Anna Taylor Joy, Terence Stamp and Matt Smith, the movie appears to follow a fashion design student who can mysteriously transport herself back to 1960s London. But everything is not as it seems. Unfurl the mystery for yourself in cinemas on October 28.
The Harder They Fall
Inspired by tales of the Black American outlaws in the Wild West, The Harder They Fall is a starstudded tale of revenge. When an outlaw discovers his enemy is being released from prison, he reunites his gang to seek vengeance. The film stars Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, Lakeith Stanfield, and Regina King. As a huge nerd for Westerns, I cannot wait. Netflix is yet to announce a release date, but it is due out this year.
Eternals
2021 Academy Award-winning director, Chloe Zhao helms this epic instalment of the MCU about immortal celestial beings known as the Eternals. Starring Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden and Gemma Chan, Eternals is set to be one of the MCU’s most ambitious stories yet and will be in cinemas November 4.
Merryana Salem (they/she) is a proud Wonnarua and Lebanese–Australian writer, critic, teacher and podcaster on most social media as @akajustmerry. If you want, check out their podcast, GayV Club where they gush about LGBTIQ rep in media. Either way, she hopes you ate something nice today.