Film buffs will welcome 2017 with much anticipation for upcoming movies that include revivals or sequels to successful franchises and a few new titles.
Mashable listed down 10 Hollywood movies to watch out for in 2017, with some having already released their trailers.
1. The Lego Batman Movie
The Dark Knight will return to the big screen in plastic, with all hints of comedy that made the first Lego Movie in 2014 a successful cinema crossover for the world-renowned construction toys. Will Arnett lends his voice for the toy caped crusader. The Lego Batman Movie also stars Rosario Dawson, Jenny Slate, Mariah Carey and Billy Dee Williams. Initial release: February 2017
2. Beauty and the Beast
Fans of the “tale as old as time” have high expectations for this dark-themed live action remake of the classic Disney animated fairy tale. Emma Watson, of Harry Potter fame, becomes the new Disney princess, with Dan Stevens portraying the beast who will be tamed by the damsel in distress. Initial release: March 2017
3. Spider-Man: Homecoming
From Marvel’s cinematic universe comes the comeback of the web-slinging super hero, with British actor Tom Holland starring in the new reboot as Peter Parker discovering his new spider-like powers while navigating life as a teenager. Helping him out is no other than fellow Avenger Iron Man/billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.). Holland was first introduced as the new Spider-Man in 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War.” Initial release: July 2017
4. Snatched
A mother-daughter buddy movie featuring Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn, “Snatched” was described by Mashable as a movie that looks like “Taken” meets “Trainwreck” meets that spa retreat episode of “Gilmore Girls.” Initial release: May 2017
5. Wonder Woman
When DC Comics’ supercharged heroes clashed in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” a heroine joined in the fray: no less than Wonder Woman. In 2017, Gal Gadot will reprise her role as the immortal daughter of Zeus masquerading as businesswoman Diana Prince. It remains to be seen whether her standalone film will help save her story from “woefully underdeveloped trappings.” Initial release: June 2017
6. Dunkirk
Perhaps one name is the film’s biggest draw: Harry Styles. But aside from the One Direction singer, the period drama—depicting the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the French town of Dunkirk during World War II—nonetheless features a star-studded cast that includes Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Fionn Whitehead and Kenneth Branagh. Initial release: July 2017
7. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Another Marvel blockbuster, Guardians of the Galaxy returns to cinemas this 2017 with the dynamic team of Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Zaldana), Drax (Batista), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) trying to keep their tight-knit family together while Star-Lord explores more about his true parentage. Initial release: April 2017
8. The Circle
Based on the best-selling 2013 novel by Dave Eggers, the science thriller fiction delves into a creepy technological culture. It stars Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, Karen Gillan and John Boyega. Initial release: April 2017
9. Justice League
While 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” earned mixed reception from critics and viewers, DC Comics’ answer to the Avengers hopes to entice superhero fans with its powerful ensemble led by no less than Superman and Batman. The movie also sees Wonder Woman making her second big screen appearance in a year. Also expected: Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg. Initial release: November 2017
10. Star Wars: Episode VIII
The intergalactic film touted as the most anticipated film of 2017 (with the trailer and the episode title still under wraps) is also the most bittersweet one for Star Wars fans. Episode VIII, which is currently in post-production stage, also marks the very last movie appearance of the much-loved Princess/General Leia, immortalized by Carrie Fisher, who passed away on December 27. Fans will eagerly await Fisher’s portrayal of the strong-willed twin of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in leading the Resistance against the resurgent elements of the dark side of the Force. With the positive reception received by “Episode VII: The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One,” Disney will surely have another cash cow to cap 2017. Initial release: December 2017