20 movies to look forward to in 2020

By Neia Balao 8:46am PST, Dec 23, 2019

"Bad Boys for Life"

New year, new films. Wonderwall.com has round up a list of 20 of the most anticipated movies slated for release in 2020… starting with this new "Bad Boys" sequel… Whatcha gonna do when they come for you? Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, "Bad Boys for Life" follows long-time Miami cops Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett as they join forces once again after a dangerous mob boss threatens to seek revenge against them just as they plan to retire from the force. The film, which was directed by college friends and collaborators Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, comes out on Jan. 17. Keep reading for more…

"The Grudge"

Another horror film is on its way! Filmmaker Nicolas Pesce directed the latest installment of "The Grudge," which is slated to hit theaters on Jan. 3. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Nicolas explained why the Takashi Shimizu-originated franchise is suitable for reboots. "The beauty of the 'Grudge' franchise, both the American and Japanese iterations, is its anthology series," he said. "Every movie is a different story of different characters having different interactions with this curse. In today's age where we're remaking everything, I thought it would be fun to dive into the 'Grudge' universe where we don't have to remake anything, but rather a new chapter in this canon." The new movie stars actor Andrea Riseborough as a detective and single mother who must protect herself and her son from the demonic ghosts terrorizing their suburban neighborhood.

"Dolittle"

Starring Robert Downey Jr., "Dolittle" is a fantasy adventure film that follows the life of — you guessed it — Dr. John Dolittle! Set in 19th-century England, the film follows the eccentric doctor and his equally eccentric animal friends as they venture off to a mysterious, mythological island in hopes of finding a cure for severely ill Queen Victoria. The film also includes a stellar cast of familiar voices including Selena Gomez, Tom Holland, Rami Malek, Octavia Spencer, Emma Thompson and more. It opens on Jan. 17.

"The Gentlemen"

"The Gentlemen" is a British-American crime film that centers around Mickey Pearson, an American expat who made his fortune by creating a London-based marijuana empire. When news leaks that Mickey is looking to leave the business, he finds himself subject to a plethora of schemes arranged by those who want his fortune for themselves. The Guy Ritchie-directed film, which stars big names like Matthew McConaughey, Michelle Dockery, Charlie Hunnam, Hugh Grant, Colin Farrell, Henry Golding and more, opens on Jan. 24.

Delightfully deranged Harley Quinn is the central character in "Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)," a flick starring Margot Robbie — who's also one of its producers. According to screenwriter Christina Hodson, "Birds of Prey" will see Harley on a new adventure separate from the shenanigans seen in 2016's "Suicide Squad." In other words, this film will take a stand-alone approach to the storytelling. In an interview with Total Film, Christina also revealed that Margot has always been interested in seeing Harley in a more female-centric story. "Margot knew she wanted to tell a 'Harley Quinn plus girls' story. She knew she wanted a girl gang. She wanted Harley to have friends," she explained. According to Vogue, Margot developed and pitched "Birds of Prey" to Warner Bros. as an "R-rated, female-led superhero action film." She explained, "I think there's a perception that a PG female-led action film is kind of considered a chick flick… it's definitely less male gaze-y." "Birds of Prey" hits theaters on Feb. 7.

"Sonic the Hedgehog"

The much-talked about film based on the Sega video game franchise of the same name stars Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic and Jim Carrey as the villainous Doctor Robotnik, with James Marsden and Tika Sumpter in supporting roles. The movie was supposed to debut in November 2019, but after the official trailer dropped on April 30, 2019, its release was ultimately pushed back due to backlash surrounding the design of the titular character. Director Jeff Fowler took to Twitter to thank fans for offering up their thoughts on the matter. "Thank you for the support. And the criticism," he wrote. "The message is loud and clear. You aren't happy with the design and you want changes. It's going to happen. Everyone at Paramount and Sega are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be." Reparations didn't come cheap — the redesign reportedly cost Paramount a whopping $5 million! Thankfully, it seems like fans are much more satisfied with the modifications that were made to the classic Sega character. "Sonic the Hedgehog" is slated for release on Feb. 14.

"Onward"

Serious question: Is there any Pixar film that hasn't gotten us in our feels? "Onward" is a new movie from the animation studio that stars blockbuster big-timers Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Octavia Spencer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mandy Patinkin and Emily Blunt. Marvel actors Tom and Chris voice two teen elf brothers who embark on an adventure in hopes of finding out if there's any magic left in the world. The film definitely promises to solicit a ton of tears, so consider this your warning. "Onward" hits theaters on March 6.

"A Quiet Place: Part II"

If they hear you, they hunt you. "A Quiet Place: Part II" — the follow-up to 2018's "A Quiet Place" — revisits the Abbott family as they join forces with an ominous stranger to defend themselves against extraterrestrial creatures that will hunt anyone who makes a sound. John Krasinski again directs and Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe return to star along with new cast members Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou. The horror flick hits theaters on March 20.

"Mulan"

The new live-action Disney film 'Mulan" is based loosely on the 1998 animated film of the same name. It tells the story of Fa Mulan (played by Liu Yifei), a young woman who serves in the Imperial Army under the guise of her father. Unlike the 1998 animated version, however, this 2020 adaptation is not a musical — a revelation that incited backlash from many adoring fans of its predecessor. Other notable changes that were revealed: The new movie does not include heartthrob Li Shang and sidekick Mushu. Will the Niki Caro-directed film stand the test of time? We can't wait to find out! "Mulan" debuts on March 27.

"The Lovebirds"

We love "Insecure" and we adore "The Big Sick," so our excitement over this film was to be expected. "The Lovebirds" is a romantic comedy directed by Michael Showalter and starring critically acclaimed writer-actors Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani. The rom-com tells the story of a couple on the verge of a breakup who become involved in a peculiar murder mystery. It's slated to hit theaters on April 3.

"No Time to Die"

"No Time to Die" is the latest James Bond film starring Daniel Craig and it's set to open on April 8. The spy thriller directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga follows Agent 007 as he embarks on a dangerous journey to save a kidnapped scientist. This is the 25th installment in the iconic, long-running franchise. "No Time to Die" will be the fifth and final time Daniel reprises his role as the suave 007 agent.

"Black Widow"

"Black Widow" is the Marvel superhero film spotlighting the character of the same name. Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as the titular heroine in the movie that aims to dig deeper into Natasha Romanoff's backstory. Director Cate Shortland told Collider she wanted to explore more of Black Widow than ever before. "I think that's what drew me to the story — she's got so many secrets, she's got so much vulnerability and I think that's what makes her such a great heroine," she said. "In this film we get to understand her passion and put the pieces of herself together and come out a whole person." "Black Widow" debuts in theaters on May 1.

"Legally Blonde 3"

We'd be absolutely remiss if we didn't mention this one! After almost 20 years, Reese Witherspoon is back to reprise her role as hot pink-loving Harvard Law grad Elle Woods. While there haven't been too many details revealed about the third installment in the "Legally Blonde" franchise, according to IMDb, Jessica Cauffiel and Alanna Ubach are set to reprise their roles as Elle's fun-loving sorority sisters. In June 2019, Reese revealed to "Entertainment Tonight" that the film will see Elle going on a "hero's journey" as she did in the original movie. The "Big Little Lies" star confirmed the film was a go on June 7, 2018, via Instagram when she posted a video casually floating across the pool in a very Elle-inspired pink bikini. "It's true… #LegallyBlonde3," she captioned. "Legally Blonde 3" is expected to debut on May 8. We'll be bend and snapping all the way to the theater!

"Greyhound"

Directed by Aaron Schneider, "Greyhound" is a war film starring Oscar winner Tom Hanks, who also wrote the screenplay. The film, which is based on C.S. Forester's 1955 novel "The Good Shepherd," is set during World War II as Commander Ernest Krause (Tom) is tasked with leading 37 Allied ships across the tumultuous North Atlantic waters, all while being pursued by Nazi submarines. It's expected to open on May 8.

"The Personal History of David Copperfield"

"The Personal History of David Copperfield" is a comedic drama written and directed by Armando Iannucci. The film, which is based on Charles Dickens' Victorian-era novel "David Copperfield," chronicles David's life over the years. British actor Dev Patel stars in the titular role and, according to Armando, Dev was his first choice from the get-go. "David starts off awkward, and funny and nervy," he told Deadline, "and then as the film progresses, he becomes more mature and becomes strong, and it was a matter of finding someone who could go from being kind of naive and awkward to being strong and charismatic. I remember it was actually when I saw [the 2016 film] 'Lion' [that I thought of him]. Because I'd seen Dev be funny and awkward. But when I watched 'Lion,' I thought, 'That's David Copperfield. There's David.'" Dev also admitted to Deadline that while he was flattered by Armando's praise, he actually had never read the Charles Dickens classic before. "[But] I met Armando and was just so captivated by that first meeting — his passion, and the way he spoke about his vision — and when I got the script, [I was struck by] how playful it was… It felt so kinetic and alive, and I felt like I could relate to so many of the characters. I was like, 'God, I want a whole generation of people to watch this and not miss out on the story like I did.' That was the opportunity, really." The film hits theaters on May 8.

"Wonder Woman 1984"

"Bridesmaids" alum Kristen Wiig is making her supervillain debut in "Wonder Woman 1984," anticipated follow-up to the 2017 box office success "Wonder Woman." The film, which stars Gal Gadot, will have Diana Prince going head-to-head with villainess Cheetah (played by Kristen) during the Cold War. Acclaimed director Patty Jenkins sat down with Buzzfeed to discuss the reason the film is set during that particular time. "I felt like the 1980s was mankind at their most extreme and at their best," she said. "It was when we could do anything we wanted and we had no idea of the price yet. So we have really committed to that version of the '80s. It's not a bunch of jokes. It's actually the most kind of aspirational and elegant version of the '80s in many places. And then you kind of throw it away and get used to it. I enjoyed rolling around in remembering what it was like when we had no idea it was going to stop." "Wonder Woman 1984" opens on June 5.

"Top Gun: Maverick"

Tom Cruise reprises his role as Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in the Joseph Kosinski-directed sequel "Top Gun: Maverick." In this film, which takes place more than 34 years after the original debuted, Pete is now a flight instructor who's a mentor to Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw (played by Miles Teller) — his late friend and co-pilot Goose's son. Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris, Monica Barbaro, Glen Powell and Val Kilmer also star. "Top Gun: Maverick" debuts in theaters on June 26.

"In the Heights"

If you're a huge Lin-Manuel Miranda fan like us, then you're also impatiently awaiting the release of the film adaptation of his Tony-winning musical "In the Heights." The project, which was created and composed by the "Hamilton" mastermind, is about a New York bodega owner who's reluctant to close up shop and retire to the Dominican Republic after finding out he's inherited his grandmother's fortune. At the fifth annual Fast Company Innovation Festival in November 2019, Lin-Manuel discussed the movie in greater depth, sharing the topical and important message behind its premise. "The thing that 'In the Heights' is really about is what happens when the people who make a neighborhood special can't afford to live there anymore. And when those businesses can't afford to stay," he explained. "Gentrification is tough to dramatize because it's many forces at work at once. So we really kind of responded with the complexities that I think it deserves." While Lin-Manuel starred as the musical's main character, Piragua Guy, in the Broadway version, its his Hamilton collaborator and "She's Gotta Have It" breakout actor Anthony Ramos who takes on the lead role in the film. According to Lin, shooting the film, which features real-life residents of Washington Heights, was one of "the most gratifying artistic experiences" for him. "In the Heights," which was directed by Jon M. Chu, is expected to hit theaters on June 26.

"Tenet"

Whew, we've been waiting for this one! "Tenet" is the latest action thriller from Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan and it stars John David Washington, Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki. While Warner Bros. hasn't revealed too much about the film's storyline, Rob had nothing but praise for the script while speaking to USA Today. "I've been a little wary of doing big movies for years and years, but there's just something about Chris Nolan's stuff," he gushed. "He seems like the only director now who can do what is essentially a very personal, independent movie that has huge scale. I read the script and it's unreal." The film's budget was $225 million — making it one of the most expensive feature films ever be made. "Tenet" will be released on July 17.

"Dune"

"Dune" — which is directed by Denis Villeneuve and stars "Call Me By Your Name" actor Timothée Chalamet in the lead role — is the movie adaptation of the 1965 Frank Herbert sci-fi novel of the same name. In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Timothée expressed his excitement about the project. "It's always been my dream to do a big movie," he said. "And looking at the careers of Leonardo DiCaprio or Joaquin Phoenix, those guys exclusively work with great directors. So I always told myself, if you do a big movie, make sure it's with a really great director." In an interview with The Playlist back in 2018, the actor also cited Denis as one of his favorite filmmakers. "What's especially inspiring about Denis' films are the size of them," Timothée explained. "They reach a big audience. These are films meant to play in front of big crowds. And, conversely, he's also made movies like 'Incendies' that are like, intimate affairs. So that would be a dream come true and is going to be a dream come true. And I'm chomping at the bits for that experience. I can't wait." The film also stars other notable names including Zendaya, Jason Momoa and Rebecca Ferguson. "Dune" hits theaters on Dec. 18.