The most exciting movies coming to UK cinemas in 2021

There's an embarrassment of riches coming to cinemas in 2021 (Disney/Warner Bros/Universal/Sony Pictures)
There's an embarrassment of riches coming to cinemas in 2021 (Disney/Warner Bros/Universal/Sony Pictures)

Who's ready to return to the movies when they reopen on 17 May? Nearly everyone it seems.

A new study, commissioned by the cross-industry body Cinema First, confirms that 38 per cent of audiences plan to return within the first month of sites reopening, and another 34 per cent within the first few months of reopening. And we've got great news for them.

Because the line-up of cinematic treats for the rest of the year is lip-smacking. Super heroes, big biopics, long awaited sequels and prequels, musicals, horror and a certain secret agent... It all adds up to an amazing year bursting with films that we’ve been waiting to see for so long.

Read more: Movie biopic quiz

And, because the list is so long, release dates won’t just be on the traditional Friday.

May 2021

Sound of Metal - 17 May

Sound of Metal is available on Amazon Prime Video from 12 April and released in cinemas from 17 May (Amazon Prime Video)
Sound of Metal is available on Amazon Prime Video from 12 April and released in cinemas from 17 May (Amazon Prime Video)

This Riz Ahmed-starring drama made waves this past awards season, with its tale of a drummer with progressive hearing loss learning to be a part of the Deaf community. That story is realised with astonishing and deeply attentive sound design that begs to be heard in cinemas.

Also in UK cinemas on 17 May: Mortal Kombat, Peter Rabbit 2, Nomadland, Spiral: From The Book of Saw, Maya The Bee 3: The Golden Orb, Those Who Wish Me Dead

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train - 26 May

This sequel film to the ever-popular anime series broke box office records in Japan and the United States alike, and it’s easy to see why. Emotive and action-packed, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train almost seamlessly brings the show’s inventive visual prowess to the big screen.

Cruella - 28 May

Emma Stone as Cruella in Disney’s live-action CRUELLA. Photo by Laurie Sparham. © 2021 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserve
Emma Stone as Cruella (Disney) (Laurie Sparham)

Disney is releasing Cruella simultaneously in cinemas and on Disney+ with Premier Access, giving 101 Dalmatians a multitude of options to choose from for where to watch this supervillain origin story. Emma Stone leads the cast of this 1970s-set punk era adventure.

First Cow - 28 May

Indie director Kelly Reichardt is well-versed in stories about intimate male friendships, and the history of American rural working classes. First Cow explores the intersection of these two recurring themes, with its heartbreaking and precisely told story of two friends who try to make a living by baking sweets with stolen milk in 19th century Oregon.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It - 28 May

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (Warner Bros.)
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (Warner Bros.)

Ghost-busting couple The Warrens return to do battle with another supernatural entity in this third entry into the main Conjuring series. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return, but director James Wan has stepped back, with The Curse of La Llorona director Michael Chaves handed the reins for the spooktastic threequel.

Also in cinemas on 28 May: Surge, Earwig and the Itch, Alex Ferguson: Never Give In, Vanquish

June 2021

A Quiet Place Part II - 3 June

A Quiet Place Part II (Credit: Paramount)
A Quiet Place Part II (Credit: Paramount)

John Krasinski’s follow-up to his surprise horror success story will further explore the apocalyptic scenario of its predecessor. Emily Blunt’s Evelyn is now solely responsible for the safety of her children, as sound-sensitive alien beasties circle with murderous intent. When she discovers another group of survivors, she must decide whether they are more likely to be friends or foes.

Mandabi - 11 June

Believed to be the first feature length film from West Africa, master director Ousmane Sembéne’s beautiful and humanist exploration of corruption and colonialism has been beautifully restored and rereleased for the big screen.

The Father - 11 June

Anthony Hopkins won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in 'The Father'. (Credit: Lionsgate)
Anthony Hopkins won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in 'The Father'. (Credit: Lionsgate)

This award-winning drama saw Anthony Hopkins pick up a second Oscar for his performance as a man suffering from dementia. It’s a more disorientating and horrifying film than its glossy, awards campaign-ready posters would let on, heartbreaking and painfully believable in its depiction of ageing.

Violet Evergarden: The Movie - 17 June

A feature-length conclusion to Kyoto Animation’s gorgeous anime drama series, Violet Evergarden: The Movie is as heartbreaking as it is ravishingly well-animated, director Taishi Ishidate bringing even more intimate focus to every minute detail.

Monster Hunter - 18 June

Monster Hunter (Credit: Constantin Films)
Monster Hunter (Credit: Constantin Films)

A lean and mean showcase of Milla Jovovich’s considerable action heroine prowess, Monster Hunter is full of the kind of kinetic energy and smart visual language and completely goofy mayhem that has made Paul WS Anderson a beloved cult director.

In The Earth - 18 June

Ben Wheatley’s horror story of a virus ravaging the Earth might hit a little too close to home right now, but In The Earth is impressive in how it (very appropriately) builds elemental, psychological horror out of a return to the outdoors.

In The Heights - 18 June

(Center) ANTHONY RAMOS as Usnavi in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “IN THE HEIGHTS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
(Center) ANTHONY RAMOS as Usnavi in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “IN THE HEIGHTS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

The creator of Hamilton — Lin-Manuel Miranda — and the director of Crazy Rich Asians — John M Chu —invite you to a cinematic event, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big. Magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard - 21 June

Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, and Salma Hayek return for the sequel to the 2017 action comedy. Reynolds' Michael Bryce is on a company mandated sabbatical, when he gets drawn back into another ludicrous jape by Darius and Sonia Kincaid.

Freaky - 25 June

Kathryn Newton in 'Freaky'. (Credit: Universal)
Kathryn Newton in 'Freaky'. (Credit: Universal) (Photo Credit: Universal Pictures)

Starring Vince Vaughan and Kathryn Newton, Freaky is a slasher comedy with a twisted take on the body-swap movie. Slated for release for Halloween 2020, the film is now getting a counter-programming release at the height of summer.

Supernova - 25 June

Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci star as a couple facing the imminent spectre of death in this heartfelt romantic drama. It won plaudits on the festival circuit and could be another awards contender. (Credit: Studiocanal)
Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci in Supernova (Credit: Studiocanal)

Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci star as a couple facing the imminent spectre of death in this heartfelt romantic drama. It won plaudits on the festival circuit and could be another awards contender.

July 2021

Another Round - 2 July

Mads Mikkelsen in a still from Thomas Vinterberg's Another Round. (Studiocanal/Henrik Ohsten)
Mads Mikkelsen in a still from Thomas Vinterberg's Another Round. (Studiocanal/Henrik Ohsten) (Henrik Ohsten)

The charm and talent of Mads Mikkelsen is in full display in Thomas Vinterberg’s Best Foreign Language Oscar-winner Another Round, which deftly balances its riotous partying with a reckoning with the creeping devastation of alcoholism.

Fast & Furious 9 - 8 July

A still from Fast & Furious 9 (Universal Pictures)
A still from Fast & Furious 9 (Universal Pictures) (Photo Credit: Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures)

Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) famously claims he lives his life a quarter mile at a time, but the Fast and Furious movies have often embodied that - each new chapter more wild than the last, boldly moving forward without fear of jumping the shark. This latest one has a rocket car, cars swinging across canyons, long lost friends and brothers appearing as though back from the dead, and all the makings of a great time at the movies.

Black Widow - 9 July

Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff and Florence Pugh as Yelena in Marvel Studios' Black Widow. (Jay Maidment/Marvel Studios)
Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff and Florence Pugh as Yelena in Marvel Studios' Black Widow. (Jay Maidment/Marvel Studios) (Jay Maidment)

Scarlett Johansson's solo superhero film finally arrives in cinemas after many delays, making it the first big screen MCU movie since 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home. Set before the events of Avengers: Endgame, Johansson is joined by Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, David Harbour, O-T Fagbenle, and Ray Winstone, who will all help to fill the blanks of Natasha Romanoff's back story.

The Sparks Brothers - 30 July

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - Russell and Ron Mael from Sparks posed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1975 (Photo by Jorgen Angel/Redferns)
Russell and Ron Mael from Sparks posed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1975 (Jorgen Angel/Redferns) (Jorgen Angel via Getty Images)

Edgar Wright directs this documentary detailing the legacy of the cult art pop duo Sparks, a passionate odyssey celebrating your favourite band’s favourite band.

August 2021

Old - 6 August

After the big-budget disaster of passion project <em>Glass</em>, M. Night Shyamalan is heading back to his thriller roots for <em>Old</em>. Inspired by the French graphic novel <em>Sandcastle</em>, the movie follows the mysterious events around the discovery of a dead body on a secluded beach. The poster for the film hints at time playing a role in the mystery and the cast includes Gael Garcia Bernal, Eliza Scanlen and Thomasin McKenzie. (Credit: M. Night Shyamalan/Twitter)
After the big-budget disaster of passion project Glass, M. Night Shyamalan is heading back to his thriller roots for Old. (M. Night Shyamalan/Twitter)

M Night Shyamalan returns to the horror genre once again with a concept that appears as simple as it is existentially spooky - of a beach where everyone suddenly begins rapidly aging. The filmmaker has been maligned in the past but got his groove back in recent years, so expect some fun twists and turns with this one.

The Green Knight - 6 August

Acclaimed director David Lowery (A Ghost Story, Pete’s Dragon) takes on Arthurian Legend with Dev Patel as Sir Gawainn, who enters a deadly game with the eponymous knight. A surprisingly grand-looking adventure, with delectable visuals and exciting new spins on old tales.

Free Guy - 13 August

A still from <i>Free Guy</i>. (20th Century Studios)
A still from Free Guy. (20th Century Studios) (Photo by Alan Markfield)

Directed by Night At The Museum’s Shawn Levy, the films sees the Deadpool star as a computer game character who doesn’t realise he’s part of a virtual world, while Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer is one of the game’s many real world players. Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi also stars as one of the game’s designers. It’s The Truman Show meets Tron with Reynold’s trademark brand of wry humour poured liberally over the top.Snake Eyes - 20 August

The Beatles: Get Back - 27 August

(L-R): Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon in THE BEATLES: GET BACK. Photo by Linda McCartney. (© 2020 Apple Corps Ltd. All Rights Reserved.)
(L-R): Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon in THE BEATLES: GET BACK. Photo by Linda McCartney. (© 2020 Apple Corps Ltd. All Rights Reserved.) (Linda McCartney)

Peter Jackson documentary about the Fab Four was pieced together from 56 hours of footage captured in 1969 during the recording of the band’s penultimate album Let It Be. It was due for release in 2020 but was delayed to 2021 by the coronavirus pandemic.

Candyman - 27 August

A still from the first Candyman trailer. (Universal Pictures)
A still from the first Candyman trailer. (Universal Pictures)

Nia DeCosta’s update (and soft reboot?) of the classic 90s horror sees the son of one of the first film’s Anne-Marie return to Cabrini Green, now gentrified. Like the first, expect gruesome kills amongst some pointed and compelling socio-political commentary.

September 2021

Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings – 3 September

The debut of Marvel’s kung fu master and first Asian super hero protagonist, Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), sees the fourth phase of the MCU arrive with a bang, and that recent trailer gave a glimpse of what he’s likely to bring. With Destin Daniel Cretton in the director’s chair and a cast that includes Akwafina, Tony Leung and Michelle Yeo, it promises explosive action harking back to the 70s kung fu craze. And, if it delivers, fans will go wild for it.

Respect - 10 September

Jennifer Hudson is playing Aretha Franklin. The actor was handpicked by the Queen of Soul prior to her death in 2018, so no pressure J-Hud. It feels like the Best Actress trophy in 2022 should have her name engraved upon it sharpish. <em>Cats</em> is but a memory… all alone in the moonlight. (Credit: Quantrell D. Colbert/MGM)
Jennifer Hudson is playing Aretha Franklin in Respect (Credit: Quantrell D. Colbert/MGM) (Quantrell D. Colbert)

The late Aretha Franklin said she wanted Jennifer Hudson to play her on screen and, indeed, it’s Hudson who portrays the woman behind one of the legendary voices of the 20th century. Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald, Marlon Wayans and Marc Maron all play key roles in charting her turbulent personal life and rise to become the Queen Of Soul.

Infinite - 10 September

Mark Wahlberg and Director Antoine Fuqua during The Los Angeles Premiere of Paramount Pictures'
Mark Wahlberg and director Antoine Fuqua worked together on thr 2007 thriller Shooter (E. Charbonneau/WireImage for Paramount Pictures - CA) (E. Charbonneau via Getty Images)

Mark Wahlberg re-unites with director Antoine Fuqua who moves away from actioners for this sci-fi/supernatural tale of a schizophrenic man who joins an organisation for people who can recall events from their past lives. Chiwetel Ejiofor is the force for evil and Dylan O’Brien is also among the cast for a film that could mark a distinct change in direction for Fuqua.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage - 15 September

Tom Hardy is back as reporter Eddie Brock and his toothy, gravelly voiced alter-ego and, if the trailer is anything to go by, this instalment has acquired a sense of very dark humour. Andy Serkis, who “had a ball” at the helm, might be the reason. For this sequel to be more fun than the original wouldn’t be hard. We’re living in hope.

Dune - 17 September

(L-r) Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, and Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure Dune (Warner Bros)
(L-r) Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, and Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure Dune (Warner Bros)

Number two on the “most anticipated” list for this half of the year – after No Time To Die(see below). We’ve seen the trailers, we know who’s in the cast and Villeneuve is behind the camera, so sensational visuals are a given. All we need to know now are those screening times ……

No Time To Die - 30 September

No Time To Die (Credit: Eon/MGM)
Daniel Craig and Ana De Armas in No Time To Die (Credit: Eon/MGM) (Nicola Dove)

Cue that collective sigh of relief: Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 makes its long-awaited arrival. All the elements are there – a top drawer cast, a song from Billie Eilish and the promise of a thrilling ride courtesy of director Cary Joji Fukunaga. What more could we wish for? In keeping with tradition, we get our answers a week before American audiences.

October 2021

The Addams Family 2 - 8 October

Back on the big scream – sorry, screen – the animated incarnation of everybody’s favourite scary but loveable family returns, with its voice cast of Chloe Grace Moretz, Oscar Isaac and Charlize Theron all intact, and Bill Hader joining in as new character, Cyrus. They’re in for more whacky adventures, but we don’t know much more - except that “they’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky”, of course.

Halloween Kills - 15 October

Michael Myers is back once again for this sequel, which picks up immediately after the events of the 2018 franchise reboot. Jamie Lee Curtis is still Laurie Strode and she’s still trying to take down the serial killer who terrorised her as a teenager in the 1970s. It’s due to form a trilogy with the defiantly titled <em>Halloween Ends</em>, which awaits in 2022. (Credit: Universal)
Michael Myers is back once again for this sequel, which picks up immediately after the events of the 2018 franchise reboot. (Credit: Universal)

The twelfth – yes, twelfth – instalment in the franchise is helmed again by David Gordon Green, who is already confirmed as the director for the next one, ominously called Halloween Ends. For now, though, Jamie Lee Curtis is back as Laurie Strode, John Carpenter still has a hand in proceedings as executive producer and he’s been quoted as calling this episode “the ultimate slasher.” It’s all we need to know ….

The Last Duel - 15 October

Matt Damon waves to the crowd as he leaves the set of the Last Duel, an historical drama-thriller film directed by Ridley Scott, at Cahir Castle in Co Tipperary.
Matt Damon waves to the crowd as he leaves the set of the Last Duel (PA) (PA)

The first of a Ridley Scott double whammy (Gucciis in November) is a 14th century epic with two friends, Matt Damon and Adam Driver, forced to fight to the death after one of them is accused of raping the other’s wife. Penned by the formidable trio of Damon, Ben Affleck and Nicole Holofcener, the cast also includes Affleck, with Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer as the wife. The signs point to some bloody good fun.

The Many Saints Of Newark - 22 October

FILE - In this March 3, 2006 file photo, David Chase, creator and producer of the hit HBO series
David Chase, creator and producer of the hit HBO series "The Sopranos," poses on a set (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Expectations are sky high for this cinematic prequel to The Sopranos, especially with Michael Gandolfini playing the young Tony (his father, the late James Gandolfini, created the role on television). He falls into a life of crime with the help of Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola) and the supporting line-up includes Leslie Odom Jnr, Corey Stoll, Vera Farmiga and Ray Liotta. Bring your own turkey sandwiches.

The Boss Baby: Family Business - 22 October

(from left) The Boss Baby/Ted Templeton (Alec Baldwin) and young Tim Templeton (James Marsden) in DreamWorks Animation's The Boss Baby: Family Business, directed by Tom McGrath.
(From left) The Boss Baby/Ted Templeton (Alec Baldwin) and young Tim Templeton (James Marsden) in The Boss Baby: Family Business, directed by Tom McGrath. (DreamWorks) (Photo Credit: DreamWorks Animation LLC)

Baby Theodore (voiced by Alec Baldwin) from the first feature is all grown up, so is brother Tim, but now they have another boss baby to contend with. One with a whole new way of doing things – and it’s no spoiler to say that she’s a girl. Tim’s daughter. She’s voiced by Amy Sedaris, so buckle yourself into that booster seat.

Last Night In Soho - 29 October

Edgar Wright is finally tackling a full-blooded horror movie. Inspired by the likes of <em>Repulsion</em>, it’s a scary tale set within the unique environs of the eponymous central London area. Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith are part of the cast of the secretive genre tale, with the late Dame Diana Rigg also part of the ensemble in <a href=
Edgar Wright is finally tackling a full-blooded horror movie. (Focus Features/Universal)

Edgar Wright’s legions of fans have barely managed to contain their excitement over this one, a horror about a fashion designer travelling back in time to the Soho of the Swinging Sixties. Shot on location in London’s most famous quarter – and well documented on Twitter – it’s packed with British A-listers, including Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith, alongside sixties favourites Diana Rigg (in her final on-screen performance), Terence Stamp and Rita Tushingham.

November 2021

Eternals - 5 November

Angelina Jolie in Eternals (YouTube/Marvel Studios)
Angelina Jolie in Eternals (YouTube/Marvel Studios)

Chloe Zhao returns after her Nomadland triumph with her first MCU film, set after the events of Avengers: Endgame(2019). The Eternals – ancient aliens living secretly on Earth for thousands of years – are forced into the world and use their unique powers to defeat mankind’s deadly enemies, the Deviants. Headed by Angelina Jolie, the cast includes Gemma Chan, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, the super-buff Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry. No sign of another Eternal called Thanos, though.

Belfast - 12 November

Sir Kenneth Branagh at Belfast City Hall. The Belfast-born star of stage and screen will become a Freeman of the city in an official event at the Ulster Hall. (Photo by Niall Carson/PA Images via Getty Images)
In 2018, Sir Kenneth Branagh became a Freeman of Belfast in an official event at the Ulster Hall. (Niall Carson/PA Images via Getty Images) (Niall Carson - PA Images via Getty Images)

While we wait for Kenneth Branagh’s Death On The Nile, he goes back to the 60s for Belfast, which he’s both written and directed. This story of a boy’s childhood, set against the music and social tumult of the decade, is based on his own early years in the city. He’s described it as his most personal film to date.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife - 12 November

ECTO-1 is back on the road in <i>Ghostbusters: Afterlife</i> (Sony Pictures)
ECTO-1 is back on the road in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (Sony Pictures)

Watch out for those mini Stay-Pufts! They’re not as cute as they look and could also turn out to be the stars of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the follow-up to the classic 1980s Ghostbusters double bill. Jason Reitman takes over directing duties from Dad Ivan and brings back original cast members Murray, Aykroyd and Weaver, as well as adding the Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace duo for a Stranger Things vibe.

King Richard - 19 November

Will Smith set to star as Venus and Serena Williams' father in biopic 'King Richard'
Will Smith set to star as Venus and Serena Williams' father in biopic 'King Richard'

The power behind tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams steps into the limelight for what promises to be the most fascinating sports biopic of recent years. Richard is their father, who single-handedly coached them to become sporting icons and his larger than life character is brought to the screen by Will Smith who, after something of a lean spell, seems to be on the comeback trail. Will he ace it?

Top Gun Maverick - 19 November

Tom Cruise plays Capt. Pete
Tom Cruise plays Capt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in Top Gun: Maverick from Paramount Pictures, Skydance and Jerry Bruckheimer Films. (Paramount Pictures)

Our need for speed has been on hold for so long, and we still don’t know anything about the plot for this Maverick/Iceman reunion. There’s still question marks over the cast as well, but Miles Teller as Goose’s son, Ed Harris as Maverick’s boss, Jennifer Connelly and Jon Hamm are all definites. Expectations are soaring. “No points for second place.”

House of Gucci - 26 November

Lady Gaga (Patrizia Reggiana) and Adam Driver (Maurizio Gucci) in House of Gucci (MGM/Universal Pictures)
Lady Gaga (Patrizia Reggiana) and Adam Driver (Maurizio Gucci) in House of Gucci (MGM/Universal Pictures)

Ridley Scott’s other film promises wall to wall glamour, with the story of Patrizia Reggiani who was tried and found guilty of planning the assassination of Maurizio Gucci, her ex-husband and one-time head of the Gucci fashion house. With the much-photographed Adam Driver and Lady Gaga in the two leads, plus Al Pacino and Jared Leto in supporting roles, it’s laden with star power and already tipped as an awards contender for next year. Awards chatter never stops, after all.

Encanto - 26 November

The title treatment for Encanto (Disney)
The title treatment for Encanto (Disney)

Full of South American rhythms and vibrant colour, Disney Animations’ 60th film is about a young Colombian girl, Mirabel Madrigal, who is the only member of her family without magical powers – and who might just turn out to be their best hope when the source of their gifts is in danger. The man behind the songs for this musical fantasy is none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda. We rest our case.

December 2021

Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City - 3 December

Box art for the original Resident Evil (Platinum Edition) for the PlayStation. (Capcom)
Box art for the original Resident Evil (Platinum Edition) for the PlayStation. (Capcom)

Based on the classic Resident Evil game series, this origins story reboot, set in the city of the title in 1998 game, comes from self-confessed fan Johannes Roberts, who’s aiming to re-create the scares he felt when he first played the game. Brace yourselves now.

West Side Story - 10 December

Scene from 20th Century Studios' West Side Story (Disney)
Scene from 20th Century Studios' West Side Story (Disney)

How do you re-make a ten-time Oscar winner which is widely seen as one of the best movie musicals ever made? You get Steven Spielberg to direct, bring in Tony Kushner to write the screenplay and, to keep the purists happy, add Rita Moreno, an Oscar winner from the 1961 classic, to the cast. This re-imagining of the Manhattan-set Romeo And Juliet riff could give us all the energy, colour and spectacle we need this Christmas.

Spider-Man: No Way Home - 17 December

Tom Holland has been the MCU's Spider-Man since 2016. (Credit: Marvel/Disney)
Tom Holland has been the MCU's Spider-Man since 2016. (Credit: Marvel/Disney)

We don’t know if we’ll be seeing Tobey Maguire’s and Andrew Garfield’s takes on the webslinger, nor are Kirsten Dunst and Emma Stone confirmed as returning. But we do know Spidey’s latest adventure isn’t a sequel to his previous two outings: it’s a prequel to Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, and Benedict Cumberbatch will be making an appearance. Jamie Foxx’s Electro (The Amazing Spider-Man 2) and Alfred Molina’s Doc Ock (Spider-Man 2) are both back for sure. As for the plot …. we’ll just have to wait.

The King’s Man - 22 December

Harris Dickinson and Ralph Fiennes in 'The King's Man'. (Credit: 20th Century Studios)
Harris Dickinson and Ralph Fiennes in 'The King's Man'. (Credit: 20th Century Studios) (Photo Credit: Courtesy of 20th C)

An all-action crowd pleaser and another prequel, with Matthew Vaughn bringing together an all-new cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans and Djimon Hounsou. Fiennes plays the Duke Of Oxford, the rich toff who created the Kingsman organisation, while Arterton and Hounsou are a pair of agents. Ifans is the bad guy, Russian mystic Rasputin. Just hold that thought.

Downton Abbey 2 - 22 December

The Crawleys are in residence, Carson is serving tea, Julian Fellowes has written the script and all’s right with the world. Production only started last month and it seems the regulars are back, plus a clutch of new faces – Hugh Dancy, Dominic West, Laura Haddock and Nathalie Baye - but their roles haven’t been revealed. Nor has the plot, which is shrouded in mystery, but this could be the Christmas treat we’ve been waiting for. Watch this space ….

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