*The current films listed are scheduled as of the article’s posting. Release dates are still subject to change.
Minari – In Theaters December 11
In search of their own American Dream, the Korean-American Yi family moves out to a farm in Arkansas. Led by father Jacob, played by “The Walking Dead” actor Steven Yeun, and mother Monica, played by Han Ye-ri, the family must learn to adjust to their new environment while son David, played by Alan Kim, must navigate being both Korean and American.
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari” has already received much acclaim winning the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize and the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. The film will receive a limited release in theaters on December 11 with a wide release coming on February 12, 2021.
Safety – Available on Disney+ December 11
Based on a true story, Ray McElrathbey, played by “All American” actor Jay Reeves, plays as a safety for Clemson University working hard to maintain his yearly scholarship. However, things will become harder for Ray whenever he needs to take in his younger brother Fahmarr, played by Thaddeus J. Mixson, after their mother’s drug addiction becomes too much.
Directed by “Boomerang” and “Marshall” director Reginald Hudlin, “Safety” looks to tell the inspiring story of what a young man did to protect his brother despite the odds.
Wonder Woman 1984 – Available on HBO Max December 25
Decades after fighting in World War I to prevent the end of the world at the hands of Ares, Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot, lives her life as Diana Prince during the 1980s. However, things will change for her as her once-dead boyfriend Steve Trevor, played by Chris Pine, returns all the while facing businessman Maxwell Lord, played by Pedro Pascal, and former friend Barbara Ann Minerva, played by Kristen Wiig.
After a year of release date changes, “Wonder Woman 1984” will be finally releasing on HBO Max for no extra fee. After a month, the film will leave HBO Max and be exclusively available in theaters.
Soul – Available on Disney+ December 25
Middle school music teacher Joe Gardner, voiced by Jamie Foxx, finally gets his chance to perform in front of a big audience after impressing a group of fellow jazz musicians. However, an accident separates Joe from his body causing him to be taken to The Great Beyond. Managing to escape, Joe seeks help from a soul named 22, voiced by Tina Fey, to get back to his own body before it is too late.
Co-directed by “Inside Out” director Pete Docter and “One Night in Miami” playwright Kemp Powers, “Soul” takes a look the moments of life that matter and show why they are worth living.
Monster Hunter – December 25
After a group of soldiers goes missing, Captain Natalie Artemis, played by Milla Jovovich, and her crew go through a portal sending them to a world filled with gigantic monsters. With the help of a mysterious figure known as The Hunter, played by Tony Jaa, the crew will fight their way home and make sure the monsters are never able to escape.
Reuniting the husband and wife duo of director Paul W.S. Anderson and actress Jovovich that worked on the “Resident Evil” franchise of films, “Monster Hunter” allows the pair to take on yet another video game to film adapatation.
News of the World – In Theaters December 25
Civil War veteran and storyteller Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, played by Tom Hanks, lives out his life going from town to town telling people historical stories. Things will change for the Captain when he meets Johanna, played by Helena Zengel, a young girl raised by the Kiowa people. The Captain makes it his mission to bring her to her aunt and uncle all while trying to find a place to call home.
Directed by “The Bourne Supremacy” and “Captain Phillips” director Paul Greengrass, “News of the World” takes lead actor Tom Hanks into a new environment with yet another compelling story.
One Night in Miami – In Theaters December 25
In 1964, Civil Rights activist Malcolm X, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir, boxer Muhammad Ali, played by Eli Goree, football player Jim Brown, played by Aldis Hodge, and singer Sam Cooke, played by Leslie Odom Jr., all meet up in a Miami hotel room to celebrate Ali’s victory against Sonny Liston. All the while, the men talk about the issues they face and how they plan to improve the world.
Directed by “If Beale Street Could Talk” and “Watchmen” actress Regina King, “One Night in Miami” brings together a fictional story of a meeting between icons. The film will have limited release in theaters on December 25 with a release on Prime Video following on January 15.
Promising Young Woman – December 25
After a traumatic incident during college, Cassie Thomas, played by Carey Mulligan, dropped out of medical school despite being such a promising young woman. Now years later, she lives a double life hoping to use it right the wrongs of the past.
Directed by Emmy-nominated actress and director Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman” brings together an all-star cast with a story that critics have been raving about.
