After months of empty seats at UK cinemas, it seems that things are on their way back to normal, and we’re looking at an intriguing autumn calendar.
Of course, all dates are subject to change at a moment’s notice, but for now, let’s look ahead to the best upcoming movies at the cinema in autumn 2020.
Wonder Woman 1984
UK Release Date: 2 October
This summer’s tentpole blockbuster was delayed for obvious reasons, but now looks set to be the first big movie to open in cinemas after the brilliant success of Christopher Nolan’s Tenet.
The sequel to the well-liked 2017 original, Wonder Woman 1984 brings the superhero into the ’80s along with sidekick Steve Trevor, as they do battle with two enemies to save the world.
In a year that’s been almost entirely empty of big superhero movies, WW84 is a mouth-watering prospect, and with the return of director Patty Jenkins, lead Gal Gadot and more, it’s certain to be every bit as great as the last movie.
Watch the trailer here.
Black Widow
UK Release Date: 28 October
Just a few weeks after DC kick off this delayed blockbuster season with Wonder Woman, Marvel jump into the action for (believe it or not) the first time in 2020 with the long, long-awaited Black Widow.
Rumblings about Scarlett Johansson’s character getting a solo movie have been going on for years, but Black Widow finally looks set to hit cinemas in late October, following the character’s origins in Russia long before the infamous events of Avengers: Endgame.
In a year where we’ve been so robbed of classic summer blockbuster entertainment, films like Black Widow have been sorely missed by all, but we’ll finally have the chance to see a Marvel superhero movie on the big screen in just over a month’s time.
Watch the trailer here.
No Time To Die
UK Release Date: 12 November
We were so close to seeing the first new James Bond film in five years before everything went haywire, but Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 looks set for a massive release in November.
No Time To Die is the biggest non-comic book movie set to release this autumn, and given the spectacular performance of recent editions in the series, the film will be looking to draw huge audiences at the cinemas.
Anticipation for Bond is at its highest level since Skyfall back in 2012, with rumours circulating that this film could be a seminal moment in the near-60 year-old saga’s history, with a changing of the guard like no other on the cards. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Watch the trailer here.
Death On The Nile
UK Release Date: 9 October
Kenneth Branagh returns alongside an all-star cast as detective Hercule Poirot three years after the latest adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express hit screens to a moderate reception.
We know for a fact that audiences have a thirst for a great murder mystery thanks to the amazing box office performance of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out last year, so Death On The Nile should be met with enthusiasm upon release.
Couple that with director/lead actor Branagh’s clear passion for the character and story, as well as a cast full of talent, and this film has all the potential to go one further than its predecessor, perhaps with the opportunity to become one of this autumn’s dark horses at the box office.
Watch the trailer here.
Bill & Ted Face The Music
UK Release Date: 18 September
Twenty-nine years after their last adventure in time and space, the excellent duo are back in business with Bill & Ted Face The Music, one of the most hotly-anticipated sequels of the year.
The film is already on release in the US in both cinemas and VOD, where mixed reviews have been reported. However, almost all those who’ve seen it say that, as silly as it is, it’s the heartwarming and enjoyable bit of escapism that everyone needs in a year like 2020.
Plus, with Hollywood hero Keanu Reeves still operating at the top of his powers after a stellar 2019, as well as the return of Alex Winter and newcomers Samara Weaving and Brigette Lundy-Paine, there’s more than enough talent on show to make Bill & Ted 3 an absolute joy.
Watch the trailer here.
Soul
UK Release Date: 27 November
Pixar just managed to get their first film of 2020, Onward, out in cinemas before everything shut down, but Soul has always been the new film from the studio that we’ve really wanted to see.
What looks to be a deeply powerful tale of a man who must find his way back to his home, the film promises a transcendent and moving story of self-discovery and passion, with emotion on the level that only Pixar are capable of.
Complete with gorgeous animation and what sounds like an amazing score, Soul could be one of the studio’s all-time classics, and a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Watch the trailer here.
West Side Story
UK Release Date: 18 December
In the weird world that is 2020, the traditional Oscar season is being invaded by massive studio blockbusters. That has pushed the Academy to delay the deadline for ‘2020’ films to 28 February, 2021, with the awards ceremony being held on 30 April.
However, Steven Spielberg looks set to try and kick the Oscar season into action at a later than usual date of mid-December, with his remake of the classic West Side Story.
A musical that won 10 Oscars out of 11 nominations back in 1961, Spielberg’s revival will retell the classic story with a young cast. And given the director’s passion for the original, you can be sure that this will be a faithful and crowd-pleasing day out at the movies, and a certain Oscar contender.
No trailer yet…
Dune
UK Release Date: 18 December
The most mysterious yet feverishly-anticipated film of 2020, Dune will just slot in before the new year on 18 December, but could be the sci-fi hit that nobody saw coming.
From acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Arrival, Blade Runner 2049), the film is the second adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel after a much-maligned version in 1984.
With a trailer set to drop any day now, the intrigue surrounding this project that people know so little about is palpable, and with such talent both behind and in front of the camera (including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac and more), Dune has all the trappings of a masterpiece, and could be the most spellbinding cap to this topsy-turvy year.
No trailer yet…
