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Movies! Movies! Movies! With another burgeoning year comes another slate of films to await, and my colleagues, Bethany Collins, Trey Kelly, Alex Mitchell, Jerrianna Somerville and Laura Myhan, and I can’t help but discuss some of the ones that leave us most eagerly gazing to this fresh cinematic horizon. The following is The Pacer staff’s most anticipated movies of 2023, listed in order of release date:
Scream VI
The 2022 Scream reboot, also known as Scream V, brought back a spark to the 90s cult classic horror franchise, and it seems as if Scream VI will continue that spark. The film has already sparked interest and controversy with the final girl Neve Campbell leaving the film due to payment disputes and the change in scenery as the franchise moves to New York City. Many fans speculate the return of a former killer in the form of Stu Macher, who was played by Matthew Lillard, since it was revealed that he was supposed to return as the killer in an earlier film but did not, as the storyline of the film had a lot of similarities to the Columbine Shooting. –Bethany
When: March 10
Where: Theaters
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Even though I have a soft spot for the 1993 Mario movie featuring Bob Hoskins as the titular plumber, I’m quite impressed with what Illumination has shown of their ambitious spin on the classic Nintendo franchise. It’s vibrant, bouncy and feels it will be a fun time. Plus, can you really argue about quality when JB from Tenacious D is playing Bowser? –Trey
When: April 7
Where: Theaters
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the third and final entry from James Gunn for the Guardians trilogy in the MCU. The movie follows the titular team after Avengers: Endgame and the holiday special with Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) grieving the death of Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) and also uncovering the secrets of Rocket Raccoon’s (Bradley Cooper) past. Personally, I love the Guardians of the Galaxy movies in the MCU, and I have so much love and investment in these characters. I can’t wait to see how James Gunn wraps up this band’s stories and gives them a nice send-off. I’m also most likely going to cry. –Alex
When: May 5
Where: Theaters
The Little Mermaid
Over 34 years ago, one of the most iconic Disney animated films graced cinema screens. The Little Mermaid tells the tale of a young and enthusiastic mermaid named Ariel who discovered a world beyond the sea after saving Prince Eric. The Little Mermaid is returning to the sea but as a live action film with newcomer Halle Bailey starring as Ariel, although the casting has caused quite a controversy; the animated Ariel is white, but in the upcoming film, she is Black. However, the film is slated to be a big blockbuster hit, and according to the film’s director, Rob Marshall, “There was no agenda about the casting. Halle Bailey’s talent was the main reason she got selected.” I’m excited for the film because representation truly matters, especially for the younger generation. –Jerrianna
When: May 26
Where: Theaters
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The previous film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of my favorite animated movies of all time, and needless to say, I was excited when the sequel got its first look and trailer. I’m especially excited to see where they’ll take Miles’ story, especially with the promise of hundreds of new Spider-People in this film. –Trey
When: June 2
Where: Theaters
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is the next transformers movie in the rebooted universe that started with Bumblebee in 2018. The film follows Optimus Prime and the rest of the Autobots as they try to stop the Decepticons, with the Maximals, Predacons and Terrorcons joining the fight. As a kid, I enjoyed Transformers a lot with my dad, so seeing this with him would be a pleasant time at the theater. I also really enjoyed Bumblebee, so I would like to continue seeing this new continuity unfold. -Alex
When: June 9
Where: Theaters
Mission: Impossible- Dead Reckoning- Part One
An epic sequel necessitates an epic title. The previous and sixth entry in the sprawling franchise, Mission: Impossible- Fallout, was a modern zenith for action filmmaking, and kinetic director Christopher McQuarrie only seems to be pushing the boundaries further with more rip-roaring set pieces, awe-inspiring stunts, dynamic characters and biting intrigue that lend the genre a thrilling auteurist edge. Hot off the heels of the highly acclaimed Top Gun: Maverick, star Tom Cruise seems to have yet another blockbuster achievement on his hands with this penultimate chapter. –Will
When: July 14
Where: Theaters
Barbie
2023 is beginning to look like the year of live-action films! Another film I am looking forward to is the live-action adaptation of one Mattel’s best-selling dolls, “Barbie.” Barbie will be played by actress Margot Robbie, and Ryan Gosling will portray Ken. With the success of the IP in animated form, I am curious to see how Barbie will view in the real world and what writer-director Greta Gerwig (of Lady Bird and Little Women fame) brings to the property. The film is slated just in time for summer, too. –Jerrianna
When: July 21
Where: Theaters
Dune: Part Two
Sci-fi aesthete and filmmaker Denis Villenueve’s adaptation of the first half of Dune, a dense and seminal entry for the genre, was nothing short of seismic, translating its sacred source text into expansive, sumptuous and downright lyrical cinema. Though the latter half of the book is deemed more unwieldy by some, I have utmost faith in Villenueve’s sterling craftsmanship, meticulous worldbuilding and dramatically crisp storytelling, especially his penchant for weaving the galactic scope of his filmmaking with tactile precision, forming intimate human dimension in the sheer enormity of the desert planet Arrakis. –Will
When: November 3
Where: Theaters
Peter Pan & Wendy
Take flight again to Neverland in 2023 as another magical Disney tale is remade and brought to life. Peter Pan & Wendy is sure to be reminiscent of the childhood wonder and whimsy of the beloved 1953 animation. Rising actor Alexander Molony and actress Ever Anderson star as the titular Peter Pan and Wendy. The cast also includes star-studded actors Jude Law and Jim Gaffigan as Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, as well as Yara Shahidi playing the lively Tinker Bell. –Laura
When: TBA
Where: Disney+
