As finals week soon approaches, the countdown to a much-needed rest and some fun under the sun begins! However, Hollywood never sleeps because new films are getting ready to light up the big screen. From breaking the cycle of death to live-action remakes of beloved animated classics, here are some blockbuster films that are set to release this summer.
May 16:
Final Destination: Bloodlines
The horror franchise returns with its sixth installment. Kaitlyn Santa Juana stars as Stefani Lewis, a college student who is having recurring nightmares that serve as premonitions of her family’s demise. This would lead her back to her hometown as she must search for someone who could help break the cycle and keep her family from harm. Will she save them in time or will death come knocking on their door?
(R/Theaters)
May 23:
Lilo & Stitch
The iconic Disney animated film will soon be reimagined in a live-action adaptation. The story is still set in Hawaii and follows a joyous little girl named Lilo (Maia Kealoha) and her older sister, Nani (Sydney Agudong), as they deal with the loss of their parents. A social worker named Cobra (Courtney B. Vance) feels that Nani is unfit to take care of Lilo, but she firmly believes otherwise. To help Lilo cope with the loss, Nani lets her adopt a “small dog” named Stitch (Chris Sanders) that turns out to be a genetic experiment who has crash-landed on Earth after escaping an alien planet. Although the pair is quite different, the two share a remarkable friendship and embark on extravagant adventures throughout the island. However, the pair causes chaos and the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) threatens to take away Stitch. Will she go through with her plan or have a change of heart due to how loyal Stitch is to Lilo?
(PG/Theaters)
May 30:
Karate Kid: Legends
Following the success of the Netflix TV series Cobra Kai, which serves as a continuation of the original Karate Kid movies, the franchise continues to expand in this latest installment. Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), will join forces to mentor a kung fu prodigy, Li Fong (Ben Wang) as he competes in a martial arts competition. Will the help from two skilled martial artists help Li prevail as champion?
(Not Yet Rated/Theaters)
June 6:
Ballerina
The John Wick saga is set to return in the new film Ballerina, which stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-assassin trained by the Ruska Roma crime organization. The story follows Macarro’s quest for vengeance against those who killed her father. Keanu Reeves will return as the cultivating titled character, John Wick, while Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead) will be joining the cast as Pine. Will Eve’s father get the rightful justice he deserves?
(Not Yet Rated/Theaters)
June 13:
How to Train Your Dragon
The reimagination of animated films is becoming a trend this year, with How to Train Your Dragon joining the list and marking this as DreamWorks Animation’s first live-action production. Dean DeBlois, who wrote, produced and directed the animated version, will do the same for the new film. The tale is still set on the isle of Berk where a young Viking boy named Hiccup (Mason Thames) challenges generations of tradition. Hiccup stumbles upon an injured dragon, sparking an unexpected bond between them. He eventually names the dragon Toothless (vocal effects by Randy Thom). When a threat emerges that puts the lives of humans and dragons in danger, their friendship becomes a symbol of hope. The two must soar through obstacles to ensure peace, but will they succeed?
(PG/Theaters)
June 27:
M3GAN 2.0
The internet raved about the first film of the M3GAN series, considering that the robotic doll could break into a choreographed dance. M3GAN (Jenna Davis, Amie Donald) makes her return, but this time she’s not as psychotic as she was before. Her creator, Gemma (Allison Williams), has become a bestselling author and an advocate for the government oversight of artificial intelligence. However, a powerful defense contractor develops a new weapon named Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno) that has similar qualities to Gemma’s robotic doll. When Amelia becomes violent, Gemma decides to resurrect M3GAN to take down their creation. Can M3GAN put an end to the destruction or resort back to her old habits?
(Not Yet Rated/Theaters)
July 11:
Superman
James Gunn, known for writing and directing films such as the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, The Suicide Squad and the HBO Max series Peacemaker, is set to release his take on Superman, this time without Henry Cavill in the leading role. Clark Kent/Superman will be played by David Corenswet. The superhero will embark on a journey of balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human form. Gunn’s version will embrace inspiration from the All-Star Superman comic series by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. How will this new adaptation reshape the legacy of the Man of Steel?
(PG-13/Theaters)
July 18:
Smurfs
The harmonious blue creatures are making a comeback in a new animated film. Famous R&B songstress and businesswoman Rihanna stars as the fearless leader of the clan, Smurfette. Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is kidnapped by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel (JP Karliak). The Smurfs must embark on a journey to the real world to rescue him. They encounter new friends and overcome challenges of this newfound world, which is much different than theirs. Can they defy the odds and bring Papa Smurf home?
(Not Yet Rated/Theaters)
I Know What You Did Last Summer
The upcoming slasher film will serve as a sequel to the 1998 cult classic I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. will reprise their roles as Julie James and Ray Bronson. The plot welcomes a new group of friends that caused a fateful accident, so they decide to conceal their involvement by keeping it a secret amongst themselves. A year goes by and their secret is uncovered by a mysterious killer who is seeking revenge. The group must reach out to Julie and Ray for help. Will the pair be able to save them before it is too late?
(R/Theaters)
