Written by: Ines
Edited by: Jessica
Visuals by: Zoe
Constant cancellations and perpetual postponements made 2020 a tough year for movies. Films set to release in May were delayed to July the next year, devastating the film industry and causing audience disappointment.
Nonetheless, as the summer of 2021 hovers right around the corner, it seems quite possible that some exciting movies may be in store for movie-goers everywhere. Here are some of the most eagerly awaited films this summer that we simply can’t wait to see!
In the Heights
Release Date: June 11, 2021
Originally scheduled for release on June 26, 2020, In the Heights has waited almost an entire year before hitting the big screen in theaters. The film adaptation of the award-winning musical, In the Heights by Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the story of the residents in the colorful yet “disappearing” New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights. The movie revolves around Anthony Ramos’ character Usnavi, along with his family and friends as they face insurmountable collective and individual struggles like the closing of neighborhood businesses, rising rents, funding shortages and ultimately brings personal and community issues to life. Available on HBO Max and in theaters, In the Heights is one musical movie you won’t want to miss!
Luca
Release Date: June 17, 2021
From the creators of Coco, Inside Out, and Toy Story, audiences await Disney’s newest addition to the Pixar franchise, Luca. The animated film focuses on a young sea monster from beneath the water’s surface named Luca, voiced by Jacob Tremblay. He spends an unforgettable summer in the fictional seaside town of the Italian Riviera. However, as Luca learns about the world above, it becomes imperative that he conceals his sea monster identity and blends in with the humans on land. The movie will stream exclusively on Disney+ and will, without a doubt, inspire you to start your summer with a splash.
Fatherhood
Release Date: June 18, 2021
Starring award-winning actor Kevin Hart, Fatherhood sheds light on the challenges of raising a child as a single parent, specifically as a single father. Hart plays Matthew Logelin, a widower left caring for his infant daughter after the unexpected death of his wife. The film covers topics such as gender stereotypes, love, sacrifice, and the changing concepts about families today.
F9
Release Date: June 25, 2021
F9, the ninth installment of the Fast and Furious Franchise, was originally meant to be released in April 2019. However, it was held back due to the release of similar action flicks and the notorious COVID-19 pandemic. But the film’s time has finally come, and right when you thought that Dominic Toretto (played by Vin Diesel) would finally find peace, he and his family are forced to face Jakob (played by John Cena), who has partnered with an old enemy of Dominic’s. On top of that, we’ve learned that apart from being a deadly assassin, Jakob is also Dominic’s younger brother, and holds a personal grudge against him.
Black Widow
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Marvel’s Black Widow is yet another victim to the COVID-19 pandemic cancellations, as it was postponed from May 2020 to July 2021. At the 2019 Comic-Con International, Marvel Studios announced that Black Widow would be a prequel film. They also revealed that the movie would explain to audiences how Scarlett Johannson’s character, Natasha Romanoff, spent her time between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War.
Space Jam: A New Legacy
Release Date: July 16, 2021
This summer, the sequel of the iconic Space Jam starring basketball legend, Michael Jordan and the whimsical Looney Tunes is expected to be released. Space Jam: A New Legacy will include some cartoons from the original film such as Bugs Bunny, Lola Bunny, and Daffy Duck. Michael Jordan, however, will be replaced in his leading role by none other than the “king of basketball,” LeBron James. Unlike the original in which Michael Jordan was recruited by the Looney Tunes, LeBron James must now recruit the gang to save his son by defeating the forbidding Goon Squad in an intense game of basketball.
Jungle Cruise
Release Date: July 28, 2021
For the film adaptation of the Disneyland theme park ride, Jungle Cruise, Disney has enlisted stars Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson to play the movie’s leading duo. Blunt plays the brilliant Dr. Lily Houghton on a mission to find the ancient Amazonian tree that holds incredible healing power. While on her journey, she meets Johnson’s character, Frank Wolff, an Amazon expert who agrees to aid her on her quest.
One year ago, we never would have felt such excitement about upcoming movies; however, as theatres across the globe begin to reopen, they bring back a semblance of normalcy from before the pandemic and unite us in our hope for its end. But movies can be so much more than meets the eye, for in film lies a universal power of communication that is truly a force that brings people together.
References:
“Black Widow (Movie, 2021).” Marvel, 2021, https://www.marvel.com/movies/black-widow. Accessed June 2, 2021
Gemmill, Allie. “Dwayne Johnson Explains Why the ‘Jungle Cruise’ Release Date Is Delayed to 2021.” Collider, 4 Apr. 2021, https://collider.com/disney-jungle-cruise-release-date-delay-explained-dwayne-johnson/. Accessed June 2, 2021
Grater, Tom. “‘F9’ Moves Up To June 24 In The UK.” Deadline, 20 May. 2021, https://deadline.com/2021/05/fast-furious-9-moves-up-uk-june-24-1234760919/. Accessed June 2, 2021
Kaskey-Blomain, Michael. “WATCH: First trailer for Space Jam: A New Legacy, starring LeBron James, released.” CBS, 3 Apr. 2021, https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/watch-first-trailer-for-space-jam-a-new-legacy-starring-lebron-james-released/. Accessed June 2, 2021
“Luca.” Disney Plus, 2021, https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/luca/7K1HyQ6Hl16P?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6t6B8ab98AIVgRh9Ch2UVQ4-EAAYASAAEgK8yfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds. Accessed June 1, 2021
Robinson, Jacob. “Netflix Movie ‘Fatherhood’ Starring Kevin Hart is Coming in June 2021.” What’s on Netflix, 11 May. 2021, https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-movie-fatherhood-starring-kevin-hart-is-coming-in-june-2021/. Accessed June 2, 2021
Schwartz, Brie. “In the Heights Will Premiere on HBO Max and Theatres Simultaneously.” Oprah Daily, 27 Apr. 2021, https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a27791732/in-the-heights-movie-cast-release-date-news/. Accessed June 1, 2021