The Most Anticipated Films Of 2020
While award season is in full swing, we’re looking ahead to Hollywood’s slew of new releases lined-up for 2020. From contemporary reinterpretations of literary classics to expensive, glossy blockbusters – we’ve rounded up an in-depth look at the most anticipated films that are worth purchasing a ticket to.
The Personal History of David Copperfield
Based on Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name, The Personal History of David Copperfield tells the classic tale of an iconic heroes’ journey from impoverished orphan to a burgeoning writer in Victorian England. Through the comedic lens of award-winning filmmakers Armando Iannucci and Simon Blackwell, Dev Patel takes on the title character alongside a star-packed line-up; Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), Hugh Laurie (House), Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who) and Tilda Swinton – no introduction needed.
Release date: 24 January 2020
Emma
Classic literature remastered for the big screen continues to dominate this spring with a reimagined spin on Jane Austin’s Emma. Anya Taylor-Joy plays the “handsome, clever, and rich” Emma Woodhouse, following her adventure through misguided matches and romantic missteps. Bill Nighy, Miranda Hart, Josh O’Connor, and breakout star from the hit Netflix comedy series Sex Education Tanya Reynolds join the cast in a tale about finding your equal and earning your happy ending.
Released: 14th February 2020
Birds of Prey
It’s not often a superhero film catches our attention, but Margot Robbie’s highly-praised performance in Suicide Squad as the crazed criminal turned vigilante Harley Quinn is enough reason for us to watch Birds of Prey this February. Following her departure from the infamous Joker, Birds of Prey delves deeper into the unpredictable, twisted nature of Harley Quinn allowing Robbie to truly shine in this action-packed spin-off.
Release date: 7th February 2020
Parasite
With a Golden Globe Award already under its belt and rave reviews pouring in, Parasite is set to become a box-office hit. Upon receiving its win for ‘Best Foreign Film’, director and screenwriter Bong Joon-ho cleverly proclaimed; “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films”. Now with an Oscar nomination for ‘Best Picture’, making history as the first-ever Korean film to receive a nomination, it looks like Parasite’s global success could alter the cinema landscape.
Release date: 7th February 2020
Legally Blonde 3
Reese Witherspoon returns to her comedic roots as the bubbly Elle Woods in her all-pink third instalment of the series. To ensure its credibility remains intact, Witherspoon has brought back Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith (screenwriters of the first instalment) to pen the script for this film. Details regarding the film have been kept under wraps but we’d expect nothing less from the character who gave us the ‘bend and snap’.
Release date: 8th May 2020
The Woman in the Window
After an initial delay in the films’ premiere date, The Woman in the Window is set to throw viewers a series of twists and turns in this psychological thriller. The Rear Window-inspired novel of the same name by Dan Mallory (pen name A. J. Finn) centres on Dr. Anna Fox, an agoraphobic psychologist whose only experience of the world is what she sees through her window – in this case, the potential murder of her next-door neighbour. Amy Adams takes on the lead, while Gary Oldman, Julianne Moore and Anthony Mackie round out the cast.
Release date: 15th May 2020
The Trial of the Chicago 7
In 1969, the Chicago Seven (a group of defendants) were charged by the federal government with conspiracy, inciting to riot, and other charges related to anti-Vietnam War. The Trial of the Chicago 7 sheds light on the events that transpired in the courtroom. Featuring a mighty cast of household names, Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jeremy Strong, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Keaton to name a few, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is one not to miss.
Release date: 2nd October 2020
West Side Story
In December, Steven Spielberg plans to put his spin on West Side Story, the beloved 1957 musical tale of forbidden love caught in gang rivalry. Spielberg’s adaption is expected to stay true to the Broadway show rather than the film we know and love; expect explicit takes on the dark themes and social problems that the original West Side Story is built upon. Newcomer Rachel Zegler makes her film debut as Maria (after being selected from a pool of 30,000 applicants), opposite Baby Driver actor Ansel Elgort as Tony.
Release date: 18th December 2020
Ammonite
Not showing any signs of slowing down yet, Saoirse Ronan continues her stellar year of performances alongside Kate Winslet in this original story of intense, forbidden love set in the early 19th century. Directed and written by Francis Lee, who continues to develop stories focused on LGBTQ+ themes after his breakthrough with the critically acclaimed God’s Own Country, Ammonite explores the life of the acclaimed, but under-recognised palaeontologist Mary Anning.
Release date: To be confirmed – 2020
The Glorias
An equal rights crusader, journalist and activist: The Glorias is a biographical film tracing Gloria Steinem’s influential journey to prominence. Julianne Moore takes top-billing as Gloria Steinem, while Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl) and Lulu Wilson (Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House) play a young Steinem, while Bette Midler and Janelle Monáe also co-star.
Release date: To be confirmed – 2020
