Coming out in 2023 – lots of goods!

            There is a lot of good stuff coming out in 2023, and it’s not just on the big screen. For most of them, I am over the moon, but there are some films worth mentioning from the journalistic duty… That I am not excited for at all. 

The world is changing, reforming. This is your moment…

            Last year was pretty damn good when it comes to movies, I think I mentioned all of them in my personal wrap up. This makes me even more excited for these movie and TV goods coming out in 2023. But, before we go there, let’s quickly sum up what I was excited about for 2022 and how many of these I managed to watch: 

• The 355 – not yet
• C’mon, c’mon – YES omg yes
• Moonfall – nope
• The Eyes of Tammy Faye – yes, but as I mentioned it during Oscars run-down, was not that great
• Marry me – nope
• Cyrano – yes, just recently 
• Belfast – one of the best movies I’ve seen in 2022
• The Batman – yes, but I have reservations 
• Turning Red – yes
• The Lost City – no, but I hear good things about it so probably will catch up soon
• The Unbreakable boy – coming in 2023
• Everything Everywhere All at Once – a thousand times, YES
• The Northman – no, and I kind of don’t know why I was excited about it in the first place
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – yes! And I enjoyed it very much
• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – yes and what a bitter disappointment it was 
• DC League of Super-Pets – yes
• Lightyear – nope and not planning on it anytime soon
• Jurassic World: Dominion – yes and well, what a cringy disappointment
• Thor: Love and Thunder – yes and not even Christian Bale could save this dumpster fire
• Black Adam – yes and sadly, it was completely wasted potential. I don’t think there is any hope for DC left.
• Don’t worry Darling – yes and yikes. 
• Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Part one – coming in 2023
• The Flash – sadly still happening and coming out in 2023 (it’s funny to see how excited I was for it)
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – yes and as far as tributes go – it was very good
• Euphoria S2 – yes
• Atlanta S3 and S4 – not yet and I am ashamed 
• Bridgerton S2 – YES
• The Boys S3 – heck yes
• Kenobi – YES
• Andor – oh hell YES
• Halo – not yet
• Moon Knight – yes
• The Mandalorian S3 – coming out in 2023
• The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – yess!
• Death on Nile – nope
• Uncharted – yes 

Is anyone ever going to tell the truth about what’s happening here? 

            So, let’s take a look at what is coming to the screens in 2023 – and it will be a pretty amazing list, really. As you can probably imagine, I am most excited for certain Mr. Nolan and his film, but let’s get it right – in somewhat chronological order.

Just a disclaimer, though – since I live in PL (so far…), a lot of movies will have a different release date. Some of them are already out in US/world, but my country is funny like that. 

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS, dir. Ruben Östlund (FILM)

            Now, I only hear good things about it and if Woody Harrelson is involved, I don’t think I need anything else. A luxury yacht/boat sinks and a couple fights for survival on a deserted island, with other passengers who survived. It received a lot of awards and is supposedly a perfectly balanced comedy and drama. 

Coming in January.

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, dir. Martin McDonagh (FILM)

            Oh boy, this might be the award-sweeper this season. I am going to see it next weekend and I could not be more excited to kick off my cinema adventure with this one. Two best friends suddenly parting ways? Count me in, it looks hilarious and heartbreaking. 

Coming in January.

BABYLON, dir. Damien Chazelle (FILM)

            Odds are in favor of Chazelle shaking up award season as well – this is another story of great ambitions and the greater fall in early Hollywood. Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie (perhaps the first role of her that I might enjoy) and music that makes me feel things? Hell yes.

Coming in January.

A MAN CALLED OTTO, dir. Marc Forster (FILM)

            A comedy-drama with Tom Hanks is something always worth watching – especially when the usual ray of sunshine Tom gets to play an old grump who has given up on life. Maybe not in the cinema, but I will for sure watch it when it hits streaming.

Coming in January.

AFTERSUN, dir. Charlotte Wells (FILM)

            Looks like a collection of “moments” and “in-betweens” for father and daughter, taping their vacation on VHS. I am curious about Paul Mescal (Normal people, The Daughter). 

Coming in February.

THE WHALE, dir. Darren Aronofsky (FILM)

            I hate to be that late to the party – but for once, it is not my fault. My relationship with Aronofsky is quite complicated but I am stoked for this one. A beautiful, heartbreaking “comeback” for Brendan Fraser with a fantastic Sadie Sink by his side – this will be great. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s gonna get the recognition it deserves, awards-wise. 

Coming in February.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA, dir. Peyton Reed (FILM)

            See, the only reason I am interested in this one is because of Peyton directing it. For real – his episodes of Mando were great and I actually enjoyed his work on Ant-Man. Other than that, I obviously love Paul Rudd, but the entire Kang thing and the fact it’s gonna lead to the next Avengers… I don’t know. I think I lost my Marvel spark somewhere.

Coming in February.

TÁR, dir. Todd Field (FILM)

            As you all know, I am not a big fan of Cate Blanchett (not that I don’t recognize her work, she is a great actress, just not a big fan, is all), she just recently got a Golden Globe for that role. Plus, it features Mark Strong. 

Coming in February.

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? Shekhar Kapur dir. (FILM)

            Sounds like an utter chick-flick but who cares, we all need some good rom-coms in our life. It will probably be shit, but hey. 

Coming in February.

EMPIRE OF LIGHT, dir. Sam Mendes (FILM)

            Sam Mendes is setting his bar very high when it comes to cinematography and aesthetics, so for this sole reason I am interested. Leading roles? Olivia Colman (hehe, is this yet another Oscar for her?), Colin Firth, Michael Ward. 

Coming in March.

SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS, dir. David F. Sandberg (FILM)

            I am not sure, Lot – looks like it might be damn fine, but then again – I am losing faith in DC. Besides, it sounds like James Gunn is scrapping everything, so why bother getting attached? Such a good cast, though.

Coming in March.

SUNDOWN, dir. Michel Franco (FILM)

            Oh, I love Tim Roth! And by the trailers, I see it will be a textbook drama, which? I am kind of in to. And get this, because it is straight up ridiculous – the world premiere was back in 2021. 

Coming in March.

BEAUTIFUL DISASTER, dir. Roger Kumble (FILM)

            For sure will break some hearts, especially those that could be easily triggered. Not a cinema-movie for me, but it looks interesting. Going on my list.

Coming in April.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES, dir. Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley (FILM)

            I love how doomed this film is, so long before actually hitting the theaters. The trailer looks so bad, it’s funny. Now, I am more than happy to give it a fair chance – since to be honest, I kind of missed that hype of playing the game. And wow – that cast? Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, Justice Smith, Rege-Jean Page and Michelle Rodriguez? Huh.

Coming in April. 

RENFIELD, dir. Chris McKay (FILM)

            Holy freaking peach, if this is not going to be the greatest movie of all time, then I quit. Nicolas MF Cage as Dracula? Come on, this HAS TO WORK. It will be so bad, so cringy and awful, it will be secretly perfect. 

Coming in April.

65, dir. Scott Beck, Bryan Woods (FILM)

            A combination of Star Wars and Jurassic Park which just cannot go wrong. Adam Driver looks insanely good in this movie – and I don’t mean the general confusing appearance, but like, he looks like this could be HIS film. 

Coming in April.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3, dir. James Gunn (FILM)

            I am at that stage where I could watch Marvel at home, whenever it hits Disney+ and honestly, I hate that feeling. This used to be such a great, important part of my pop cultural life… I guess some people really can ruin your favorite things for you. Sigh.

Coming in May.

THE THREE MUSKETEERS: D’Artagnan, dir. Martin Bourboulon (FILM)

            Who does not like these? I mean, WHO DOES NOT LIKE THESE? This is a pure “Sunday noon, tea with cookies, blanket-burrito” mood. Plus, it is one of my favorite books. 

Comin in May.

THE LITTLE MERMAID, dir. Rob Marshall (FILM)

            Ah, the drama aside, I am not sure I like these remakes. It’s just such a pure part of my childhood… Sure, I will watch it. But do we need it? Do not think so. 

Coming in May.

ELEMENTAL, dir. Peter Sohn (FILM)

            Hell to the yes, if there is an animated movie that we need, it will be this one. Come on, Pixar. You have a damn fine potential here, please don’t disappoint me. 

Coming in June.

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY, dir. James Mangold (FILM)

            You gotta love Indy. I’m kidding – for each their own – but this could work. Tired, old Indy going for his last adventure? I am down for it. Is it smart to bring this character back around? Hell no, but do I care? Also, no.

Coming in June.

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE PART ONE, dir. Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers (FILM)

            One of the most anticipated follow-ups to the spectacular first installment. I like the fact that the creators are taking their time. No rush. I’d love to see it, but no rush.

Coming in June.

OPPENHEIMER, dir. Christopher Nolan (FILM)

            If there is one movie I am excited for, but like over-the-moon-excited for, it’s this one. Based on a true story, with what seems like A REAL EFFING EXPLOSION, with a stellar (atomic, dare I say) cast… Wow. 

Coming in NOT SOON ENOUGH – July. 

BARBIE, dir. Greta Gerwig

            Why? This is my question – why? The answer is probably: because we can, and you know what? That level of audacity is something I admire, but just… This is not the level of pastiche I need in my life.

Coming in July.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING, PART ONE, dir. Christopher McQuarrie (FILM)

            I honestly cannot believe I am saying this – but I am quite excited for this one. I mean, I’ve watched them all so naturally I want to see the upcoming one. Just all that bullshit they came up this time. Pure joy.

Coming in July.

 THE MARVELS, dir. Nia DaCosta (FILM)

            Another Maarvel film that I am not really excited for, especially considering that Captain Marvel is not my favorite character. Frankly, I might sit this one out and wait for streaming. 

Coming in July. 

BLUE BEETLE, dir. Ángel Manuel Soto (FILM)

            Yet another thing from DC that looks amazing but will probably be scrapped after premiere. For this one – I am excited but I am also afraid it will be somehow awful? Well, we will see.

Coming in August.

NEXT GOAL WINS, dir. Taika Waititi (FILM)

            So after his last Marvel film, I am just not sure. Taika is a great, creative mind and I trust him. And this actually looks nice, based on a true story… If it balances the sense of humor and a slight touch of drama, it could be good. 

Coming in September. 

DUNE: PART TWO, dir. Denis Villeneuve (FILM)

            Close second to Oppenheimer when it comes to my excitement, and boy – I sense a visual masterpiece, with a soul-piercing soundtrack by Hans and stellar performances by the cast. I cannot wait to see Chani being the leading character.

Coming in November.

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRD & SNAKES, dir. Francis Lawrence (FILM)

            It’s a no from me, but I will gladly watch it on a streaming service. I just do not see the point of expanding this universe for me, but once again – for each their own.

Coming in November. 

WONKA, dir. Paul King (FILM)

            Timmy as a young Wonka looks fantastic and I cannot wait to see it. It has a great potential but also – with that great power, comes even greater responsibility. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is both a beloved story and a movie.

Coming in December. 

THE COLOR PURPLE, dir. Blitz Bazawule (FILM)

            A musical at last! Gosh, am I turning into a musicals fan? Maybe, but this one looks really good and it is an award-winning one. Plus, it will feature H.E.R. – and she is getting there. 

Coming in December.

BEAU IS AFRAID, dir. Ari Aster (FILM)

            Previously titled Disappointment Blvd. – such a great one – has just released its trailer and it’s chaotic, it’s pure and I need it in my life. Check it out here. Joaquin Phoenix… Hell yes. 

Coming in 2023. 

You gave them the power to destroy themselves.

            That is one hell of a list, no? But I am also very excited for this year – one of them premieres tomorrow (technically today in US, so yes – welcome to my world). A lot of comeback (Star Wars), a lot of new things, let’s take a look.

THE LAST OF US – HBO (SERIES)

            Needless to say, this is in my TOP5 of series I am waiting for in 2023. Like you all already know, I am not much of a player (I do enjoy it from time to time, and I am mostly playing for the plot – the real, legit plot this time), but this is one of the games that keeps you hooked. 

The series has been in development for years now and early reviews call it the GREATEST game adaptation of all times, so I am excited. Pedro is an added bonus to the plot. 

Coming in January.

KALEIDOSCOPE – Netflix (SERIES)

            This might be the only series existing (so far) that has no specific order on how to watch the episodes. Interesting concept but a bit overwhelming. However… Giancarlo Esposito is a pretty convincing argument. 

Coming in January.

STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH S2 – Disney+ (SERIES)

            We are in such a good place right now. Such a lovely, wonderful place for Star Wars and you know what? I don’t ever remember being so happy about pop culture, like… Ever. One thing, though – one episode a week? Jeez… 

Coming in January.

YOU S4 – Netflix (SERIES)

            I feel like I should get back to this, after a very good and creepy season 1. The second did not hook me instantly, so… Maybe I will give it another chance. Who knows? 

Coming in February.

THE MANDALORIAN S3,5 – Disney+ (SERIES)

            Hehe, that pun is a classic, no? Come on, Lot. You know how I feel about this show and Star Wars, so this might be the best thing for me. And Pedro Pascal, I feel like this is going to be his year. Give me my man. 

Coming in March. 

THE WHITE HOUSE PLUMBERS – HBO (SERIES)

            Based on a 2007 book, it follows (shockingly) not actually WH plumbers, but a Special Investigation Unit, established in the wake of Pentagon Papers to stop leaking classified information to the press. Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux – that’s a yes.

Coming in March.

AHSOKA – Disney+ (SERIES)

            One of my favorite Jedi and for sure my favorite samurai Jedi. Live action Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson) is coming back to (probably) take on one of the meanest beings in the Galaxy. Cannot wait!!!!

Coming soon. 

GEN V – Amazon Prime Video (SERIES)

            Spinoff to The Boys, a.k.a. one of the greatest shows on current streaming, it will focus on young adult superheroes. Honestly, it can either be super shitty or fantastic, no in-between. 

Coming soon. 

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY – Netflix (SERIES)

            One of the most lovable characters in the series got a prequel series and I cannot wait to see it. Guilty pleasure? For sure, but we do love them. 

Coming soon.

THE IDOL – HBO (SERIES)

            Oh boy how amazing this show could be!!!! Examining the complicated relationship between a rising pop star (Lily-Rose Depp) and a self-help guru, leader of contemporary cult (The Weeknd), with supporting roles of Troy Sivane and Dan Levy…? Heck yes. 

Coming soon.

LOKI S2 – Disney+ (SERIES)

            Season one was great and I loved every bit of it, so I think I will give it a shot when it comes back. I mean, it’s kind of a must these days, no?

Coming summer 2023. 

BRIDGERTON – Netflix (SERIES)

            Penelope gets the spotlight this season and I am very intrigued but then again – this is kind of the definition of “guilty pleasure” and let’s leave it at that. Oh, the song covers though – that’s wonderful. 

Coming soon.

The force from which the sun draws its power has been loosed. 

            This is just going to be a quick list as seriously – not a big gamer. An enthusiast, for sure, so see these that I am most excited to play in 2023:

• Hogwarts Legacy (Feb but April for PS4)
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Mar)
• Diablo IV (June)
• Forever Skies (Soooooon)
• Dune Awakening (but so far no news, so it might as well be 2024).

Theory will take you only so far…

            I write it every year – there’s plenty to wait for and for sure hell of a lot to be excited about. 2023 looks like a very good year for the cinema, silver screen and gaming world. Now, what would you add to the list, Lot? Anything that keeps you excited?