The cinema industry like most industries, has been massively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with 48 per cent of the world’s cinema screens re-opened, the industry is presently looking to rebuild itself with the release of some MEGA blockbusters in Q3 and Q4 2020.
After several months of the lack of major movie releases in cinemas, we’ve got some exciting news: VOX Cinemas has announced the release dates of some hugely-anticipated new movies, coming to a big screen near you in the coming weeks.
In a break from tradition, Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi/thriller – Tenet, will hit screens in the Middle East on 27th August, ahead of the US. Based on movie ticket pre-bookings in the UAE, all shows for Tenet are booking out fast – that’s how eager audiences are for new blockbuster content!
September will feature Mulan – live-action adaptation of Disney’s classic animated film of the same name, releasing 4th September, and The King’s Man – the third instalment in Matthew Vaughan’s popular period spy franchise, releasing 17th September.
For October, there’s Wonder Woman 1984 – the DC sequel which continues the story of the Amazon warrior princess Diana, releasing 1st October, as well as Death on the Nile – a new adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel, releasing 22nd October.
Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Cinemas and Majid Al Futtaim Leisure and Entertainment, Cameron Mitchell said: “After several months of speculation and delays, I’m excited to announce that blockbusters are back at VOX Cinemas and unveil our impressive slate of must-see movies.”
Mitchell added: “There is a real pent-up demand for new releases and, with major tentpoles such as Tenet about to hit our theatres, we’re expecting a significant increase in box office sales.”
Advertisers, here’s your chance to advertise your brand alongside these MEGA Blockbusters. Click here to access our special offer for TENET, and contact us for more information on cinema advertising opportunities alongside the upcoming blockbusters.
Sources: Gulf Business, Gulf News, What’s On and VOX Cinemas
Women – directors and actors, are set to take charge of Hollywood in 2020!
According to World Economic Forum, the number of women behind the camera on Hollywood movies jumped to record levels in 2019, with 12 directing top-grossing films including Frozen II, Captain Marvel and Hustlers.
Additionally, a study by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at the University of Southern California found that women made up 10.6% of directors of the top movies last year, more than double the percentage in 2018 and the highest percentage of female directors in the past decade.
2020 is already off to a good start with five of the year’s most anticipated blockbusters – Bird of Prey, Mulan, Black Widow, Wonder Woman 1984 and Eternals – all directed by women.
Birds Of Prey
Director: Cathy Yan
Release Date: February 6, 2020
Birds of Prey, will be DC’s first venture in 2020 and the first movie from the studio to come after Todd Phillips’ acclaimed Joker movie. The movie stars Margot Robbie – reprising her famous role of Harley Quinn, and will feature a few other leading ladies such as Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Rosie Perez (to name a few).
Mulan
Director: Niki Caro
Release Date: March 26, 2020
Disney’s next live action remake will not be a musical and is missing the indestructible Mushu in its first trailer. However, audiences need not fret, as this version of Mulan from Niki Caro is paving its own path and staying clear of mimicking the 1998 animated classic.
Black Widow
Director: Cate Shortland
Release Date: April 30, 2020
One of Marvel’s big releases this year will be by a female director – Cate Shortland, and follows a leading superhero – Natasha Romanoff (also known as Black Widow) played by Scarlett Johansson. Black Widow’s solo movie has been a long time coming as a result of Scarlett Johansson’s character being a popular in the Avengers series. The story of Natasha Romanova should give audiences a real chance to see her in action and outside the realm of an ensemble movie.
Wonder Woman 1984
Director: Patty Jenkins
Release Date: June 4, 2020
As a sequel starring a popular DC comics character, it’s no real surprise that Wonder Woman 1984 – directed by yet another leading female director Patty Jenkins, is topping the list of most anticipated movies in 2020. Gal Gadot will also be back to reprise her role of Diana Prince, with Kristen Wiig taking on the role of Barbara Minerva (better known as Cheetah) – the archenemy of Wonder Woman.
Eternals
Director: Chloé Zhao
Release Date: October 29, 2020
In April 2018, Marvel Studios announced that they will be developing a film based on the Comic book series Eternals. Directed by Chinese film director Chloé Zhao – known for The Rider, the film will star leading female actresses such as Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek and Gemma Chan, alongside Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington and Richard Madden. The Eternals are immortal aliens who should possibly offer much to the cosmic side of Marvel’s Phase Four.
According to a list of the most anticipated movies of 2020 by Fandango, around half will be led by women. It’s also worth pointing out that from this list, the top four movies are female-directed.
Visit the Movie Planner section of our website to watch trailers of other upcoming movies in 2020.
Sources: Variety, World Economic Forum and Fandango.