During the past couple of months, we’ve only had a handful of films to watch in cinemas. The coronavirus has forced a large number of films to migrate to next year and beyond as the world bides its time, hoping for the pandemic to subside.
So without further ado, let’s gather some two-plys and weep away as we take a look at this comprehensive list of theatrical releases that have been pushed to next year.
“Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway” (28th January 2021)
Oh, Peter. Careful, this mischievous lil’ ball o’ fur might just be back soon enough to wreck the salad patches of your local farm.
- Original release: 27th March 2020
“The King’s Man” (12th February 2021)
All the King’s horses and all the King’s Men… couldn’t keep manners from making more men. This new outing set during World War I predates the whimsical adventures of Eggsy and Harry and delves into the history of the secret service.
- Original release: 13th February 2020
“Antlers” (18th February 2021)
Indeed, we have no eye-deer as to what this movie is about but one thing’s for sure. Horror and Guillermo del Toro? You can’t go wrong with that.
- Original release: 16th April 2020
“Nobody” (18th February 2021)
Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”) plays a bystander who becomes the target of a drug lord after he helps stop a woman from being harassed.
- Original release: 14th August 2020
“Without Remorse” (25th February 2021)
COVID ain’t got time for remorse as this Tom Clancy adaptation starring “Black Panther’s” Michael B. Jordan lugs away to next year.
- Original release: 18th September 2020
“Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (4th March 2021)
It’s back to basics for The Ghostbusters as Jason Reitman, son of the original’s helmer, has promised us a sequel/reboot that harkens back to the haunts of the 80s. However, we’re gonna have to keep the call on hold as we eagerly await its release next March.
- Original release: 10th July 2020
“Tom & Jerry” (4th March 2021)
The classic characters will be back to tickle us with their antics, only this time, they will be rendered in CG animation.
- Original release: 22nd December 2020
“The Many Saints of Newark” (11th March 2021)
A prequel to the popular 60’s TV show, “The Sopranos”, the role made popular by James Gandolfini will now be taken over by his son, Michael. The film also stars Jon Bernthal and Vera Farmiga.
- Original release: 25th September 2020
“Raya and the Last Dragon” (11th March 2021)
The Mouse House’s upcoming animated movie will be a love letter to Southeast Asian cultures. It tells of Raya (not the festival), a lone warrior who seeks out the last dragon in existence to save her kingdom from the nefarious terrors of Druun. Kelly Marie Tran (“Star Wars: The Last Jedi”) will be lending her voice to Raya in the film.
- Original release: 24th November 2020
“Morbius” (19th March 2021)
The first film to release under the newly christened SUMC (Sony Universe of Marvel Characters – gosh, what a handful) will feature Jared Leto’s interpretation of the famous Spider-Man villain. Indeed, it may take a while longer to witness Leto’s transformation from pale-faced gangsta to a living vampire.
- Original release: 30th July 2020
“No Time To Die” (1st April 2021)
As urgent as the title may seem, Bond 25 apparently has got all the time he needs…
Daniel Craig returns in the latest Bond instalment oozing his signature suave and class whilst battling a new danger-demon in the form of Academy Award winner Rami Malek’s Safin.
- Original release: 9th April 2020
“Fatherhood” (1st April 2021)
Kevin Hart puts on his drama-pants alongside Alfre Woodard, Lil Rel Howery, and DeWanda Wise in this feature about… you guessed it.
- Original release: 3rd April 2020
“Bios” (15th April 2021)
The last man on Earth invents an android to accompany him and his dog as they travel across the country. We’re starting to think this is “I Am Legend” but with nice guy Tom Hanks.
- Original release: 2nd October 2020
“Last Night in Soho” (22nd April 2021)
Following up to his tune-laden “Baby Driver”, Edgar Wright’s psychological horror film starring Anya-Taylor Joy will be here to terrorize us with the world of glam and fashion.
- Original release: 25th September 2020
“A Quiet Place Part II” (22nd April 2021)
Shhh. Don’t. Make. A. Sound.
The follow-up to John Krasinski’s acclaimed 2018 horror masterclass is sure to keep our mouths shut. Picking up from where the last movie left off, the Abbott family will have to stalk their way out of danger in light of their father’s absence.
- Original release: 18th March 2020
“Black Widow” (6th May 2021)
Yes, Natasha. We’re crying too.
2020 marks the first time in 11 years that we do not have a single MCU film release on the schedule. Scarlett Johansson’s spy thriller has been pushed back to the summer of 2021.
- Original release: 30th April 2020
“Godzilla vs. Kong” (21st May 2021)
The epic showdown between two colossal titans has been teased for quite a while now but aside from some images, we haven’t seen much promotional material. Nevertheless, we’re sure this is going to be one heck of a monster stompin’ glorious mash!
- Original release: 29th May 2020
“Spiral: From the Book of Saw” (21st May 2021)
The ninth instalment in the “Saw” series sees Chris Rock play a brash detective who crosses paths with a morbid killer as he spirals down into a maddening mystery.
- Original release: 23rd October 2020
“F9” (27th May 2021)
Another entry in the holy-cow-amaze-wow franchise of mean machines (seriously, at the rate they’re going about with these films, we’ll be reaching “F35” by the time we’re in our golden years), Vin Diesel and family are back in business. They’ll be battling an invisible man, outpacing jets, and giving Spider-Man a run for his money with Dom’s precise lassoing tricks across a crevice.
Anyway, we guess the delay might turn out to be for the best as Diesel would have more time to prep for interstellar racing! #familygoestospace
- Original release: 21st May 2020
“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It” (4th June 2021)
Ah, speak of the devil.
Ed and Lorraine Warren’s paranormal misadventures are enough to hail as one of 2021’s summer blockbusters. After creating notable ghastly presences such as Valak and Annabelle, who’s the face of terror gonna be this time?
- Original release: 11th September 2020
“In the Heights” (17th June 2021)
“Hamilton” may be Lin-Manuel Miranda’s crown jewel thus far but it is his other Broadway musical, “In The Heights” that will be getting the big-screen treatment. Directed by John M Chu of “Crazy Rich Asians” fame, this musical will be focusing on a Hispanic community in New York’s Washington Heights.
- Original release: 26th June 2020
“Venom: Let There Be Carnage” (25th June 2021)
The sequel to 2018’s “Venom”, Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock will have to keep that symbiote pet of his fed with chocolate for a lot longer… Steer clear of that goo or he might just find your brains appetizing.
- Original release: 1st October 2020
“Top Gun: Maverick” (1st July 2021)
Indeed, we feel the need… the need for speed as we can’t wait for the sequel to the 1986 classic. Originally meant to be a 2020 summer flick, Maverick has boosted away by a whole year.
- Original release: 24th June 2020
“Minions: Rise of Gru” (1st July 2021)
Picking up where the first “Minions” left off, “Rise of Gru” details the adventures of Kevin, Stuart, and Bob as they tag along with their new despicable master, meeting new foes, friends, and mineral clumps alike.
- Original release: 2nd July 2020
“The Forever Purge” (8th July 2021)
Legal crime will have to wait as the last instalment in the popular “Purge” franchise has been pushed back a full year.
- Original release: 10th July 2020
“The Tomorrow War” (22nd July 2021)
To confront the future, one must look to the past. In a world where humanity is at its last strand of hope due to a devastating alien invasion, a major breakthrough is made where soldiers are drafted from before; where one must confront his ghosts to save all of humanity.
- Original release: 25th December 2020
“Jungle Cruise” (29th July 2021)
Based on a popular theme-park ride at Disneyland, Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in an all-new adventure set in the early 20th century. Well, if you know what The Rock’s been cookin’, it’s gonna be a wild ride through the jungle.
- Original release: 24th July 2020
“Halloween Kills” (14th October 2020)
Michael Myers returns in the second of three modern Halloween films starring Jamie Lee Curtis. While he won’t be haunting Halloween this year, he’ll be at your doorstep for next Halloween. be prepared.
- Original release: 15th October 2020
“G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes” (21st October 2021)
Yo Joe! Our very own Henry Golding will be playing the titular hero in this spinoff of the popular Hasbro franchise.
- Original release: 23rd October 2020
“Eternals” (5th November 2021)
As much as we’re excited for Chloe Zhao’s take on the comic-book property, we hope the wait will not be eternal. Originally set to open at the end of the year, this MCU cosmic outing was pushed back to make way for “Black Widow” after the Scarlett Johansson starrer leapt out of its summer release date. However. the studio announced recently that it was postponing “Eternals” for a full year.
- Original release: 6th November 2020
“King Richard” (18th November 2021)
The fresh prince himself will be stepping up to a more kingly role. Will Smith stars as Richard Williams, father to Serena and Venus, as this biopic depicts Williams’ upbringing of his daughters to become the tennis legends they are today.
- Original release: 24th November 2020
“West Side Story” (9th December 2021)
Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story was slated for a Christmas release up until last week when it was pushed a whole year back.
- Original release: 18th December 2020
“Candyman” (Unspecified date, 2021)
No amount of saying his name will summon the Candyman. He’s still a long way ahead of us. He can’t possibly harm anyone.
So yeah. Go on. Say Candyman with us.
Candyman.
Can-dy-Man.
Cand- OH S***
- Original release: 12th June 2020
While Malaysians were lucky to obtain theatrical releases for “Mulan”, “Antebellum”, and “Bill and Ted Face The Music”, other regions across the globe either released it on digital platforms i.e. Disney+, or a hybrid between a theatrical-VOD method. For many markets, “Tenet” was the litmus test as to whether the theatrical model could sustain itself during this pandemic.
It remains to be seen how many more of 2020’s slates will be maintaining their spots. Depending on the COVID-19 situation in major global markets, films like “Wonder Woman 1984” and “Free Guy” might soon be joining our delayed friends next year.
Which of these movies are you most excited to see in 2021? Which of these delays is bumming you out the most? Leave a comment below!
