2021 brought many memorable films, with some of the biggest charting box office numbers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2022 is anticipated to feature just as many notable projects, both blockbuster and cult hits alike. From big Marvel movies to visionary thrillers, this year’s release lineup has something for everyone.
The Batman (March 4)
Director Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” has the superhero stalking the streets once again, looking to combat crime when opportunity strikes. With Robert Pattinson behind the mask, and the resurgence of iconic ‘90s villains such as The Riddler and The Penguin, action-packed scenes are bound to occur as Batman pursues a serial killer who targets the elite citizens in Gotham City.
The Northman (April 22)
Details for Robert Eggers’ third feature-length film are slim, however, after the massive reception of “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse,” Eggers “The North- man” focuses on a story set in Iceland centering around a Nordic prince seeking revenge for the death of his father in the 10th century. With an all-star cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke, Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgård, this film is sure to deliver an epic Viking story with Eggers’ signature visuals of grim storytelling.
Don’t Worry Darling (Sept. 23)
The foretold ensemble of Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry Darling” is enough to get giddy for the fall crime-drama season. Starring Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine and Gemma Chan; this 1950s mystery tells the narrative of a housewife living in a utopian society who suspects her husband may be hiding insidious secrets within his glamorous company. Details should emerge more in the late spring, but buzz behind Olivia Wilde’s second film has already gathered a cult following, nine months before its release.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Part One (Oct. 7)
The animated “Into the Spider-Verse” was one of the biggest surprises of 2018, taking home an Academy Award for best-animated feature. Returning to the same stylistic animation with a bigger cast of Spider-men, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Part One” continues Miles Mo- rales’ (Shameik Moore) journey as Spider-Man in company with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) as Spider-Woman. The sequel is set to expand the multiverse while bringing back original voice actors and weaving in new characters such as Miguel O’Hara – the futuristic Spiderman 2099 – voiced by Oscar Isaac.
Despite the lack of insight on fall and winter films appearing through nothing more than teaser trailers, the hype for 2022’s movie lineup is more than enough to get cinema lovers through those months of anticipation. While some of these films may not be granted a theatrical release, they are likely to become shoo-ins for Academy Award favorites, and accomplish another big year for the film industry.
Andrew is a junior studying English and Digital Technology and Culture at WSU Vancouver.