Each year, film fans wait patiently for the latest hits to be released. Over the last decade, there have been two major trends that are only now beginning to loosen their grip. The first was remakes of classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Even though some reboots were a hit (from Spider-Man to Planet of the Apes), it seems audiences have become fatigued by all the replays.
The same is true for gaming-to-screen content. Over the last few years, there’s been a growing emphasis on turning hit games into blockbuster movies or streaming series. You’ve probably heard of The Last of Us (a series from Netflix), Pokémon Detective Pikachu (the first-ever live-action Pokémon project), and Uncharted (a global hit)—even if you never realized these were games originally.
The same can be said for converting popular big screen titles and franchises into gaming spectacles. They do so to extend the popularity and demand in these franchises for years and sometimes decades to come.
Some of the most successful conversions from the box office to the gaming scene can be felt in the world of iGaming. Online casino operators increasingly receive officially licensed slots inspired by popular culture, including the big screen. Hollywood hits like Jumanji, Ted, Jurassic World, and The Goonies are some of the most popular slot titles at the most established online casinos stateside. In fact, FanDuel Casino, one of the new online casinos in 2024, is listed here on the top-five US-licensed iGaming brands and has four Ted-themed slots, including one powered by the Megaways game engine.
With slot development studios always on the look-out for fresh inspiration, it’s possible the next wave of movie releases in 2024 could be catalysts for more gaming releases in the years ahead. Below, we’ll explore five of the most eagerly anticipated films slated to launch in the fall this year at your local cinemas.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, September 6
It’s been 35 years since Tim Burton released one of the world’s most well-known horror-comedy mashups. At the time, audiences weren’t quite sure what to make of the project—but now it’s become one of the most bona fide cult hits in the horror space. What could go wrong with a secondary release?
Though fans remain a bit on edge about a follow-up to the original hit, it seems to have all the pieces in place. Tim Burton is leading the helm, which is a great sign. There’s also Michael Keaton stepping into the shoes of the titular hero and Winona Ryder as Lydia—and Ryder has a young sidekick this time in up-and-coming goth girl, Jenna Ortega. Ortega recently starred in Wednesday, a show about the youngest child in the Addams family. Oh, and Monica Bellucci is playing Beetlejuice’s wife.
Joker: Folie à Deux, October 4
The last Joker was a smash hit that surprised many. Director Todd Phillipps somehow managed to create a Joker project that was both highly psychological and entertaining. Not only did the film make hundreds of millions at the box office, but it even saw multiple Oscar nods from the world’s toughest film critics.
That being said, Philipps is taking the second release in a new direction. As many already know, Lady Gaga is stepping into the role of Harley Quinn—which should make it less of a surprise that this film is slated to be a musical. Or, as Philipps has gone on to clarify, ‘not exactly a musical per se’. Either way, it’s likely this follow-up will be either sink or swim due to the fact.
Gladiator 2, November 22
Similar to Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Gladiator 2 is working on an extended timeline that requires quite a bit of care from filmmakers. Thankfully, as with Tim Burton, original director Ridley Scott has led the project. Still, not everyone believes that Scott has it in him to produce another Oscar Best Picture winner.
Still, the ingredients for a solid film are there. There’s a new addition in Denzel Washington and a promising and highly political plot that focuses on beloved Lucius, son of the slain Emperor Commodus. But just how these characters end up back in the coliseum arena remains to be seen—and whether Paul Mescal, playing Lucius, has a Russell Crowe-caliber performance in him.
Moana 2, November 27
One of the US’s most beloved new Disney princesses is set to take to high seas once again. The original Moana charmed viewers around the world as the hit reframed the classic hero’s journey through the lens of Polynesian culture and, specifically, Hawaii. Plus, having a demigod played by The Rock never hurts.
For now, though many are excited by the project and have faith in Disney’s outlook, the details of this second release remain murky. The Rock is set to return as Maui, while Auli’I Cravalho will once again voice the movie’s heroine. But what Moana will set off to do (described as a journey into Oceania) remains to be seen.
Honorable Mention: Wicked
Thespians are rejoicing for this upcoming Broadway-musical-turned-movie—and even more so because the film will be released in two parts. If you haven’t seen or heard of this musical, it follows a retelling of The Wizard of Oz. Gracing the screen is Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, and Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba.
Both have the vocal power to delight audiences and bring this story to life. Even if you’ve never drifted toward live plays or musicals, you may want to keep this release on your radar. The visuals released so far are eye-catching, while the supporting cast also promises something special, including names like Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.
