Summer Movie Anticipation: A Surprising List
There’s a lot of chatter about what’s coming this summer, especially around that new Star Wars film. Scheduled for release next month, it surprisingly didn’t make the cut for the top 10 most anticipated summer movies.
It seems most films set to debut this summer are coming out sooner than expected. New entries like Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, along with titles like Cunning and the latest Scary Movie sequel, are generating buzz.
Interestingly, according to a survey of 6,000 Fandango ticket buyers, Toy Story 5 has taken the top spot, followed closely by a new Spider-Man movie. The top 10 lineup includes films like The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey, Scary Movie 6, a live-action remake of Moana, Minions & Monsters, Mortal Kombat II, Supergirl, and Insidious: Part Us. But no sign of Star Wars.
It’s almost shocking that a new Star Wars entry doesn’t rank at all, especially considering it once topped polls before the tenure of Kathleen Kennedy, often criticized as the “Franchise Destroyer.” It feels underwhelming to see it fall behind movies like Scary Movie and Mortal Kombat.
And then there’s Steven Spielberg, who also seems to be missing from the hype. His next release is set for mid-June, but his credentials in sci-fi summer blockbusters are, well, a bit shaky. Looking back over the last two decades, only Lincoln (2012) and Bridge of Spies (2015) stand out, while many others like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) leave much to be desired.
On the upside, Disney can take comfort in knowing that titles like Moana and Toy Story 5 are likely to perform well. Still, the Star Wars franchise was supposed to generate massive box office figures, ideally about $1 billion annually. It had the potential to be a pillar of the film industry. However, after Kathleen Kennedy took over, the brand shifted focus, which has left many fans disappointed.
In terms of Spielberg’s career, he turned 80 this year, and it seems he might not quite connect with the average viewer anymore. The films he’s produced lately feel more autobiographical than engaging for the general audience, with pieces like Fabelmans and The Post being particularly criticized.
So, I guess maybe Information Release Date isn’t the worst, but I’m not entirely sold on it either. Honestly, I’m not sure what to make of it all.
For the summer, the only film I’m genuinely excited about is The Odyssey. If we’re being real, some of the classics airing on Turner Classic Movies seem more appealing than many recent releases.
If someone had told me back in 1983 that new Star Wars content would arrive so late in the game, I would have eagerly anticipated Spielberg’s next summer feature. What has transpired in Hollywood is quite striking.
