Looking ahead to summer's biggest blockbuster movies
NEW YORK (WABC) -- While the first day of summer is June 21, the summer box office season is already in full swing, with "The Mandalorian and Grogu" hitting theaters this weekend. There's also "Star Wars," "Spider-Man," "Toy Story 5," and a blockbuster from Christopher Nolan all on the way.
Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, but it is the official start to the summer box office, and we are kicking things off with a bang.
"Oh, yes. 'The Mandalorian and Grogu.' Star Wars is back on Memorial Day weekend. Disney+ helped turn 'The Mandalorian' into a cultural phenomenon, but this really marks the franchise's return to theaters. It's the first Star Wars movie to hit theaters since 2019. 'Grogu' is basically Hollywood's most bankable little green superstar at this point. The film is a really good time, I've seen it, I had a blast ,and I think fans of the series will enjoy it greatly," said Erik Davis, Fandango.
From a galaxy far, far away, to Nate Bargatze making his feature film debut in "The Breadwinner."
"It feels like the kind of heartfelt comedy Hollywood used to make all the time, something families can enjoy together across generations. In a marketplace full of giant franchises, there's something really refreshing about a movie designed to make audiences laugh and leave the theater feeling good. It reminds me of something like 'Mr. Mom,'" Davis said.
But if there's one word to describe this summer, it's nostalgia. The four-month stretch, which typically accounts for about 40% of the year's ticket sales, is expected to get a big boost because of it.
"'Masters of the Universe' is perfectly positioned to capitalize on that. The film brings audiences back to Eternia, where He-Man battles Skeletor in an epic fight to protect the kingdom and the power of Grayskull. For many fans, this isn't just another adaptation, it's a chance to finally see one of the most iconic toy and cartoon worlds of the '80s brought to life on a massive, modern blockbuster scale," Davis said.
He-Man isn't the only familiar face making a comeback.
"'Toy Story 5' was voted the most anticipated summer movie in a massive survey we did at Fandango. People have such a deep emotional connection to 'Toy Story,' and this new chapter explores how the toys navigate a modern world filled with technology and changing childhood habits. Classic Pixar heart," Davis said.
For superhero fans, Tom Holland and Zendaya are back. And if we're talking summer, we've got to talk about "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."
"Every time Holland returns as Spider-Man, audiences show up because people genuinely love the emotional, relatable quality he brings to the character. Mark Ruffalo's Hulk will be in this movie. Jon Bernthal's Punisher will be in this movie. And every time Holland returns, audiences show up," Davis said.
Christopher Nolan releases his next film, "The Odyssey."
"Whenever Christopher Nolan releases a movie, it instantly becomes a cinematic event. Anticipation feels even bigger this time because it's his first project since winning the Oscar for 'Oppenheimer.' Adapting Homer's 'The Odyssey' means following Odysseus on his long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War, filled with monsters, temptations and epic battles," Davis said. "This film is built for IMAX, it's Nolan's first shot entirely with IMAX cameras, so this will be a major movie event, especially in IMAX theaters."
In a summer packed with sequels and superheroes, there are also some original stories to watch for, including "The End of Oak Street."
"'The End of Oak Street' stands out because it's built around a truly original idea, a suburban couple suddenly discovers their neighborhood has been transported into a prehistoric world. It stars Ewan McGregor and Anne Hathaway, and it looks really cool," Davis said.
Also, Disney has a live-action "Moana" coming to the big screen, with Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui. The original is so beloved, and the songs are instantly memorable.
And finally, as the country marks its 250th anniversary this year, there's a George Washington film, "Young Washington," arriving at the perfect time. Instead of focusing on the well-known historical figure later in life, it explores his early years and the experiences that shaped him into a future leader. It opens over the Fourth of July weekend.
Pass the popcorn, we've got a lot to watch, and we cannot wait.
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