The coronavirus pandemic forced all movie theaters to close and delayed a variety of blockbuster movies. Fans and watchers across the nation had to wait much longer for their favorite films to release again, as COVID-19 forced most movies to be pushed back for an allotted time. However, as businesses finally open up, delayed films are returning to the big screen and fans are thrilled. 

A variety of new conditions and protocols have been implemented for the few theaters beginning to reopen. According to ScreenDaily, cinemas have installed sanitation stations across their building and are hiring extra workers to help with cleaning protocols. Social distancing, seat blocking and mandatory masks will be enforced, along with upgraded air filtration. Concessions will be available for pre-ordering online. Gavin Newsom has granted the reopening of a few theater companies in Southern California, including Regal and AMC. 

As upcoming movie trailers continue to release, fans are buzzing in anticipation. Here is a look at some of the most highly anticipated movies coming to theaters this year: 

Black Widow

The upcoming Marvel film “Black Widow” stars Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanova, or Romanoff, who is the Black Widow. After her many appearances in other Marvel movies, Scarlett Johnson finally has her own movie. This movie is a great segue for Marvel to start their next era: Phase Four.

Throughout various movies, viewers have only seen a few glimpses of Natasha’s past.This movie entails Natasha’s origin of how she became the infamous Black Widow.  

Because of the pandemic, the “Black Widow” release date had been delayed from an original release date of May 1, 2020. If there aren’t any further complications, the expected release date is set to be July 9, 2021, according to the film company, Marvel. 

Fast and Furious 9

After waiting a year, the ninth installment of Fast and Furious is expected to hit theaters this summer. There will be many plot twists, unexpected appearances and new characters, such as Jakob Toretto played by John Cena.

Kathryn Perez, a West Ranch freshman, shared, “I’m super excited to see what kind of crazy stunts they pull off this time. Coming from the point of view of a family in the film industry, it’s always super fun to watch the movies together and point out cool effects they used as well.”

According to ScreenRant, Fast and Furious 9 will be a brand new concept, with main character Dominic Toretto and his crew having to join forces with his own brother, a skilled assassin and high-performance driver. The movie is planned to be released on June 25, 2021 according to Variety. Because of the movie series’ popularity, other installments are expected in the foreseeable future.

Suicide Squad 2

On Aug. 25, 2016, movie company DC released “Suicide Squad.” The movie involved dangerous super-villains, such as Harley Quinn and Deadshot, teaming up with other intelligence officers. The film showcased a new perspective from a villain’s eye, including trauma, humor and an edgier aesthetic.  After nearly five years, DC finally announced a sequel with returning and new actors. 

In “Suicide Squad 2,” the group of super-villains will be continuing their adventures. A combination of both new characters and returning favorites to the big screen have been increasing excitement across the fandom. The movie’s expected release date is  August 6, 2021, and can be found in theaters or on HBO Max in the U.S, according to Screen Rant. 

Halloween Kills 

The upcoming thriller and slasher “Halloween Kills” is the twelfth installment in the Halloween franchise. The original “Halloween,” released in 1978, was written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill and directed by Carpenter. The series started with the killer, Michael Myers, trying to kill a babysitter, Laurie Strode, but when he failed he became obsessed with her

The new film pursues the conflict between the main characters, Michael and Laurie. The unstoppable killer continues his obsession with Laurie and her family. In an attempt to stop Michael, Laurie and her family work with new and old allies.

The film is a direct sequel to 2018’s “Halloween” film. This new addition to the Halloween series is set to be released on Oct. 15, 2021. 

Venom: Let There Be Carnage

After a long awaited announcement, DC finally confirmed a sequel to their 2018 “Venom” expected to hit theaters on Sept. 16, 2021. Watchers are extra excited to witness a new plot and return of characters in “Venom: Let There Be Carnage.” 

The movie stars Tom Hardy as the Venom and Eddie Brock. He is portrayed as the anti-hero on television and in the comics.

Spiderman: No Way Home

The Marvel film “Spiderman: No Way Home,” starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, is expected to release this year sometime in December. The third installment of the Spiderman films will most likely pick up after a curious turn of events following the defeat of Mysterio, according to Digital Spy. 

“I’m extremely excited. Spiderman movies are my favorite and new movies with one of my celebrity crushes is always fun,” explained West Ranch freshman, Amelie Mendoza, a fan of Tom Holland and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“Spiderman: No Way Home” has had a variety of murmurs regarding the return of past actors. Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield have been rumored to appear in the film at some point throughout the movie. 

Dune

The sci-fi movie “Dune” contains a variety of well-known actors and actresses including Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet. Warner Brothers Studios will be producing the movie, and filming and editing productions have already begun. 

The film follows an ongoing conflict between rival noble families, as they battle for control of an extremely harsh desert planet known as Arrakis. According to IMDb, the movie is an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel, and is set to be released sometime in early October. 

Altogether, watchers from all fandoms are finally able to watch a variety of these movies, along with many more, after waiting for over a year. All films listed will be available on streaming services and in theaters at time of their release, as films continue to start hitting screens again.