2024 saw another outstanding year for the film industry. From superhero blockbusters like “Deadpool and Wolverine” to gut-wrenching horror flicks like “Longlegs” to long epics like “Dune: Part Two,” this year has seen a wide variety of spectacular films from brilliant visionary directors that have pleased audiences and critics alike. With the year wrapping up, it is time to look forward to next year’s movie slate. Here are some of Wildcats’ most highly anticipated movies of 2025.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Marvel Comics’ first family, the Fantastic Four, have long been hailed as an icon of the superhero genre. The space explorer-turned-celebrity superheroes dominated comic books in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but now, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is ready to bring them into the fold of their interconnected universe with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”
The film, directed by Matt Shakman, casts Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as The Thing and Joseph Quinn as Human Torch, along with Ralph Ineson as the all-powerful Galactus and Julia Garner as his herald, the Silver Surfer.
Sophomore Mitchell Merillees weighed in on the new cast: “I think casting Vanessa Kirby and Ebon Moss-Bachrach for their roles was perfect. They’re spitting images of the characters and can definitely act out their personalities. I’m more iffy on Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic and Joseph Quinn as the Human Torch since they don’t really match the personalities of their characters, but we’ll see.”
The story of this film takes place outside the main MCU continuity in an alternate retro-futuristic reality, keeping the ’60s charm that made the original comics so endearing. “From the costumes to the leaked sets to the new theme to the promotional art and sizzle reel shown at ComicCon, everything so far has that classic space-age vibe that the ‘60s Fantastic Four had,” Merillees explained. “It’s really unique compared to the rest of the MCU, which has been formulaic for a while now.”
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” brings the iconic family to the big screen on July 25, 2025.
Superman
Comic book behemoth DC’s past attempts at creating a successful interconnected live-action movie universe akin to their red-branded rival have been decent, at best. The DC Extended Universe, or DCEU for short, saw its unceremonious end with “Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom” after a series of hit-or-miss movies beginning with the Henry Cavill-led “Man of Steel.” Now, after a major change of leadership and a clean slate, DC and Warner Brothers are ready to launch the new DC Universe (DCU) with “Superman.”
Directed by James Gunn, the head of the newly formed DC Studios and director of Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, “Superman” finds its titular character in rising star David Corenswet, with a supporting cast of Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Marìa Gabriela de Farìa as Engineer, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
The plot of the film follows a young Superman juggling his human and Kryptonian identities while navigating a world already filled with jaded superheroes, trying to show them and the world the values of truth, justice and a better tomorrow. Junior Logan Hindes gave his thoughts on the plot synopsis: “I like how much more hopeful this story feels compared to ‘Man of Steel.’ It actually feels like Superman for once.”
Photos from the set of the film have shown a complete look of the new Superman costume. Unlike his predecessor Henry Cavill, Corenswet’s suit is vibrant with bright colors, smooth textures, a striking emblem and—most importantly—the iconic red trunks.
“I’m not a fan of the red trunks myself; they look sort of goofy,” Hindes revealed. “But I do think it’s a staple part of Superman, and I’m sure many are going to be happy to finally have it back after years. It gives him a more humble, human look.”
With a trailer hinted by James Gunn to drop later this December, “Superman” flies its way into theatres July 11, 2025.
Mickey 17
Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon Ho, best known for the mind-bending comedy-thriller “Parasite,” delivers his next big project with the sci-fi comedy spectacle “Mickey 17.”
The film is studded with Hollywood megastars, starring Robert Pattinson (or multiple Robert Pattinsons, to be more specific) along with Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collete and Mark Ruffalo. “Mickey 17” finds lowly space colonist Mickey Barnes working as an “expendable,” a throwaway crewmember who repeatedly dies completing life-threatening tasks only to be brought back by cloning technology with his memories intact. When Pattinson’s Mickey, now on his 17th iteration, is sent by his colony on a mission to colonize the ice planet of Niflheim, he soon realizes some of his clones are still alive and ready to start chaos.
“I just think it’s a really cool premise,” sophomore Colton Fernandez shared. “I also can’t think of a good comedy sci-fi movie in recent memory, so I like that the film is crossing both those genres.”
The film adapts the 2022 novel “Mickey 7” by author Edward Ashton. But as Bong Joon Ho is known for, the film will likely have his own signature twist on the source material, bringing the story to audiences in a new way. Fernandez revealed, “I really liked ‘Parasite’, and I think Bong Joon Ho is a talented director. I can’t wait to see what he does with the film.”
With a trailer already released, “Mickey 17” is set to hit theatres on April 18, 2025.
How to Train Your Dragon Live Action
Based on the first movie of Dreamworks Animation’s hit trilogy “How to Train Your Dragon”, director Dean DeBlois is set to make the live-action remake of the iconic franchise. The live-action adaptation will follow the main protagonist, Hiccup, as he navigates his relationship with his father whilst also building companionship with a dragon named Toothless.
The opportunity for DeBlois to direct the live adaptation has resulted in an exciting cast led by main actress Nico Parker and main actor Mason Thames. Fans awaiting the release of the live-action adaptation are also excited about the casting of Gerard Butler, the original actor who voices Stoick in the animated movies. Senior Elizabeth Evarts expressed: “I am looking forward to seeing Gerald Butler embody Stoick in the live-action. Butler did a phenomenal job conveying fatherly love with his voice acting, so I can’t wait to see him perform again on the big screen.”
The newly released teaser trailer of the movie has also helped to display the production’s stunning set design and wardrobe. “I love their dedication to replicate the animation’s settings and the original character designs,” Evarts explained. “They really nailed the fur trimmings, Viking hats and weapons.”
“How to Train Your Dragon” live-action is set to release on June 13, 2025.
Frankenstein
“Frankenstein” is an upcoming 2025 Gothic science fiction film created by Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro. Based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 cult classic novel “Frankenstein,” del Toro has taken the reins to bring the characters back onto the big screen. “Frankenstein” stars big-time Hollywood actors and actresses, including Jacob Elordi as The Monster, Mia Goth as Elizabeth and Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein.
The filming for “Frankenstein” took place in both the Royal Mile in Edinburgh as well as Toronto, Canada. Although teasers and trailers have not been released, set photos revealing parts of the movie’s setting have been posted.
Junior Lucas Bibby voiced his admiration for the movie’s scenery: “From the photos I’ve seen, I think the atmosphere the production team created is perfect for ‘Frankenstein.’ The buildings in the background look very old-timey and vintage, which makes sense since [the movie is] supposed to be set in the 18th century.”
Jacob Elordi, set to play The Monster, was surprisingly not the first actor cast for the role. Prior to dropping out of the film, Hollywood star Andrew Garfield was called upon to bring the horror icon to life. “Although I love Andrew Garfield, I am excited to see Jacob Elordi as The Monster since the character is really different from his past roles,” Bibby stated.
Set to release both in theaters and on Netflix in 2025, audiences await the resurgence of the iconic characters from “Frankenstein.”
These are only a few of the upcoming films for 2025. Cats, it seems like we have an exciting year of cinema ahead of us. So pop those kernels and invite your friends and family to watch these spectacular films!
