2021 fall movie preview: Bond, Marvel, ‘Dune’, toons & musicals – If COVID-19 doesn’t wreck the schedule again
Aug 31, 2021, 12:00 PM | Updated: Oct 19, 2021, 1:12 pm
(Daniel Craig)
NOTE: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, studios regularly add or change release dates for movies. This list will be updated regularly.
SALT LAKE CITY — Fall is here and what used to be a slow time for movies is now as busy as ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a backlog of material from Hollywood and streaming services, creating plenty of viewing options in the upcoming months.
Multiple Marvel movies and musicals, sequels to popular animated films, the long-awaited adaptation of “Dune” and Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond are currently scheduled to be released in September and October 2021.
Yet, uncertainty still abounds in Hollywood as well. Thanks to outbreaks of COVID-19’s delta variant, release dates have begun to be shuffled around again, and films could still move from a theatrical release to streaming services.
Nevertheless, we forge ahead with our fall movie preview! Check back often to expand your personal watch list or to check for any changes to release dates.
Movies scheduled for November/December will be covered in the “Holiday Movie preview” later this year. Read my Fall Streaming TV Series Preview here.
Sept. 3
AFTERLIFE OF THE PARTY
A social butterfly (Victoria Justice) who dies during her birthday week is given a second chance to right her wrongs on Earth. Fans of Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” should enjoy. (Netflix)
CINDERELLA
A musical, VERY MODERN retelling of the classic fairy tale starring singer Camila Cabello as Cinderella, and a star-studded cast that includes Pierce Brosnan, Idina Menzel, Billy Porter, Minnie Driver and James Corden. (Theaters/Amazon Prime)
SHANG CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS
READ ANDY’S REVIEW HERE
The next chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe shares the post-Avengers: Endgame story of Shang Chi (Simu Liu), the child of a powerful assassin who must face down his father (Tony Leung) and the mysterious Ten Rings organization. Also stars Awkwafina, Fala Chen & Michelle Yeoh. (Theaters)
WORTH
READ ANDY’S REVIEW HERE
2020 Sundance Film Festival drama starring Michael Keaton as Kenneth Feinberg, the man given the impossible task of leading the committee assigned to determine the monetary value of a life for payouts from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Based on a true story. (Netflix)
Sept. 10
THE CARD COUNTER
Revenge thriller tells the story of an ex-military interrogator turned gambler (Oscar Isaac) haunted by the ghosts of his past. Also stars Willem Dafoe, Tye Sheridan & Tiffany Haddish. (Theaters)
COME FROM AWAY
Filmed version of the popular Broadway musical set in the week following the Sept. 11 attacks. Tells the true story of what happened when 38 planes — filled with 7,000 stranded passengers — were ordered to unexpectedly land in a small Canadian town. (Apple TV+)
KATE
A female assassin (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) has 24 hours to get vengeance on her murderer before she dies. (Netflix) WATCH THE TRAILER
MALIGNANT
New horror movie from the director of The Conjuring universe, Insidious, and Saw, James Wan. A woman has visions of murders and discovers that the waking dreams are a terrifying reality. (Theaters/HBO Max) WATCH THE TRAILER
QUEENPINS
Comedy about a bored and frustrated suburban homemaker (Kristen Bell) and her best pal (Kirby Howell-Baptiste) who turn a hobby into a multi-million dollar counterfeit coupon caper. Inspired by a true story. (Cinemark Theaters only/Streaming on Paramount+ on 9/30)
Sept. 15
NIGHTBOOKS
Twelve-year-old Alex must tell a spine-tingling scary story every night — or stay trapped with his new friend in a wicked witch’s (Krysten Ritter) magical apartment forever. (Netflix)
Sept. 17
CRY MACHO
In 1978, a one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder (Clint Eastwood) takes a job from an ex-boss to bring the man’s young son home from Mexico and away from his alcoholic mom. Based on the book by N. Richard Nash. (Theaters/HBO Max)
EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE
Adaptation of stage musical about a 16-year-old teenager from England as he overcomes obstacles like prejudice and bullies to become a drag queen. (Amazon Prime)
LADY OF THE MANOR
Irreverent comedy about the ghost of southern plantation owner (Judy Greer) who is disgusted by the way she and her historic home are being portrayed by a slacker (Melanie Lynskey). (Theaters/VOD) WATCH TRAILER
Sept. 24
DEAR EVAN HANSEN
READ ANDY’S REVIEW HERE
Film adaptation of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical. Evan Hansen (Ben Platt, reprising his Broadway role), a high school senior with a severe Social Anxiety disorder, writes a letter to himself that is not meant to be seen by others. But it accidentally lands in the hands of a fellow classmate who, as a result, commits suicide. (Theaters)
THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE
A look at the rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker (Jessica Chastain). In the 1970s and 80s, she and her husband, Jim Bakker (Andrew Garfield), rose from humble beginnings to create the world’s largest religious broadcasting network and theme park. However, financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal eventually toppled their empire. (Theaters)
MY LITTLE PONY: A NEW GENERATION
Based on the My Little Pony toy line by Hasbro, a young Earth Pony–and her new Unicorn friend explore their world and strive to restore harmony to the land of Equestria. Voices of Jane Krakowski, Vanessa Hudgens, James Marsden, Elizabeth Perkins. (Netflix)
Oct. 1
THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2
READ ANDY’S REVIEW HERE
Sequel to 2019 animated movie. Morticia (Charlize Theron) and Gomez (Oscar Isaac) distraught that their children are growing up, decide to cram Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester and the crew into their haunted camper and hit the road for one last miserable family vacation. (Theaters/VOD)
LEGO® STAR WARS TERRIFYING TALES
All-new animated special celebrates the villainous dark side of the Star Wars galaxy in LEGO form — just in time for Halloween. (Disney Plus)
THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK
Prequel to HBO series “The Sopranos.” Set in 1967, the movie reveals young Tony Soprano’s (James Gandolfini’s real-life son Michael) struggles and the influence his family had over him becoming a future mob boss. (Theaters/HBO Max) WATCH THE TRAILER
VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE
Read Andy’s Review here
Tom Hardy returns as Eddie Brock, who has bonded with an alien symbiote to become the powerful anti-hero Venom, in the sequel to the surprise 2018 MARVEL movie hit. They must stop psychotic serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), who has bonded with a different alien symbiote to become the murderous Carnage. Release date changed from 10/15 to 10/1. (Theaters)
Oct. 8
NO TIME TO DIE
Read Andy’s review here
The 25th film in the James Bond franchise, 007 (Daniel Craig) has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) from the CIA turns up asking for help. Craig has said it will be his final Bond film. (Theaters)
LAMB
A childless couple in rural Iceland make an alarming discovery one day in their sheep barn. They soon face the consequences of defying the will of nature, in this dark and atmospheric horror folktale. (Theaters) WATCH THE TRAILER
SURVIVE THE GAME
When a cop (Bruce Willis) is injured in a drug bust gone wrong, his partner (Chad Michael Murray) pursues the two criminals who shot him to a remote farm. As they plot their defense, they’ll need to use stealth, smarts, and marksmanship to take down the drug-dealing mob. (Theaters/VOD)
Oct. 15
HALLOWEEN KILLS
The saga of Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and slasher Michael Myers continues in the 12th entry in the “Halloween” movie series. (Theaters/Streaming on Peacock)
THE LAST DUEL
Read Andy’s review here
Ben Affleck & Matt Damon star in this historical drama (directed by Ridley Scott) about the last judicial duel fought in 1386 in France. Also features Adam Driver, Jodie Comer. Based on the book by Eric Jager. (Theaters)
Oct. 22
DUNE
Long-awaited adaptation by director Denis Villaneuve of Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel. Tells the story of a brilliant and gifted young man (Timothée Chalamet), born into a great destiny, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. Star-studded cast includes Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem. (Theaters/HBO Max)
THE FRENCH DISPATCH
Wes Anderson movie that brings to life a collection of stories from the final issue of an American magazine published in a fictional 20th-century French city. Huge cast of stars. (Theaters)
RON’S GONE WRONG
Animated story of an awkward middle-schooler and his new walking, talking, digitally connected device Ron (Zach Galifinakis), which is supposed to be his ‘Best Friend out of the Box.’ Ron’s malfunctions launch both boy and robot on a journey to learn about true friendship. (Theaters)
Oct. 29
ANTLERS
Horror film where a middle-school teacher (Keri Russell) in an isolated Oregon town and her sheriff brother (Jesse Plemons) become embroiled with her enigmatic student, who they are convinced is harboring a supernatural creature. (Theaters) WATCH THE TRAILER
ARMY OF THIEVES
Romantic comedy-heist film including zombies (from producers Deborah and Zack Snyder). A prequel to “Army of the Dead,” which just came out in May of this year. (Netflix) WATCH THE TRAILER
LAST NIGHT IN SOHO
An aspiring fashion designer (Thomasin McKenzie) is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer (Anya Taylor-Joy). But the glamour is not all it appears to be and the dreams start to splinter into something darker. Directed by Edgar Wright. (Theaters)
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: NEXT OF KIN
A documentary filmmaker follows Margot (Emily Bader), as she heads to a secluded Amish community in the hopes of meeting and learning about her long-lost mother and extended family. Following a string of strange occurrences and discoveries, she soon realizes this community that welcomed them into their home might be hiding something sinister… (Paramount+)
PULLED FROM CALENDAR
CLIFFORD, THE BIG RED DOG
Live-action adaptation of the classic children’s books. (Moved to November 10th)
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA
Fourth (and final) chapter in the popular animated movie series. An invention goes haywire and Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, while Drac’s human son-in-law Johnny (Andy Samberg) becomes a monster. Now they must team up and race across the globe to find a cure. (Amazon Prime – Moved to Jan. 14, 2022)
JACKASS FOREVER
The fourth film in the franchise based on TV series where people (Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, and pals) do dangerous and gross stunts to get laughs. (Moved to Feb. 4, 2022) WATCH THE TRAILER