ENTERTAINMENT

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

James Bond (Daniel Craig) prepares to shoot in NO TIME TO DIE, an EON Productions and Metro-Goldwyn...

James Bond (Daniel Craig) prepares to shoot in NO TIME TO DIE, an EON Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios film (Credit: Nicola Dove © 2020 DANJAQ, LLC AND MGM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

(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

(L-r) BILLY MAGNUSSEN as Paulie Walnuts, JON BERNTHAL as Johnny Soprano, COREY STOLL as Junior Soprano (in back), JOHN MAGARO as Silvio Dante, RAY LIOTTA as “Hollywood Dick” Moltisanti and ALESSANDRO NIVOLA as Dickie Moltisanti in New Line Cinema and Home Box Office’s mob drama “THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
Photo Credit: Barry Wetcher

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


Andy Farnsworth is the movie and pop culture guy for the KSL 5 Today morning news show and also hosts the Fan Effect podcast for KSL NewsRadio. Check out some of his in-depth reviews of movies and streaming TV series on KSLTV.com.

KSL 5 TV Live

Entertainment

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Larry David, comedian, writer, actor, and television producer loo...

Alli Rosenbloom, CNN

Don’t bother Larry David with menial pleasantries. He’s not interested

Just like the version of himself that he plays on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” there are some things in life that Larry David can’t be bothered with.

11 hours ago

The ocean liner's demise remains a point of cultural fascination, more than a century later. (Movie...

Taylor Nicioli

This controversial ‘Titanic’ prop sold for more than $700,000 at a memorabilia auction

A door – or more accurately doorframe – from the 1997 movie "Titanic" sold for $718,000 at a Dallas auction.

20 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Ogden community remembers life of man who saved historic Peery’s Egyptian Theater

Community members remembered the life of a man known for saving and restoring Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden.

3 days ago

This image released by Columbia Pictures shows, from left, Mckenna Grace, Logan Kim, Dan Aykroyd an...

Jake Coyle, The Associated Press

‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ is No. 1 with $45.2M, Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Immaculate’ lands in fourth

“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” collected $45.2 million in ticket sales over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday, handing Sony Pictures the studio’s first No. 1 film since last summer.

4 days ago

Kevin Bacon announced to a gym full of students from Utah’s Payson High School, where his iconic ...

Sandra Gonzalez, CNN

Kevin Bacon says he’ll attend ‘Footloose’ set, Payson High School’s final prom

Kevin Bacon announced to a gym full of students from Utah’s Payson High School, where his iconic movie “Footloose” was filmed, that he will be making an appearance at the school’s final prom.

5 days ago

Ruby slippers once worn by Judy Garland in the "The Wizard of Oz" have made their way back to their...

Scottie Andrew, CNN

Dorothy’s ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ were stolen. 19 years later, they’re finally back home

A pair of ruby slippers, famously donned by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz,” has been returned to its owner for the first time since they were stolen in 2005.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

2021 fall movie preview: Bond, Marvel, ‘Dune’, toons & musicals – If COVID-19 doesn’t wreck the schedule again