Things We’re Excited for in 2020 Part I

It’s time for us to say goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020. But, although we’re leaving the 20teens, a lot of what these years gifted (or threw at) us seems to be following into the new year and decade. And as such, we’re bringing you the annual Teenplicity Team “Things We’re Excited For in the New Year” list filled with music, television, movies, and more that is expected to drop in 2020.

Note: These lists are ordered by scheduled release date given at the time of the post being made and are not completed lists (for in case we get some Beyoncé drops from someone, who knows…) Some dates may be subject to change.

Be on the lookout for our list TOMORROW of music, books, Broadway, and video games coming out in 2020.

2020 in Television

RWBY (End of Volume 7, the premiere of Volume 8) (RoosterTeeth.com)

Four girls and their friends train to become Huntresses, the defenders of humanity and only hope for defeating the Grimm – dark creatures who bring forth destruction and death upon the world. With the threat of Salem looming over their heads, Team RWBY and co. are in Atlas with high hopes that they can secure what they need to in order to save others from suffering at her future wrath. Volume 7 of RWBY returns January 4th with the finale airing February 1st.

“There’s no easy way, to sum up, the show as of late but to put it lightly, shit is hitting the fan. Volume 3 ushered in a darker side to RWBY and forever changed the tone of the show that carries to the present. Volume 7 is coming to a close and the tension has continually been building to what will probably be the biggest showdown in the series. Whether that will actually occur in Volume 7 or in Volume 8 (which will most likely be premiering in Fall 2020 and is a companion volume to this one), it has yet to be seen. What I’m most hyped about regarding the rest of Volume 7 is everything going down in Atlas. Robyn lost the election to Jacques Schnee in a way very reminiscent to America’s 2016 election (as well as the recent UK one), Jacques is working with Watts – one of Salem’s henchmen who is creating misery in Mantle and drawing Grimm close – Tyrian is murder-happy, the Winter Maiden is dying with Winter Schnee slated to take her spot, and all of the relationships between the two teams are finally coming together while also straining under the pressure of their secrets. A lot is going down and it just gets worse and messier as time goes on.

Some fans have said that Volume 7 is reminiscent of Volume 3 and the path it followed. While that is true, as similar story beats have been hit so far, the main difference is the relationships between the characters. The deep trust and familial feeling between them wasn’t actually there for Team RWBY. They all went their separate ways to deal with the tragedies at the Fall of Beacon. In Volume 7, they’ve begun to trust each other more, in different ways, and are sticking through the different aspects of their journeys.

Okay, enough rambling. Things I’m excited about regarding the series in 2020? Answers to the questions I have that we will hopefully get with the conclusion of Volume 7 – what kind of cliff hanger are we going to be left with? Are we going to get an actual talk between Blake and Yang about their feelings and get a canon confirmation of their relationship? Are Ren and Nora going to talk about what happened the night they got together and Ren’s immediate willingness to help Ironwood? Will we find out if there’s a thing going on between Qrow & Clover? Can we actually trust Clover and the AceOps (I don’t for the most part)? Will Winter actually become the Winter Maiden or is the Winter Maiden!Nora theory going to come true? Where are Cinder and Neo? How are Mercury and Emerald doing? Is Penny’s dad going to die because of how much he’s coughing? PLEASE DON’T HURT THE SCHNEE DAUGHTERS.

(Clearly, there are more questions but I’m trying to be brief – and obviously already failing – and also this show has me so stressed and hyped at the same time that I don’t know what to do with my life right now.)” – Mary

Sex Education season two (Netflix)

Season 2 of Sex Education returns with Otis (Asa Butterfield), Maeve (Emma Mackey), Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) and the rest of the group at Moordale when a Chlamydia outbreak and new students come to shake things up. Meanwhile, Otis struggles in his relationship with Ola and trying to make things right with Maeve. Sex Education season two is set to drop January 7th on Netflix.

“I checked out Sex Education partly because I work with a nonprofit organization that teaches comprehensive sex ed and heard a few good things on the timeline about the way this show discusses it. The other part to why I checked it out is because I thought the actress that played Maeve was Margot Robbie at first and I was confused because she looks young but didn’t believe they’d hire her to play a teenager in a British comedy. (For the record, Emma Mackey is not Margot Robbie.) The show took a little bit to get into but I enjoyed it and was ecstatic when I found out that there would be a season two. This show has it’s very sweet moments which I love and it also has it’s very ridiculous and silly moments which I also love. But, the moment that made me weep the hardest in the first season–I’m talking hand over my heart and mouth while wiping tears from my eyes–was witnessing Eric’s dad, who throughout the season seemed to unapprove of Eric expressing himself by wearing makeup and wearing feminine clothes, open up to him and admit that he loves him and sees him for who he is and wants him to be safe but had to learn that wanting him to conform wasn’t the way to do it. That scene broke me. To witness that scene happening between two dark-skinned Black men, one of them openly gay, broke me in the same way that watching Moonlight, for example, broke me. Because what a needed step. I hope season two brings more beautiful moments like this and then some.” – Brie

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC)

After an unexpected event, whip-smart computer coder Zoey (Jane Levy) starts to hear the innermost wants and desires of the people around her through music. Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist is officially set to premiere January 7th on NBC.

“The first time I saw a promo for Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist my immediate reaction was what I hope everyone who watched Glee or The Glee Project would do, excitedly go, ‘ALEX NEWELL IS OUT HERE!!!!!!’ Alex Newell does not get nearly enough roses as is deserved. The amount of talent Alex has is so amazing and the character of Unique on Glee deserved much more than she received with the way the show wrote her and explored her existence as a Transwoman. Wild to think that at the time, it was groundbreaking that Glee featured a Black Trans character (who also wasn’t just in one episode and who got to live) when in hindsight, the writing for the representation of the character was about the same as the other representation on the show–sometimes questionable and often bare minimum. But, you know what? This isn’t about Glee. This is about Alex Newell having more roles. This is about Alex Newell being on my tv screen yet again through network television and on a show where singing is involved!!! Also as a Pitch Perfect stan I have to give a shoutout to Skylar Astin who I also adore, but I was Glee trash before I was Pitch Perfect third (1&2 only, we didn’t need the third) so we are celebrating Alex Newell full stop this blurb, girlies!!!” – Brie

“The music! The fun concept! It’s like Broadway without being Broadway! I want it all! Honestly, this show just seems like fun with some catchy tunes. We get Pitch Perfect-alumni Skylar Astin as the lovable BFF to Suburgatory-alumni Jane Levy who suddenly starts hearing people’s innermost thoughts as popular songs. This starts off as something she hates and is incredibly frustrated by but it could also leave the potential for something good.

I’m honestly curious about how well this show will play into the idea. It could very well crash and burn from the start or it can have a lot of heart and talent that push this show to success. Either way, the concept needs to survive and it has a chance with the ever-growing list of top hits. But will audiences connect? I’m still a bit on-the-fence but I am optimistic so here’s to hoping for the best!” – Mary

The Owl House (Disney Channel)

An animated comedy/horror/fantasy from Disney Channel and created by Dana Terrance (Gravity Falls, DuckTales), The Owl House follows 15-year-old self-assured orphan Luz who befriends rebellious witch Eda and tiny warrior King when she finds a portal to the Demon Realm. The Owl House show is officially set to premiere January 10th on Disney Channel.

“I have been secretly screaming about my excitement for this show since I first heard about it. For starters, let’s just freak out about the character design. It’s just stunning and great. Luz is truly coming through with this pixie cut and flyaways and cute, yet sensible outfit. Now, let’s freak out about the concept. A determined young girl on a journey and receiving a found family with what I assume to be other misfits? Classic. Wonderful. I’m already sold and ready to cry at the moment when they all realize they care about each other. Okay, we will now move on to the fact that this show comes from someone who has worked on Gravity Falls (one of Disney Channels best shows, fight me) and that it’s the fourth show in Disney Television Animation history to be created by a woman. Brilliant! Bring in more women and people that aren’t men to create things especially multigenre animation like this! All of this is just what I feel like I deserve honestly. Not to put too much pressure but I already love this show and have adopted Luz as my own and will protect her.” – Brie (Editor’s Note: This is a repost from last years post)

Shrill season two (Hulu)

After standing up for herself in more ways than one in the first season, Annie (Aidy Bryant) starts off the second season on a high road but not for long as her relationship with her mother remains strained, she’s now unemployed, and her boyfriend lacks ambition while she’s focusing on her career. Shrill season two is set to drop January 24th on Hulu.

Shrill was a nice and unexpected gem when it popped up on my radar. I don’t remember what exactly made me decide to check it out. I think it was seeing a few folks on my timeline point out the joy they felt watching the pool party scene–which, yes is pure joy. One of the exciting things about this show is getting to witness Aidy Bryant blossom. On SNL we often see her playing these awkward and squirmish characters that while she is really good at it, this show takes some of the characteristics that her SNL characters tend to carry and expanded it into a fully-fledged person that is never the punchline for existing.” – Brie

Final episodes of The Good Place (NBC)

NBC’s critically acclaimed fantasy meets philosophy meets dystopian sitcom The Good Place comes to an end after four seasons. The Judge (Maya Rudolph) has finally ruled in the favor that the afterlife system is deeply flawed and does not accurately reflect people’s morality and moral improvement. However, with this ruling, The Judge also calls the erasure of humanity from existence leading Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Michael (Ted Danson), Tahani (Jameela Jamil), Jason (Manny Jacinto), and Janet (D’Arcy Carden) to find a solution. The Good Place returns January 9th on NBC with the final episode airing January 30th.

The Good Place was one of the best shows of the decade. It advanced what a sitcom could be and came at the perfect time. What this sitcom gave us was not only the reminder that working to be a good person is a process that isn’t linear nor is it black and white, but the show is also a commentary on systems–notably broken ones–and compassion. It’s a show about building a better world and so much more. I have such a love for The Good Place because of the way the show takes these flawed–sometimes awful, but always lovable sans some–characters and lets them grow and do better. The show, of course, looks at philosophy and ethics, but it also looks at the impact of love (platonic, romantic, or even self), support, and learning when making space for rehabilitation. There’s a quote from Michael in the latest season where he says, ‘What matters isn’t if people are good or bad. What matters is if they’re trying to be better than they were yesterday.’ Admittedly, I teared up hearing that and have thought about it repeatedly since the episode aired. I sincerely hope that every day I’m getting better in some way and I also sincerely hope that every day, other people are too and that this is what will build a better world and right our wrongs. I don’t know if it will necessarily, and it’s not sustainable (I don’t think) to only look at it from a hopeful lens, but I thank this show for helping give this lens to me anyway.” – Brie

Final episodes of Bojack Horseman (Netflix)

The satirical animated sitcom Bojack Horseman comes to an end after six seasons. As Bojack (Will Arnett) continues working towards redemption and holding himself accountable for all of his wrongdoings, Diane Nguyen (Alison Brie), Princess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris), Mr. Peanutbutter (Paul F. Thompkins), and Todd Chavez (Aaron Paul) face their career and life changes in these final 8 episodes. The final episodes of Bojack Horseman are set to drop January 31st on Netflix.

“I got into Bojack Horseman last year on a whim because I wanted a new show to binge-watch. I didn’t think I’d end up appreciating it as much as I do until it just happened. Television has made quite a mark on the idea of the anti-hero. Viewers and critics alike have admittedly proven to be obsessed with the idea of an awful protagonist who often receives no accountability or when they do, it’s a punishment that the narrative argues is excessive and should be rooted against. Or at least…within the years, viewers and critics alike are obsessed with anti-heroes when they’re white men. Often, they root for anti-heroes when they’re white men. And almost always, be it in the narrative or in the way the narrative is discussed, excuses are made to justify every bad action and take the blame completely off of the white man. `Oh, he’s not a bad guy, he just had a bad childhood. He was raised by a single parent so of course, he’d grow up that way.’ ‘Well, what do you expect from him when he had his heartbroken by a woman?’ ‘His mother was not 100% perfect and didn’t give her entire life to him, we can’t fault this grown man who should have gone to therapy instead of just blaming women for all his problems!’ The list goes on. Mostly around misogyny, a lack of therapy, and bad choices that single parenting can’t be blamed for but usually still is anyway. In so many ways, Bojack has a lot of this. Except that what it also has is pointing out why the desperate attempt of rooting for the anti-hero, especially a privileged person (err, horse?) and/or a person who has caused so much harm with their actions is in itself harmful and an act of enabling. This show is a reminder that everyone is flawed and no one can be good all of the time because the world is so messy and making the right choices aren’t always the easiest or most fun, but the show is also about actively living in that messy world and coming to terms with it and taking the hard steps towards redemption. It’s not a perfect show, but it has its beautiful moments and it’s one of the few examples of satire that genuinely seems to understand that satire and comedy means to punch up, not down and that’s appreciated.” – Brie

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC)

After the finale of season 6 and the takedown of Commissioner Kelly, Madeline Wuntch (Kyra Sedgwick) is now the temporary commissioner. Meanwhile, Captain Holt (Andre Braugher) returns demoted as a beat cop. Season 7 of Brooklyn Nine-Nine premieres February 6th on NBC.

“It just occurred to me that I never did the Monday Musings I talked about last time we did this where I said I wanted to potentially write something about loving Brooklyn Nine-Nine while also living in Chicago with a corrupt police department and being aware that, logically speaking in general, our police system is in itself corrupt and not intended to ‘serve and protect’ everyone which includes half of the characters literally on the show who are portraying the system. But, I do think it’s possible to enjoy this show, which seems to have at the very least a basic understanding of these real-life things, while also being highly aware of the world around us. It’s the found family aspect of this show that still means so much to me and it’s the goofiness of this show that consistently makes me laugh. And also, knowing that Vanessa Bayer has a stunt this season is dope. And also, I mean since we know that Melissa Fumero is pregnant, I’m tryna figure out if that means another season of ‘How do we hide Melissa’s pregnancy?’ which was one of my favorite games of season 3, or if Amy is pregnant. Either one I’m excited about so long as Doug Judy returns. But if Doug Judy returns and doesn’t get to see the maybe baby I’m fighting Dan Goor myself!!! He deserves to see a Peraltiago baby if they have one, Dan!” – Brie

“In true Mary-fashion, I am about half a season behind in this series as well. What I do know though is that the show was renewed AGAIN (bless you, NBC) and that Melissa Fumero is pregnant with her second child! So I’m here to campaign that instead of the clever and awesome undercover plot they gave Amy in season three, what if Amy is pregnant too and Jake is going to be a dad? Dude didn’t luck out in the parent department growing up but has adopted Holt as his dad and is clearly working hard to be a better person than he was in season one as well as being a better uncle/adult than his parents, especially his dad, ever was to him. So yes, let’s explore the Peraltiago relationship as parents.

Also, could you not just imagine all the fantastic ways Amy would plan to tell Jake? She probably already has 87 options fully planned out in a binder. We love to see it.

And we love to see the rest of the 99th precinct. They will return to us soon. And I’ll have caught up by then… I hope.” – Mary

High Fidelity (Hulu)

Based on the book of the same name by Nick Hornsby and its film adaptation, High Fidelity focuses on romantic trainwreck Rob (Zoë Kravitz), a fan of music, pop culture, and top-five lists who runs a local record store in her hometown of Crown Heights, Brooklyn as she deals with gentrification and past heartbreaks. All 10 episodes of High Fidelity is set to drop February 14th on Hulu.

“Just to set the record straight, as I have many times on Twitter already, I don’t like the movie, High Fidelity. I love Lisa Bonet in the movie High Fidelity but to be fair, who doesn’t love Lisa Bonet? The movie High Fidelity, however, there’s just only so long I can listen to a white man be pretentious about music and not own up to his actions and unlikeable personality. That said, if you give me Zoë Kravitz potentially playing a character like that…well, admittedly I’m sold. Why wouldn’t I want a show about Zoë Kravitz in cool clothes being a complete disaster and flipping records? A dream! And bonus, Da’Vine Joy Randolph who was such a standout in Dolemite is My Name plays one of her best friends, which is even greater because I was hoping we’d immediately see her in more roles.” – Brie

The Clone Wars Season 7 (Disney+)

The Clone Wars follows the adventures of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, and many more beloved Star Wars characters as they traverse the ongoing war between the Separatists who look to take total control over the galaxy and the current government of the Galactic Republic. The show bridges the gap between Episode II and Episode III of the prequel trilogy, giving a more complete and understanding view to Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side. Season 7 of The Clone Wars is expected to premiere February 2020.

“It has been years since the airing of season six and unceremonious canceling of the show. No, the show wasn’t canceled because of a lack of popularity but because of corporate politics. So to see the series be saved and being brought back to life for one more season with the original voice cast and Dave Filoni behind it all? A dream come true.

One of the most anticipated arcs this season will be about the Siege of Mandalore. A story that Filoni has always valued and wanted to share, as he talked about with Teenplicity back in 2016, the Siege of Mandalore is one of the final battles of the Clone Wars, happening as Emperor Palpatine executes Order 66. Not much is known about the event aside from tidbits dropped in Star Wars Rebels and The Mandalorian as well as the Ahsoka Tano-centric book “Ahsoka”. However, season seven will finally shed some light on that event while also completing Anakin Skywalker’s arc, showing the final buildup to his fall to the dark side in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

Not much else is known about what the upcoming season will offer but the 2018 teaser trailer did promise it would keep fans on their toes while also delivering some highly anticipated and sure to be beloved moments. Good thing we don’t have to wait long for it as the series returns with season seven on Disney+ in February.” – Mary

Snowpiercer (TNT)

Based on the 2013 film directed by Bong Joon-ho and the 1982 French graphic novel Le Transperceneige, Snowpiercer is set more than seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland. Like the works before it, this series centers on the remaining people, who inhabit a gigantic, perpetually-moving train that circles the globe. Snowpiercer is expected to premiere spring 2020.

“I watched the movie Snowpiercer awhile back when it first came to Netflix because of Chris Evans and Octavia Spencer but we have to admit that Go Ah-Sung was a complete standout. Did not, at all, expect the wild ass ride (literally) I would be taking by watching it. I mean that in the best way possible. It’s creepy in all the right ways, it’s disturbing in the same ways that the cruelty of humanity is frustrating. Snowpiercer is upsetting because it’s this dystopian and yet, so many things that were required to put the characters there, so many things that made this world unjust, and so much of the evil and money-hungry bourgeoisie in the antagonists very much exist as commonplace in real life. The extremes just don’t exist on some ridiculously long train with the most elaborate structure I have ever seen a train have. The original cast doesn’t return for this series, but we do have Daveed Diggs in the lead and you know what? Hell yes. Brilliant casting. Thank you. Couldn’t figure out how to spin this to also say that you should check out Daveed Diggs in Blindspotting so here you go with that abrupt shoo-in.” – Brie

“The film the series is based on is possibly the most disturbing and disgusting and unsettling piece of media I’ve experienced. For this, I hate it. But also because of this, I am very intrigued by how the series will play out. The Snowpiercer is actually the train that travels the world nonstop after the Earth finds itself in another Ice Age. Try to leave the train or the train stops? Freeze to death in a matter of seconds. The train is separated into classes where – you guessed it – the rich are living the best life with lots of space and the poor are dying in tight quarters, constantly being pulled from their positions to be used and abused for the livelihood of the rich or the entire train.

So yes, I am curious as to how the show will execute (no joke intended) the plot. There’s the overall general similarity in the hopes of the poor overtaking the train but, aside from an arm being shoved into the cold as the train zooms by, how much further will they replicate the plot? Will they continue to include the grittiest and most disturbing of details? The insane twist?

This is a show I will have one eye on as I might be too sick to my stomach to watch with both wide open. The cast, which includes Jennifer Connelly and Daveed Diggs, looks superb. Definitely a show to look out for in 2020.” – Mary

Euphoria Season 2 (HBO)

Following a group of high school students through their experiences of sex, drugs, friendships, love and trauma, the first season of Euphoria was praised for its exploration of Gen Z and a strong cast including standouts such as Zendaya, Hunter Schaffer, and Alexa Demie. No expected release date for season two of Euphoria has been announced.

“If you can recall last year, Euphoria was on the list when we knew very little about it. If you can also recall, last year I said that until I got more information on the show, I was mainly in it for Zendaya. Well, folks! Here are the reasons why I love Euphoria: number one, sans Nate, I truly do believe that all of these young folks are trying their very best in a world that made no effort to try and give them the opportunity to have what’s best for them. Number two, the show is so much about being lost and figuring things out and growing up and how heavily it’s been assumed that as the generations have gone by, it’s gotten easier to face these things when in reality it remained hard but in vastly different ways. Number three, I mean I know everyone is waiting for me to say it anyway so yes, give Zendaya the Emmy, you’re kidding yourselves otherwise @ The Academy. I do feel a way about how the show can come across as oversexualizing these characters despite the creator expressing that’s not his intention and he actively makes directing choices with the camera so as not to, but it is a tricky balancing act portraying teen characters who are either sexually active or trying to understand sexuality, played by actors who are all ‘legal’ age, and the audience (from my understanding) is mostly of ‘legal’ age as well. Critiques can be made about the show, but admittedly watching the show what I feel the strongest is the want for these characters to be okay, get better, and be healthy. And also for Rue and Jules to be able to be happy together, but understandably, they have to work on themselves first.” – Brie

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (Netflix)

Six teens attending an adventure camp on the opposite side of Isla Nublar must band together to survive when dinosaurs wreak havoc on the island. No expected release date for Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous has been announced.

“It’s a Jurassic Park series – need I say more? This animated Netflix series will follow sixteen campers as they are stranded on an island near Isla Nublar and find their campsite ravaged by dinosaurs. Stuck with no way to escape or contact the outside world, they must depend on each other to survive.

Found family trope? Most likely. Dinosaurs? Plenty. Beautiful animation by Dreamworks? Guaranteed.

I am such a huge fan of Jurassic Park and get super bummed that there are only five movies at the moment (two of them being top tier entertainment, the others falling in rank behind them at varying ratings) so I am excited to see more of this interesting world that’s been created. This is honestly one show I’ve been extremely hyped for and can’t wait to see develop further. The teaser trailer has been out since June so it’s only a matter of time before it arrives. Catch me binging the entire thing in one day. I’m ready.” – Mary

The Stand (CBS All Access)

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, The Stand focuses on 108-year-old Mother Abigail (Whoopi Goldberg) and a handful of survivors as the fate of mankind lays in their hands after a plague has wiped out the majority. As they battle between good and bad, their worst nightmares are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the Dark Man. No expected release date for The Stand has been announced.

“I didn’t learn about this show until literally adding Mary’s stuff to the post. But that won’t stop me from demanding a picture of Whoopi Goldberg hugging James Marsden!!! It’s been long overdue for James to be Twitter’s white boy of the month. And honestly, Dead to Me on Netflix should have been the tipping point, but the show was severely slept on so you know what? CBS All Access, put in the work because he deserves. That’s all.” – Brie

“What do I know about this show? Next to nothing except it takes place in post-apocalyptic Earth, might have magic, and is based off of a Stephen King novel that I have not read! Things I am certain of? The series stars James Marsden who will always have my heart and Katherine McNamara who is totally cool and sweet and who I interviewed a few years back for Shadowhunters!

For real, a Stephen King adaptation can either go really well or really weird and wrong. For the sake of the two actors, I listed above, and myself as I view it, I hope it goes really well. I am just excited to see how it all plays out!” – Mary

One Day at a Time Renewed (PopTV)

A reboot of the ‘70s and ‘80s hit show, One Day at a Time follows the Alvarez family as they deal with issues regarding racism, homophobia, PTSD, and the usual familial drama. Originally canceled by Netflix, this news was met with a public outcry to save the show and an eventual saving by PopTV. No expected release date for One Day at a Time has been announced.

“Last year, I said One Day at a Time is what it means to be a good and meaningful and relevant sitcom. And then Netflix canceled it. It felt like joy was taken away from us. Thank goodness One Day at a Time still gets to see the light of day because we weren’t ready for it to end. Or at least, I wasn’t ready for it to end. What One Day at a Time has that a lot of current reboots and remakes don’t is that showrunner Gloria Calderon Kellett actually adapted it to what a multi-cam family sitcom needs to be now while keeping with the spirit of what made the original special when it aired. The show is a reboot but it’s still original. Equally important, the humor doesn’t come from a cruel or a cynical place nor does the way it allows for inclusion feel like pandering. The show feels like life and when it leans into the dramatic and heartbreaking moments, it doesn’t feel like an afterschool special or a one-off. It continues and life goes on and the characters get to laugh and cry and keep going and pause. Thank goodness this show gets to do the same.” – Brie

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney+)

Set in the MCU, the Disney+ Original Series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier takes place after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprise their roles as Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes respectively for a six-episode miniseries that finds Sam carrying the responsibility of the shield. Alongside Mackie and Stan, Emily VanCamp returns as Sharon Carter and Daniel Brühl returns as Zemo. No expected release date for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has been announced.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier show actually being a thing is truly a testament to the power of fandom and entertaining press. I don’t doubt for a moment that this didn’t become a thing simply because people enjoyed Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie’s dynamic during press tours and their repeated pitching for a project where they could continue working together. Considering Captain America: Winter Soldier is still in my top 3 of Marvel movies (maybe even number 1) this show is the MCU show I’m most excited for because even though it takes place after Endgame, it feels like it carries a vibe similar to Winter Soldier. Infinity War and Endgame didn’t do much with these two despite the fact that they could’ve. Even Civil War has its faults despite the two having more screen time in that one. So, I’m excited to see what adventures these two have in store alongside Sharon.” – Brie

“Alright, no one can be mad about me not watching this one yet since it’s only at the very beginning of production. Anyway, I’m excited about this because it will showcase the fun dynamic between the Falcon, Sam Wilson, and the Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes, and how they have to survive with the one brain cell that Sharon Carter lends to them every other day. In other words, ridiculousness will ensue and it will be because of Sam and Bucky with Sharon disproving it along the way. She’s going to be kicking butt too and we’ll love to see it. Seriously, she’s awesome and I love her and I can’t wait to see more of her.

I was sad to see Agent Carter end so quickly but I’m hype to see another Carter woman kicking butt and taking names and being leagues above everyone else. Yes, I need this show soon. The bickering and fun antics between Sam and Bucky will just be the icing on the cake. Can it air yet?!” – Mary

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season two (Disney+)

Set at a fictionalized version of East High School, the school at which the original movie was filmed, the series follows a group of teenage theater enthusiasts who participate in a staging of High School Musical: The Musical as their school production. While season two was confirmed and expected to release in 2020, no expected release date has been announced. Season one is currently streaming on Disney+.

“I love this show so much. It has been a joy watching a new episode of the first season every week. I immediately took to adopting every single one of them. The first season hasn’t ended yet so I don’t have a full picture yet of what I’d hope to see in season two, but I am excited that these characters get to continue. The show has done such a strong job of honoring the original movies (I say this as someone who was faithfully obsessed with the movies, ask literally anyone that knew me when they were coming out) while also being its own coming of age story with fully thought out characters who do genuinely seem like high school theater kids and not just what adults think Gen Z/youth are like now. Also raining on Mary’s parade from above because when I was Googling to add the show’s info for this post, I saw that the showrunner said season 2 isn’t based around a High School Musical 2 production. Although could you imagine?” – Brie

“Okay, let me be honest in saying that I am a few episodes behind which is absolutely terrible of me considering I even did the premiere week with about half the cast. THAT BEING SAID, I was thoroughly impressed by the first couple of episodes. The show is funny and doesn’t dumb-down its content as its geared towards teens while still being family-friendly. And the original songs are all bops. I still jam to “Wondering” on a daily basis. So I am definitely excited to see what new music will come out of season two as well as what might be cooking up at East High. Could they possibly put on High School Musical 2 as their next musical? I want to see it.” – Mary

The Lizzie McGuire Reboot (Disney+)

The Lizzie McGuire reboot picks up with Lizzie on the brink of 30, ‘living her millennial best life’ in Brooklyn as an apprentice to an interior designer just trying to figure it all out. That is until she goes to Los Angeles after not being able to be in Brooklyn anymore. No expected release date for The Lizzie McGuire reboot has been announced.

“Disney is riding this nostalgia train as long as it can but honestly, with this Lizzie McGuire reboot, I ain’t really that mad at it. Mostly because the idea of seeing a character that we watched as kids when she was in middle school (junior high?) reaching her thirties and not having everything figured out or answered is something I want as an early 20s Millennial/Gen Z cusp. Very often when it comes to shows where women are the protagonist and in their thirties or almost in their thirties, the main focus of the show is her dating and wanting to be married or something that typically revolves around how the men in her life impact her. What excitements me about this revisiting Lizzie is that, sure, we’re going to have dating life plots and maybe she’ll feel some kind of pressure to settle down, but that doesn’t seem to be the entire plot of the show. We’re not watching the reboot to go, ‘Oh my gosh, will Lizzie get married ever?!’ We’re watching just to see how Lizzie figures out life. And maybe watching to see if she kept in touch with Isabella. And if any of them are aware of how weird it is that at 14 years old they went on a trip to Italy for school…like what kind of school does that? Also watching to see if Miranda is still alive or will be mentioned? And fine, yes watching to see what’s going on with Lizzie and Gordo but to be fair, Gordo was a big part of her life.” – Brie

“How do I NOT put this series on the list?! This show was literally my childhood. The ‘I. WANT. A. BRA!’ scene, the episode about Dia de los Muertos, and of course, the film are always on my mind. Iconic? Absolutely. To see where Lizzie is now has me hyped but also a little worried…

We all liked to live in our happy space that Lizzie and Gordo got together after the film and lived happily ever after. Keep in mind, they were only going into high school though – they had so much life still to live before settling down! Anyway, it is sad to hear that the two of them aren’t together in the new series. It does, unfortunately, have me apprehensive. Other reboots found fan-favorite couples no longer together like Shawn & Angela from Boy Meets World/Girl Meets World (broken up for ridiculous reasons just so Maya’s mom could marry Shawn and give her a positive male figure in her life aside from Cory even though Shawn could still be that for her without having to lose Angela and marry her mom! But GMW is filled with issues we won’t talk about here!) and DJ & Steve from Full House/Fuller House (though – SPOILER – these two are figuring out their new happily ever after together following quite a few hurdles).

So – are we going to have to deal with those same issues and annoyances? Lizzie and Gordo can’t be destined to only be friends, right? I’m interested to see how this all plays out. Though I do want to point out that I don’t think we’ll be seeing Lizzie’s boyfriend from the beginning of the series for very long. He’s really got nothing going for him for the fans to root for him to stay with Lizzie. Regardless, I can’t wait for Gordo and Lizzie’s friendship first and foremost. The status of Miranda is up in the air.

Dating aside, learning and growing with Lizzie McGuire was so pivotal for me. She’s probably one of the few characters I actually learned a ton from as a kid and I appreciate the fact that hey, not everything is perfect and fantastic for her in this series. I feel like we need to have everything set in stone and in our perfect careers and everything is right on track by the time we’re in our 30s and it doesn’t always work like that. So thank you for the realism.

Anyway, more asides with dialogue from animated pre-teen Lizzie? YES! I CAN’T WAIT. It’ll be interesting to see how they’re cut into the show given the time that has passed but I’m hype. Also, Lizzie living her best life? It’s what we’d love to see, please. Maybe another trip to Italy?” – Mary

The Mandalorian (Disney+)

A bounty hunter suddenly finds himself going rogue when a high-paying job ends with him protecting his bounty from a mysterious operation brewing by the remains of the defeated Empire. Season two of The Mandalorian is expected to release Fall 2020.

“This show is an absolute delight for Star Wars fans. It actually gave the world the one thing that pretty much all Star Wars fans can agree on – we must protect Baby Yoda at all costs. Oh, and that Pedro Pascal is absolutely killing it as the titular character.

The Mandalorian is Star Wars fantasy meets classic Western as it follows the bounty hunter across the galaxy with a cute and adorable Baby Yoda (officially referred to as ‘The Child’ in the show) following his every single footstep, no matter what the Mando does to stop that.

I have to say that this is possibly the best thing that Star Wars has done since the Disney acquisition, aside from the character Finn. Trust me, I love The Force Awakens and Star Wars Rebels but this is completely different. It has the feel of the franchise because of the environments and characters Mando meets but it also becomes its completely own property that doesn’t rely on a ton of other Star Wars lore to operate. It meshes the two extremes perfectly.

The Mandalorian has offered me my first absolutely terrifying and chilling moment of Star Wars with episode seven. My jaw legitimately dropped, my breath was hitched in my throat, and I had goosebumps on my goosebumps. The showdown at the end of episode seven that left multiple characters in positions that may be hard to come back from, if at all, truly shocked me in a way that Star Wars never did before. I’m excited to see how the events of season one will shape the story going forward into season two. And how much more Baby Yoda with Dad!Mando we will get, which every moment is a delight.

Definitely season two is something I am heavily looking forward to. No character is safe, as showcased by season one, which has me anxious for each person’s journey, and the stakes have grown even higher as well. In addition to that, the show has had multiple directors of various backgrounds and styles, each one giving their own touch to the show while also staying within a cohesive storytelling atmosphere. Episode 6 was directed by Rick Famuyiwa gave the feeling of a horror/thriller, reminding me of the first two Alien films. Horrifying in a different way, but equally as chilling, is Deborah Chow’s episode seven which leaves one terrified at the idea that maybe the protagonists can’t get out of this one.

Seriously, I hope we get these two directors back as well as many more diverse and incredibly talented voices.

(Adding to this as the rest was written before Chapter 8 was released – Taika Waititi brought such humor to the situation in such a tasteful way that didn’t lose any of the tension of stakes that the group was facing. He also created the funniest five minutes of Star Wars ever with that opening. I hope to see him back again.

But also the most important part of Chapter 8 (aside from everything about “The clan of two” (!!!!!!) –

SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS 

The appearance of the Darksaber for the first time in live-action Star Wars media. If I was hyped beforehand then I am doubly hyped now. I recall being first introduced to this weapon during The Clone Wars series and my oh my, if that is still not the most gorgeous animation to this day. Anyway, the reemergence of this weapon leaves a lot of questions as to what has become of Mandalore and its people at the current timeframe as we already know the results of the Siege of Mandalore during the Clone Wars. What happened to Bo-Katan? The last we knew of the Darksaber was Sabine Wren passing it on to Bo-Katan in Star Wars Rebels. So many questions!! So much hype!! How do I deal!!!)” – Mary

Monsters At Work (Disney+)

Taking place six months after the events of Monsters, Inc., Tylor Tuskmon (Ben Feldman), a mechanic on the Facilities Team, dreams of working alongside his idols Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman) as the Monster World now cultivates their energy off the power of laughter. No expected release date for Monsters At Work has been announced.

“Another show I didn’t know about until putting this post together but!!!! I’m here for it!!!! And Ben Feldman is great casting!!!! Monster’s University was such a worthy addition to the legacy of Monster’s Inc. and I don’t really have a doubt that Monsters At Work won’t do the same mostly because the show has an interesting take by keeping the familiarity of the world in Sully and Mike and then giving us this character who idolizes them and wants to work with them. I’m also glad that this is going to be a show and not a movie because the world-building of Monsters Inc. has always been so interesting to me and I think a show will really do justice of exploring it a little more. I also feel in my soul that this will have something to do with sustainability in the way that we use energy and electricity.” – Brie

“A lot less disturbing than how it sounds, based on that description.
My heart was absolutely ripped out and torn to shreds while watching Monsters University. I have not been able to revisit that movie because of what happened with Mike, despite how his friend thought it was for the best. Anyway, we will finally be getting a sequel to the original film, in the form of a series!  This series gives me hope. Billy Crystal and John Goodman have great chemistry together and I can’t wait to see what kind of comedic bits we will get from them in the series, in addition to what we can expect from the rest of the cast. As to whether it will have a similar premise or jokes from the wonderfully hilarious and interactive Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, it has yet to be seen. But I still am pumped to see what is brewing. Also, maybe we will get an answer to what happened when Sully reunited with Boo? Maybe we will get to see a couple more appearances with the two of them together? Please, drop us a trailer soon @ Disney.” – Mary

Obi-Wan Kenobi Series (Disney+)

Set eight years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, where we last saw Obi-Wan watching over Luke Skywalker, this series is hinted to take place around the time of Solo: A Star Wars Story. No expected release date for the Obi-Wan series has been announced.

“In Deborah Chow, we trust. The director, who has taken the director’s chair for multiple other hit series, recently dipped her toe into the Star Wars pond by helming a few episodes of The Mandalorian. Slated to direct the upcoming Disney+ exclusive Obi-Wan Kenobi series, fan excitement has likely tripled. She is a talented director and her recent ventures into the SW-verse has me excited for the Kenobi series for more than just seeing Ewan McGregor reprise the role.

I’m interested to see how Ewan does stepping into the role after so many years and also what we will actually get to see. There are only so many stories that you can explore with Kenobi post-the Clone Wars as he goes into hiding not long after on Tatooine to watch over Luke Skywalker. Star Wars Rebels already gave fans a hint into what life is like for the elder Jedi down the road but the missing time in-between is still up in the air. But the actor seemed to tease that audiences will get to see his character still dealing with the turmoil from Order 66. Angst, here we come.

Here’s to me hoping that for some reason we get flashbacks of Obi-Wan in the war with Anakin which causes Ewan to film new scenes with Hayden Christensen, pls @ Disney. I will give you all three dollars in my wallet right now.” – Mary

Young Justice (DC Universe)

Focusing on the young counterparts of the famous Justice League, season four of the series will focus on a smaller, core group of the term as they continue to face obstacles as heroes. Young Justice is expected to premiere at the earliest, late 2020.

“Look, guys, I’m going to be straight up and honestly say that I haven’t watched the third season yet. The second season turned me off because it felt like they had more characters than they knew what to do with and in return, others suffered. I kind of got that vibe from the third season as well which was why I was keeping it at an arm’s length away. The things I look forward to most is when they stop being cowards and let Jaime Reyes and Bart Allen be together and in love like they deserve to! And also when they finally bring Wally West back! Seriously, it’s pretty much confirmed that he’s not actually dead so he’s still chilling in the SpeedForce. So put an end to my misery and Artemis’s and bring him back! Thanks!” – Mary

Honorable Mentions:
– Party of Five on Freeform (January 7th)
– The Bold Type Season 4 on Freeform (January 23rd)
– Good Girls Season 3 on NBC (February 16th)
– Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu (March 18th)
– Pose season 3 on FX
– Barry season 3 on HBO (potential)
– Ms. Marvel on Disney+ (potentially end of 2020)
– Normal People on Hulu
– AP Bio moving to Peacock
– Search Party moving to HBO Max
– The Boondocks reboot (potential)
– Emily in Paris

2020 in Movies

Bad Boys for Life (January 17)

The third and final installment of the early 00’s Bad Boys trilogy, Bad Boys for Life reunites Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett when a Romanian mob boss exacts revenge on them just as they’re about to retire. Bad Boys for Life is set to release in US theaters on January 17th.

“Listen, if you told me that we’d actually be getting a third Bad Boys movie up until it was officially in production, I would have just assumed that you’re bad at telling when something is clearly photoshopped. Because for years and years, there would be photoshopped movie posters on social media with people saying that Friday, Bad Boys, Baby Boy, Boyz n the Hood, Coming to America, etc. were getting new movies and then I’d have to see a bunch of people on my timeline believing it and asking why they hadn’t been released yet when they hadn’t even been greenlit or pitched. Ironically, now we know we’re getting a new Bad Boys and a new Coming to America. And potentially a new Friday, but after the passing of John Witherspoon that one hurts a little more to think about. From my memory, the Bad Boys movies are fun. That said, I haven’t really rewatched them in years but given that the first two are directed by Michael Bay I’m sure they don’t hold up as much as I’d hope and I imagine some of the “jokes” will make you wince, but Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are a very good comedy duo that I’m excited to see back on screen.” – Brie

Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (February 7)

Directed by Cathy Yan and written by Christina Hodson, Birds of Prey is a follow-up to the 2016 DCEU movie Suicide Squad the centers Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) as she teams up with Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), Helena Bertinelli (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) to save Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) from Gotham City crime lord Black Mask (Ewan McGregor). Birds of Prey is set to release in US theaters on February 7th.

Suicide Squad is one of the worst movies I’ve seen and I still regret paying to see it. With that said, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn was by far one of the movie’s few successes. She took a script that could have done a better job with her character and repeatedly stole the show. So, here I am, hopefully not getting my hopes too far up as I get excited for Birds of Prey. I love the idea of this girl squad, I love the idea of Harley being free from the Joker and essentially Hotline Blinging it up while fighting a Gotham City crime lord. I’m also excited by the style and aesthetic that we’ve seen so far because it looks fun and not like it was made by men trying to guess what they think girls/women enjoy. Also, Megan Thee Stallion and Normani have a song together for this movie which!!!!! I mean…that’s power. That’s love. That’s what dreams are made of.” – Brie

“I lost count of how many awesome ladies are kicking butt in this and that’s why I love it! Seriously, give me ALL the women in ALL the action films!! Growing up, I didn’t really have stuff like this so yeah, I’m hyped and excited for it all. Bless.” – Mary

TATB2: PS I Still Love You (February 12)

The second installment of the To All the Boys film series, P.S. I Still Love You is an upcoming teen rom-com based on the second book of Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy. Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) return navigating an authentic relationship just when John Ambrose McClaren (Jordan Fisher) has discovered the love letter Lara wrote to him when she was younger. To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You is set to premiere on Netflix on February 12th.

“One of 2018’s purest moments was when To All the Boys dropped on Netflix and for like a month straight, we all were just watching it and rewatching it talking about how much we loved it. It was an example of taking the things we love about rom coms while challenging the things that rom coms tend to get wrong. (I’m talking about the lack of communication…there’s not enough communicating in romcoms and it annoys me to no end because it’s a cop-out.) I ended up reading all three books almost immediately after my first watch because I loved it that much. So when the sequel was greenlit, the excitement of course ensued. And then it was announced that Jordan Fisher would be playing John Ambrose McClaren and excitement grew even more. I’m glad to see more people appreciating rom coms and glad to see more rom coms being greenlit and made and with characters of color who aren’t just the best friends of the protagonists. I hope P.S. I Still Love You carries on the magic that To All the Boys started because I know it’s at least what I need.” – Brie

The Photograph (February 14)

Set in the past and present focusing on intertwined love stories, The Photograph tells the story of Mae (Issa Rae) coping with the passing of her mom, famed photographer Christina Eames, after she finds a photograph that leaves her delving deeper into her mom’s early life to learn more about her in ways she never did when she was alive. Alongside Issa Rae, the cast includes LaKeith Stanfield, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Y’lan Jones, Chelsea Peretti, Lil Rel Howery, Teyona Parris, and Courtney B. Vance. The Photograph is set to release in US theaters on February 14th.

“Watching the trailer for The Photograph reminds me of a scene in the show A Different World when Gina and Charmaine are sitting on the couch, their chins cupped in the palms of their hands, excitedly exclaiming, ‘Black love is so beautiful!’ This movie looks so beautiful and as someone who is a sucker for a love story and also for stories about people learning more about the past, I’m very hopeful for The Photograph. I’m also really into this casting. Here we are, winning in 2020.” – Brie

Mulan (March 27)

Based on the Chinese folklore, “The Ballad of Mulan” Disney’s live-action Mulan is a war drama centers on Hua Mulan (Lui Yifei) disguises herself as a man to take the place of her elderly father when he is issued to fight in the war against the Huns. Mulan is set to premiere in US theaters on March 27th.

Mulan was maybe the one Disney movie that among the list of live-actions that Disney is adamant on giving us, is the one that for the longest we were all like, ‘If you had to make one, this one makes the most sense and should be made.’ I know that when it was announced that there wouldn’t be any music from the animated movie involved, folks were upset but I think it’s actually a much better choice to look at the original story of Fa Mulan and honor that. Also, the story of Fa Mulan is dope as hell anyway and deserves to be made. (From my understanding, there are multiple slightly different versions of it. Where I first learned the story of her outside of the movie Mulan was reading The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston in my sophomore year of high school. It’s to this day one of my favorite books I had to read for a class, so much so that I never returned my copy so I could keep it.) I’m sure Disney is taking liberties with the story because…well it’s an American studio, but I hope that they still do the story justice and respect.” – Brie

No Time to Die (April 8th)

Recruited to rescue a kidnapped scientist, globe-trotting spy James Bond (Daniel Craig) finds himself hot on the trail of a mysterious villain, who’s armed with dangerous new technology. No Time to Die is set to premiere in US theaters on April 8th.

“Only here to say that I will be seeing this movie for Lashana Lynch, Rami Malek, and Ana de Armas.” – Brie

“I am going to be real honest right now and say that I have no emotional connection to James Bond. That being said, stop being cowards and let Lashana Lynch take over 007 permanently!! She is here and ready and her character isn’t giving it up without a fight so just give it to her! I have had my eye on Lashana Lynch since Still Star-Crossed and I am just here for her to take over all the roles in Hollywood. Especially a role like 007. I am here for it.” – Mary

Promising Young Woman (April 17th)

A young woman, traumatized by a tragic event in her past, seeks out vengeance against men who cross her path. Promising Young Woman is set to premiere in US theaters on April 17th.

“A college dropout looking to get revenge on the men who take advantage of vulnerable women? Count me in. A play on the common “promising young man” line that gets fed to the public, and jury if they even get that far, after many rape and sexual assault accusations, the film turns the head on that phrase. What about the ‘promising young woman’ who was here before she was brutally violated in such a way? Cassie, played by Carey Mulligan, is here to exact that revenge, reaching her doctor aspirations in a very different way than she ever imagined. It looks disturbing, thrilling, and frustrating all at once and I can’t wait.” – Mary

Black Widow (May 1)

Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johannson) is forced to confront her past in ways she never expected. Alongside Johannson, the cast includes David Harbour, Florence Pugh, Olatunde Olateju Olaolorun “O. T.” Fagbenle, and Rachel Weiz. Black Widow is set to premiere in US theaters on May 1st.

“Here it is, the movie that I was wholeheartedly convinced would never see the light of day. In fact, I’m still not convinced this is an actual movie. I feel like it’s an elaborate prank. But I guess it’s the least the MCU could do given her unfair ending in Endgame. It’s been argued by many in far better ways than I could do justice that her death wasn’t fair or needed and in fact, it would have been more interesting and better storytelling for her to survive and Clint to be the one to sacrifice himself. Yeah, we get it, Natasha was the “soul” of the Avengers family all along or whatever, sure. Can’t stress enough how much that was downplayed throughout the MCU and essentially created by fans to give Natasha more importance because we kept being told that she ‘didn’t need a solo movie’ or ‘wasn’t ready for one’ or whatever. And for that to be taken and then immediately result in her death…I mean, no. So yes, I’ll take this movie and yes, I’m excited about this movie, but it does still suck to know that no matter what this movie offers, her fate is still the same.” – Brie

Legally Blonde 3 (May 8th)

There’s a new Legally Blonde movie. What is it about?! We’re not entirely sure. But, Legally Blonde 3 is set to release on May 8th…according to MGM studios on Twitter.

“Apparently this isn’t a joke and is very much happening? With an unknown plot and a barely confirmed cast list, there is basically no information for this film besides the fact it’s happening and most likely still slated for 2020 release. Will anything top the court finale in the first film? No. But I am interested in watching them try.” – Mary

Scoob! (May 15)

With an impending threat of the ghost dog Cerberus being released into the world, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Gang try to solve this mystery before it gets too late, discovering incredible information about Scooby’s past that may lead him to even greater things in his future. Scoob! is set to release in US theaters on May 15th.

“Let me first address that yes, the trailer for the film seems to take some liberties with Scooby and Shaggy’s backstory that we’ve all come to know and love. So yeah, things are a bit different. That aside, this is the first time in years that I feel like a Scooby-Doo cartoon still had the same feel as the original cartoons and the films I grew up watching. So I’m excited to step back into this universe. Also, the almost self-deprecating joke from Daphne about her dad at the end? I’m sold. Sign me UP.” – Mary

Wonder Woman: 1984 (June 4th)

In this sequel to 2017’s Wonder Woman, Diana (Gal Gadot) squares off against the Cheetah (Kristen Wiig), a villainess who possesses superhuman strength and agility. Wonder Woman: 1984 is set to release in US theaters on June 4th.

“The “No Man’s Land” scene in Wonder Woman is still top-notch and incredible! So yes I am extremely hyped for this next film! WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN? This is Patty Jenkins’s world and we are living in it. Seriously, I don’t even know how to express my immense excitement for this. I got chills so many times over in theaters watching Wonder Woman – when I wasn’t sobbing – and it was one of the most thrilling theater experiences ever (Captain Marvel being another). There is so much I want to point out here that I don’t know where to start. Diana (Gal Gadot) is just amazing and incredible and awesome and there are not enough adjectives to show my love for her. I got so pumped every time I see her. But I’m also worried because Steve (Chris Pine) is back and one has to question why and how and if maybe this is somehow connected to Max Lord (Pedro Pascal) or not and also are we going to have to lose Steve again and watch Diana lose Steve again because I am not ready. 

All in all, I am basically just bubbling with excitement and hype for this. It is going to be awesome and even if by some million-in-one chance it’s terrible, I’m still going to love and cherish it. I am ready, Diana. Pls.” – Mary

Soul (June 19)

From Disney/Pixar, Soul tells the story of middle school music teacher Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) who dreams of performing jazz music onstage but right before he may finally get his chance, his soul is separated from his body and transported to the “You Seminar” where souls develop and gain passions before being transported to a newborn child and he must find a way back into his body before it’s too late. Soul is set to release in US theaters on June 19th.

“Well, Disney/Pixar has done it again. The power of their visual storytelling is truly one of wonder. Watching the teaser trailer, it didn’t give a lot of the film away but it did tug at my heartstrings immediately. First of all, Jamie Foxx is meant for this role. Anyone that knows enough of Jamie Foxx’s career knows he has the range when it comes to his artistry. He’s basically a chameleon in his ability to do comedy (In Living Color, The Jamie Foxx Show, the fact that he was able to live up to Sherman Hemsley’s legacy as George Jefferson when ABC did Good Times Live this year…), in his ability to do drama (his portrayal of Ray Charles is a masterclass that was so good I remember rewatching the movie Ray for a week straight after I first saw it), and in his ability to do music (listen, Jamie has the hits and the voice). But, aside from this perfect casting–which also includes Daveed Diggs in a role–my excitement for Soul also has to do with the fact that it’s a story about being passionate and having dreams and the way that everyday life can help or hinder these things. And based on the images we see from the teaser trailer, what the story also gets is the use of community and coming together and caring about each other. Basically, this is all just a long-winded way of saying that I’ll be crying in the theater just like I did when I saw Inside Out and just like I did when I saw Coco because if it’s one thing Disney/Pixar knows how to do, is to make me cry.” – Brie

“Alright, of course, any Disney/Pixar flick will end up on this list. They just know how to perfectly pull at everyone’s heartstrings. Plus Teenplicity feature artists’ AJR’s music from “Overture” being used as the music for the trailer? Double yes. However, this is where the movie anticipation begins to dwindle. The first half of the trailer? Love it! Amazing! Can’t wait! The second half? Disney clearly doesn’t want to have any black protagonists as the lead unless they aren’t actually black for more than half the movie. Disney and Pixar need to do better. Let’s have a black protagonist that stays in human form for the entirety of their movie next time, yeah? It shouldn’t be that hard since they never seem to run into this problem with any of their white protagonists. Let’s see how this plays out.

Anyway, I am still hyped for this film. I absolutely love jazz and Jamie Foxx is constantly awesome, whether it’s in acting, hosting, etc. Will tears be shed while watching this? Guaranteed. I’m ready.” – Mary

In the Heights (June 26)

Based on the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda, In the Heights tells the story of the residents in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood as big changes affect the neighborhood. With Anthony Ramos as Usnavi, the cast also includes Leslie Grace as Nina, Melissa Barrera as Vanessa, Corey Hawkins as Benny, Gregory Diaz IV as Sonny, and original Broadway cast member Olga Merediz reprising her role as Abuela Claudia. In The Heights is set to release in US theaters on June 26th.

“This is most likely my most anticipated movie of 2020. In the Heights is arguably my favorite Broadway staged musical or at least a top choice. Listening to the cast album is comforting and heartbreaking and personal for me because the creative team for this show did such an amazing job developing these characters. These characters grappling with being in the place that they call home and seeing it change and gentrify against their will while they eagerly want to make it out because we define success as being able to leave and make it out…that’s one of the realest things a story has ever given me because it’s one of the most everyday things I feel like I think about constantly and Lin-Manuel and Quiara just put it into one of the most beautiful works of art we have. I didn’t get to see In the Heights when it toured to Chicago and there was a production here a couple of years ago that involved whitewashing so…yeah, I was good on that. So, getting to watch it in a movie theater and cry my eyes out at these multifaceted Latinx characters (plus Benny) with dreams and goals and being people instead of just stereotypes or the background to white Americans shouldn’t still be groundbreaking, but it sadly it is. Also, in terms of a movie musical, I hope this serves as a reminder that movie musicals don’t have to be white and they also (hopefully) shouldn’t have to struggle between being a movie and being what it was on stage.” – Brie

“Just breathe. That is Nina’s advice to herself as she feels like her life is crashing down around her and she’s crumbling under stress. To be honest, I’m taking that advice as well but more so because I am way too excited for this film to wait until Summer 2020 to finally witness it.

I was never able to watch the musical while it was on Broadway but just wow. I have lost count from how many times I’ve watched the trailer but each time, without fail, I get goosebumps. It looks absolutely incredible, visually stunning, top-notch music, and perfect casting. I cannot point out a single flaw. With slight changes to the script, for updates and to adjust to the film format, I’m curious to see how these adaptations fit into or alter the script. Will the inclusion of the potential deportation of DREAMers affect Nina’s song “Breathe”? Does this alter her arc or overall story? How does this play a role in the overall plot of the musical? I’m super interested to see. This is my number one, most anticipated and hyped for movie in 2020.” – Mary

Jungle Cruise (July 24th)

Inspired by the attraction of the same name, a sister and brother find themselves contracting a jungle skipper to lead their expedition. Things do not go any way they expect it to. Jungle Cruise is set to release in US theaters on July 24th.

“Guys. I don’t know if it’s because of the former Cast Member in me or because I love ridiculous Disney films but I am so excited about this movie. The beginning of the trailer when The Rock is monologuing the Jungle Cruise and includes every terrible joke and mishap and even shows THE BACKSIDE OF WATER!!! only to receive crickets in response? I love the accuracy. So great. Amazing. Deserves an Oscar right there for that scene. Anyway, this looks like ridiculous fun that probably has more going on in it than it probably needs but I’m willing to let it slide. I really cannot wait for just a fun adventure film with some good comedy placed in around the weak attempts. Also, I think I have a slight crush on Jack Whitehall from watching a bunch of Graham Norton clips on YouTube so we’ll see how this plays into that. Give me fun and implausible adventure! With Emily Blunt and The Rock! Yes! Thank you for this pandering specifically to me and no one else, @ Disney!” – Mary

Respect (Aug 14)

Jennifer Hudson stars as Aretha Franklin in this upcoming autobiographical drama based on the life of the groundbreaking artist. The cast also includes Forest Whittaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Mary J. Blige, Hailey Kilgore, and Tituss Burgess. Respect is set to release in US theaters on August 14th.

“First of all, let’s just talk about the casting for this movie. It’s damn good. Second of all, let’s talk about how long overdue honoring Aretha Franklin is. It’s long overdue. Third of all, let’s reminisce about her music and how much it still slaps. It still slaps. Supposedly, Aretha handpicked Jennifer to play her if she was ever to have a biopic made about her. Which I’m sure is both an honor and intimidating. But, Jennifer Hudson literally won an Oscar off of Dreamgirls which was her first film and also her alongside some of the biggest heavy hitters of music and acting. (This is when I tell you that Dreamgirls is my favorite movie musical next to Chicago and that I beg everyone to watch it, please.) So, if Aretha trusted Jennifer with this task, then I’m going to trust her too. But I also can’t stress enough that when I saw Tituss Burgess was cast in this movie I actually put my hand over my heart and went, ‘Oh, he deserves so much.’ Because he does. As does Hailey Kilgore. As does this cast. As does Aretha.” – Brie

BIOS (October 2)

The last man on Earth, portrayed by Tom Hanks, builds a robot and attempts to teach it so that it will be able to take care of his beloved dog after he passes. BIOS is set to release in US theaters on October 2nd.

“Of all the films on this list, I relate to this one the most and will probably cry at this one the most too. Doing literally everything in your power to make sure that your dog is loved and cared for and still living its best life if you are destined to pass first? BIG MOOD. Seriously, I completely understand this without a shadow of a doubt and if I had the knowledge and were in this situation, I would totally, no question about it, do this too. Dogs are a true treasure to the world and Tom Hanks is right there with us. Guaranteed to make me cry. Can’t wait.” – Mary

Halloween Kills (October 16)

The second of three movies that follow up to the original horror flick Halloween. Halloween Kills is set to release in US theaters on October 16th.

“The original Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis is back again! You thought Michael Meyers was dead? HA! Think again, dude never dies. Ask the 47 sequels and spin-offs. Anyway, in the ONLY sequel, we count in regards to the original (this trilogy of films are the sequels, actually) we are definitely in for more scares, more kills, and a whole lot more screaming. I am ready.” – Mary

 

 

The Eternals (November 6)

A continuation of the ever-growing MCU, The Eternals spans over 7000 years and focuses on an immortal alien race created by the Celestials known as the Eternals whose job is to protect humanity from their evil counterparts, the Deviants. This movie brings the likes of Angelina Jolie, Brian Tyree Henry, Kit Harrington, and Kumail Nanjani among other talents into the MCU while returning Gemma Chan in a new role. The Eternals is set to release in US theaters on November 6th.

“Is there anyone else that watched Atlanta on FX and is coming to terms with the fact that most likely that season 3 is never happening? As much as I enjoyed that show, the fact that Brian Tyree Henry is now in the MCU is a literal dream that we do not deserve but I’m gonna take it before anyone becomes aware of how undeserving we are of it. I know there’s a lot of other things I could talk about in terms of The Eternals such as Angelina Jolie because she’s Angelina Jolie. Or Gemma Chan because she’s Gemma Chan. And please note that those points are very valid. But, since Brian Tyree Henry’s name was first attached to this project, that’s when I discovered power. Everyone should join me in just (re)watching every project Brian Tyree Henry has starred leading up to the release of The Eternals because I demand we shower this man with love during his time in the MCU and after that since there were a few folks late to the train before he joined. Also, while we’re here, I’d like to request that all of Brian Tyree Henry’s co-stars in If Beale Street Could Talk also join the MCU.” – Brie

“Going to be upfront and admit that yet again, I have no clue what the heck this movie is going to be about. I am just really hyped for this cast which is filled with 99% of people that I am super pumped to see. There’s a lot of love on my end for them and therefore, I cannot wait to see how this turns out. It’s going to be a complete surprise for me, that’s certain.” – Mary

Godzilla vs. Kong (November 20)

Fearsome monsters Godzilla and King Kong square off in an epic battle for the ages, while humanity looks to wipe out both of the creatures and take back the planet once and for all. Godzilla vs. Kong is set to release in US theaters on November 20th.

“Godzilla and King Kong come face-to-face in this monster flick to decide who truly is King of them all.

Me? The number one Kong: Skull Island fan? Why yes, I am extremely pumped for this film. Despite a rather disappointing run thus far with the new Godzilla films, I still love the character. His appearances are what make the movie and not leave it in a total dumpster heap. That being said, Kong: Skull Island might just be one of my favorite monster movies. Seriously, I just created my first cosplay ever for Mason Weaver. The entire team that assembled for that film hit it out of the park and is what got me excited for the MonsterVerse. The way it makes you sympathize with Kong as well? Love it. That being said, I cannot decide who I want to win in this supposed fight. I love both and while I think Godzilla has power on his side, Kong might just have the size and fighting knowledge on his side in comparison. Either way, I hope they team up to defeat the one big bad monster that was teased at the end of the latest Godzilla flick. These two can share the title of ‘King’, right? Please don’t make me say goodbye to either of them, especially Kong. I guess I’ll have to wait until November to find out. *sad face*” – Mary

Raya and the Last Dragon (November 25)

From Disney, Raya and the Last Dragon takes place in the mysterious realm of Kumandra as fearless and passionate warrior Raya (Cassie Steele) searches for the last dragon (Awkwafina) in the world. Raya and the Last Dragon is set to release in US theaters on November 25th.

“Hello friends, it is I, Brie, back on her Cassie Steele bs. No one should be surprised if they know me enough. Raya and the Last Dragon has been described as a mix between classic Disney and classic kung-fu movies. Even though it’s animated, the thought of Cassie Steele being a part of this, let alone the titular character is the exact energy I need from 2020. Cassie has described her as being a breakthrough character for what she resembles and the way she carries herself and seeing the excitement she has to play her makes me even more excited. Give me more roles where Cassie Steele gets to be a warrior and wield swords and be a badass, be it animated or live-action.” – Brie

Coming 2 America (December 18)

Set after the events of the first film, Coming 2 America finds former Prince Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy) set to become King of Zamunda when he discovers he has a son he never knew about in America – a street-savvy Queens native named Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler) who he must groom as the crown prince to honor his father (James Earl Jones). Coming 2 America is set to release in US theaters on December 18th.

Coming to America is a classic within the Black community. It’s one of Eddie Murphy’s best roles which says a lot because even in his worst movies, you’ll still have somewhat of a good time most likely. So, when it was announced that Coming to America would be getting a sequel, logically speaking, it’d make sense to be torn between being excited to see what they’d do with it and also not wanting a classic to be touched. (But, I mean look at Hollywood right now, everything is getting a reboot or a sequel.) A lot of my excitement for Coming 2 America really comes from the fact that it seems like the cast, both original and newcomers, seem to really believe in the project to be good. This gives me hope that it is and that they’ll do justice to bring this 1988 story into 2020 in a way that holds up. Also hoping the movie is good because John Landis who was the original director isn’t attached to this project, instead we have Craig Brewster who gave us Hustle & Flow and Dolemite is My Name which I’m hoping gets Eddie Murphy the Oscar.” – Brie

Monopoly (Potential)

Rumored: Kevin Hart stars in this movie based on the board game MONOPOLY where a boy from the game’s modest Baltic Avenue embarks on a quest to make a fortune. Unknown if Monopoly will be released in 2020 as planned.

“I know next to nothing about this movie and to my knowledge, literally just found out about it. The only reason I’m writing this blurb is because I’m assuming they’re still early enough in the state of making this that I can say if this movie isn’t completely about rooting for the destruction of capitalism, the people making this movie have clearly never tried to play a game of monopoly…or read the room of the world currently.” – Brie

“No joke, yes, someone is making a movie based on the board game of the same name. I mean, I don’t really understand why when we can just look at current business dealings and see that Disney owns most of the board. Where’s my pass to GO? With a rumored casting of Kevin Hart and the plot seeming to change a couple of times, there’s no telling if this film – announced in January of 2019 – will actually be filmed anytime soon, let alone released in 2020. But I’m curious so I want to put it out there, just in case.” – Mary

Honorable Mentions:
Sonic The Hedgehog (February 14th)
Barbie (May 8th)
West Side Story (December 18th)

Disclaimer: We do not own any of the pictures used for this post.

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