Rango
This computer-animated film is scheduled to be released on March 18th, 2011. The premise involves a pet who runs away from home on a hilarious journey of self-discovery. Gore Verbinski will direct the film, and the following actors will lend their voices to the project: Johnny Depp, Ray Winstone, Isla Fisher, Alfred Molina and Abigail Breslin.
Spider-Man 4
James Vanderbilt has been tabbed to write the script for the next movie in the Spider-Man franchise (tentatively scheduled for May 31st, 2011). It’s still unclear if director Sam Raimi and star Tobey Maguire will be back on board, but there’s a good chance that the series will continue anyway. My pick for the next duo of villains (Hollywood seems obsessed with multiple villains) is The Vulture and The Lizard.
The First Avenger: Captain America
Opening on May 6th, 2011, this film will serve as a lead-in for the Avengers movie (which opens a few months later). Joe Johnston will direct, while Samuel L. Jackson has already signed on to reprise his role as Nick Fury. The movie follows the adventures of a scrawny World War II soldier who is injected with the Super Soldier Formula. This gives him amazing fighting abilities, and he takes on the Germans under the identity of Captain America. Eventually frozen in a block of ice, he’s thawed out decades later and fights supervillains as a member of The Avengers.
Cars 2
In this sequel to the Disney/Pixar animated hit, Mater and Lighting will head overseas for even more zany adventures. Cars 2 is one of many good movies coming in 2011, and it’s currently scheduled for a June 24th, 2011 release. Larry the Cable Guy and Owen Wilson have already signed on to provide their voices.
Kung Fu Panda 2
The first Kung Fu Panda film was released during the summer of 2008, and it made a ton of money for Dream Works Animation. Not surprisingly, a sequel has been scheduled for June 3rd, 2011. At this time, Jack Black and Angelina Jolie have both committed to the project.
The Avengers
Of all the good movies coming in 2011, this one may be the best. Scheduled for a July 15th, 2011 debut, the film will follow the exploits of The Avengers, the top superhero team of the Marvel universe. Zak Penn is writing the screenplay, and Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey Jr., and Don Cheadle are expected to star. Members of The Avengers should include Thor, The Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Ant Man, and (maybe) The Wasp.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II
The final book of the Harry Potter series is being split up into two movies. On July 15th, 2011, the final film of the blockbuster franchise will debut in theaters. As of this moment, David Yates is attached to direct. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint will all return for one last adventure at Hogwarts.
Hotel Transylvania
People can’t seem to get enough of the animated comedies, and this one should be especially beloved by fans of the old Universal movie monsters. The plot of the film has Dracula, the Mummy, the Werewolf and Frankenstein hanging around an Eastern European hotel after being made irrelevant by modern technology and ideas. Scheduled for a September 30th, 2011 release.
The Hobbit
Right now, the plan is to have The Hobbit hit theaters on New Year’s Eve, 2011. Peter Jackson will produce, and Guillermo Del Toro will direct. A prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this film will follow the adventures of Bilbo Baggins. Expect Gandalf the Wizard (Ian McKellen) to make an appearance, as well as that precious little Gollum.
The Bear and the Bow
This animated movie from Pixar will feature the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Emma Thompson and Billy Connolly. The story revolves around the adventures of a princess who would rather be an archer and her quest to free her mother and kingdom from a dreadful curse. Scheduled to be released on December 31st, 2011.
The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn
Another one of the good movies coming in 2011, this 3D motion capture film will be directed by Steven Spielberg and star Daniel Craig, Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Toby Jones and Mackenzie Crook. The central character, Tintin, is a young reporter who gets into all kinds of amazing adventures. Based on the character created by author Georges Remi, also known by his pen name “Herge.”
Big Cats
This Disney nature film will allow audiences of all ages to meet a leopard, a lioness and a cheetah. As they raise their young, these three feline mothers will use their wits and physical prowess to survive the dangerous surroundings of the African plains. This should be one of the best family films of 2011.
Frankenweenie
Made with 3D animation, this project will be a remake of Tim Burton’s 1984 short film about a dog brought back to life by his owner. Walt Disney Pictures will be handling the project, and Burton will be filling the producer’s role.
Naked Beauty: A Love Story that Feeds the Earth
Another Disney film for 2011, Naked Beauty follows the act of pollination, both from the perspective of flowers, and animals such as butterflies, bees, bats and hummingbirds. This film will present a great educational opportunity for the entire family.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Jim Carrey is signed to star in this film about a man who became famous for scouring the world for human oddities. Along the way, he realizes these special people deserve just as much respect as anyone else. Director Chris Columbus will helm this heartwarming tale.
Terminator 3
Three Terminator films are planned with actor Christian Bale (assuming he doesn’t kill one of the crew members before that time). The 4th film will hit theaters in 2009, and it will be followed up by this 2011 movie. McG is penciled in to direct the trilogy.
Tusker
Ted Tally is writing the screenplay for this tale of a young elephant’s journey to find himself. This should be one of many quality family films for 2011.
Transformers 3
The planned release date is June 29th, 2011. Expect the original cast to return and more robots to be introduced. Man, nobody beats Hollywood when it comes to getting kids to buy useless plastic toys.
Atlantis Rising
Len Wiseman will direct this film adaptation of the popular graphic novel. Scheduled to be one of the summer movies of 2011.
Get Smart 2
After the success of the first Get Smart film, Warner Bros wasted no time in signing Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway to do another one.
The Lone Ranger
Expected to be released in 2011, the film will be based on the classic black-and-white television show. In 2008, it was announced that Johnny Depp would be portraying Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s Indian partner. As of this writing, the role of the Lone Ranger has yet to be filled.
The Giver
Slated for a 2011 release, The Giver is based on a novel written by Lois Lowry. The story revolves around a young boy and his life in a society which has eliminated pain and strife. As you might have guessed, this development comes with a price. David Yates is attached to direct, although no cast has been selected.
The Man Who Killed Don Quixote
This Terry Gilliam film originally started filming in 2000, but it stopped production after a number of on-set accidents. In 2009, pre-production started up again. In the film, a British ad executive travels through time and gets involved in the adventures of Don Quixote. Johnny Depp has signed on to star in the film, but his busy schedule will cause shooting to be delayed.
