1. Lego Batman Movie, February 10
We have been looking forward to the release of the Lego Batman Movie ever since the hints were dropped after the fantastic success of the Lego Movie. If any plastic figurine had the ego for his own film it was going to be Batman. Ultimate fans will love this interview with Will Arnett .
2. Beauty and the Beast, March 17
The live-action release of Beauty and the Beast is going to bring a lot of parents to the theater to revisit familiar songs and scenes (and, cough, Dan Stevens as the Beast). While it certainly pays tribute to the animation from our youth, the 2017 version has some changes and updates - including new songs.
3. Power Rangers, March 24
The Power Rangers are poised for a comeback - so get ready! We can’t wait to see Elizabeth Banks star as supervillain Rita Repulsa. The new cast, who star as high school kids with superpowers, stopped by the Fandango Studio to talk about their experience.
4. Smurfs: The Lost Village, April 7
The latest addition to the Smurfs filmology shakes a few things up. The biggest change in Smurfs: The Lost Village is that this film is entirely animated and takes place in the world of the Smurfs. The other change is a swap out with key cast members (Smurfette is now voiced by Demi Lovato).
5. Guardians of the Galaxy 2, May 5
There is a lot to look forward to in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 - but one item in particular that makes us giggle with delight is Baby Groot. We should also let you know the entire gang is back... a relief for those of us who were hooked on a feeling.
6. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, May 19
Two exciting details about Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul involves casting. Alicia Silverstone and Tom Everett Scott will star as the Heffley kids’ parents as the family embarks on a long road trip.
7. Cars 3, June 16
Owen Wilson returns as Lightning McQueen in Cars 3. Early concept art for the film shows Cruz Ramirez, a young Hispanic female race car. Casting has not been revealed for Ramirez.
8. Despicable Me 3, June 30
We flipped for the retro-loving trailer for Despicable Me 3. All the shoulder pads, all the music, all the Rubik’s Cube! The over-the-top villain seems perfectly conceived and we can’t wait for Gru and the gang to take him to task.
9. Spider-Man: Homecoming, July 7
We all met the newest Spider-Man last year when he was recruited by Iron Man in Captain America: Civil War. Spider-Man: Homecoming is Peter Parker’s stand-alone film spun from that particular Civil War thread.
10. Justice League, November 17
Justice League is aiming to be the ultimate superhero film of the year. We will cheer the return of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Willem Dafoe is in the cast as a GOOD GUY!
11. Coco, November 22
We can’t wait for more details about Coco: a Disney Pixar film about a 12year old named Miguel. We do know that Gael Garcia Bernal and Benjamin Bratt star in this mystical film set to be released on Thanksgiving.
12. Star Wars: Episode VIII, December 15
If you are looking for Star Wars: Episode VIII spoilers you won’t find them here. LucasFilm is serious about preventing spies on its sets. They “employed a team of drone pilots who will patrol the skies, ready to take down any snooping gadgets that try to fly over the set. But since that's still probably not enough, they've reportedly also hired 600 guards to protect their secrets during the shoot.”
Dresden Shumaker is a writer, advocate and appreciator of (butterless) movie popcorn. She chronicles her adventures in single parenting on CreatingMotherhood.
