Want to know what’s in theaters this week? Catch these exciting new releases on the big screen:
What’s coming to cinemas this weekend? It’s a mystery. No, really. Kenneth Branagh is back as famous detective Hercule Poirot in the Agatha Christie adaptation Death on the Nile. The sequel to 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express features another star-studded cast, including Gal Gadot, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Oscar-nominated actress Sophie Okonedo and Black Panther scene-stealer Letitia Wright. Branagh, who just received a Best Director Oscar nomination for Belfast, is again at the helm.
If whodunnits aren’t your thing, or you’re just looking for something more romantic ahead of Valentine’s Day on Monday, the rom-com Marry Me is also coming out this Friday. Jennifer Lopez stars in the movie as a pop star who marries a fan, played by Owen Wilson, after spotting him with a sign proposing to her during a concert. There’s also Blacklight, the latest action vehicle for Liam Neeson. This time he plays a freelance agent working with the FBI who becomes involved in a government conspiracy.
Get your tickets for those and other new movies here.
Need a quick recap of the past week in movie news? Here are the highlights:
Russell Crowe joins Kraven: He has played Superman’s father in the DC Universe and he’ll soon be seen as Zeus in Thor: Love and Thunder, out this summer from Marvel Studios. Now Russell Crowe is taking on another Marvel Comics adaptation: Kraven the Hunter. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar-winning actor joins Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who plays the titular lead, for the Spider-Man villain showcase. There are no details on Crowe’s role in the movie, which is due in theaters on January 13, 2023.
Dakota Johnson to spin Madame Web: Speaking of Spider-Man spin-offs, Sony has announced another Marvel character showcase to follow their movies featuring villains Venom, Morbius and Kraven the Hunter. Deadline reports Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) is in talks to star in Madame Web as the titular mutant with psychic powers who has been an ally to Spidey in the comic books. S.J. Clarkson, who helmed episodes of Marvel’s Jessica Jones and The Defenders, is directing the movie.
Zooey Deschanel picks up a Purple Crayon: Speaking of Sony’s adaptations of beloved works, the studio has just drawn Zooey Deschanel into their production of Harold and the Purple Crayon. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Elf and (500) Days of Summer actress joins previously cast actors Zachary Levi and Lil Rel Howery. There is no word on what kind of role Deschanel has in the live-action movie, though the classic children’s book only has one character, the titular four-year-old boy.
Adam Driver to drive Ferrari: Michael Mann’s passion project Ferrari is finally moving ahead with a new cast. Deadline reports Oscar-nominated actor Adam Driver will portray sports car automaker Enzo Ferrari in the biopic, which has been in development for many years. Robert De Niro was once cast in the role, which was later filled temporarily by both Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. Oscar-winner Penelope Cruz (who just received her fourth Oscar nomination this week) and Shailene Woodley will co-star in the picture as Ferrari’s wife and mistress, respectively.
Steven Spielberg to direct David Lynch: In the great tradition of Steven Spielberg casting other filmmakers in his movies (see Francois Truffaut in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Richard Attenborough in Jurassic Park, etc.), he has brought on Mulholland Dr. helmer David Lynch for the semi-autobiographical coming-of-age drama The Fabelmans. According to Variety, Lynch’s role is a secret, but it’s likely not a big part, since it’s only now being announced as the picture goes into post-production.
Chris Pine is Poolman: Now we go from veteran director Spielberg (who just broke records with his Oscar nominations for West Side Story) to newbie Chris Pine. Deadline reports the Wonder Woman actor will make his directorial debut with Poolman, a mystery-comedy being likened to Chinatown, The Big Lebowski and La La Land. Pine will also star as the titular pool guy alongside reunited Mars Attacks! cast members Annette Bening and Danny DeVito. Wonder Woman helmer Patty Jenkins is producing.
