While “Justice League” is still TBD for 2015, there are at least two dozen other blockbuster films already set for release the year after next. Either 2015 will play out like 2011, when it was Big Movie after Big Movie and it was impossible for moviegoers to see them all, or the film industry will make more money than ever before. Here’s just a sample of the anticipated hits:
“The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie 2” (2/13) – SBSP hasn’t been on the big screen since 2004. $50-70 million for opening weekend guaranteed.
“The Fantastic Four” (3/6) – Superhero reboot of a superhero reboot. Probably not as huge as “Amazing Spider-Man”, though.
“Cinderella” (3/13) – A live action version of a Disney animated classic from Disney.
“Ted 2” (“Passover” says director Seth MacFarlane) – The first one grossed over $200M. EVERYONE (who’s old enough) will want to go see that naughty teddy bear again.
“Avengers: Age of Ultron” (5/1) – While it may not get the $200M open and $623M total since we’ve seen all the superheroes together before, I think we’ve got a Highest-Grossing Movie of the Year contender.
“Inside Out” (6/19) – It’s a Pixar movie.
“Terminator” (6/26) – If Arnold is seriously coming “back”, those who didn’t see 2009’s “Salvation” will be returning to theaters as well.
“Independence Day 2” (7/3) – This is a question mark, especially since Will Smith is not involved. But it is opening on 4th of July.
“Pirates of the Caribbean 5” (7/10) – The last one was awful, and made the least $$$ of the franchise, but the potential is there.
“Hotel Transylvania 2” (9/25) – Thanks to the original, Sony Pictures Animation has learned that the last weekend in September draws families.
The Pre-Thanksgiving Feast: “Ant-Man” (11/6), “Bond 24” (11/6), and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2” (11/20)
“Finding Dory” (11/25) Two Pixar movies in one year? That’s never happened before!
“Inferno” (12/18) The DaVinci Code saga continues.
“Kung Fu Panda 3” (12/23) Who wouldn’t want to spend the holidays with Po the Panda?
And of course: “Star Wars – Episode VII”. Fans were upset when Disney didn’t unveil any new details at D23, so they better announce an official release date soon.