In the wake of the Hollywood strikes that halted production for months, the industry has pivoted swiftly to deliver a promising summer movie season filled with diverse offerings.
Despite losing big-budget titles like “Mission: Impossible 8” and “Captain America: Brave New World” to 2025, theaters gained “The Bikeriders,” a film about a 1960s Midwestern motorcycle club, helmed by Jeff Nichols.
“Deadpool & Wolverine,” initially slated to kick off the season, has been moved to July 26th, while a unique blend of romance, comedy, and action awaits in “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. The film pays homage to the incredible stunt performers who make movie magic happen.
Summer movie veteran Jerry Bruckheimer has a trio of films on the calendar, including the fourth installments of the beloved “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Bad Boys” franchises. Additionally, “Young Woman and the Sea,” initially planned for streaming, will grace theaters after impressive test screenings.
The season boasts a wide range of releases, with 32 wide releases and over 40 movies opening in 500+ theaters. Notably, only two Marvel films, “Deadpool” and Sony’s “Kraven the Hunter,” are scheduled alongside the “Joker” sequel in the fall.
Producer Paul Dergarabedian emphasizes the audience’s desire for entertainment, highlighting the solid lineup from a moviegoer’s perspective. “The Bikeriders,” initially intended for an awards season release, gained momentum with stellar reviews from the Telluride Film Festival, praising Austin Butler and Jodie Comer’s performances.
June will also witness the debut of Kevin Costner’s epic Western “Horizon: An American Saga,” set during the Civil War. A slew of Sundance breakouts pepper the summer, including Jane Shoenbrun’s “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Didi,” as well as “Thelma” and “Good One.”
Family-friendly options abound, such as the highly anticipated “Inside Out 2,” where Riley navigates her teenage years with a new crew of emotions. John Krasinski delves into the world of children’s imaginations with “IF,” exploring the adventures of imaginary friends left behind.
Horror and thriller enthusiasts have much to choose from, including “MaXXXine,” the conclusion to Ti West’s Mia Goth trilogy, set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s home video boom in the 1980s. “A Quiet Place: Day One” offers a prequel to the acclaimed franchise, starring Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn. Fede Álvarez brings his horror expertise to “Alien: Romulus,” set between the first two “Alien” films.
M. Night Shyamalan returns with a thriller set at a pop concert, while his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan, makes her directorial debut with the eerie “The Watchers,” starring Dakota Fanning.
Streaming services are also making a mark with “Hit Man,” “The Idea of You,” “Unfrosted,” and “The Union.” The season will see the return of beloved franchises, such as “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” which reunites Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley with his estranged daughter. “The Instigators,” an action-comedy starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
The summer movie season remains unpredictable, with surprises always possible. Hollywood’s ability to adapt and deliver a diverse range of films despite challenges is a testament to the enduring power of the cinematic experience.
