As the controversial topic about women directors and film remains ongoing (see: Rebel Wilson’s commentary on the all-male directors nominated at the BAFTAs), Hollywood is opening the doors to more female directors who will direct films ranging from animation, to documentaries to horror. Here are the most-anticipated studio films for 2020 (followed by individual studios):
Wonder Woman 1984 — directed by Patty Jenkins
This is the sequel to the 2017 “Wonder Woman” starring Gal Gadot. In this plot Wonder Woman squares off against the Cheetah, a villainess who possesses superhuman strength and agility. Release date is June 5.
Black Widow — directed by Cate Shortland
A film about Natasha Romanoff in her quests between the films Civil War and Infinity War starring Sacrlet Johansen. Release date is May 1.
The Eternals — directed by Chloe Zhao
The saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations. The release date is November 6.
Mulan — directed by Niki Caro
A young Chinese maiden disguises herself as a male warrior in order to save her father. A live-action feature film based on Disney’s animation ‘Mulan.’ Release date is March 27.
Birds of Prey — directed by Cathy Yan
After splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroes Black Canary, Huntress and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord. Release date is February 7.
MGM
Respect – Directed by Liesl Tommy
It is about the life story of legendary R&B singer, Aretha Franklin. Release date is August 14.
PARAMOUNT
Big Gay Jamboree – Directed by Alethea Jones
The film is about a young, raunchy woman who is transported into a 1940s musical and must find her way back home to the present day. Release date is tentative,
SONY
Cinderella – Directed by Kay Cannon
It is a retelling of the classic Cinerela story starring Charlotte Spencer, Idina Menzel, Pierce Brosnan, Billy Porter. Release date is February 5, 2021.
The Craft – Directed by Zoe Lister-Jones
A group of high school students form a coven of witches. A remake of the 1996 film, “The Craft”. Release date is tentative.
UNIVERSAL
The Photograph – Directed by Stella Meghie
A series of intertwining love stories set in the past and in the present. Release date is set for February 14.
Covers – Directed by Nisha Ganatra
It is a love story set in the LA music industry. Release date is May 8.
The Good House – Directed by Maya Forbes and Wally Wolodarsky
Life for New England realtor Hildy Good begins to unravel when she hooks up with an old flame of hers from New York. Based on Ann Leary’ ‘The Good House.’ Release date is tentative.
The Grace Year – Directed by Elizabeth Banks (TBD)
Candyman – Directed by Nia DaCosta
A “spiritual sequel” to the 1992 horror film ‘Candyman’ that returns to the now-gentrified Chicago neighborhood where the legend began. The release date is June 12.
Praise This – Directed by Tina Gordon
It is a story about youth choirs who gather together for a music competition. Release date is September 25.
24-7 – Directed by Eva Longoria
A group of accountants band together against their firm’s male colleagues to solve a fraud case that will save their jobs. Release date is tentative.
Marry Me – Directed by Kat Coiro
A pop superstar (Jennifer Lopez) is jilted by her rock-star fiancé moments before their wedding at Madison Square Garden, so she marries a random guy from the crowd instead. Release date is November, 2020.
Untitled Holiday Comedy – Directed by Olivia Wilde (TBD)
WALT DISNEY
The Eternals – Directed by Chloé Zhao
Flora & Ulysses – Directed by Lena Khan (TBD)
It is a story about the adventures of a young girl and a squirrel with superpowers. The release date is tentative.
Mulan – Directed by Niki Caro
Black Widow – Directed by Cate Shortland
The One and Only Ivan – Directed by Thea Sharrock
It is a story about a gorilla named Ivan who tries to piece together his past with the help of an elephant named Stella as they hatch a plan to escape from captivity. Release date is August 14.
Untitled Pixar Film – Directed by Domee Shi (TBD)
WARNER BROS.
Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) – Directed by Cathy Yan
Wonder Woman 1984 – Directed by Patty Jenkins
The Matrix 4 – Directed by Lana Wachowski
It is the fourth installment of the franchise starring Keany Reeves and Priyanka Chopra. Release date is May 21, 2021.
The New Gods – Directed by Ava DuVernay (TBD)
Reminiscence – Directed by Lisa Joy
A scientist discovers a way to relive your past and uses the technology to search for his long lost love. Release date is tentative.
Universal has the highest number of films directed by women, followed by Disney and Warner Bros. In total, there are 84 movies directed by women to look forward to this year. Even though women directors were left out of the 2019 awards season on a whole, based on the quality and number of films coming out this year, we can expect that this will change in 2020.
© Nikoleta Morales (2/3/20) FF2 Media
Top Photo: The Rider’s Chloe Zhao is directing The Eternals, which will star Angelina Jolie (Thena), Richard Madden (Icarus), Kumail Nanjiani (Kingo), Lauren Ridloff (Makkari), Brian Tyree Henry (Phastos), Salma Hayek (Ajak), Lia McHugh (Sprite), and Don Lee (Gilgamesh).
Bottom Photo: Wonder Woman 1984
Photo credits: Entertainment Weekly & Warner Bros.
