Movie theaters and streaming services are powering up to release many new movies and shows in the next two months.
Releases this fall are packed with entertainment for everyone, including stage-to-screen adaptations like “Wicked” and series like “Squid Games.”
“It’s fun to go to the movies with my friends because we can all hang out together. I also like watching movies and shows that are on streaming platforms because I can be in the comfort of my own home,” said Kate O’Connor, a sophomore at Carlmont.
On Nov. 15, the popular TV show “Cobra Kai” is coming out with Part 2 of Season 6. It will focus on how the students of Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang enter the Sekai Taikai tournament, where they face international competitors and old rivals. Part three of season 6 will be released in Feb. 2025 and conclude the final season of the martial arts saga.
“I’ve heard of ‘Cobra Kai’ because my brother watches it. It’s pretty popular,” said sophomore Ella Hoogerbeets.
Another release on Nov 15. is the praiseworthy science fiction show called “Silo.”
“Silo” Season 2 will premiere on Apple TV Plus on Nov. 15. New episodes of this dystopian drama will be released weekly through Jan. 17, 2025. It will follow the main character Juliette Nichols as she ventures outside and makes discoveries while tensions rise inside the silo.
One of the most anticipated releases is the movie adaptation of the highly successful “Wicked” musical, which has enjoyed a 20-year run on Broadway.
The movie “Wicked” is coming out with Part One in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22. The cinematic adaptation of the hit musical is expected to stream on Peacock by early 2025. This prequel to the “Wizard of Oz” explores the relationship of Elphaba and Galinda in their journey from friends to rivals. Part Two of the story will be released in theaters by Nov. 21, 2025.
“I have seen an ad for the ‘Wicked’ movie, and I am looking forward to it coming out,” O’Connor said.
For fans of historical fiction, the movie “Gladiator” has an upcoming sequel set to hit theaters Nov. 22. This second movie in the “Gladiator” series will be available on Paramount Plus following its in-theater run. It follows Lucius, the son of Maximus, as he returns to Rome after being captured by the Romans.
Another old classic will be making its rounds again as well: the beloved Disney film “The Lion King,” which was initially released in 1994, is getting a prequel.
“Mufasa: The Lion King” will show in U.S. theaters on Dec. 20. This origin story will be available on Disney Plus when it leaves theaters. It chronicles Mufasa’s rise from a young cub to becoming the king of the Pride Lands.
And after becoming incredibly popular post-quarantine in 2021, the show “Squid Games” will return for a second season.
“Squid Games” Season 2 is set to premiere on Netflix on Dec. 26. As a Netflix original series, this dark survival game will be available for streaming exclusively on the platform. In this season, a new group of players enter deadly high-stakes challenges, uncovering secrets about the organizers of the game.
Movies and shows are popular among people of all ages and are a great source of entertainment whether looking for a total escape or just a distraction from everyday life.
“I like watching TV and movies at home because I can watch them while cleaning my room and have them playing in the background and I really enjoy it. It’s part of my routine,” O’Connor said.
Recently, Netflix has added a variety of shows like the fan-favorite, “Gossip Girl” to its platform that, while not new, have gained popularity among today’s teens. But the upcoming releases are what’s generating buzz among watchers, and many are excited to see what’s queueing up next.
“I’ve heard of new movies and shows through streaming platforms I use that are promoting what’s coming next, like Netflix, Disney plus Hulu. I also hear my friends talk about them,” said Klara Bichler, a sophomore at Carlmont.
