DOING 2017 JUSTICE
Ian Bunting looks at a super year ahead for movie goers...
10 Despicable Me 3 Released: June
The animated box-office juggernaut returns with Steve Carell voicing Gru and long-lost twin Dru.
The Minions are back too and South Park’s Trey Parker has been cast as the film’s new baddie, Balthazar Bratt, a former 80s child star.
Given that the first two flicks made $1.5billion worldwide, it’s safe to assume another hit is on the cards.
7 The Lego Batman Movie Released: February
Will Arnett will butt heads with Justice League’s Ben Affleck in a battle to crown the year’s best Batman.
Arnett voiced the Caped Crusader in a small but terrific turn in The Lego Movie and now branches out into his own full-length feature.
The trailers hint at hilarity on a grand scale as the eclectic voice ensemble includes Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Ralph Fiennes and Mariah Carey!
4 Beauty and the Beast Released: March
Disney’s latest live-action take on one of its classic tales will arrive in cinemas on the back of its record-breaking second trailer being viewed 127.6million times in its first 24 hours.
Emma Watson and Dan Stevens star as Belle and the Beast and the familiar tunes will be belted out by them and fellow Brits Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson and Ian McKellen.
9 Thor: Ragnarok Released: October
The God of Thunder’s third outing will see him once again join forces with Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk.
Speculation suggests the action will come to earth before going inter-planetary as new director Taika Waititi attempts to freshen the franchise.
Tom Hiddleston’s mischievous Loki is back and exciting series newcomers include Cate Blanchett, Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum.
6 Blade Runner 2049 Released: October
Thirty-five years after the ground-breaking original, the replicants return with Sicario and Arrival’s Denis Villeneuve replacing Ridley Scott behind the camera.
Harrison Ford’s Deckard is back, though, alongside Ryan Gosling, Jared Leto and Dave Bautista, and Scott is contributing to the storyline, which is a closely-guarded secret.
3 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Released: April
The much-anticipated sequel to 2014’s surprise hit sees the ragtag bunch of anti-heroes continue their space-set adventures.
Perhaps even more intriguing, though, is the addition of action icons Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell to the diverse cast list.
Expectations will be higher, but director James Gunn is sure to embrace the challenge.
8 The Fate of the Furious Released: April
Not many film series — particularly of the non-horror variety — reach eight entries, but Fast & Furious reaches that magic number in 2017.
It remains to be seen if rumoured tension behind the scenes between stars Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson comes across on screen.
Charlize Theron is the new antagonist and Dame Helen Mirren an unlikely new addition.
5 Spider-Man: Homecoming Released: July
For the third time in 15 years, Marvel’s web-slinger starts a new solo cinematic journey as Tom Holland aims to build on his scene-stealing cameo in Captain America: Civil War.
Former Batman Michael Keaton takes to the skies once again as villain The Vulture and Robert Downey Jr will be on hand to mentor Spidey — and supply him with some state-of-the-art equipment.
2 Justice League Released: November
After the poorly -received Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, the pressure is on for the Justice League to revitalise the ailing DC Cinematic Universe.
Basically DC’s version of The Avengers, this superhero team-up will see Batman, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Cyborg take on big bad Steppenwolf.