Coming this autumn
So far in 2018, we’ve seen high-profile Oscarwinners, cool indie movies, some impressive Irish features and big summer blockbusters. But there’s plenty more to come. Michael Doherty previews the big features still to reach our screens
Michael Doherty looks ahead to the big movies still to hit our screens in 2018
Venom
Who’s in it?
Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed
What’s the story?
Having already portrayed one of the most memorable DC villains (Bane in The Dark Knight Rises), Tom Hardy takes on one of Marvel’s most badass characters. A popular baddie in the Spider-Man universe, Eddie Brock is a crusading journalist who transforms into the eponymous villain when he comes into contact with an alien symbiote. Apparently, Hardy is basing his characterisation on our own Conor McGregor, so expect to hear dialogue of the ‘ You’ll do nuttin’!’ variety. In addition to Williams and Ahmed, the strong supporting cast includes Jenny Slate and Woody Harrelson.
When will we see it?
October 5 Rosie Moe Dunford, Sarah Greene, Natalia Kostrzewa
What’s the story?
In this ripped-from-the-headlines drama, Sarah Greene plays the eponymous young mother doing her best to keep her family together when the landlord sells their home from under them and they e ectively become homeless, moving from hotel room to hotel room. Directed by Breathnach ( Viva) and penned by Roddy Doyle, who drew his inspiration from a report on Morning Ireland, the movie’s authenticity is aided by the involvement of Focus Ireland. Watch out for our upcoming interview with Roddy Doyle.
When will we see it?
October 12 First Man
Who’s in it?
Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke
What’s The Story?
Following their Oscar-winning hit, La La Land, director Damien Chazelle and star Ryan Gosling are back together for this biopic of Neil Armstrong, the rst man to walk on the moon. The movie focuses on the years leading up to the fateful 1969 mission, rather than the astronaut’s post-Apollo XI life, when Armstrong was something of a recluse. Foy take on the role of the commander’s wife, with Stoll as Buzz Aldrin and Lukas Haas as Michael Collins, the third member of that remarkable NASA mission. The space sequences were shot on 70mm IMAX.
When will we see it?
October 12 Bohemian Rhapsody
(Dir: Bryan Singer) Who’s in it?
Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Ben Hardy What’s The Story?
Is this real life? Is this just fantasy? Either way, it’s a powerful account of the meteoric rise of Queen, one of Britain’s most successful rock bands, through the eyes of their legendary front man, Freddie Mercury. Bohemian Rhapsody chronicles the band’s journey from humble beginnings to stars of Live Aid. In production since 2010, various actors including Sacha Baron Cohen and Ben Whishaw were in the frame to play Freddie Mercury before Mr Robot’s Rami Malek landed the gig. In addition to the main cast, there’s plenty of Irish interest here as Aidan Gillen and Allen Leech take on key roles, while Dermot Murphy ( The Drummer and the Keeper) will play Bob Geldof.
When will we see it?
October 24
Peterloo Who’s in it?
Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake, Neil Bell
What’s the story?
It’s almost 200 years since the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester, when British soldiers attacked a peaceful crowd demanding parliamentary reform, killing 15 unarmed protestors and seriously injuring 700 more. Mike Leigh has long been keen to tell the story and he does so with the aid of a strong cast, including Kinnear, Peake and Tim McInnerny. “The universal signi cance of this historic event becomes ever more relevant in our own turbulent times,” says the director. “The story has a particular resonance for me as a native of Manchester and Salford.”
When will we see it?
November 2 Widows
Who’s in it?
Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez
What’s the story?
Fans of Lynda LaPlante’s 1983 miniseries, later remade in 2002 with Mercedes Ruehl, Brooke Shields and Rosie Perez, will be intrigued to see the TV drama getting a big screen, big budget treatment. The story of a group of women who turn to crime when their husbands are killed during a failed heist, Widows boasts a superb supporting cast, including Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall and Daniel Kaluuya. McQueen co-wrote the screenplay with Gone Girl scribe, Gillian Flynn.
When will we see it?
November 6
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (Dir: David Yates)
Who’s in it?
Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler
What’s the story?
Harry Potter fans who revelled in the revival of JK Rowling’s wizarding world courtesy of 2016’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will be delighted that Eddie Redmayne is back for adventure No.2. The latest story (there will be ve in total) has dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) escaping from custody and gathering followers for his nefarious ends. The real treat for Hogwarts devotees will be the sight of Jude Law taking on the role of a young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) working alongside his former student, Newt Scamander (Redmayne). Jared Harris was originally considered for the role made famous by his father, Richard.
When will we see it?
November 16 The Dig
(Dir: Andrew & Ryan Tohill) Who’s in it?
Moe Dunford, Lorcan Cranitch, Emily Taafe
What’s the story?
One of the hits of this year’s Galway Film Fleadh, this searing drama from the Tohill Brothers features a blistering performance from Moe Dunford as a man who returns home after serving a murder sentence, only to nd his victim’s father still frantically searching the surrounding bog for her body. On such a small canvas, and with a brief, 18-day shoot, screenwriter Stuart Drennan has constructed a powerful tale, aided by career-best turns from the main trio, plus a superb performance from Francis Magee as a local guard keen to preserve the peace of his community at all costs.
When will we see it?
TBA
Aquaman (Dir: James Wan)
Who’s in it?
Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe
What’s the story?
Marvel superheroes have triumphed at the box-o ce in recent years, with only DC’s Wonder Woman putting it up to their comic-book counterparts. With that in mind, Warners have high hopes that another of their Justice League alumni will be able to carry their own franchise. In this origins yarn, Jason Momoa takes on the role of the halfhuman, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry who faces battles against enemies on land as well as discontented members of his own undersea kingdom. In addition to Heard and Defoe, the strong supporting cast includes Nicole Kidman as Queen Atlanna, Patrick Wilson as the Ocean Master and, er, Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus.
When will we see it?
December 14
Mary Poppins Returns (Dir: Rob Marshall) Who’s in it?
Emily Blunt, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer
What’s the story?
54 years after the delightful Mary Poppins (1964), Emily Blunt seems ideal casting for the title role of the practically perfect nanny who is called back into action to help the now-grown-up Michael and Jane. Julie Walters, Colin Firth and Meryl Streep also come under the heading of dream casting. Throw in Angela Lansbury, Dick Van Dyke and LinManuel Miranda, and the stage is set for a Christmas treat. Julie Andrews turned down a cameo appearance for fear that her appearance would be a distraction. “This is Emily’s show,” she said, “and I really want it to be Emily’s show.”
When will we see it?
December 21