Blockbuster Anticipation: Major Projects We Might Not See Soon

Among the exciting films lined up, F1, starring Brad Pitt, is set for a June release, though a showcase at Cannes seems unlikely. Meanwhile, A24’s Marty Supreme, featuring the talented Timothée Chalamet, has been slated for a Christmas Day 2025 launch, hinting that it might bypass festivals in favor of a wide release. Additionally, Alejandro G. Iñárritu's untitled project with Tom Cruise is set for an October 2026 release—definitely a long way from its festival debut.

Directorial Debuts from Hollywood's Elite

The list boasts several high-profile directorial debuts. Scarlett Johansson’s Eleanor The Great tells a heartfelt story about a 90-year-old woman who reconnects with life while forming an unlikely friendship with a teenager. Meanwhile, Kristen Stewart’s adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir Chronology of Water promises to be a profound exploration of trauma and art.

International Voices Making Waves

Not to be missed, Hungarian director László Nemes is back with Orphan, a compelling tale of a boy confronting dark truths following the 1956 uprising. Norwegian director Joachim Trier reunites with The Worst Person in the World star Renate Reinsve in Sentimental Value, a family drama navigating estrangement and grief.

German director Ilker Çatak’s Yellow Letters, set during a turbulent political climate, follows the intertwined fates of an actress and a professor facing job loss due to state actions—a timely message in today's world.

Genre-Bending Narratives and Intriguing Thrillers

From Dwayne Johnson's portrayal of MMA icon Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine to the politically charged The Secret Agent by Kleber Mendonça Filho, there's something for every film fan. Egyptian-American Sarah Goher explores class disparities in Happy Birthday, while Brazilian filmmaker Martin Bourboulon delves into complex political tensions in In The Hell Of Kabul: 13 Days, 13 Nights.

Star-Studded Encounters

Hollywood's big names are making waves this year, too. Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel star in David Lowery’s Mother Mary, a film about love in the throes of fame. At the same time, Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield join forces in Luca Guadagnino's thriller After The Hunt.

A Cannes Comeback for the Ages?

As Cannes 2025 approaches, speculation abounds regarding Tom Cruise’s potential return to the festival. While no plans have been confirmed, his latest installment in the Mission: Impossible franchise could steal the show if it aligns with the festival's opening.

Groundbreaking Adaptations and Reimaginings

The screen adaptation of Frankenstein, helmed by Guillermo del Toro and featuring notable talents like Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, is especially anticipated. Additionally, Spike Lee is set to reinterpret Kurosawa's classic High and Low, this time featuring Washington as a music mogul caught in an extortion scheme.

Film enthusiasts, keep your popcorn ready! The 2024 film festival circuit promises a thrilling mix of genres, emotional narratives, and star-studded collaborations. Whether you're a fan of intimate dramas or thrilling action pieces, this year’s selection is sure to leave an imprint on the cinematic landscape.