After the U.S. presidential election in November, Ridley Scott will be releasing his latest film, “Gladiator II,” which takes audiences back to ancient Rome to explore themes of power, survival, and the fate of democracy. Hollywood will be making a strong push this fall to capture the nation’s attention with a wide range of films, from historical epics like “Gladiator II” to high-seas adventures like “Moana 2.” The industry has already played a significant role in the election, with stars like Oprah Winfrey appearing at the Democratic Convention and films like “Hillbilly Elegy” introducing political figures to audiences.
As Hollywood tries to navigate its progressive image and the demands of the mainstream audience, the industry is also working to recover financially after a series of setbacks due to the pandemic and strikes. Disney led the charge this past summer with hit films like “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool vs. Wolverine,” helping boost ticket sales and bring audiences back to theaters. The fall is expected to continue this trend with highly anticipated releases like “Moana 2,” which may resonate differently depending on the election outcome.
While most films this year have approached political themes from a distance, “The Apprentice” will offer a more direct take on current politics with a film about a young Donald Trump. Director Ali Abbasi believes that filmmakers have a responsibility to address the complexities of society and not shy away from current political issues. The fall season will also see the release of a new wave of awards contenders, with no clear frontrunners emerging yet. Several films from notable filmmakers have already generated buzz at film festivals, setting the stage for a competitive Oscar race.
Musicals will also play a significant role in the fall movie lineup, with films like “Joker: Folie à Deux,” “Moana 2,” and the two-part adaptation of “Wicked!” bringing song and dance to the big screen. The industry is embracing a variety of storytelling styles, from using Lego bricks to tell Pharrell Williams’ story in “Piece by Piece” to creating computer-generated characters like a monkey to portray Robbie Williams in “Better Man.” Directors like Jon M. Chu see this as a time to celebrate all types of movies and encourage audiences to return to theaters.
Filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Ridley Scott are exploring different aspects of storytelling, from futuristic epics like “Megalopolis” to historical dramas like “Gladiator II.” Scott, who describes himself as a news junkie, sees parallels between his film and current events, particularly noting the conflict between democracy and tyranny in the world. As Hollywood continues to navigate a changing landscape, filmmakers are feeling a sense of responsibility to address important societal issues and create films that resonate with audiences in meaningful ways.
