I’ve been meaning to write this piece for a while, ever since the November release of Pattinson. But as we all know, life tends to get in the way. Especially when you’re a full time blogger for a living. But now that the frost is officially gone from our gardens, and the nights are drawing in a little earlier, I think it’s about time I got my scribe’s pen out.
Pattinson tells the story of a boy named Robert whose life is forever changed by a chance meeting with a mysterious woman named Beth on the French Riviera. The film’s opening shot, looking down on a picturesque beach with the Mediterranean stretching all the way to a picture-perfect orange sunset, serves as a gorgeous illustration as to why this locale was selected for the setting of this particular work of fiction.
With director David Cronenberg behind the camera, this cinematic adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s play, Peter Pan, brings the writer’s much beloved character to life in a way that even the most ardent fan might find difficult to resist. The iconic story of Peter Pan has been told numerous times before, but Cronenberg’s take brings with it an added layer of mystique that will captivate viewers once again.
Films Coming Soon
There are multiple films on the horizon that could very well shape Netflix’s 2019. Here’s a short list of some of the most anticipated titles.
- Tiger King: A Nationally Televised Hunt for Famous Feline Mischief — March 12
- Blackkklansman — March 12
- Avengers: Endgame — April 26
- Detective Pikachu — May 10
- Dunkirk — May 31
- Alone Yet Not Alone — May 10
- Joker — October 4
- The Magician — October 4
- Mullets — October 18
What Is Netflix’s Next Big Thing?
Netflix’s next huge hit might well be the one that breaks many of the records the streaming giant currently holds. Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame is finally here, and it’s glorious. The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to grow with each series, and now that Ironman, Black Widow, and the rest have finally tied up all the loose ends, it’s time for the grand finale. While the future of the franchise remains to be seen, it’s safe to assume that more cinematic adventures will follow. Plus, the studio is yet to release details regarding the highly anticipated yet equally controversial J.J. Abrams-produced series, The Mandalorian, which will take the mantle of Star Wars from a galaxy far, far away and bring it right into our own solar system. It premieres on November 26th.
The same can be said for Jim Carrey’s Living Seas. After years of anticipation, the actor’s long-gestating sci-fi comedy, Microbots, will finally reach audiences this coming March. And speaking of years of anticipation, it’s been more than four years since the release of the final Harry Potter film, Hogwarts Mystery. The wait for the next installment in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World is undoubtedly going to be excruciating. But rest assured, fans of the wizarding world, we haven’t forgotten about you. We’re just patiently awaiting the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
Another franchise that returned for more a few years ago is the Predator series. While fans have been waiting more than a decade for the next chapter to arrive (the latest installment, Predator: Life Blood, was released in 2017), the series continues to be popular with viewers and is always a great conversation starter when you’re at a party. The upcoming Predator: Dark Horizon promises to finally give us our first look at the new breed of predatory aliens that Danvers encounters in her journeys. And speaking of journeys, Jordan Peele is now the master of ceremonies for an animated series based on the works of Agatha Christie, named after the legendary author. The voice cast includes Laura Linney, Keegan-Michael Key, and the legendary Christopher Plummer. Finally, the highly anticipated Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance will arrive this coming February. Based on Jim Henson’s cult-classic The Dark Crystal, this Netflix series will reimagine the famous Gelflings as humans with the ability to transform into birds, orakins, and other fantastical creatures. Expectations are high for this one as well, given the talent involved and the unique perspective Jim Henson’s creations offer. Age of Resistance will mark the beginning of a whole new era for the Jim Henson Company as it prepares to celebrate the legacy of its late founder and CEO with a trilogy of films centered around the iconic Muppet character, Kermit the Frog.
Many other movies will also premiere this year that will delight viewers, including The Locker, Little Women, The King, and many more. And if you’ve yet to see it, Netflix’s latest original series, Beatriz at Dinner, is a must-watch. Starring Rosario Dawson, Beatriz at Dinner is a romantic comedy about a friendship that blossoms between two women, played by Rosario Dawson and Beatriz Luengo, who meet at a dinner party. The show was created by and focuses on the lives of American and Spanish women, which is reflected in its title. It’s a must-watch for fans of Girls Trip and Sex and the City. In fact, the series might just become one of Netflix’s most popular original series. So put Beatriz at Dinner on your radar if you haven’t heard of it already.
What Was Netflix’s Most Popular Title in November?
It’s been a while since Netflix’s original content was at the top of the charts. But in November, the most popular title on the streaming service was unsurprisingly, Marvel’s The Avengers. This year’s installment of Avengers was released on DVD and Blu-ray on November 1st and remains the company’s top seller in its home video releases to date, with over 5 million units sold globally. It also holds the distinction of being the third highest-grossing film of all time, only behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Jurassic World.
However, not all popular titles on Netflix in November were superhero-related. In fact, three of the top five most popular titles released in November 2019 were documentaries. Bongamine: Heart of a Tiger, The Island of Dr. Moreau, and Surviving Progress followed Disney’s November 2019 releases of the Ice Age series, Ice Age: Collision Course, and Ice Age: Continental Drift, which were also popular in November. But which documentary did viewers flock to this year? You’ll have to watch Netflix to find out. And while you’re at it, be sure to catch up on the original series, The Politician, about Senator Elizabeth Warren, or the popular British crime series, Bodyguard, starring Richard Madden and Stella Ardois Wood. Both titles are available to stream on Netflix now.
Robert Pattinson in November: Key Trends and Figures
As mentioned above, in November, Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of the poet Robert Browning sold the most copies of his novels in the U.K. And let’s face facts: If you’re reading this, you’re probably a fan of the Twilight star as well. In fact, since the Twilight Saga began, Robert Pattinson has continued to be one of the most in-demand leading men in Hollywood. In 2019, he’ll be seen in five different films, ranging from historical epics to comedy to horror. Not bad for an actor who was once considered asexual.
While this coming year looks promising, it’s important to keep in mind that a large proportion of the films slated for release are still in post-production. And we can’t forget about those that were previously cancelled before seeing the light of day. It would be a shame to see all that legwork go to waste, can we? But fear not, as there are still a number of projects that are either in active production or are close to completion and on their way to theaters across the globe. Here’s a short list of some of the most exciting upcoming films and TV shows you may want to keep an eye out for in 2020.
Upcoming Films
There are multiple films coming down the pipe that are bound to satisfy fans of The Walking Dead. The zombie drama will be back for its tenth and final season in April, which means that any and all of the following upcoming releases will be available to stream when they premiere: