An Escape Based in Realism: A List of Anticipated Film Projects on True Events

There are many anticipated films that are yet to arrive as we enter this post-COVID world. Although many say the future is uncertain on whether we will ever officially be in the all clear returning to a world of maskless faces and physical contact, we are slowly starting to rebuild, and creators continue to create. It’s crazy to think that this is real life, it feels like we have been living in a suspenseful long Scorsese drama for the past year. Most films ranging from science fiction to personal stories always have some sense of realism, hence its ability to connect with audiences.  It helps us rationalize and understand our predicaments visually and manages to stay with us. It will be no surprise that COVID will be a popular subject in stories in future features due to its affect on many lives but for lovers of films in the nonfiction space here are a list of future project releases that are must watch based on real people and true events.

1.   House of Gucci

 This is an upcoming biographical crime film set to release this fall. It follows the story of Patrizia Reggiani and her part in the assassination of her husband and head of Gucci fashion Maurizio Gucci. It is based on the 2001 novel The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed.  Alien (1979) director Ridley Scott is set to direct the film working alongside heavy hitters like Lady Gaga, Adam Drive, Al Pacino, and Salma Hayek. It explores to toxic marriage and divorce of these two figure heads as they navigate the fashion world and personal relations.

2. King Richard

 This movie follows the story of the father of legendary tennis players Venus and Serena as he navigates the athletic space in a sport that hasn’t been too kind to black people. He possesses a strength and drive that has translated to his daughters forcing them to refuse limitations and letting their hard work and natural athletic ability speak for itself. Will Smith is set to play Richard Williams and it is set to star young Fences actresses Saniyya Sidney and actress Demi Singleton. It is set to release in November.

3.  Untitled Elvis Presley Project

 Although this film is still in its early development and pre-production stage it is anticipated to be a knockout. Although much isn’t known about the project, it is set to follow the story Elvis Presley and his navigation in the music world. It is set the star The Carrie Diaries actor Austen Butler. Stars like Tom Hanks, Dacre Montgmery and David Wenham have also signed on to this project. This film will be directed by Baz Luhrmann.

4. The Last Duel

 The writing duo Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are finally getting back together since their Oscar winning movie Good Will Hunting as they embark on a journey to 14^th century France. This historical drama is set in Medieval Europe and follows the story of Marguerite De Thibouville, wife of knight, Jean De Carrouges, who accuses her husband’s best friend of rape and sexual assault. Her husband then demands a fight to the death for revenge, believed to be fighting for his wife’s honor but some mistake it has fighting for his own pride. This film is not only written by the Boston duo but stars in it as well alongside the incomparable Jodie Comer, Adam Driver, and Harriet Walter.   

5. Spencer

 This film follows the life of Princess Diana during her last years of marriage to Charles, the prince of Wales. The abstract character of Diana has been retold in documentaries and dramatic series like The Crown, but this fresh take is set to help us understand the woman that stole not only Britain’s heart but America’s as well. It is set to star Kristin Stewart in the role of Diana, and she joined by actor Jack Farthing, Sean Harris and Sally Hawkins.

6. Blonde

 This film is about the legend of beauty, the bomb shell, Marylin Monroe. Written by Andrew Dominik, this biographical drama is based on the book, Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates. It is set to star Knives Out star, Ana de Armas as Marylin. The cast also includes Adrien Brody, Jeremy Kleiner, and Julianne Nicholson. Brad Pitt flexes his producing hat on this film alongside Scott Robertson and Tracey Landon.

7. Signal Hill

This film follows the story of Johnnie Cochran, the head lawyer of the infamous O.J. Simpson case, during a lawsuit in 1981 in regard to police brutality resulting in the death of a young college student. This film will dive into a side of Cochran that America isn’t familiar with as it immerses into his life and background in relation to this case. Anthony Mackie is set to star in the film and Jamie Foxx and Director of Ray Taylor Hackford are reunited in the telling of this American story.

This writer is excited to see the return of stars like Lady Gaga, and Jamie Foxx, as well as watch Ridley Scott do his magic. These stories center the lives of people with different circumstances that has cultivated qualities that many can relate to. As someone who loves hearing people stories and understanding perspective, I am excited for audiences to be reminded that these success stories are not coming from mortal and mighty unattainable symbols but humans. It is very grounding to hear these stories especially in a time in which life is very vulnerable. It reminds you that we can’t hide within ourselves because things are hard. Strength comes in different forms and it’s time to rebuild because life goes on and we must be prepared to face its challenges head on.