Film remakes aren’t new, but we’re seeing more now than ever before. Headlines about new reboots hit almost every week. Studios are constantly looking to create unique and contemporary takes on classics, and with the box office and critical reception on many of the recent reboots, there’s no reason to believe the trend will slow down.
A slew of blockbuster remake contenders will debut in 2018, and some of these reboots are among the most anticipated, or at least the most curious, films of the year. Here are seven big reboots worth looking forward to in 2018:
1. Death Wish
Director: Eli Roth Cast: Bruce Willis, Vincent D’Onofrio, Dean Norris, Kimberly Elise, Mike Epps, Elisabeth Shue Release Date: March 2, 2018 Cabin Fever and Hostel director Eli Roth puts a new spin on the 1974 film with a few re-imagined plot details. Bruce Willis is Paul Kersey, a doctor who turns vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is viciously assaulted by a group of men. What starts as a personal vendetta turns into a much bigger family-protecting mission. The original Death Wish was wildly successful, spawning a long-running franchise with four sequels.
2. Tomb Raider
Director: Roar Uthaug Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Kristin Scott Thomas, Nick Frost Release Date: March 16, 2018 Tomb Raider is the second attempt at adapting the popular video game franchise for the big screen. Unlike the previous films, this year’s version is based on the 2013 video game – itself a reboot of the adventurous life of Lara Croft. Alicia Vikander plays Croft as she journeys to a mysterious island in the hopes of finding answers involving her father’s death. Fans can expect plenty of action as Croft fights for the truth and more importantly, her survival.
3. Robin Hood
Director: Otto Bathurst Cast: Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Eve Hewson, Jamie Dornan, Ben Mendelsohn Release Date: September 21, 2018 The upcoming Robin Hood remake is the latest film based on stories of a heroic outlaw equipped with a bow and quick wits. What might set this one apart is that Taron Egerton is playing the lead role. The young actor has made a name for himself in the Kingsman films, and Robin Hood hopes to match that success. Egerton’s Hood, along with his best friend Little John (Foxx) and his group of Merry Men, will once again fight the corruption plaguing Sherwood Forest. Leonardo DiCaprio is serving as an executive producer for the gritty remake.
4. A Star Is Born
Director: Bradley Cooper Cast: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliot, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chapelle, Release Date: October 5, 2018 Bradley Cooper makes his directorial debut with a remake of the 1937 musical drama. This marks the fourth version of the film; the first, in 1937, starred Janet Gaynor. Then one in 1954 starred Judy Garland while the the third starred Barbara Streisand in 1976. Cooper also stars in the film as Jackson Maine, a country music star whose fame goes on a downward slide due to age and alcoholism. He finds a talented young singer (Lady Gaga), and begins to guide her career as he deals with the last faltering steps of his own.
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5. Halloween
Director: David Gordon Green Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Nick Castle, Andy Matichak, Virginia Gardner Release Date: October 19, 2018 Horror fans were elated to hear of David Gordon Green and Danny McBride’s plans to revive Halloween. Even though the 2018 installment serves as a sequel, it’s also kind of a reboot. That’s because this film ignores all the sequels that followed the 1978 original. It is said they will also be changing the ending of the original film and creating a sort of alternate reality for this story, which takes place 40 years after Michael Myers wreaked havoc on the town of Haddonfield. Jamie Lee Curtis reprises her role as Laurie Strode, while original writer/director John Carpenter serves as executive producer and creative consultant.
6. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Director: Lasse Hallström Cast: Keira Knightley, Mackenzie Foy, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, Jayden Fowora-Knight, Misty Copeland, Eugenio Derbez, Richard E. Grant Release Date: November 2, 2018 Following the success of live-action reboots like Beauty and the Beast and The Jungle Book, Disney is set to release another re-imagined classic: The Nutcracker. This version, called The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, will give viewers a fresh and stunning look at the legendary tale. After a young girl (Foy) gets swept up into a parallel world, she encounters the mystical beings of the four realms. Knightley stars as the Sugar Plum Fairy while Helen Mirren portrays Mother Ginger.
7. The Grinch
Director: Peter Candeland, Yarrow Cheney Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch Release Date: November 9, 2018 The grouchy green Grinch will be making his way back to the big screen at the end of the year. This time he’ll arrive via 3D animation. 18 years after the live-action adaptation of the animated TV special, The Grinch will once again attempt to ruin holiday celebrations for the Whos in Whoville. Benedict Cumberbatch voices the Christmas-ruiner, but no other casting has been announced as of yet. The first footage, however, debuted during a Winter Olympics promo, featuring the Grinch and his trusty sidekick, Max.
