After a modest year in 2020, which saw some box office misfires like Snake Eyes, successes like A Quiet Place Part II, and the launch of the new streaming service Paramount+, Paramount Pictures is poised to have a big year in 2022 with many of its biggest and highest-profile films being from 2021 to 2022.
The studio is set to release a combination of highly anticipated franchise films like Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible 7 as well as interesting and original movies from talented filmmakers like Kenneth Branagh’s Bee Gees biopic and Damien Chazelle’s Golden Age of Hollywood film Babylon, giving viewers plenty to look forward to in 2022.
Scream (January 14)
Set 25 years after the original film, Scream once again sees a killer terrorizing teens in Woodsboro while wearing a Ghostface mask, forcing returning characters Sidney Prescott, Dewey Riley, and Gale Weathers to face their pasts.
As the first new Scream movie in a decade, fans of the franchise are excited to see the direction that the latest installment takes the series. With the trailer already teasing more of the Scream series’ signature shocking deaths and surprising reveals, the movie is an early in the year must-see event for horror fans.
Jackass Forever (February 4)
As the first entry in the series since 2010 and the fourth film overall, the upcoming reality stunt comedy Jackass Forever sees franchise staples like Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O joined by newcomers and celebrity guest stars for more outrageous pranks and hilariously dangerous stunts, making the film one of the comedies that fans are most looking forward to in 2022.
While the Jackass films are not for everyone, fans of the series can look forward to more of the sophomoric humor and slapstick comedy that has made the franchise so successful. With the trailer showcasing scenes involving a live bear and Knoxville getting in the ring with a bull, the movie appears to take the danger and action to another level.
Luck (February 18)
The upcoming animated film Luck follows the unluckiest girl in the world as she discovers the world of good and bad luck, prompting her to team up with a host of magical creatures in order to search for a force more powerful than luck.
While few details have been released about the film, the concept is intriguing and imaginative and the initial images reveal some excellent animation. Additionally, the film will feature the voice talent of iconic actresses Jane Fonda and Whoopi Goldberg.
The Lost City (March 25)
Clearly playing off of films such as Romancing the Stone, The Lost City is an upcoming adventure romantic comedy about a romance novelist who gets caught up in a jungle adventure with her cover model after a kidnapping attempt during her book tour.
Featuring leading performances by Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, a villainous turn from Daniel Radcliffe, and celebrity cameos including Brad Pitt, The Lost City looks like a light and fun throwback film filled with likable characters and thrilling action set pieces.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (April 8)
Despite the initial backlash generated by the first trailer, Sonic the Hedgehog ended being a surprise hit that proved to be a fun and delightful family film. The upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 2 sees the villainous Doctor Eggman team up with Knuckles to try to find the Master Emerald, prompting Sonic and Tails to race to find it first.
Introducing more characters from the games and bringing back talented comedic performers like Jim Carrey and Ben Schwartz, the film looks to recapture the enjoyability of the original while expanding the world and drawing on the Sonic lore.
Top Gun: Maverick (May 27)
Set decades after the original film, Top Gun: Maverick sees Tom Cruise return as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, now an experienced serviceman who trains Top Gun graduates when he encounters the son of his late friend, Goose.
Considering the pop-cultural impact of the first film and its status as one of Tom Cruise’s best action movies, the long-awaited sequel is one of the most anticipated movies of 2022. With returning stars Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer joined by new stars Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, and Jon Hamm, the film looks to honor the legacy of the past while also taking the franchise in a new direction.
Secret Headquarters (August 12)
The upcoming superhero film Secret Headquarters revolves around a young kid whose discovery of a secret headquarters in his basement leads him to begin to suspect that his father might just be a superhero. The film is set to star Loki‘s Owen Wilson, Michael Peña, and Jesse Williams.
Although little information has been released about the movie, its solid cast and exciting premise set the film up to be an interesting and original viewing experience for fans of the superhero genre who are looking for options beyond the MCU and DCEU.
Mission: Impossible 7 (September 30)
The Mission: Impossible series has become arguably the most consistent and thrilling action franchise, causing fans to anticipate the release of each new entry. The latest film, Mission: Impossible 7, will continue the adventures of Ethan Hunt and his team of spies.
The Mission: Impossible franchise is known for its over-the-top action scenes, many of which involve Tom Cruise putting himself in harm’s way to film the stunt, with the marketing typically highlighting the newest death-defying feat. With more memorable action sequences and new cast members like Pom Klementieff and Hayley Atwell, the series is sure to deliver more of what fans have come to expect and love about the franchise.
Untitled Bee Gees Biopic (November 4)
Although details, including the title, have yet to be released, Paramount is planning to release a Bee Gees biopic late in 2022, centered around the popular musical group made up of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. As of the studio’s last update, the film is set to be directed by Kenneth Branagh and produced by Graham King, who was one of the producers of Bohemian Rhapsody.
Considering the fact that Branagh is coming off of arguably his best film, Belfast, and the success of Bohemian Rhapsody, the film is an exciting prospect for audiences that will likely only build more anticipation as more details and casting information come out.
Babylon (December 25)
Set during the Golden Age of Hollywood, director Damien Chazelle’s upcoming film Babylon will explore the film industry’s transition from silent films to talkies. The movie is set to feature an all-star cast that includes Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie.
Despite its modern setting, the wildly successful La La Land demonstrated Chazelle’s clear affection for classic Hollywood so fans of the director are excited to see him bring this story to life with such a talented cast. Considering the people involved and the December release date, Paramount is positioning the film for a potential Oscars push if the movie is able to live up to the director’s previous films.
