The present culture of America is deeply rooted in the African-American community. In recent times, black people have continually produced commanding performances in the sport, art, music, and film industries of the country. In this article, we compare the best upcoming African- American movies coming soon in the year 2020.
African-American movies have been on an uptrend for a while. Movies like Black Panther have garnered worldwide appraisal, showcasing the marketing potential of a black-themed franchise in the box office. Since then, many similar movies like ‘BlacKkKlansman’ and ‘Blindspotting’ have been released, prompting the release of more African American movies.
Sure, the pandemic delayed the release of many projects; however, it hasn’t stopped creative producers from releasing very juicy trailers of their films. By the looks of these sneak-peek trailers, we are about to be treated to scenic masterpieces from African-American movies scheduled to release late 2020 and early 2021.
1. Martin Scorsese’s Mike Tyson Biopic (2021)
We don’t know much about the upcoming Mike Tyson Biopic, but what we do know the movie is directed by Martin Scorsese (‘Wolf of Wall Street?’), with Jamie Foxx rounding up a star-studded cast. A lot about Mike Tyson’s life is in the fringes. The boxing superstar didn’t have the best of exits from the sport after being accused of rape and eventually jailed. With Jamie Foxx opening up about Mike Tyson’s close participation in this production, this unnamed biopic promises to a true rollercoaster ride.
2. Coming 2 America (December 2020)
Who would have thought ‘Coming to America’ (1988) would renew for a sequel. And yes, it’s coming to cinemas this December, after 32 long years. Frankly speaking, some of us weren’t even born. Anyways, Eddie Murphy returns to take lead with notable actors like James Earl Jones and Wesley Snipes fitting into supporting roles. The movie doesn’t have an official trailer yet, but its plot revolves around Prince Akeem’s long lost son. The Prince must once again travel to America to meet his unlikely heir to his throne.
3. Antebellum (September 2020)
This movie is as crazy as it sounds. Although not a very inspiring name, ‘Antebellum’ promises a twisted tale of a protagonist warped into an alternate reality that contrasts with her real life. The trailer meanders around the movie’s plot, and we may never know its central theme until it drops later this year. Janelle Monae plays the lead in this abstract yet quintessential representation of a strong yet mentally challenged African-American woman. If the teaser is anything to go by, ‘Antebellum’ will be a box office smash hit come September.
4. Respect (December 2020)
Another impressive biographical film dropping this December is ‘Respect’. The life and times of the late American singer Aretha Franklin, also a Civil Rights Activist, is one worth watching. The movie ‘Respect’ aspires to capture an accurate narrative of Aretha Franklin’s early life in the Tennessee state, her successful years in music, and finally her civil rights activism in the 70s. Movie aside, Franklin’s life is an inspiration to many. She leaves behind a legacy of 35 studio albums and 8 film credits. We can only hope that ‘Respect’, with Jennifer Hudson in the leading role, commemorates her achievements in style.
5.Tenet (August 2020)
Having already teamed up with legendary Spike Lee in the movie ‘BlackKklansman’, John David Washington teams up with yet another master in the art, Christopher Nolan. ‘Tenet’ is a nerve-racking, action-packed movie widely known for its rare Travis Scott musical direction. ‘Tenet’ is Nolan’s most expensive production yet as scenes were shot in countries like Italy, Norway, Denmark, and India. The movie follows the story of a secret agent who fights relentlessly to save the world. ‘Tenet’ already premiered this year, so go ahead and watch that.
6. Blade (2022?)
A ‘Blade’ sequel? No, not quite. More like a ‘Blade’ reboot. The Wesley Snipe half-vampire half-human chapter may already be done and dusted; but, Marvel has more in store for this unique franchise. The lead role has been handed to Mahershala Ali; with Marvel staying committed to the movie’s African American roots. Ali, a two-time Academy Award winner, most notably for the movie ‘Moonlight’ is sure to bring a new sense of excitement to this franchise. All other details will be revealed when the movie drops in 2022. Till then, we wait with bated breaths.
7. Spiral: From The Book of Saw (2021)
In ‘Spiral’, the latest addition to the horror-thriller (Saw) franchise, three cops investigate gruesome murders within the city and find themselves intertwined in the killer’s game. With every Saw film, the theme of Spiral is quite similar. This particular chapter may turn out special due to the lead roles of Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson. Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, we can only hope ‘Spiral’ rejuvenates the downward-spiraling Saw franchise. Who better than the pair of Chris Rock and Sam L. Jackson to deliver a world-class act?
8. CandyMan (2021)
Originally scheduled for 2020, ‘Candyman’ will now premier in 2021. After the release of her indie film ‘Little Woods’ Nia DaCosta continues to show her prowess by landing the directing job for ‘Candyman.’ With the movie already scripted, filmed but not released, we will have to wait at least another year before we see this Jordan Peele script in action. ‘Candyman’ is a supernatural slasher-horror film which follows the story of a serial yet supernatural killer who terrorizes inhabitants of a Chicago neighborhood. This promises to be an exciting watch for the black community.
9. Black Panther 2 (2022)
We already miss Chadwick Boseman. It’s strange how 2020 turned out for the ‘Black Panther’ hero, just when the world was getting to grips with the pandemic. Following Chadwick’s unfortunate demise, fans have been left in limbo as to the state of the movie’s sequel. A lot of the sequel’s intrigue has been stirred by Hollywood Reporter who claim Marvel planned to start production in March. It is unsure if Chadwick will feature in ‘Black Panther 2’ or if his role will be recast. Whichever be the case, Marvel must treat this movie as the gem that it is: an inspirational film that transcends new realities in a world that is just and equitable to all, regardless of skin color.
`
Which of these upcoming movies are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comment section.
