MOVIE PREVIEW – The year 2023 has arrived and with it a horde of science fiction films and series set to premiere this year. This year, from thrilling invasions to superheroes attending college, is bound to keep sci-fi fans entertained. Let’s dive into the selection of the most anticipated sci-fi shows and films to watch in 2023.

From Rebel Moon on Netflix to The Last of Us on HBO Max, 2023 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for science fiction fans. Our world has undergone many revolutionary changes, but also seen a great deal of division and turmoil. Despite the challenges, filmmakers continue to push the boundaries of imagination and present us with visions of the future, whether it be five years or five hundred years from now.

The first month of the year has already seen the premiere of The Last of Us, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Based on the popular post-apocalyptic video game, this latest hit from HBO Max has received critical acclaim and captured the hearts of fans. Each episode has adhered to the original storyline, while also expanding upon it in new and meaningful ways.

As we move forward into the rest of the year, we can expect to see a range of thrilling, thought-provoking, and visually stunning science fiction releases. From captivating characters to strong commentary, and stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Extraordinary

Hulu’s latest offering, penned by British writer Emma Moran, showcases the story of a seemingly average young woman named Jen, played by Máiréad Tyers, who lives in London and navigates daily life in a world that is anything but ordinary. In this universe, every person gains superpowers on their 18th birthday, except for Jen, who remains unassuming and unremarkable.

The show humorously explores the challenges that arise in a society where humanity has developed strange powers and provides a coming-of-age twist on the conventional superhero and sci-fi genres. With a unique perspective on the familiar themes, Extraordinary offers a refreshing change in the oversaturated market and is sure to bring a touch of charm and humor to the world of sci-fi.

Gen V – A Spin-off from The Boys

Fans of Amazon Prime’s hit series The Boys have eagerly awaited the announcement of its spin-off, which was teased earlier in 2022. Based on the “We Gotta Go Now” story arc from the comic books, Eric Kripke’s latest creation will feature a new cast of young superheroes attending Godolkin University, owned by Vought International. This college aims to train its super-powered students to become the heroes of tomorrow.

Like The Boys, Gen V promises to showcase the shallow, dangerous and materialistic aspects found in the heroes that audiences have come to love to hate. The show is sure to generate new fan favorites among avid watchers of The Boys.

The cast of the series looks extremely promising, with Jaz Sinclair of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina fame playing the lead role of Marie Moreau. Joining her are actors Chance Perdomo, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Lizzie Broadway, and more. Jessie T. Usher, Colby Minifie, and P.J. Byrne will reprise their roles as A-Train, Ashley Barrett, and Adam Bourke, respectively.

With its strong cast, talented crew, and captivating storyline, Gen V will surely become another hit for Amazon Prime, building on the excitement and anticipation surrounding it.

Rebel Moon – Zack Snyder’s Latest Contribution to Film

Zack Snyder’s latest film is a science fiction tale that revolves around a peaceful colony that is faced with the threat of invasion. The fate of the universe rests in the hands of Kora (played by Sofia Boutella), a young woman with a mysterious past. While the premise of Rebel Moon may appear simple at first glance, it provides Snyder and his team with the flexibility to explore a variety of themes and ideas, including space colonization, the ramifications of space exploration, and the state of international politics.

The film features an all-star cast, including Djimon Hounsou, Charlie Hunnam, Ray Fisher, Jena Malone, Ed Skrein, and Michiel Huisman. With discussions of a sequel, Rebel Moon has the potential to become a classic and a beloved franchise within Netflix’s lineup.

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

The fifth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is set to kick off this month with the release of “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania.” Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lily are back to reprise their roles as the lead characters, taking on a new and dangerous enemy that threatens the planet. Jonathan Majors, known for his roles in HBO Max’s “Lovecraft Country” and “The Harder They Fall,” joins the film as the villain Kang The Conqueror.

Majors’ entry into the MCU started with a brief appearance in “Loki,” where he played ‘He Who Remains.’ In an interview with Men’s Health, the actor expressed his excitement for the role, and his commitment to capturing Kang’s complexities is evident. He reportedly gained 10 pounds for the part and arrives on set early, ready to give his all.

Screenwriter Jeff Loveness describes Kang as “a very lonely character.” With Majors’ dedication and Loveness’ confidence, Marvel fans are in for a thrilling introduction to a much-anticipated villain and the return of a beloved duo.

The Three-Body Problem

The Three-Body Problem is a highly anticipated science fiction series that will be released on Netflix in 2023. Based on the popular novel of the same name by Liu Cixin, the series will follow the journey of a Chinese scientist as they uncover a dangerous conspiracy that challenges the scientific community. The world of the series will be brought to life through virtual reality, allowing scientists to communicate with an extraterrestrial species that some view as a threat and others as a valuable new addition to earth.

The series is being developed by David Benoif and D.B. Weiss, the creative minds behind Game of Thrones, and will be co-written by Alexander Woo. Liu Cixin will also be serving as a consulting producer for the series. The cast of the series is expected to feature Benedict Wong, Eiza Gonzales, and Tsai Chin, and is set to premiere in 2023.

The original novels contain complex themes and rich lore rooted in the Century of Humiliation and the Chinese Cultural Revolution. It will be exciting to see if the Netflix-led team can capture the essence of these themes while meeting the expectations for success set by the streaming giant.

Dune: The Sisterhood

2023 is shaping up to be a big year for the “Dune” franchise. Frank Herbert’s creation has recently been brought to life on the big screen by French-Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. While many eagerly await the second installment of the film franchise, HBO Max has recently announced a series centered around the mysterious Bene Gesserit sisterhood, called “Dune: The Sisterhood.”

The prequel, led by Alison Schapker, takes place 10,000 years prior to Paul Atreides’ rise to power and focuses on the formation of the secretive sisterhood. The series stars Emily Watson and Shirley Henderson as the Harkonnen sisters Valya and Tula, respectively. Travis Fimmel, known for his role in “Vikings,” has been cast as Desmond Hart, an attractive soldier trying to gain the trust of the Emperor, portrayed by Mark Strong.

This series will serve as the foundation for the film franchise, providing context for both new viewers and dedicated fans. As the premiere date draws near, this new addition to HBO Max could very well be another success story for the streaming service.

Dune: Part Two

The eagerly anticipated sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s Dune franchise is set to arrive in 2023. Titled Dune: Part Two, it stars Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya as Paul Atredies, Lady Jessica Atreides, and Chani, respectively.

The fifranchise’as largely seen as a setup for the rest of the series. Villeneuve succeeded in laying the groundwork for the world of Dune, which can be a complex task, but it’s crucial for introducing and reminding audiences of the story. The second installment, however, focuses on the second half of the novel, and it follows Paul’s union with the Fremen and his quest for revenge after the events of the first film. Fans of Zendaya can expect to see more of her character, Chani, who shines in the later portion of the novel as a fierce warrior and Paul’s love interest.

Florence Pugh, known for her roles in Midsommar and Don’t Worry Darling, joins the cast as Princess Irulan, daughter of the Emperor (played by Christopher Walken). Although Irulan is introduced at the end of the novel, her epigraphs serve as a critical foundation for the reader’s understanding of the “Duniverse.” With new additions and an increase in conflict, Final Dune: Part Two is poised to deliver a captivating follow-up to the franchise.

The Marvels

In The Marvels, the heroes Kamala Khan (Imani Vellani), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), and Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) are brought together in a thrilling crossover event. The journey of each hero is intertwined when they start switching places, and the trio must work together to uncover the cause of their predicament, which is connected to their powers.

The film acts as both a follow-up to Captain Marvel and a continuation of the Ms. Marvel and WandaVision series. It will be directed by Nia DaCosta, who helmed the hit film Candyman, and co-written by DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, Elissa Karasik, and Zeb Wells.

One of the most exciting aspects of the film is the relationship dynamics between the three heroes. Vellani’s character has been revealed to have a strong admiration for Captain Marvel, and with the talent both on and off-screen, the film promises to be a mix of action and comedy, while also being genuinely enjoyable. The established backstories of the characters provide the perfect foundation for a film that is expected to be a hit with fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, 2023 is shaping up to be a noteworthy year for the sci-fi genre with a variety of exciting movie and TV series adaptations on the horizon. From the mysterious world of Arrakis in “Dune: The Sisterhood” to the crossover epic “The Marvels,” and the highly-anticipated second installment of “Final Dune: Part Two,” there’s something for everyone to look forward to in the sci-fi realm this year. Whether you’re a fan of action, adventure, or drama, 2023 promises to deliver some of the most thrilling and thought-provoking stories in recent years.

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