Fantastic films and where to find them in 2016

While the spacedust is far from settled on the phenomenon that is Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the world of cinema keeps on moving, so here’s the Roobla guide to what’s on over the coming twelve months.

The first big noise of 2016 will undoubtedly be the release of the Quentin Tarantino project that almost never was, The Hateful Eight. In the making for nearly three years, the maverick director’s ninth film is a Wyoming-set western starring Samuel L. Jackson (as usual) and the evergreen Kurt Russell (someone completely different). Although the story behind its making is almost worthy of an Oscar in itself, it’s highly unlikely that it will be making a successful late bid for an Academy Award.

Speaking of westerns, January will also see one Clint Eastwood going back to the genre where he made his name with Diablo. A few weeks later, the first big animation of the year is unleashed in the form of Kung Fu Panda 3, with Finding Dory and Ice Age: Collision Course making up a heavyweight trio later on in the summer.

Another threesome that are sure to make 2016 memorable (and millions will be disappointed if they don’t) are Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. DC’s holy trinity will be seen together for the very first time in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in March. In fact, it’s going to be a busy time for comic book nerds everywhere, with no less than eight offerings coming from the Marvel/DC stables. Other highlights include Captain America: Civil War, X-Men: Apocalypse, Suicide Squad and Doctor Strange.

Fantasy fans will be able to indulge their ultimate, well, fantasies, through Warcraft and Assassin’s Creed, while the next big screen translation of The Jungle Book, Disney’s flagship production for the year, will be released. Another adaptation that is already generating a buzz is Steven Spielberg‘s take on Roald Dahl‘s The BFG, which has the potential to be the success story of 2016 when it is released on July 1.

But what could possibly top that? Step forward the next chapter in the world of J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Starring Eddie Redmayne as magizoologist Newt Scamander, it’s as safe a bet as rain at Glastonbury. After all, Ms Rowling could do with the money.

We will also find out if the world is truly ready for a team of all-female spook hunters when the controversial reboot of Ghostbusters hits the fleapits. While we’re here, let’s not forget special mentions for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Independence Day Resurgence, Star Trek Beyond, Ben Hur and, because Christmas will soon be here, Bad Santa 2.

So what do you think? Are we in for as mixed a bag as 2015, or a golden 52 weeks? Is the whole sequel/prequel/reboot obsession still at saturation point? Whatever your thoughts, let us know in the usual place below, and a very happy new year from all of us at Roobla!