Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, representation matters now more than ever before. As we step into the cinematic landscape of 2023, it’s thrilling to witness a surge of powerful narratives, captivating performances, and thought-provoking stories told through the lens of Black filmmakers and actors. The silver screen is set to come alive with a dazzling array of upcoming Black movies that promise to entertain, inspire, and challenge our perspectives. Join us as we embark on a journey through the most anticipated Black movies to watch in 2024, where every frame is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the boundless talent of Black artists. Get ready to be captivated, moved, and enlightened by this cinematic celebration of Black excellence.
Bad Boys 4-
In 2020, “Bad Boys for Life” hit theaters to a warm reception, but the progress on the news regarding “Bad Boys 4” had been sluggish for quite some time. Now, there is a palpable sense of excitement as the return of Mike and Marcus draws near. The initial two entries in the franchise were directed by Michael Bay, but the third installment faced a tumultuous journey in development, with various filmmakers coming and going.
The sequel is scheduled for release on Father’s Day weekend, which might seem like a considerable wait. However, it’s actually the shortest gap between films in the action franchise’s history. “Bad Boys 2” premiered in 2003, eight years after the original 1995 film, and “Bad Boys for Life” arrived seventeen years after its predecessor.
The latest updates on “Bad Boys 4” coincide with the ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors in Hollywood. Filming has reached a standstill as actors and writers seek improved compensation from studio executives. Additionally, due to the strikes, actors are prohibited from actively promoting projects associated with the studios being struck against. Consequently, many major studios are choosing to delay the release dates of their movies.
Mufasa: The Lion King –
In September 2021, the surprising news broke that Jenkins had been chosen to direct a Disney-supported film titled “Mufasa: The Lion King.” While this decision caught many in the industry off guard, it shouldn’t be too shocking. Jenkins, known for his earlier works including “Medicine for Melancholy,” “Moonlight,” and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” didn’t necessarily strike gold at the box office with these films. Still, they left a lasting impact on contemporary cinema enthusiasts.
Jenkins’ vision for the upcoming movie is to delve into the backgrounds of the “familiar faces” returning to the film. Utilizing cutting-edge photo-realistic CG technology, the movie will explore how these characters became the individuals we encounter in “The Lion King.” During the D23 event, Disney unveiled the cast of this new film, which comprises voice actors from both the 2019 live-action version of “The Lion King” and the original 1994 animated classic. Set for release in 2024, “Mufasa” will focus on the events preceding “The Lion King” and incorporate flashbacks of Mufasa’s life as seen through the perspectives of other known characters.
Blitz-
While many World War II stories often unfold in Germany, an upcoming film titled “Blitz,” helmed by director Steve McQueen shifts the focus to a group of London residents. The movie’s title draws inspiration from a historical event known as “The Blitz,” a German bombing campaign that unfolded between 1940 and 1941.
“Blitz” is an exclusive Apple original film, implying it will debut solely on Apple TV+. Before its streaming release, the film is anticipated to have a theatrical run. McQueen takes on the roles of screenwriter, director, and producer for this project, which is particularly noteworthy as he has not directed a film since “Widows” in 2018. McQueen is perhaps best known for “12 Years a Slave,” a film that earned the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards.
The Book of Clarence-
In 2024, Jeymes Samuel, also recognized by his stage name, The Bullitts, returns with a new project titled “The Book of Clarence.” This time, he’s shifting away from Westerns and delving into a fictional biblical epic. LaKeith Stanfield, known for his portrayal of gunslinger Cherokee Bill in “The Harder They Fall,” takes on the lead role of Clarence, a native of Jerusalem who grapples with the challenges of improving his family’s life while trying to escape the clutches of debt. As he becomes entranced by the burgeoning power and glory of the emerging Messiah and His disciples, Clarence embarks on a daring journey to carve his own path to a divine existence. Along the way, he discovers that the redemptive force of faith might be his only means of salvation.
“The Book of Clarence” is set to premiere at the 67th BFI London Film Festival on October 11, 2023, and is slated for a United States release on January 12, 2024, through Sony Pictures.
Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.
