From 'Blonde' to 'Hocus Pocus 2': 5 anticipated Hollywood releases coming this September

As the summers come to a monsoon-filled end, movie lovers still have some anticipated Hollywood releases to fill up the dreary winters. From biopics to psychological thrillers to even the especially long-awaited Hocus Pocus sequel, our screens have a lot to look forward to this release season.

1. Pinocchio

First up is Pinocchio, the live-action adaptation of Walt Disney's 1940 animated film of the same name. The upcoming musical fantasy film stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto, the kind-hearted toy-maker we have all come to love, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Pinocchio, the wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy one day. The film, likely to be enjoyed by adults as well as children, is scheduled to be released on Disney+ on September 8, 2022.

2. The Woman King

The upcoming American historical epic film The Woman King is based on the history of Agojie, the all-female military force that protected the African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century, and is the only documented all-female army in world history. The film stars Viola Davis as the general who is training the next generation of fighters. The cast also includes Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega. The film is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September and will be theatrically released in the United States on September 16, 2022.

The Florence Pugh and Harry Styles starrer Don’t Worry Darling is a psychological thriller based in the 1950s. Pugh and Styles, coming together on screen as a seemingly normal suburban couple, experience cracks in their relationship as Pugh attempts to uncover secrets behind her husband’s company. The thriller features other prominent names in significant roles, including Olivia Wilde, Gemma Chan, Chris Pine, KiKi Layne, and Nick Kroll. The film is scheduled to premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival and will be released in the United States on September 23, 2022.

4. Blonde

Blonde is a fictionalised adaptation of the life of actor Marilyn Monroe, based on the 2000 novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates. Starring Blade Runner 2049 actor Ana de Armas as Marilyn, the biographical psychological drama film is primarily shot in black and white, with a few scenes in colour. The film also stars Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Xavier Samuel, and Julianne Nicholson in supporting roles. Blonde is scheduled to be released on September 28, 2022 by Netflix.

Hocus Pocus 2 is the sequel to the dearly loved film released back in 1993. The fantasy comedy horror film stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, and Doug Jones as they reprise their roles, with significant additions to the main cast as well. Taking place twenty-nine years after the events of first place, three high-school students must work together to stop the Sanderson sisters who have returned to present-day Salem. Coming just in time for the beginning of the Halloween season, the film is scheduled to be released on Disney+ on September 30, 2022.