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  1. Spectre

    What is it?
    James Bond is back! For the twenty-fourth time (not counting the unofficial ones)! This adventure picks up where ‘Skyfall’ left off, with M still dead and Bond still wrestling with encroaching middle age and rampaging anger-management issues. Expect angst and action in roughly equal measure.

    Who’s involved?
    The ‘Skyfall’ team reunite, including director Sam Mendes, writer John Logan and star Daniel Craig. We expect to see Ben Whishaw back as Q and Ralph Fiennes as slippery MI6 operative Gareth Mallory, who, for better or worse, has now stepped into M’s sensible heels.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Spectre’ opens on October 23 2015.

  2. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

    What is it?
    The first sequel to the most successful movie trilogy of all time, and the first in a new sequence of films. Plot details are still sketchy but we do know it’ll involve Luke Skywalker and Han Solo coming out of retirement to tackle a new threat from the Dark Side of the Force.

    Who’s involved?
    Star Trek’ rebooter JJ Abrams directs, with a sprawling cast including original stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford alongside newcomers Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Adam Driver and London’s own John Boyega from ‘Attack the Block’.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ opens on December 18 2015.

  3. Far From the Madding Crowd

    What is it?
    A full century on from its first big-screen adaptation, Thomas Hardy’s heartfelt 1874 masterpiece of love among the sheep pens gets the lush, upscale period-drama treatment. Expect sweeping landscapes, painstakingly stitched period costumes and chest-beating drama.

    Who’s involved?
    Dogme veteran and ‘The Hunt’ director Thomas Vinterberg is in charge, with Carey Mulligan and ‘Bullhead’ actor Matthias Schoenaerts as the romantic leads.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’ opens on May 1 2015.

  4. Mad Max: Fury Road

    What is it?
    Twenty years on from the last instalment, ‘Beyond Thunderdome’, we catch up with Australia’s roughest, toughest apocalyptic outlaw as he roams the wasteland in his souped-up roadster looking for trouble. We assume he finds it, or this’ll be quite a short movie.

    Who’s involved?
    There’s a new Max in the form of muscular Brit Tom Hardy, though rumours persist that Mel Gibson will have some kind of walk-on. Original director George Miller has spent the better part of a decade putting this together – let’s hope it’s worth the wait.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ opens on May 15 2015.

    Image: © Jasin Boland

  5. Inherent Vice

    What is it?
    Adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s novel, this psychedelic crime comedy follows an LA private eye’s investigation into a young man’s disappearance.

    Who’s involved?
    The director many consider to be America’s finest living filmmaker, Paul Thomas Anderson (‘Magnolia’, ‘There Will Be Blood’) has rounded up an impressive cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Josh Brolin and, um, Martin Short.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Inherent Vice’ opens on January 30 2015.

    Image: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

  6. Terminator: Genisys

    What is it?
    Winner of this year’s silliest title award, ‘Genisys’ aims to repair the damage done by 2009’s lumpen ‘Terminator Salvation’ by getting back to basics: killer robots, massive explosions and Arnold Schwarzenegger in a leather jacket.

    Who’s involved?
    The aforementioned Austrian Oak as the ageing robot assassin, plus the Khaleesi herself, ‘Game of Thrones’ star Emilia Clarke, as Sarah Connor (hang on, didn’t she die?). Alan Taylor, director of the recent ‘Thor’ sequel, will bark the orders.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Terminator: Genisys’ opens on June 26 2015.

    Image: © Robert Zuckerman

  7. Grimsby

    What is it?
    Not a warts-and-all portrait of one of the UK’s most glamorous seafront locations, but a new comedy from Sacha Baron Cohen, creator of Ali G and Borat. He plays a moronic football hooligan whose brother, an MI5 spy, comes to hide out in his attic.

    Who’s involved?
    Cohen co-writes and stars, with the mighty Mark Strong delivering a rare comic turn as the Secret Service sibling. In an unexpected move, Cohen has roped in director Louis Leterrier of ‘The Transporter’ and ‘Clash of the Titans’ to oversee proceedings, so expect some sparky action scenes alongside the knockabout laughs.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Grimsby’ opens on July 24 2015.

  8. Avengers: Age of Ultron

    What is it?
    You have to ask? Assorted guys and gals in tights, metal suits and ripped hulk-shorts bond together to fight evil in the form of self-aware, human-hating artificial intelligence Ultron.

    Who’s involved?
    Round up the usual suspects! Writer-director Joss Whedon is back, as are (deep breath) Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L Jackson and Mark Ruffalo.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ opens on April 24 2015.

    Image: © 2011 MVLFFLLC

  9. Pitch Perfect 2

    What is it?
    A sequel to the 2012 musical comedy about a group of young women taking part in an a capella singing competition. We’ve no idea of the plot this time, but given that the entire cast are coming back we expect it to be every bit as fun (and loud).

    Who’s involved?
    We love it when an actor we admire takes up the directing reins. This time it’s the turn of comedian Elizabeth Banks, who produced and co-starred in the first movie. She’s joined on the cast list by Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson and a whole host of funny women.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Pitch Perfect 2’ opens on May 15 2015.

  10. Jurassic World

    What is it?
    See if you can guess. Yes, two decades on from the original ‘Jurassic Park’ we’re going back to the island of Isla Nublar, now the site of a functioning and successful dinosaur attraction. But not for long…

    Who’s involved?
    Steven Spielberg has bigger things on his mind than dinosaurs, so it’s fallen unexpectedly to newcomer Colin Trevorrow, director of cheerful if unspectacular time travel indie ‘Safety Not Guaranteed’, to take the reins. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard appear, but the dinos are the real stars.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Jurassic World’ opens on July 12 2015.

  11. Suffragette

    What is it?
    As the title suggests, this is a drama set during the fight for women’s suffrage in the early twentieth century, when a group of well-to-do women took their determination to vote into parliament and onto the London streets.

    Who’s involved?
    It’s a who’s who of Oscar-hoovering actresses, with Meryl Streep, Helena Bonham-Carter, Carey Mulligan and Anne-Marie Duff all taking major roles. Sarah Gavron, who made ’Brick Lane’ for TV, directs.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Suffragette’ opens on September 11 2015.

    Image: © cinemafestival

  12. Fifty Shades of Grey

    What is it?
    Unless you’ve been strapped to the wall in someone’s sex dungeon for the past three years, you’ll know that this is adapted from the wildly popular series of kinky novels about a young couple who push the boundaries of erotic possibility. Apparently.

    Who’s involved?
    British artist turned filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson is in the director’s chair, with newcomers Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson (no relation) playing the two leads.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ opens on February 13 2015.

    Image: © Phil Fisk

  13. Victor Frankenstein

    What is it?
    The latest take on Mary Shelley’s horror classic, this time told from the perspective of – wait for it – the doctor’s long-suffering hunchback assistant, Igor. But banish all thoughts of a bald, goggle-eyed loon muttering ‘Yesh, mashter’ – this Igor has undergone something of an audience-friendly facelift and now looks uncannily like a certain boy wizard.

    Who’s involved?
    Yes, Daniel Radcliffe plays the lead, with James McAvoy as the troubled scientific genius of the title. British director Paul McGuigan (‘Gangster No 1’) will be calling the shots.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Victor Frankenstein’ opens on October 2 2015.

    Image: © Featureflash

  14. High Rise

    What is it?
    An adaptation of JG Ballard’s 1975 novel about the inhabitants of an ultra-modern tower block who allow petty disagreements and minor complaints to spill over into outright violence as their society begins to completely break down.

    Who’s involved?
    Kill List’ director Ben Wheatley directs and co-writes with his regular collaborator (and partner) Amy Jump. Tom Hiddleston plays the central character, Dr Robert Laing, with support from Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Luke Evans, Reese Shearsmith and ‘Mad Men’ star Elisabeth Moss.

    When can I see it?
    There’s no release date as yet.

  15. St James Place

    What is it?
    Based on a real incident in 1960, ‘St James Place’ tells of an American legal expert who was drafted by the CIA to meet with Russian counterparts and negotiate the release of a US pilot who was shot down behind enemy lines.

    Who’s involved?
    The heavyweight mob: Steven Spielberg directs, the Coen brothers wrote the script and the cast is led by Tom Hanks, with Amy Adams and Alan Alda in support. Prepare for Oscars.

    When can I see it?
    It opens on October 2015 in the US, and a film this big usually warrants a simultaneous UK release.

    Image: © cinemafestival

  16. Tomorrowland

    What is it?
    To be honest, we’re not entirely sure – it has something to do with an old Disneyland theme park ride based around ideas of what the future might be like. All other details are pretty hush-hush at the moment.

    Who’s involved?
    This is where it gets interesting: ‘The Incredibles’ director Brad Bird brings his unique knack for a mind-melting action scene, while our favourite chiselled ex-bachelor George Clooney takes the lead role.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Tomorrowland’ opens on May 22 2015.

    Image: © cinemafestival

  17. Kingsman: The Secret Service

    What is it?
    Adapted from a graphic novel by ‘Kick-Ass’ author Mark Millar, this is the story of a young Secret Service agent taken under the wing of a more experienced spy.

    Who’s involved?
    Colin Firth plays the older agent, with young Welshman Taron Egerton as his protégé and Samuel L Jackson, Mark Strong and Michael Caine rounding out the cast. Millar’s old mucker Matthew Vaughn, maker of ‘Kick-Ass’, directs.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Kingsman: the Secret Service’ opens on February 5 2015.

  18. Jupiter Ascending

    What is it?
    An eye-popping sci-fi extravaganza about an ordinary cleaner who discovers that she’s really the Queen of the Universe, and is spirited off into the middle of an intergalactic war. Hey, we’ve all been there…

    Who’s involved?
    The Matrix’ directors Andy and Lana Wachowski return to their pet theme of ordinary folks who turn out to be The One. Mila Kunis plays the lead, with Channing Taum, Sean Bean and Eddie Redmayne in support.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Jupiter Ascending’ opens on February 6 2015. Read more.

  19. The Gunman

    What is it?
    When will those hired assassins get it through their thick heads? You never get out of the game! Having clearly failed to see ‘Point Blank’ (or indeed ‘Grosse Point Blank’), a skilled assassin is forced on the run from his employers when he expresses a desire to go straight.

    Who’s involved?
    In his trashiest role for a while, Sean Penn plays the lead, topping a striking cast of men’s men that also includes Javier Bardem, Ray Winstone and Idris Elba. ‘Taken’ helmer Pierre Morel directs.

    When can I see it?
    ‘The Gunman’ opens on February 20 2015.

  20. Birdman

    What is it?
    This darkly comic drama about a gone-to-seed action star attempting to revive his career by putting on a Broadway show has received rave write-ups at festivals – including a five-star review from Time Out.

    Who’s involved?
    Michael Keaton heads up an all-star cast including Emma Stone, Edward Norton and Naomi Watts, with ‘Babel’ director Alejandro González Iñárritu in the chair.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Birdman’ opens on January 2 2015.

  21. Chappie

    What is it?
    Following the mediocre ‘Elysium’, sci-fi master Neill Blomkamp returns to his native South Africa for this comic tale of a robot adopted by a gang of crooks. The signs point to a return to the darkly comic tone of ‘District 9’.

    Who’s involved?
    Hugh Jackman plays the lead, with Sigourney Weaver supporting and Blomkamp’s regular collaborator Sharlto Copley providing the voice of Chappie.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Chappie’ opens on March 6 2015.

    Image: © cinemafestival

  22. Everest

    What is it?
    A rogue’s gallery of major stars strap on their crampons and fill up their oxygen tanks for this 3D adventure inspired by the 1996 Everest disaster in which several climbers were killed.

    Who’s involved?
    A man who knows his snow, Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur (‘Jar City’, ‘Contraband’) directs, with Keira Knightley, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sam Worthington, Emma Watson, Robin Wright, John Hawkes and Josh Brolin rounding out the cast. Sadly, Brian Blessed does not appear to be involved.

    When can I see it?
    It opens in September 2015 in the US. Expect it in UK cinemas around the same time.

    Image: © cinemafestival

  23. Hail, Caesar!

    What is it?
    In 1950s Hollywood, an experienced ‘fixer’ goes about solving the problems besetting a number of stars and directors. Expect a cheekier, more sprightly take on ‘Barton Fink’.

    Who’s involved?
    The Coen brothers return to familiar turf as writers and directors, and true to form they’ve rounded up an impressive cast of ne’er-do-wells including George Clooney, Channing Tatum, Tilda Swinton, Josh Brolin, Ralph Fiennes and Jonah Hill.

    When can I see it?
    There’s no release date yet.

    Image: Rob Greig

  24. Heart of the Sea

    What is it?
    After being rammed amidships by an angry sperm whale, the crew of the British vessel Essex are forced to spend 90 days adrift at sea. Before you ask, yes, they do start eyeing each other hungrily…

    Who’s involved?
    After his top-notch racing film ‘Rush’, ginger ninja Ron Howard is clearly on a roll, and he’s rousted out a rollicking crew of salty sea dogs including Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy and Brendan Gleeson to join him on this voyage.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Heart of the Sea’ opens on March 13 2015.

  25. The Walk

    What is it?
    In 1974, French tightrope artist Philippe Petit walked between the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center. In 2008, successful documentary ‘Man on Wire’ retold the story of Petit’s high-wire exploits. Now here’s a dramatised version, following Petit as he plans and executes this daring feat.

    Who’s involved?
    Forrest Gump’ director Robert Zemeckis adapts Petit’s own memoir ‘To Reach the Clouds’, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in creepy makeup as the high-wire man himself and Ben Kingsley in a supporting role.

    When can I see it?
    ‘The Walk’ opens on October 2 2015.

  26. Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 2

    What is it?
    The final instalment in the ‘Hunger Games’ series (unless they pull a ‘Star Wars’ and start bombarding us with sequels and/or prequels). The stage is set for the final battle between Capitol forces and the scrappy rebels led by Katniss Everdeen.

    Who’s involved?
    The original cast – Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland and assorted non-threatening boys – will all return, plus the film will mark the very final screen appearance for the great Philip Seymour Hoffman. ‘Catching Fire’ director Francis Lawrence stays on to see the series out.

    When can I see it?
    ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2’ opens on November 20 2015.

  27. The Martian

    What is it?
    It’s ‘Gravity’ on Mars! When his colleagues on the Ares 3 spacecraft are forced to make an emergency takeoff, astronaut Mark Watney is left behind to fend for himself. The novel on which this is based – originally self-published in 2011 by American author Andy Weir – has sold thousands worldwide.

    Who’s involved?
    Ridley Scott directs, with Matt Damon in the lead – neither man is at the top of his game, exactly, but it’s a solid team.

    When can I see it?
    ‘The Martian’ opens on November 30 2015.

    Image: © cinemafestival

  28. Jane Got a Gun

    What is it?
    The female-fronted western that ran into trouble last year when original director Lynne Ramsay left the project, taking star Jude Law with her. It’s the tale of a Wild West woman who takes on the gang of ruffians who shot her husband.

    Who’s involved?
    Warrior’ director Gavin O’Connor fills Ramsay’s shoes, with Natalie Portman in the lead role and a supporting cast that includes Ewan McGregor (in Law’s old part) and Joel Edgerton.

    When can I see it?
    It’s opens in the US in February 2015, so expect it here shortly afterwards.

    Image: © cinemafestival

  29. Trainwreck

    What is it?
    Knocked Up’ director Judd Apatow shepherds another young comic talent to superstardom – this time it’s Amy Schumer, a relatively little known stand-up who has adapted this black comedy from events in her own life.

    Who’s involved?
    Apatow and Schumer have written the script together, while the extensive and diverse cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Daniel Radcliffe and Method Man. Together at last!

    When can I see it?
    It opens in the US on July 25 2015, so expect it in the UK around the same time.

  30. Black Mass

    What is it?
    The story of legendarily homicidal Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger, number two on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for 12 years until he was finally tracked down in 2011.

    Who’s involved?
    Could this mark the return of Johnny Depp, proper actor? He hasn’t delivered a really meaty, serious performance since 1997’s ‘Donnie Brasco’, so the thought of him returning to similar territory gives us hope. ‘Crazy Heart’ director Scott Cooper oversees, with Benedict Cumberbatch, Sienna Miller and Joel Edgerton in supporting roles.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Black Mass’ opens on September 18 2015.

  31. The Revenant

    What is it?
    Remember that old bear-attack axiom – you only have to be faster than your slowest friend? Here’s the movie version. It’s a gritty old-school adventure starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a fur trapper left for dead following a tussle with a grizzly, and seeking revenge on the buddies who abandoned him.

    Who’s involved?
    The only director with two films on our list, ‘Birdman’ helmer Alejandro González Iñárittu takes the reins with Tom Hardy, Will Poulter and Domhnall Gleeson as the objects of Leo’s righteous rage.

    When can I see it?
    Shooting doesn’t end until March 2015, so expect it later in the year.

    Image: © Andrea Raffin

  32. Love and Mercy

    What is it?
    A biopic of Beach Boy Brian Wilson told in two parallel narratives, one set in the mid-1960s as Wilson was crumbling under the pressure of fame, drug use and family trauma, and the other in the mid-‘80s when celebrity headshrinker Eugene Landy claimed to be able to cure the troubled genius.

    Who’s involved?
    Paul Dano and John Cusack both play Wilson, with support from Paul Giamatti and Elizabeth Banks. Experienced producer Bill Pohlad makes his directorial debut, but it’s the presence of ‘I’m Not There’ scribe Oren Moverman as co-writer that’s really got us excited.

    When can I see it?
    2015, but no firm UK release date yet.

    Image: © TDC Photography

  33. Crimson Peak

    What is it?
    Set in remotest nineteenth-century Cumbria (but shot entirely in Toronto), this old-school spooker follows the travails of a young woman who becomes convinced that her aristocratic hubby is not all he appears to be…

    Who’s involved?
    After the steel and thunder of ‘Pacific Rim’, we’re glad to see that horror expert Guillermo del Toro is getting back to his roots – and if this has half the atmosphere of ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ it’ll be a real treat. Tom Hiddleston and Mia Wasikowska play the leads.

    When can I see it?
    ‘Crimson Peak’ opens on October 16 2015.

    Image: © Helga Esteb

  34. Time Out of Mind

    What is it?
    A tale of homelessness in America, shot guerilla-style on the streets of New York using hidden cameras and long lenses. Given that the instantly recognisable Richard Gere plays the lead, this must have been an uphill battle.

    Who’s involved?
    Longtime homeless charity supporter Gere summoned ‘Rampart’ director Oren Moverman to realise a script he’s been wanting to make for almost two decades. In anyone else’s hands this could have been a dubious celebrity vanity project, but we trust Moverman to deliver something truly special.

    When can I see it?
    There’s no UK date yet.

    Image: © Kojoku

  35. The Theory of Everything

    What is it?
    An early-years biopic of the great popular scientist Stephen Hawking following his courtship of fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde and his descent into paralysis caused by motor neurone disease.

    Who’s involved?
    Eddie Redmayne has been getting big love from the festival crowd for his portrayal of Hawking, while Felicity Jones offers support in all senses as Wilde. Sometime documentary-maker James Marsh (‘Man on Wire’) directs.

    When can I see it?
    ‘The Theory of Everything’ opens on January 1 2015.

  36. Silence

    What is it?
    A tale of two priests persecuted by the local authorities for trying to spread Christianity in seventeenth-century Japan. Expect sumptuous period recreations and a whole lot of noble suffering.

    Who’s involved?
    This is Martin Scorsese’s latest project, and while the outline suggests ‘Kundun’-like levels of seriousness (as opposed to ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’-like levels of fun) we’re always keen to see what the great man comes up with. Liam Neeson returns to serious acting after a long hiatus to play one of the priests, with Ken Watanabe and Adam Driver supporting.

    When can I see it?
    It’s set for a US release late in 2015, so expect it in the UK around the same time.

  37. American Sniper

    What is it?
    A biopic of Chris Kyle, the most successful sniper in US military history, who served four tours in Iraq and picked up numerous awards for service and bravery.

    Who’s involved?
    Clint Eastwood directs, with Bradley Cooper starring as Kyle. Eastwood may be a confirmed Republican, but his films have often displayed a suspicion for all forms of flag-waving. Let’s hope this isn’t just another tale of squeaky-clean US soldiers proudly serving their country.

    When can I see it?
    ‘American Sniper’ opens on January 16 2015.

    Image: © cinemafestival

  38. Knight of Cups

    What is it?
    The latest film from ‘Badlands’ director Terrence Malick – so, as usual, any plot details are being kept tightly under wraps. Rumour has it that it follows the troubles of a depressed writer, and has something to do with celebrity excess.

    Who’s involved?
    As always, writer-director Malick has rounded up an all-star cast including Christian Bale, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Antonio Banderas and – gulp – Ryan O’Neal.

    When can I see it?
    American distributors are swearing the film will be released there in 2015 – but we’ve heard that before…

    Image: © Helga Esteb

  39. Kamakura Diary

    What is it?
    Based on a multi-award winning manga comic strip, this is the tale of four sisters, three of whom live with their grandmother in the Japanese city of Kamakura, until the arrival of a fourth sister shakes up their settled existence.

    Who’s involved?
    ‘Kamakura Diary’ is the latest film from Hirokazu Koreeda, creator of some of the finest films of the past two decades including ‘After Life’, ‘Nobody Knows’ and ‘I Wish’.

    When can I see it?
    It’s set for a summer 2015 release in Japan, so expect it in the UK before the end of the year.

  40. The Light Between Oceans (© cinemafestival)
    © cinemafestival

    What is it?
    Based on a popular 2012 novel, this is the story of an Australian soldier in the wake of World War Two who finds a child drifting in a boat near his lighthouse home and decides, with his wife, to keep and raise her.

    Who’s involved?
    Clearly fed up of charting the intricacies of American blue-collar life and relationships, ‘Blue Valentine’ director Derek Cianfrance has upped sticks to Oz, and ropes in Michael Fassbender and Rachel Weisz to play his central couple.

    When can I see it?
    The film is shooting now, so expect it late in 2015.

  41. The Early Years

    What is it?
    Two longtime pals – a composer and a filmmaker – holiday together in the Alps, and observe the goings-on at their remote hotel. But trouble is brewing for one of them.

    Who’s involved?
    Italian writer-director Paolo Sorrentino’s last film, ‘The Great Beauty’, won every award under the sun, so it’s no surprise that he’s managed to assemble a stunning cast for his second English-language project (after ‘This Must Be The Place’) including Michael Caine and Paul Dano as the friends, and Jane Fonda, Rachel Weisz and Harvey Keitel in support.

    When can I see it?
    There’s no release date confirmed.

    Image: © cinemafestival

  42. Autobahn

    What is it?
    A high-speed action thriller in which an American backpacker gets in the middle of a running battle between two arch-rival assassins on the lawless freeways of Germany. Sadly, Kraftwerk aren’t doing the soundtrack.

    Who’s involved?
    Young British hope Eran Creevy (‘Shifty’) writes and directs, with Nicholas Hoult as the hapless hero and – here’s where it gets good – Ben Kingsley and Anthony Hopkins squaring off as the two villains. Scenery will be chewed.

    When can I see it?
    The film’s apparently finished, but there’s no release date confirmed.

  43. Mississippi Grind

    What is it?
    In the old-world gambling dens of New Orleans, a card shark on a losing streak hopes to pair up with a younger man in an effort to improve his luck. We anticipate boogie-woogie piano and straight-up bourbon galore.

    Who’s involved?
    This is the highest-profile project for writer-director team Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck since their impressive breakthrough film, ‘Half Nelson’. Ryan Reynolds and Sienna Miller head up the cast.

    When can I see it?
    Shooting has finished, so expect the film in the latter half of 2015.

  44. The Look of Silence

    What is it?
    In 2012, Oscar-nominated documentary ‘The Act of Killing’ took a unique and devastating approach to revisiting historical genocide in Indonesia. This follow-up jettisons the hyper-stylised method of the first movie for a more conventional but more personal and direct take on these mass killings.

    Who’s involved?
    Director Joshua Oppenheimer returns, with veteran doc-masters Werner Herzog and Errol Morris exec producing.

    When can I see it?
    There’s no release date yet, but the film has played in festivals worldwide so expect it early in the year.

  45. It Follows

    What is it?
    A low-budget American indie horror flick about a supernatural curse that’s transmitted through sexual intercourse. But this is far more than just ‘The Ring’ with STDs – reviewers have gone wild for its darkly funny tone and genre-upending twists.

    Who’s involved?
    No-one you’ll have heard of – yet. But expect to hear much more of director David Robert Mitchell in future.

    When can I see it?
    2015 – but there’s no UK release date yet.

  46. The Little Prince

    What is it?
    A computer-animated adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s beloved 1943 fable about a stranded pilot and a boy from space. The book, a philosophical treatise aimed at kids, is the best-selling French-language novel of all time.

    Who’s involved?
    It’s an all-star affair, with ‘Kung-Fu Panda’ director Mark Osborne ordering the computer geeks around and James Franco, Marion Cotillard, Jeff Bridges, Benicio del Toro and Paul Giamatti among the voices.

    When can I see it?
    It’s released in France on October 7 2015, so expect it in the UK in time for Christmas 2015.

  47. Michael

    What is it?
    In his latest provocative career choice, James Franco stars as gay activist Michael Glatze who, following a coronary scare in 2005, renounced his homosexuality and became an anti-gay icon for the Christian right.

    Who’s involved?
    First-time director Justin Kelly brings this controversial tale to the screen, while Franco is supported by Zachary Quinto and Daryl Hannah.

    When can I see it?
    Expect the film in the first half of 2015.

    Image: © andersphoto

  48. The Sea of Trees

    What is it?
    The sea of trees, also known as the suicide forest, is an area of woodland in Japan known partly for its eerie quiet – the trees are too densely packed to allow wildlife to thrive – and partly for its popularity as a place to take one’s own life. This film follows an American tourist who decides to kill himself, but who reconsiders when he meets a Japanese man on the same mission.

    Who’s involved?
    This has got quality written all over it: Gus Van Sant directs, with Matthew McConaughey and Ken Watanabe as the two central figures and Naomi Watts in a supporting role.

    When can I see it?
    The film is currently shooting in Japan, so expect it late in 2015.

    Image: © PAN Photo Agency

  49. True Story

    What is it?
    The – as the title suggests – real-life tale of Christian Longo, who murdered his wife and three children, went on the run and ended up on the FBI’s Most Wanted list before being exposed by a journalist whose identity he had rather foolishly assumed.

    Who’s involved?
    Jonah Hill plays Longo, with James Franco as New York Times writer Michael Finkel who found out that the killer had been using his name. In a promising move, experienced London theatre director Rupert Goold, who has recently been shooting a series of Shakespeare’s historical plays for the BBC, has been given the job of helming.

    When can I see it?
    Filming is complete but there’s still no release date.

    Image: © lev radin

  50. Magic Mike XXL

    What is it?
    The further adventures of a Tampa, Florida male stripper, back by popular demand after the first movie became a smash hit with the hen party crowd (and, to be fair, with film critics).

    Who’s involved?
    The character of Mike was based on star Channing Tatum's own pre-fame experiences, so of course he's back in the title role, ably assisted by Joe Manganiello as his memorably named foil Big Dick Richie. Sadly, original director Steven Soderbergh has jumped ship, so it's down to relative unknown Gregory Jacobs (Soderbergh's usual assistant director) to deliver all the feisty punchlines and quivering man-meat the fans expect.

    When can I see it?
    It opens on August 7 2015 – so there's plenty of time to dry-clean your posing pouch.

The 50 films we can’t wait to see in 2015

A new Bond, a new Star Wars, a new Terminator, plus movies from Scorsese, Spielberg and Paul Thomas Anderson – 2015 is shaping up to be a humdinger

Written by
Tom Huddleston
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