MANILA, Philippines—Warner Bros. Pictures unveils its thrilling cinematic journey for the upcoming year, featuring a lineup brimming with highly anticipated titles such as “Dune: Part Two,” “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” and “Joker: Folie Á Deux.” Building on the triumphs of 2023, Hollywood’s global success stories, the studio is set for another blockbuster year.
The enchanting prequel “Wonka,” inspired by Roald Dahl’s timeless classic, continues to captivate audiences, crossing the $500 million mark worldwide within two months of its release. Meanwhile, “Barbie,” Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s delightful homage to the iconic doll, has earned $1.4 billion and left an indelible mark on hearts worldwide.
In a groundbreaking move, Encore Films, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures, premiered Studio Ghibli’s “The Boy and the Heron” on January 8, marking the first screening of a Hayao Miyazaki film on the big screen in the Philippines. The film, the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature recipient, stands as a leading contender for the prestigious Academy Award in the same category. Get ready for a year of cinematic brilliance as Warner Bros. Pictures continues to shape the future of film.
THE BOY AND THE HERON (opened January 8)
Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed anime film, “The Boy and The Heron,” follows the enchanting journey of Mahito, voiced by Soma Santoki and Luca Padovan in the Japanese and English versions, respectively. The story unfolds as Mahito discovers a magical world through an abandoned tower, accompanied by a talking grey heron voiced by Masaki Suda and Robert Pattinson.
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Exploring themes of life, death, and creation, the film transcends boundaries between the living and the dead, offering a poignant tribute to friendship. Miyazaki’s semi-autobiographical fantasy weaves a tale of longing, transformation, and new beginnings in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant narrative.
TOKYO REVENGERS 2: BLOODY HALLOWEEN – DESTINY (opened January 17)
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Adapted from the manga series, this gripping gangster saga features Takumi Kitamura in the lead role of Takemichi. Driven by a powerful desire to change his tragic past, Takemichi journeys back to his school days, determined to thwart the gang responsible for the death of his girlfriend.
DUNE: PART ONE Re-Issue (February 7, select IMAX locations)
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“Dune” is an epic hero’s journey following Paul Atreides, a gifted young man destined for greatness. To secure his family’s future, he embarks on a perilous journey to the universe’s most dangerous planet. As evil forces clash over a valuable resource with the power to unleash humanity’s potential, only those who conquer fear will endure.
TOKYO REVENGERS 2: BLOODY HALLOWEEN – DECISIVE BATTLE (February 7)
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The intense conflict between former friends jeopardizes the stability of Tokyo Manji Gang. Mikey endeavors to reclaim Baji, now aligned with the rival faction Valhalla. Kazutora, remaining loyal to Valhalla, seeks to dismantle Tokyo Manji Gang and eliminate Mikey.
As the tragic past unraveling the foundation of their friendship comes to light, Takemichi grapples with the challenge of preventing a dire outcome and forging a brighter future. Can he, driven by conviction, rescue Hinata and safeguard the future of his friends once more?
DUNE: PART TWO (February 28)
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In “Dune: Part Two,” Paul Atreides embarks on a mythic journey, joining forces with Chani and the Fremen for revenge against those who ruined his family. Faced with a pivotal choice between love and the destiny of the universe, he strives to avert a foreseen catastrophe.
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the star-studded cast includes Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Stellan Skarsgård, and Javier Bardem.
THE COLOR PURPLE (March 6, SM exclusive)
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Produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones, “The Color Purple” offers a bold reinterpretation of the classic tale of love and resilience. Adapted from the beloved novel and Broadway musical, the film portrays Celie’s journey, torn from her family, as she discovers extraordinary strength in a new sisterhood. Directed by Blitz Bazawule, the star-studded cast includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Gabriella Wilson “H.E.R.,” Halle Bailey, and Fantasia Barrino.
SPY X FAMILY CODE: WHITE (March 13)
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Codenamed Twilight, Loid Forger (Takuya Eguchi) must step down from Operation Strix. To salvage his mission, he aids Anya (Atsumi Tanezaki) in winning a cooking competition at Eden Academy by perfecting the principal’s favorite pastry. The Forgers’ quest for the recipe inadvertently triggers events that could jeopardize world peace.
GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE (March 30)
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The Monsterverse saga continues in Legendary Pictures’ “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” Following the explosive clash in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” the mighty Kong and fearsome Godzilla face a colossal, undiscovered threat, challenging their existence and ours.
Directed by Adam Wingard, the film explores the Titans’ histories, origins, and the mythic battle that binds them to humankind. Starring Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen.
CHALLENGERS (April 24, Ayala exclusive)
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In Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” Zendaya plays Tashi Duncan, a formidable ex-tennis prodigy turned coach. Married to a struggling champion (Mike Faist), Tashi’s unconventional strategy for his redemption unfolds as he faces off against his washed-up former best friend, Patrick (Josh O’Connor), who is also Tashi’s ex-boyfriend. As pasts and presents collide, tensions rise, prompting Tashi to question the price of victory.
FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA (May 22)
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In George Miller’s film, young Furiosa is taken from the Green Place of Many Mothers by the Biker Horde, led by Warlord Dementus. In the Wasteland, they encounter The Immortan Joe’s Citadel. Amidst the power struggle between the two tyrants, Furiosa faces trials to reunite with her home. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Alyla Browne, and Tom Burke.
A more exciting lineup of upcoming movies!
Starting on June 5th, “The Watchers” kicks off the cinematic journey, followed by “Companion” on July 10th, “Twisters” on July 17th, and “Trap” on July 31st. Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated sequel, “Beetlejuice 2,” hitting theaters on September 4th. October 2nd brings the psychological thriller “Joker: Folie Á Deux,” while November 13th offers a double treat with “Alto Knights” and “Red One.” Cap off the year with an epic fantasy adventure, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim,” scheduled for December 13th. Get ready for a year filled with cinematic excitement and diverse storytelling!