January may be a miserable month for many, but one thing it succeeds in is procuring hype for new media releases. Music, movies and television shows keep students motivated to trudge through classes week-by-week, so what better way to start the semester than list some off with their expected release dates! Here is what media Life is looking forward to in 2025.
Noa Climor, Social Media Outreach Coordinator (she/her/hers):
Last year, I made it my mission to watch all the Best Picture nominees at the Oscars—and I did. That experience was a way for me to experience incredibly cool films and to watch more movies, which has been a goal of mine. I think it goes without saying, but in times of doubt and stress, we all turn to art to feel, see and experience something. It doesn’t have to be too different or involve science fiction/fantasy, but something outside of the norm can always make a difference, even if it’s small.
So, without further ado, my highly anticipated—to someone I’m sure—list of films and shows I am looking forward to. There are so many shows coming back this year (for example, we are getting a new “Yellowjackets” season on Valentine’s Day) and many new movies. I, for one, am thrilled that we are seeing more of Sophie Thatcher in 2025. She was incredible in “The Heretic” and will surely shine in “The Companion,” releasing on Jan. 31. Advertised as “a new kind of love story,” it looks like a project to keep an eye out for.
In February, we are getting none other than Paddington himself. More specifically, “Paddington in Peru,” “Love Hurts” with Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose and “Mickey 17” starring Robert Pattinson and directed by Bong Joon-ho—who you might recognize as the Academy Award-winning director for the film “Parasite.”
So many words and so little time! We have “Black Bag,” “Novocaine,” “Snow White” and “The Alto Knights” in March. April is bringing forth the Minecraft movie, “Sinners” and in May, we are getting “Thunderbolts” and a new “Karate Kid” movie. Another “Superman” should be in July, and many more movies and shows are releasing that I’m so excited for. 2025 is truly coming through with films and shows that I hope will blow our minds, so here goes!
Maleena Muzio, Staff Writer (she/her/hers):
As 2024 came to a close, some of the best media became available to the public. The hit movie musical, “Wicked,” based on the familiar Broadway musical, performed well at the box office, ranking in the top 10 highest grossing films of the year. Many fans, including myself, are highly anticipating “Wicked: For Good,” the second and final film in the series, which is set to release in November of this year. While the first movie explored Act 1 of the musical, the sequel will show Act 2, featuring songs such as, “I’m Not That Girl” and “For Good.” The movie is set to further showcase Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship as well as represent Oz pre and post Dorothy.
Another highly anticipated release is the newest season of hit series, “Stranger Things.” It is one of the most watched Netflix original series of all time, with a large and enthusiastic fanbase. Season 5 is comprised of eight lengthy episodes, with each resembling a full-length movie. Though the official release date has not been announced, the season is rumored to come out sometime in the summer or early fall.
I am most looking forward to seeing how the last season compares to its predecessors, specifically seasons one and three. Many viewers are anticipating the death of beloved character, Eleven. However, the only thing that is certain is that once released, “Stranger Things” will take over social media, dominating the “for you pages” and hearts of many.
Switching tracks, the alternative singer with a cult fanbase, Lana Del Rey, is scheduled to release her tenth studio album, “The Right Person Will Stay,” this year. Previously titled “Lasso,” the new version of the album will play more into her traditional sound, incorporating southern gothic elements, as well as classic Americana folk. The official track list, as well as singles, have not been released yet, though the album has been given a release date of May 21, 2025.
Del Rey is working with the famous producer Jack Antonoff on this album, whom she has worked with on three of her last four albums. Antonoff recently won “Producer of the Year” at the 2024 Grammys, amplifying the hype surrounding Del Rey’s new album. Her recent set of shows following her headlining Coachella performances have also sparked her popularity on social media, adding to the anticipation for “The Right Person Will Stay.”
Mikayla Murphy, Campus Correspondent (she/her/hers):
Although I’m excited about many media releases this year, the one movie that I am hands down the most excited for is “Wicked: For Good.” Act II of the Broadway musical holds one of my favorite musical songs of all time, “For Good,” so I’m particularly excited to hear Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s rendition of the song. I will talk about my excitement for this movie to anyone who will listen, so I am going to become the most insufferable person when the movie is released in November. I wouldn’t be surprised if the “Wicked: For Good” soundtrack makes it onto my Spotify Wrapped this year.
Besides the new Wicked movie, I’m also excited for the release of season 5 of “Stranger Things” and season 3 of “Squid Game.” I grew up watching “Stranger Things,” so I’m excited to see how the show is going to be wrapped up.
“Squid Game” on the other hand was a recent interest of mine. I didn’t watch the first season when it was released back in 2021, but I heard the hype about it at the time. Like with Wicked (and most other media that I watch), my sister got me into “Squid Game” after season 2 was released. Through her constant TikTok messages of solely “Squid Game” videos, she convinced me to watch it, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first two seasons. There’s no confirmed date for when season 3 will be released, nonetheless, I’m excited to tune in.
A few other releases that I’m excited about are the new Minecraft movie coming out in April, the live action “Snow White” with Rachel Zegler and the “Lilo & Stitch” movie. Letterboxd here I come!