MOVIES
The Founder
Jan. 20
Weinstein Co.
Even if you wouldn’t be caught dead eating in a McDonalds, this fascinating biopic about Ray Kroc and starring Michael Keaton is better than a Big Mac.
XXX: Return of Xander Cage
Jan. 20
Paramount
Vin Diesel returns to the XXX franchise, but we’re most excited about the ensemble cast, including Samuel L. Jackson and Toni Collette. D.J. Caruso directs the action flick.
Fifty Shades Darker
Feb. 10
Universal Pictures
Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan return in this sequel to the campy “mommie porn” film based on the E.L. James novels. The sequel promises to empower Anastasia.
John Wick: Chapter Two
Feb. 10
Eclectic Pictures
What has Keanu Reeves been up to? Apparently, B-movies. This is the sequel to—you guessed it—”John Wick,” the 2014 cult favorite. Look for “Matrix” co-star Laurence Fishburne, too.
The LEGO Batman Movie
Feb. 10
Warner Bros.
We loved “The LEGO Movie” and, until the sequel is finished, will enjoy this predictabe spin-off starring the voices of Will Arnett as Batman and Zach Galifianakis as the Joker.
The Great Wall
Feb. 17
Legendary
Matt Damon stars as a European mercenary traveling through ancient China who discovers exactly “what” the Great Wall was “really” built to defend the people from. No spoilers there.
Logan
March 3
Marvel Studios/Disney
Hugh Jackman will finally hang up his claws as Wolverine, a role he first debuted 17 years ago. The R-rated film promises some of the attitude that made last year’s “Deadpool” so successful.
T2 Trainspotting
March 10
Sony Pictures Entertainment
T2 reunites director Danny Boyle with Ewan McGregor and the original cast, but this sequel feels different. Maybe it’s the 21 years that have passed since the original.
Beauty and the Beast
March 17
Disney
The 1991 2D animated version of this Disney classic is the latest to get a live-action/CGI update. “Harry Potter” alum Emma Watson stars as Belle and Dan Stevens is the Beast.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
May 5
Marvel Pictures/Disney
Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.
TELEVISION
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Jan. 13
Netflix
This adaptation of Daniel Handler’s “Lemony Snicket” books stars Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf, malevolent guardian of the Baudelaire children.
Riverdale
Jan. 26
The CW
The characters of the “Archie” comics get a contemporary makeover: Betty’s on Adderall, Archie’s having an affair with a teacher and Josie and the Pussycats are rehearsing down the hall.
The Quad
Jan. 31
BET
“Empire” meets “A Different World” in this series. Anika Noni Rose stars as the embattled new president of a historically-black college in this sprawling, melodramatic drama.
Planet Earth II
Feb. 18
BBC America
A decade after the original “Planet Earth,” director David Attenborough is back with another seven hours of gorgeous nature, shot over the course of three years in 40 countries.
Big Little Lies
Feb. 19
HBO
David E. Kelley’s comedic spin on “Desperate Housewives” stars Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Alexander Skarsgard and Laura Dern.
The Good Fight
Feb. 19
CBS All Access
Christine Baranski reprises her role as Diane Lockhart in this web spinoff of “The Good Wife” on fledgling CBS streaming service. Watch for a “Star Trek” prequel later this spring.
The Americans
March, Date TBD
FX
Arguably one of the best—and most overlooked—hours on primetime television, “The Americans” will see the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
