Coming Soon: Working Title's Most Anticipated 2023 Releases

let's talk about what's ahead in movies this year

It seems like just yesterday (3 weeks ago) we were talking about the best of 2022. Well, here at Working Title, we’re all about moving forward. I thought about finding a quote about not looking back to put right here, but they’re all terrible — something you’d find on a corkboard in a poorly decorated kitchen.

I once again am joined by my good friend and Candian Steph Mill to take a look at the movies that are allegedly releasing this year. The Movie Sluts™️ ride once more. It was actually the 2022 version of this newsletter where we coined the Movie Slut label. This is a newsletter where things HAPPEN.

This list is always a fun exercise in hope because the anticipation is good, but sometimes the movies are not. Sometimes, we crush it (NOPE, BABYLON), and sometimes we completely miss the mark (BLONDE, DON’T WORY DARLING) but the fun is in the trying.

Things have been a little more locked in the past year, but release dates are always subject to change without notice. If there isn’t a firm release date, we’ll note that. If the film has a trailer it will be linked to the title of said film.

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Movie: Infinity Pool
Release Date (Alleged): January 27th (that’s today!)
Why We’re Excited: Another entry in the CFCU (Cronenberg Family Cinematic Universe) comes Brandon Cronenberg’s (son of David, naturally) follow-up to one of my fav sci-fi horrors of the last couple years - POSSESSOR. INFINITY POOL had a top spot on my Most Anticipated list last year, and now that the trailer has dropped, I can confirm I’ll be first in line to see Alexander Skarsgard scream, throw up, cry, piss, jerk off, and wear someone else's face as his own. - Steph

I’m just gonna refer you to the tweet below. Hell yeah. - Saul

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Movie: Knock At The Cabin
Release Date (Alleged): February 3rd
Why We’re Excited: M. Night Shyamalan is a lot of things, but one thing he isn’t is boring. This movie is based on a book called “Cabin At The End of the World" and I read that book. It was one of the most enthralling reading experiences I’ve ever had and the first chapter is maybe my favorite first chapter of any book I’ve ever read. I love an “end of the world” movie and while seeing that book author Paul Tremblay isn’t super involved gives me pause, it doesn’t give me enough to not be excited. I also wanna see Dave Bautista and the return of Rupert Grint! More guys should be named Rupert. Good name. - Saul

I don’t think this movie is going to scare the shit out of me the way SIGNS did when I was a wee youth who left a minimum of 3 glasses of water sitting around my room at any given time, but I do kinda want Dave Bautista to crush me, so I’ll bite! - Steph

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Movie: Magic Mike’s Last Dance
Release Date (Alleged): February 10th
Why We’re Excited: If you haven’t seen the MAGIC MIKE movies, I urge you to correct that. They’re good, actually. Funny, smart, and there’s a lot of beef on board. Steven Soderberg is able to bring out actual magic (pun intended) from Channing Tatum, who long-time readers of this newsletter know I have soft spot for, especially when they’re letting him cook comedically. I’m down for one last ride. Also, when I was typing this out I accidentally put “MAGI MIKE’S LAST DANCE” and that’s a really different movie, but one I’d watch nonetheless. - Saul

Listen. Stephen Soderbergh knows what’s up. I’m allowed to say that even though I watched OCEANS ELEVEN for the first time a mere 2 years ago (thanks to Saul, no less). But you know who else knows what’s up? Channing fucking Tatum. The dude can dance, be funny, and bag Zoe Kravitz. Not only that, but he publicly follows Zoe Kravitz fan accounts on Instagram. We have no choice but to stan… - Steph

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Movie: Cocaine Bear
Release Date (Alleged): February 24th
Why We’re Excited: I don’t need anybody to tell me this looks stupid. I already know that. The title says it all. I will be smoking a blunt to my dome and laughing into my bag of popcorn for a maximum of 90 minutes. If this movie exceeds that runtime, you can count me out. No further questions. - Steph

Look, man. It’s a bear and it’s on cocaine. The whole movie is in the title, I don’t need to be bothered with things like plot or character arc. Just let the bear on cocaine cook. Why would you even ask if I’m going to see this? What the fuck is wrong with you? Also, this movie is 91 minutes long so Steph will not be seeing it. - Saul

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Movie: Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania
Release Date (Alleged): February 17th
Why We’re Excited: I feel like I should be shoved into a locker every time I say the title of this movie out loud. I have recently been very much out on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.™️ The only thing I’ve really enjoyed in their latest glut of television shows and movies have been LOKI, SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME, and like 1/3 of BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER. It’s a nice thought that I could potentially break free of caring about this stuff forever. I’m willing to give it one more go for a few reasons, first among them is Jonathan Majors, who has established himself as one of my favorite actors working today and is playing Kang The Conqueror, one of my favorite comic book villains. Secondly, this is the third movie in the ANT-MAN series and all have been directed by Payton Reed. I have found him to be a consistent steward of this story. Finally, this screenplay was written by Jeff Loveness, someone who clearly loves the material he’s writing and has an excellent resume. I’m either gonna love this movie or hate it and there’s a sense of relief with either. - Saul

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Movie: Creed III
Release Date (Alleged): March 3rd
Why We’re Excited: The first CREED was one of the most memorable and thrilling movie-going experiences in recent history (just ask Nicole Kidman). CREED II was just okay. I’m hoping the latest installment in the series leans toward the former. I’m excited about Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut and once again, for Jonathan Majors to be on a big ass screen doing cool shit. Feel like it’s gonna be that guy’s summer. - Saul

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Movie: Scream VI
Release Date (Alleged): March 10th
Why We’re Excited: 2022’s SCREAM installment genuinely rocked. In a world of really bad horror remakes and sequels, (not to name names but, hi, HALLOWEEN) I have some faith in SCREAM. I know everyone’s pissed that Ghostface has a shotgun now, but all he’s doing is adapting to the situations he finds himself in. It’s called a character arc, okay? - Steph

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Movie: John Wick: Chapter 4
Release Date (Alleged): March 24th
Why We’re Excited: Three things. First, I’ll watch anything Keanu Reeves does, because I am a proud Canadian. Second, they are literally already in pre-production for JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 5. And lastly, I just found out that Chad Stahleski was Brandon Lee’s stunt double after he died on the set of THE CROW. This is also me realizing the JOHN WICK movies are directed by an actual stuntman. Which now makes me want Tom Cruise to direct a JOHN WICK movie…. - Steph

*John Wick voice* Yeah, I’m thinking I’m gonna watch this movie.

I’m honestly stoked that Keanu has this character and this world to return to. I love it. Even if I’m a little befuddled as to what these movies are going to actually be ABOUT moving forward, we’re guaranteed a minimum of like 3 of the sickest stunts in a movie that doesn’t star Tom Cruise. They killed a guy with horse kicks in the last one. They got Bill Skarsgård playing a bad guy. I’m still pissed off about the dog from the first one. Let’s go. - Saul

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Movie: Air
Release Date (Alleged): April 5th
Why We’re Excited: This movie centers on Nike shoe salesman Sonny Vaccaro and the Nike marketing team as they attempt to sign Michael Jordan to a deal to wear their shoes. Now, in no real-world scenario should A MARKETING TEAM be the hero of the story, but this movie is partially based on Phil Knight’s autobiography “Shoe Dog” which I enjoyed and puts Ben Affleck both in front of the camera as Phil Knight and behind the camera as director. I am a Ben Affleck apologist so you will forgive me for grabbing a big ass Dunkin’ and sitting down for this one. - Saul

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Movie: Evil Dead Rise
Release Date (Alleged): April 21st
Why We’re Excited: We will not be seeing Ash (aka the horror genre’s Jim Carrey) in this installment, however, Ash/Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi are co-producing it. It fully rained blood in the 2013 revival and had some of the best gore this side of the 90s, so I’m pumped to feel weak in the knees yet again. - Steph

The EVIL DEAD series has delivered some of the most consistent scares, laughs, and gore for over 3 decades now and I expect this one to be no different. Sure, there’s no Ash in this one, but both Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi are co-producers so I have no doubt this one is in good hands. The trailer is creepy as hell and the Evil Mommy is terrifying and also gives me feelings I will share with my therapist later and not here. No questions at this time. - Saul

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Movie: Beau Is Afraid
Release Date (Alleged): April 21st
Why We’re Excited: Ari Aster stated a couple of years ago that his next film would be a 4-hour-long nightmare/comedy called DISAPPOINTMENT BLVD (which I had on last year’s Most Anticipated list), starring Joaquin Phoenix. Somewhere along the way, BEAU IS AFRAID emerged instead, along with a trailer that dropped recently, showing Phoenix on an extraordinary - and surreal as hell - mission to get to his mother. I’m not getting straight-up ‘horror’ vibes from this the same way Aster terrified us with MIDSOMMAR and HEREDITARY, but still, much like Beau, I am afraid. - Steph

Like all Ari Aster movies, I have no idea what I’m in for with this one. We discussed this on last year’s list when it was known as DISAPPOINTMENT BLVD and we just kind of speculated what it would be about. Even with its most recent trailer, I’m not sure I could tell you. What I do know is that some weird, fucked up shit is going to happen and I’m going to be thinking about it for a week after I watch it. Thanks, Ari you absolute freak. - Saul

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Movie: FAST X
Release Date (Alleged): May 19th
Why We’re Excited: Once again, I don’t need anyone telling me these movies are stupid. That’s precisely the point of what is to love about them. They started out racing their silly little cars, then, somewhere down the line the gang became crime-fighting transatlantic superheroes. And who are we to argue with that? I’m here to see Ludacris go to a space in a regular schmegular car that belongs on the highway. - Steph

A couple of things about this movie. First off, I am genuinely sad that this is (allegedly) the last installment in this franchise. I unironically think it’s a fun time at the movies and I will be sad to see it go if it really is the last job. Secondly, I cannot believe this movie does not have a trailer out yet. It’s coming out in like THREE MONTHS. It is one of the biggest non-superhero franchises we have. How have we not gotten a taste of it? I need just a little bit. Maybe they’re saving it for the Super Bowl. That would honestly be sick.

Dog, they went to space in a PONTIAC FIERO in the last one. I gotta see what insane shit they’re cooking up for this one. One last ride with the family. One last white tank top. One final Corona gripped exclusively by the neck of the bottle. I’m tearing up. - Saul

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Movie: Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse: Part 1
Release Date (Alleged): June 5th
Why We’re Excited: I doubt this is my first time revealing in this newsletter that I am not a Marvel girlie. I am not afraid to admit it, I know there are dozens of us out there. I am human though, so I must say that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse actually rocked. I am ready to stare at this on the largest screen possible with my 3D glasses on, saying “whoa” every 5 minutes, and “who’s doing that voice, it’s on the tip of my tongue” every 15. - Steph

Five (!!!) years ago, I walked into a theater to see SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE expecting to have a good time with an animated Spider-Man movie and try out this new thing called the AMC A-LIST. Two things happened. One, I discovered how much the A-List rocks, sign up for that shit if you live near an AMC. And two, I got a new favorite Spider-Man movie. Since then, it’s only grown in my estimation, and is not only my favorite Spider-Man movie, it’s one of my favorite superhero movies, period. I remember hearing the sequel was coming in 2022 and thinking “holy shit, I’m gonna be 32.” Now, it’s 2023, I am fully 32 and will be SAT for this one. - Saul

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Movie: Asteroid City
Release Date (Alleged): June 16th
Why We’re Excited: Big day for annoying people. It’s Wes Anderson doing a goddang WESTERN with an absolutely ~ridiculous~ cast. Of course, I’m interested. I loved THE FRENCH DISPATCH (certainly more than the other 50% of the people writing this newsletter) and I think Wes Anderson makes good movies, despite all the discourse that happens around him when one of his movies comes out.

Also, it’s weird how this guy has been making films that deal with the creeping threat of fascism and authoritarianism and people are just like “ho ho ho the QUIRK MASTER is at it again! Look at those symmetrical shots! Check out those funny hats, terrific!” Let’s dig a little deeper, folks. - Saul

I co-sign everything above but the FRENCH DISPATCH note. :) - Steph

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Movie: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Release Date (Alleged): June 30h
Why We’re Excited: I’m a simple man. I like to see Indiana Jones go on an adventure and I like to see him bring Phoebe Waller-Bridge along for the ride. Maybe Mads Mikkelsen and Boyd Holbrook are there as the bad guys. It’s all house money for me. I think James Mangold is a fine director. This is one of my summer blockbuster picks. It doesn’t need to be the best movie in the world, it just needs to be fun.

I also think it’s insanely funny that they’re just writing off Shia LaBeouf’s “Mutt” character from KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL. Just totally ignoring him.

“Hey what happened to that Mutt guy from the last mo-”
“Don’t fuckin’ worry about it. He’s dead. Just leave it alone” - Saul

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Movie: Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1
Release Date (Alleged): July 14th
Why We’re Excited: I fully believe that Tom Cruise is going to die on camera filming one of these movies, and quite honestly, I think he deserves it. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. This man lives for cinema. And you know what? So do I. Give me 12 more MISSION IMPOSSIBLE movies. - Steph

C’mon now. That’s what I’m talking about. That’s ETHAN HUNT. It doesn’t get any better than this. He’s jumping a MOTORCYCLE OFF a CLIFF just for YOU. They do not make ‘em like this anymore. C’mon now!!!! HELL YEAH!!! - Saul

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Movie: Barbie
Release Date (Alleged): July 21st
Why We’re Excited: I was sold on this from the first glimpse of Ryan Gosling rollerblading in a neon pink getup, and then the trailer dropped and it was a frame-for-frame recreation of the intro to 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. Knowing Stanley Kubrick is rolling in his grave makes me feel giddy! - Steph

As the son of a mother, it feels like it’s my duty as an ally to see this movie with the girlies. Seriously, I think this movie is going to rock. Greta has been in her bag recently (LITTLE WOMEN, WHITE NOISE) and the teaser trailer for this was astounding. I am fully BABYLON-pilled as well so getting another chance to see Margot Robbie on screen is a welcome one. No one is doing it like her right now. This movie is gonna rip. - Saul

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Movie: Oppenheimer
Release Date (Alleged): July 21st
Why We’re Excited: Christopher Nolan is one of maybe 4 directors working right now whose name is the draw over anyone in his cast which, as I’m sure you’ve heard by now, is enormous. I’ve always been on team “Cillian Murphy is a movie star” and I’m glad he’s carrying a movie again. Nolan has also allegedly figured out how to do a real nuclear explosion and captured it on film. See you there for the OPPENHEIMER/BARBIE double feature. - Saul

This will be the doubleheader of the decade, as it premieres the same day as BARBIE. If you have to even think about which one you should prioritize though, you don’t belong here*. 

*It’s BARBIE. You see BARBIE first. - Steph

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Movie: The Haunted Mansion
Release Date (Alleged): August 11th
Why We’re Excited: I didn’t necessarily ever think about this objectively bad Eddie Murphy Disney movie getting a revival after seeing it in 2003 but… I think they’re onto something. Get a load of this cast:

Jamie Lee Curtis. Owen Wilson. Tiffany Haddish. Lakeith Stanfield. Rosario Dawson. Dan Levy. Danny Devito. Winona Ryder.  (Jared Leto is in it too, but he doesn't deserve a standalone call out) - Steph

Oh, shit! They’re doing this? Sure, why not. It’s one of the best rides at Disneyland - Saul

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Movie: Challengers
Release Date (Alleged): August 11th
Why We’re Excited: Luca is taking a break from Timmy to work with Zendaya in this tennis-focused romantic comedy. Quite a 180 from BONES AND ALL, but who am I to complain about Zendaya in literally anything. I just hope she doesn’t eat anybody :( - Steph

Besides Zendaya, who is obviously great, this movie stars Mike Faist who absolutely stole the show for me in 2021’s WEST SIDE STORY. The last two Luca Guadaugnino movies have involved cannibals and sex with a peach. Let’s see what he does with tennis. - Saul

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Movie: Dune: Part 2
Release Date (Alleged): November 3rd
Why We’re Excited: THEY’RE DUNE IT AGAIN! Hopefully with more sandworm and Austin Butler’s Elvis accent this time around! - Steph

*chanting* Dune…Dune…DUNE…DUNE *pounding table in rythm* DUNE DUNE DUNE DUNE.

DUNE was one of my favorite films of 2021. Incredible story, amazing visuals (this was one of the best “spaceships taking off and landing” movies of all time), and the promise of more. Austin Butler and Florence Pugh are joining this bad boy and y Denis Villeneuve said that this one “is where the fun really begins.” *Austin Butler Elvis voice* Oh mama, show me that big worm. - Saul

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Movie: The Killer
Release Date (Alleged): November 10th
Why We’re Excited: The cinephile bro buried not-so-deep inside me is developing an eye twitch from leaving this so far down the list, but Fincher did me wrong with MANK, so we’re not on speaking terms right now. This is also going to be a Netflix debut, which always feels wrong for a neo-noir movie that will probably be lit with 2 light bulbs the entire runtime. Despite these shortcomings, I can’t deny Michael Fassbender even an ounce of my undivided attention. - Steph

I personally thought MANK was good, but I understand where Steph is coming from here. It’s been a while since Fincher has been in his bag and Michael Fassbender took a long break from movies to learn how to be a race car driver, not kidding look it up. But I can’t deny my love for the neo-noir genre and Fassbender playing an assassin that begins to crack as he develops a conscious is, unfortunately, right in my Q zone. - Saul

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Movie: Wonka
Release Date (Alleged): December 15th
Why We’re Excited: The first version of this movie from 1971 scared the ever-loving shit out of me as a child, as did Rowan Atkinson. Yes, I was scared of Mr. Bean. I don’t want to talk about it, unless you’re a therapist, maybe. Despite this, I hope WONKA is as delightfully weird and funny as humanly possible. After all, this is a Paul King (i.e: director of PADDINGTON and PADDINGTON 2, respectively) fan account. 
This is also a Johnny Depp CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY erasure account because fuck that movie and his weird ass teeth. Is this me realizing I have a Willy Wonka phobia? - Steph

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Movie: Killers of the Flower Moon
Release Date (Alleged): Sometime in 2023
Why We’re Excited: Another highly anticipated Scorsese flick is STILL on the way starring Leo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, and Brendan Fraser. Another movie for the boys with maybe a little tiny woman character who is simply worried about one of the men mentioned above <3 - Steph

Okay, Marty. Enough fuckin’ around. Give me this movie. I’ve been waiting for it for 2 years. It’s gonna win every award. The Jesse Plemons Hive is not one to take lightly. We gotta see our boy shine. - Saul

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Movie: Poor Things
Release Date (Alleged): Sometime in 2023
Why We’re Excited: Based upon a book of the same name by author Alasdair Grey, POOR THINGS tells the reimagined, postmodern story of…. Frankenstein. While I have no official details regarding the film adaptation other than the cast (Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley!), the book is described as “magnificently brisk, funny, dirty, and brainy”. Why do I have goosebumps?? No guarantee that this will come out in 2023, as there have been some alleged delays with post-production, however, I’m holding out for a December release. - Steph

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Honorable Mentions

Movie: Elemental
Release Date (Alleged): June 16th
Why We’re Excited: Pixar is far from the sure thing it was a few years ago, but TURNING RED rocked and I always have hope- Saul

Movie: Next Goal Wins
Release Date (Alleged): September 22nd
Why We’re Excited: Taika Waititi has had too much dip on his chip recently, IMO but I’ve been enjoying OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH and the story (of taking a bunch of losers and trying to turn them into winners in the world of elite soccer) sounds fun. I’ll take the leap, but he’s on thin ice - Saul

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There you have it — The Movie Sluts most anticipated movies of 2023. Can’t wait to look back at this list in December of this year and see what we got right and what we absolutely whiffed on.

You can follow Steph on Letterboxd here.
You can follow Saul on Letterboxd here.

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Editors note: An earlier version of this newsletter listed Joe Hill as the author of “Cabin At The End Of The World.” The author is Paul G. Tremblay. We regret the error.