So if you know me, you know I’m a big Guillermo del Toro fan. I have been for many years. I have watched all of Guillermo del Toro’s movies at length, have talked about any new film of his coming out as part of the 2025 movie schedule, and have essentially become a fangirl for a man who has been making movies long before I was born.

But honestly, it’s been a bit since I’ve watched every single one of Guillermo del Toro’s movies in succession. Like, a long time. I have watched his new releases and occasionally revisited all the old ones, but it has been ages since I did an entire Guillermo del Toro marathon. So, I decided to check it out over the last few weeks. And I’m honestly shocked at the movie I ended up loving the most.

A Lot Of His Earlier Films Are Great

It’s rare that we talk about a famous director and say that his most recent work is his best work. I feel as if we always relate to the classics. For any of the Christopher Nolan movies, people will often cite The Dark Knight as his best, or Inception, or maybe even Interstellar. Some might say Oppenheimer which is good, but I still think some of his past work is the best.

Maybe for the best Steven Spielberg movies, they’ll talk about Jurassic Park or Schindler’s List. But for Guillermo del Toro? I actually think his movies got much better as he kept making them. I don’t think his past work is his best.

Don’t get me wrong – it’s still good. He wouldn’t have become a master of horror and fantasy if it weren’t. His two Hellboy films are still some great superhero movies that have nothing to do with any modern superhero universes. Blade II is still iconic. Pan’s Labyrinth is fantastic as well. If anything, I would say that it is the film that made Guillermo del Toro. And for a long time, it was my favorite one he had done. But there’s one movie that surpassed all of that – one I have to talk about.

However, Nightmare Alley Became My Favorite By Far, And Is Even Better A Second Time Around

I bet you weren’t expecting that, but yeah, Nightmare Alley is legit one of Guillermo del Toro’s best films – and one that I actually ended up loving so much.

You’d think by the name it would end up becoming one of the best horror movies out there, but Nightmare Alley isn’t really a horror film. In fact, it’s a neo-noir psychological thriller. It’s the type of film that not a lot of people would connect del Toro to because he’s mainly known for fantasy and horror (as well as some dips into heroes). But this movie, based on the 1946 novel of the same name, hits.

The premise of Nightmare Alley, if you haven’t seen it (like many others haven’t), is simply surrounding a carnival worker who takes some dangerous risks in order to make a buck and boost his career to a higher status, but as time goes on, these jobs turn more sinister, and his life is turned upside down.

This movie takes the thriller genre and turns it on its head. It’s not like a David Fincher film, where you’ll be scratching your head by the end of it, wondering what was right and what was wrong. This film is essentially the definition of “thriller.” It is thrilling because you truly never know what you are going to see next.

I Still Love Pinocchio, But Nightmare Alley Is So Creative

I once wrote an entire article back in 2022 when Pinocchio was released about the feelings I had watching that film and how it surpassed every other del Toro film. That movie came out after Nightmare Alley, and I think, because it had been some time since I saw Nightmare Alley, I didn’t appreciate it as much. That being said, Pinocchio is still one of my favorite del Toro films, and it made me so emotional.

But when I watched Nightmare Alley, I realized that a lot of the emotions I felt during Pinocchio were carried over into Nightmare Alley. They are two very different films, for two very different audiences (unless you’re like me, a pure cinephile), but I often found myself feeling the same amount of thrilling pleasure and intensity watching Nightmare Alley as I did Pinocchio, because del Toro was able to craft what happened in the film in such a way that I was on the edge of my seat.

It was then that I realized Nightmare Alley had surpassed my top spot. To create a good thriller, you have to dive deep into the mental state of the viewer. You, as a writer and director, must discover what makes the brain tick. And when I realized I was feeling a lot of the same feelings I felt during Pinocchio as I watched this film, it really did shift my perspective.

The Nightmare Alley cast was a big reason as to why. They did such a good job portraying these characters that now, I find it almost hard to separate them from their real-life counterparts. The story hooked me instantly, and the feelings were everywhere. Just an utter amount of craft poured into this film. I might be crazy comparing it to Pinocchio, but hey, it’s what I felt.

It's A Shame That It Came Out During A Time Where Not As Many People Saw The Film In Theaters

This is the biggest tragedy of them all. This film came out during a time when hardly anyone was going to the theaters, back in December 2021. The only thing that really came out during that time that made a serious splash was Spider-Man: No Way Home and all its fan service.

Nightmare Alley was part of a slew of Academy Award-winning features that came out, which were not as widely seen because they were in theaters. This included Steve Spielberg’s West Side Story, Licorice Pizza, and more. Some great ones were released on streaming that earned a lot of praise, but it makes me sad that Nightmare Alley never got that same amount back then, due to the theater situation post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Either way, at least now it’s available to watch online, and it’s one of those films that I must recommend you watch. It’s really not scary, and features some incredible moments of cinematography and acting that I really think deserve way more love and attention.

Honestly, del Toro has another film releasing in 2025, Frankenstein, so you might as well check out his last live-action film in the meantime. I’m going to go and rewatch it for fun, if you don’t mind me.

When it comes to one of the most famous directors, I’m sure there are many that might come to your mind. You could be thinking of Steven Spielberg, maybe the famous James Cameron, or perhaps even Wes Anderson, but for me, I’ve always thought about Guillermo del Toro. The man's work has impacted a good portion of my life, and from some of his movies, I’ve really learned to appreciate both good horror movies and fantastic fantasy films. 

But this list is for those who have never seen Guillermo del Toro’s movies before, and today, we’re going to talk about his best, from some of his earlier directed movies to some of the most recent. For anyone who wishes to see, these are Guillermo del Toro’s best movies. 

Cronos (1993)

First up on the list, we need to talk about Cronos, the first feature film that Guillermo del Toro ever directed. In this horror film, the audience is let into a world where a strange device gives the user the ability to obtain eternal life. But with this kind of power comes destruction, and now, after four hundred years, it’s back to cause more pain. 

Even for a film from a first-time director, Cronos is still so good and deserving of being on this list. Not only is it a great international horror film, but it also features a stellar story that genuinely gives me chills to this day. I would suggest anyone watch this if they want to get into del Toro’s movies. It's utterly unique.

Stream Cronos on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Cronos on Amazon.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Arguably, Pan’s Labyrinth is the most popular del Toro film, and for many reasons. This astounding dark fantasy film takes place in the 1940s in Spain, and mainly follows a little girl who starts to find herself in a magical world when she ends up moving in with her stepfather. But even if everything at first seems magical, there are creatures and darkness lurking around every corner. 

I could go on for hours about how much I love Pan’s Labyrinth. It’s, like, the perfect amount of both horror and fantasy, and something that pleases my movie-watching brain. This movie is the perfect film to show to anyone who doubts that del Toro is a master of horror and fantasy because it’s just fantastic. The film won and was nominated for several Academy Awards. 

Stream Pan’s Labyrinth on Starz. 
Rent/Buy Pan’s Labyrinth on Amazon.

Hellboy (2004)

Remember when Hellboy came out in 2019 and people were upset about everything with that film? It could be because it was nowhere like this version of Hellboy, released in 2004 and starring Ron Perlman. In this film, we follow a demonic beast who has turned into a superhero, and using these powers, he decides to help keep the world safe from the most dangerous monsters you could think of – all of the paranormal kind. 

Hellboy kicks ass in the best way. Guillermo del Toro really does prove that he can do it all by directing a superhero movie, but everything else in this film is great as well. I love the cinematography (which was also done by del Toro) and the story. And I’ll just say this here, I love David Harbour, but Ron Perlman’s portrayal of Hellboy just can’t be beat. 

Stream Hellboy on HBO Max. 
Rent/Buy Hellboy on Amazon.

Mimic (1997)

In this film, del Toro decided to step a little more into the science-fiction horror realm, and create the film Mimic. In this movie, we follow a scientist who takes it upon herself to create a mutant kind of insect to kill cockroaches that have been infecting and killing children in NYC. But sadly, over the course of a few years, she finds out that this insect has not died as she originally planned – but has only grown stronger, and much more monstrous. 

I’ll be the first to say that out of everyone, Guillermo del Toro really knows how to make the viewers squirm, whether that be how he’s able to build suspense, or for the gnarly prosthetics and makeup he uses for his monsters, but wow, does this film get under your skin in the best way. It’s truly unlike any horror film out there and one I believe every person who loves horror should see – just, ah… maybe stay away from it on a full stomach, is all I’ll say. 

Stream Mimic on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy Mimic on Amazon.

Crimson Peak (2015)

When I say del Toro can direct anything, I mean anything, including gothic romance films. In Crimson Peak, we are taken back in time to the Edwardian era in England, and our main protagonist is Edith, a young woman and aspiring author who ends up moving to a beautiful mansion with her new husband and his sister. But as she moves in, she starts to have ghostly visions, and now it’s up to her to decipher what they mean. 

Something I really love about Crimson Peak is that at this point in del Toro’s film career, it had really been unlike anything he had ever done before. We’ve seen him do horror and fantasy and sci-fi but I had never seen him do romance so well, and yet there’s a romance in here that truly took my breath away. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but just go into this blind and watch it from beginning to end. I’ll always be upset that it didn't do better at the box office. 

Stream Crimson Peak on Netflix. 
Rent/Buy Crimson Peak on Amazon.

The Devil’s Backbone (2001)

This film is amazing. The Devil’s Backbone is another horror film from Guillermo del Toro that is set in Spain and takes place during the Spanish Civil War, mainly focusing on a little boy who has lost his father in the war. But as soon as he arrives at an all-boys orphanage, he discovers that this place is haunted – and there are deep, dark secrets that are beginning to be discovered. 

This film is so well done from start to finish, and it is another example as to why Guillermo del Toro is a fantastic director all around. His ability to build suspense while still keeping the audience scared and on the edge of their seat is something that I truly love and need more of in my life. Even del Toro himself has said it’s one of his best movies. 

Stream The Devil’s Backbone on HBO Max.
Rent/Buy The Devil’s Backbone on Amazon.

The Shape Of Water (2017)

Moving on to a romantic fantasy film, we look at The Shape of Water. This is an interesting film that tells the story of a cleaner who speaks with sign language and works at a government facility which just so happens to be containing a humanoid amphibian creature – basically a fish person – but she ends up falling in love with him and does everything in her power to help him escape. 

Yes, the premise is a bit out there but trust me when I say that the movie really is expertly directed and beautifully shot. The performances are fantastic all around and I could go on for hours about how the love story is actually very sweet in many ways – I just, uh, never need to see a certain scene again and if you know, you know. I’ll just let you all be surprised. 

But the rest of the film is amazing – the film earned thirteen Academy Award nominations, won both Best Picture and Best Director, becoming the first fantasy film since The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King to win. 

Stream The Shape of Water on FreeVee through Amazon.
Rent/Buy The Shape of Water on Amazon.

Nightmare Alley (2021) 

Last but not least, we need to talk about Nightmare Alley. While it unfortunately came out in 2021 and didn’t have a big debut at the box office since it was around the same time Spider-Man: No Way Home was in theaters, Nightmare Alley is an amazing neo-noir psychological thriller film that tells the story of a carnival worker who will do anything to try and make his career bigger and better – including using people to his advantage that could end dangerously. 

Nightmare Alley was nominated for four Academy Awards, and has some really cool visual design and skillful storytelling. The entire Nightmare Alley cast is great, but I have to give special praise to Bradley Cooper, who rocked it in his starring role and deserved way more credit than he got. 

Stream Nightmare Alley on Hulu. 
Rent/Buy Nightmare Alley on Amazon.

There are truly so many amazing films that Guillermo del Toro has had a hand in creating, but these were just some of his best directed films that I had to focus on. And if you’re craving more Guillermo del Toro after this, be sure to check out his new Netflix series, Cabinet of Curiosities, featuring even more creepy, scary stories. Happy watching! 

It’s that time of year again - the 2022 Academy Award nominations have come through and they are looking good as heck. With so many amazing movies that released during 2021, it was only a matter of time before these picks were solidified. And with ten solid movies, I think it’s time we find a way to watch all of them. Here is how you can watch every single Best Picture nominee this year. 

Belfast  

In this British/Irish coming of age drama, Belfast is told through the eyes of a child, chronicling the struggles that his family went through during “The Troubles,” a period of conflict that lasted for thirty years within Ireland, and how his family survived. 

Directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring names such as Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, and more, Belfast is a film that will change you. Belfast is now available to rent and buy on Amazon.

Rent/Buy Belfast on Amazon.

Coda 

Apple TV+ is coming for the Best Picture crown this year. Coda tells the story Ruby, a “coda,” which means “child of deaf adults,” and she is the only hearing member in her family. While she wants to pursue her dreams, she’s terrified of leaving her family behind when their business is threatened, and has to make a choice. 

Coda is directed by Sian Heder and starts Emilia Jones as Ruby, and the film very much shows the struggle that these children can face, as well as showing life through a different perspective of a deaf person. Since the film was released by a streaming service, Coda is available to stream right now on Apple TV+. 

Stream Coda on Apple TV+.

Don’t Look Up 

Directed by Adam McKay, Don’t Look Up is a Netflix original movie about two scientists who discover an extinction-level asteroid hurtling towards Earth. The only issue is that it seems no one cares - not even the President of the United States. 

With a brilliant Don’t Look Up cast, including stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and so many more, this movie has certainly made news and broken records, even with its wild ending. If you’re looking to watch this black comedy/apocalyptic movie, it’s available right now to stream on Netflix. 

Stream Don’t Look Up on Netflix.

Drive My Car  

There’s always one film each year at the Academy Awards that’s an under the radar movie but is still so good, and Drive My Car was the pick. This drama that comes from Japan follows a prominent stage actor and director who has recently lost his wife, and now has to deal with the young women who was appointed to drive his car while directing a huge production. 

Drive My Car was directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, and stars Hidetoshi Nishijima.  Drive My Car is available to stream on HBO Max, so you better jump on over there now to check it out before the ceremony. It's also available to rent on Amazon.

Stream Drive My Car on HBO Max. 

Rent Drive My Car on Amazon.

Dune

I know you’ve heard of it at least once this year. Based on the novel of the same name, Dune follows a young man who finds himself on a dangerous adventure in order to protect his family as well as his people. 

Dune was certainly the talk of the town in 2021 for many months, breaking box office expectations and already scoring a sequel with its brilliant visual effects and sci-fi story. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and featuring a star-studded cast with names like Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac and more, Dune is available to stream on HBO Max, as well as rent on Amazon.

Stream Dune on HBO Max.

Buy Dune on Amazon.

King Richard 

If you want a brilliant biopic, check out King Richard. This movie, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and starring Will Smith, tells the story of the father of Venus and Serena Williams, and the lengths he had to go to make sure that his daughters could reach the greatness they so rightly deserved. 

The King Richard cast is full of stars, and with Will Smith receiving a Best Actor nomination for his leading role, that should be even more of an incentive to watch. King Richard is available to stream on HBO Max, as well as rent on Amazon.

Stream King Richard on HBO Max. 

Rent King Richard on Amazon.

Licorice Pizza 

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, Licorice Pizza is a coming of age dramedy telling the story of Alana and Gary, from their meeting to their love story to everything else in-between, showing what it’s like to experience that first love in 1973. 

Starring Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman in their film debuts, Licorice Pizza is a great movie with a love story that will stick with you long after you finish the movie. Licorice Pizza is available to rent on Amazon right now, so if you want to check out this dramedy, be sure to give it a try. 

Rent Licorice Pizza on Amazon.

Nightmare Alley 

Directed by the master of horror and fantasy himself, Guillermo del Toro, Nightmare Alley tells the story of Stanton Carlisle, who’s worked at a carnival for many years, and ends up using the tips and tricks from a psychic to somehow get into the minds of patrons, tricking them into thinking he's also clairvoyant. Using that, he works his way up in society, conning everyone he meets, and changes his life for the better - until it gets worse.

Nightmare Alley is a thrilling movie, and considering it has a stellar cast composed of stars such as Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and more, this movie is certainly worth the watch. Nightmare Alley is available to stream on both Hulu and HBO Max, but if you want to rent, it is also available on Amazon.

Stream Nightmare Alley on Hulu. 

Stream Nightmare Alley on HBO Max. 

Rent Nightmare Alley on Amazon.

The Power Of The Dog 

Next up, we have The Power of the Dog, a Netflix original starring Benedict Cumberbatch and directed by Jane Campion. This great western movie follows Phil Burbank, a rancher who has a bit of an attitude problem when his brother brings home a new wife.

As someone who’s a big fan of Cumberbatch’s work, he certainly puts on a great performance, and the rest of the cast is superb as well. Since it is a Netflix original, The Power of the Dog is available to stream on Netflix right now. 

Stream The Power of the Dog on Netflix.

West Side Story 

Last but not least, we have West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring newcomer Rachel Zegler, as well as Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, and more. This adaptation of the classic Broadway show tells the story of Maria and Tony, a classic Romeo and Juliet tale where they want to run away together, but have to deal with the ongoing gang battle between the Jets and the Sharks, two groups of immigrants with different ethnic origins fighting for their neighborhood in 1950s NYC.

Many fans believe that Spielberg even improved on the original adaptation of West Side Story in 1961 (which won the Academy Award for Best Picture), so you know it’s worth the time to watch. West Side Story is currently available to stream on Disney+ and HBO Max, and rent on Amazon.

Stream West Side Story on Disney+. 

Stream West Side Story on HBO Max.

Rent West Side Story on Amazon.

With so many outstanding films, I’m sure you have your hands full now. Better schedule out some time to binge, because you’re going to want to watch every single one of these movies. 

With Oscar nominations right around the corner, CinemaBlend is taking a look at which films and performances are likely to be in contention for nominations. Let’s look at a the Best Picture race. 

Locked In

Nine films this year received Best Picture nominations from the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and Producer’s Guild awards. Those are The Power of the Dog, Belfast, Dune, Licorice Pizza, King Richard, Don’t Look Up, CODA, West Side Story and Tick, tick… Boom! With ten guaranteed slots this year, it’s a good bet that nearly all of these films, if not all, will be nominated. 

The flimsiest of the bunch is likely Tick, tick… Boom!, which has succeeded as a passion pick this season, but hasn’t picked up a lot of support outside of Andrew Garfield in lead actor. Still, it could join films like Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Post, and The Blind Side as films that coupled their Best Picture nominations with just one acting nomination. 

Likely Bets

The last slot is a real wildcard. Being the Ricardos has strong support for Nicole Kidman’s performance and Aaron Sorkin’s script, but mixed reviews might mean it doesn’t have the passion to go all the way. Drive My Car is the opposite. It’s an international film with no star power, and is in the conversation solely due to word of mouth. The film is currently the International Feature frontrunner, and could score nominations in Adapted Screenplay and Director as well. Passion could carry this one a long way. It’s possible that fewer voters will watch it, but that it may rank higher on the ballots of those who have seen it.

Dark Horses

Nightmare Alley has all the hallmarks of a Best Picture nominee: a star-studded cast, stunning visuals and Oscar-winning director behind it. However, reviews weren’t through the roof, and the film was unfortunately a box office failure. It looks like it’ll be hanging on in just a few tech categories.

House of Gucci was embraced heavily at SAG with nominations for Gaga, Leto, and the ensemble cast. However, reception was very mixed for this one. It could surprise due to having a higher profile than other contenders, but I’m not counting on it.

It’s possible that The Tragedy of Macbeth or The Worst Person in the World find themselves embraced more heavily than they were with other precursors. Certainly both films have passion behind them, and could score surprise nominations elsewhere. 

The 10th slot this year could be just another generic, lackluster Oscar bait film, or something really special. We’ll find out soon. 

I’m going to show my age here, but I remember having to wait over a year to watch movies like Jurassic Park at home following its earth-shattering run at the box office. A lot has changed in the past 29 years, and now it seems like movies come out on home video or streaming earlier than ever before, giving audiences even more opportunities to revisit them or watch them for the first time. This is especially true for Guillermo del Toro’s latest effort, Nightmare Alley, which is scheduled to start streaming not even two months after its initial release.

If this is the first you’re hearing about being able to watch Nightmare Alley streaming, don’t worry because we have everything you need to know about checking out the captivating, poisonous throwback from the comfort of your home and when you can expect to check out one of the best movies of 2021.

When And Where To Watch Nightmare Alley Streaming

Movies typically land on one platform when they make their streaming debut, but starting Tuesday, February 1, anyone with a Hulu subscription or an HBO Max subscription will be able to to watch Nightmare Alley with little to no trouble at all. This is because of a deal Disney and Warner Bros. struck in 2021 that carves up the Fox theatrical releases, as first reported by Variety. We have seen this with Ron’s Gone Wrong which debuted on HBO Max and Disney+ in December 2021, and will again when Free Guy makes its streaming debut on the two services on February 23.

You can check out the trailer for Nightmare Alley on HBO Max. 

Other Ways To Watch Nightmare Alley

If you are pumped to watch Nightmare Alley from the comfort of your home but still want to get the full theatrical experience, don’t worry because the Bradley Cooper-led thriller is still showing in theaters as of late January. No one is holding anything against you if you didn’t catch the movie when it first came out. I mean, it’s not like there was stiff competition at the box office or anything like that. But you may want to check your local listings before you head to the movie theater to make sure Nightmare Alley is playing in your city.

Even though Nightmare Alley will be streaming very soon, there still hasn’t been any word on when the movie will be available on home release, but there are some great DVDs and Blu-rays coming out worth looking into. 

Check Out CinemaBlend’s Nightmare Alley Coverage

If you have already watched Nightmare Alley and want to read more about the movie, don’t worry because CinemaBlend has a sizable collection of stories about the Guillermo del Toro movie. There is everything from a breakdown of the movie’s ending to the reason why J.J. Abrams was mentioned in the credits, and so much more. You can also check out what other critics had to say as well.

There is a ton of other movies and new shows coming to Hulu in February, so make sure to give any of those titles a spin after you watch Nightmare Alley streaming. And don’t forget to take a quick glance at all the 2022 new movie releases so you don’t miss anything on the big screen.

February may not be the top month of the year for enjoying the great outdoors, but there will be plenty to enjoy streaming thanks to Hulu on both the movie and TV fronts. The streamer landed two pretty huge movie streaming debuts with the deadly noir of Nightmare Alley and the high energy action of The King’s Man. TV is just as exciting, as Pam & Tommy and the return of the original Law & Order are both slated to drop this month as well. If you want to see what came to the party in January 2022, take a moment and refresh yourself; otherwise, it’s time to see what February 2022 has in store for Hulu subscribers!

New On Hulu The Week Of February 1: Nightmare Alley, Batman 1989, Pam & Tommy Series Premiere, And More

Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley debuts on Hulu this month, as this much-buzzed-about film starring Bradley Cooper becomes available to an even wider audience in the world of streaming. Meanwhile, the unrecognizable Lily James and Sebastian Stan are set to turn some heads in Pam & Tommy. The limited series that examines the sex tape that changed the internet, and rocked pop culture in general, starts its run this week. 

Your Attention Please: Season 3 Premiere - 2/1/22
Top Chef: Complete Season 18 - 2/1/2
1984 (1985) - 2/1/22
A BETTER LIFE (2011) - 2/1/22
THE ACCUSED (1988) - 2/1/22
AIRPLANE! (1980) - 2/1/22
ALI (2001) - 2/1/22
ALMOST FAMOUS (2000) - 2/1/22
THE AMBASSADOR (1985) - 2/1/22
APARTMENT TROUBLES (2014) - 2/1/22
ARCTIC (2018) - 2/1/22
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (2011) - 2/1/22
THE BANK JOB (2008) - 2/1/22
BATMAN (1989) - 2/1/22
BATMAN RETURNS (1992) - 2/1/22
BATMAN FOREVER (1995) - 2/1/22
BATMAN & ROBIN (1997) - 2/1/22
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES (2013) - 2/1/22
BEETHOVEN (1992) - 2/1/22
BEETHOVEN'S 2ND (1993) - 2/1/22
BLACK SWAN (2010) - 2/1/22
BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN (2006)  - 2/1/22
BROKEN ARROW (1996) - 2/1/22
THE BRONZE (2015) - 2/1/22
CASUALTIES OF WAR (1989) - 2/1/22
CHARLIE'S ANGELS (2000) - 2/1/22
CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE (2003) - 2/1/22
COUSINS (1989) - 2/1/22
CROCODILE DUNDEE (1986) - 2/1/22
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (2008) - 2/1/22
DATE MOVIE (2006) - 2/1/22
DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE (2001) - 2/1/22
THE DOORS (1991) - 2/1/22
EL DORADO (1967) - 2/1/22
FIGHT CLUB (1999) - 2/1/22
FIRST DAUGHTER (2004) - 2/1/22
THE FLINTSTONES (1994) - 2/1/22
THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971) - 2/1/22
THE GLASS CASTLE (2017) - 2/1/22
GLORY (1989) - 2/1/22
HAMBURGER HILL (1987) - 2/1/22
HE GOT GAME (1998) - 2/1/22
HITCH (2005) - 2/1/22
HOUSE OF THE DEAD (2003) - 2/1/22
HUSTLE AND HEAT (2004) - 2/1/22
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1956) - 2/1/22
THE JANUARY MAN (1989) - 2/1/22
JINGLE ALL THE WAY (1996) - 2/1/22
JOHN CARPENTER'S GHOSTS OF MARS (2001) - 2/1/22
JUST WRIGHT (2010) - 2/1/22
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (2005) - 2/1/22
LAKE PLACID (1999) - 2/1/22
LIAR (1997) - 2/1/22
LIFE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT (2002) - 2/1/22
LUCKY (2017) - 2/1/22
MAJOR LEAGUE (1989) - 2/1/22
MAN ON FIRE (1987) - 2/1/22
THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE (1962) - 2/1/22
MCLINTOCK! (PRODUCER'S CUT) (1963) - 2/1/22
MIRRORS (2008) - 2/1/22
MISS BALA (2011) - 2/1/22
THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR (2008) - 2/1/22
NARC (2002) - 2/1/22
NIGHTMARE ALLEY (2021) - 2/1/22
THE ONE (2001) - 2/1/22
OSCAR (1991) - 2/1/22
THE OTHER GUYS (2010) - 2/1/22
PATRIOT GAMES (1992) - 2/1/22
PLANET 51 (2009) - 2/1/22
REAL GENIUS (1985) - 2/1/22
THE RING TWO (2005) - 2/1/22
THE RING TWO (UNRATED) (2005) - 2/1/22
ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS (1993) - 2/1/22
ROSEMARY'S BABY (1968) - 2/1/22
ROXANNE (1987) - 2/1/22
SAFE (2012) - 2/1/22
SEVEN POUNDS (2008) - 2/1/22
SMALL SOLDIERS (1998) - 2/1/22
SNOW DAY (2000) - 2/1/22
THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER (1965) - 2/1/22
STEP UP (2006) - 2/1/22
THE STEPFATHER (2009) - 2/1/22
STICK IT (2006) - 2/1/22
STRIKING DISTANCE (1993) - 2/1/22
SUMMER RENTAL (1985) - 2/1/22
SWING VOTE (2008) - 2/1/22
TERMS OF ENDEARMENT (1983) - 2/1/22
THAT THING YOU DO! (1996) - 2/1/22
TOMBSTONE (1993) - 2/1/22
THE TREE OF LIFE (2010) - 2/1/22
TURBULENCE (1997) - 2/1/22
UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: THE RETURN (1999) - 2/1/22
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (2010) - 2/1/22
WHIPLASH (2014) - 2/1/22
WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP (1992) - 2/1/22
YOU AGAIN (2010) - 2/1/22
PAM & TOMMY: SERIES PREMIERE - 2/2/22
BASKETBALL AND OTHER THINGS: COMPLETE SEASON 1 - 2/3/22
THE DEEP HOUSE (2021) - 2/3/22
BEANS (2021)
THE BETA TEST (2021) - 2/4/22
UN GALLO CON MUCHOS HUEVOS (2015) - 2/4/22
Rick & Morty: Complete Season 5 - 2/5/22

New On Hulu The Week Of February 6: Dollface: Complete Season 2, Gully, And More

Dollface returns with the complete Season 2 this week, as Kat Dennings and her friends confront one of the greatest puzzles in life: turning 30. If that's not enough excitement, then Gully also makes its streaming debut, as an eventful 48 hours of drugs, crime, and danger take place, with Jonathan Majors, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Amber Heard along for the ride. 

CLOTILDA: LAST AMERICAN SLAVE SHIP (2022) - 2/8/22
To Catch A Smuggler: Season 3 Premiere - 2/10/22
GULLY (2021) - 2/10/22
Dollface: Complete Season 2 - 2/11/22

New On Hulu The Week Of February 13: The King’s Man, The Shape Of Water, Trolls: TrollsTopia Complete Season 6, And More

While you won’t be seeing those infamous deleted scenes involving Rasputin’s deadly penis attack, The King’s Man will be making its streaming debut for those of you who have been patiently waiting to see this Kingsman prequel caper. Not to mention, you can revisit Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, if you’re looking for an unconventionally beautiful romance. You may want to get your kid’s tablet loaded up with some entertainment to keep them occupied in order to watch either of these films, which means the arrival of Trolls: TrollsTopia’s Complete Season 6 is probably a good thing for this week of entertainment. 

THE SPACE BETWEEN (2021) - 2/14/22
America's Book of Secrets: Complete Season 4 - 2/15/22
America's Book of Secrets: Special Edition: Complete Season 1 - 2/15/22
American Pickers: Complete Season 15 - 2/15/22
Encounter: Complete Season 1 - 2/15/22
The Food That Built America: Complete Season 2 - 2/15/22
Forged in Fire: Complete Seasons 6 & 8 - 2/15/22
Hoarders: Complete Seasons 1, 2 & 12 - 2/15/22
Little Women: LA: Complete Season 1 - 2/15/22
Married at First Sight: Complete Season 12 - 2/15/22
Married at First Sight: Couples' Cam: Complete Season 2 - 2/15/22
Married at First Sight: Unmatchables: Complete Season 1 - 2/15/22
Mountain Men: Complete Season 10 - 2/15/22
Mr. Queen: Complete Season 1 - 2/15/22
Pawn Stars: Complete Season 1 - 2/15/22
The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch: Complete Season 2 - 2/15/22
Storage Wars: Complete Season 13 - 2/15/22
The UnXplained with William Shatner: Complete Season 2B - 2/15/22
CHEER SQUAD SECRETS (2020) - 2/15/22
DISTRICT B13 (2004) - 2/15/22
FIREHEART (2022) - 2/15/22
HAMMER OF THE GODS (2013) - 2/15/22
THE SHAPE OF WATER (2017) - 2/15/22
WHO IS KILLING THE CHEERLEADERS? (2020) - 2/15/22
Trolls: TrollsTopia: Complete Season 6 - 2/17/22
A HOUSE ON THE BAYOU (2021) - 2/17/22
THE KING'S MAN (2021) - 2/18/22
THE FEAST (2021) - 2/18/22
Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]: Complete Season 1 (DUBBED) - 2/19/22
Gurren Lagann: Complete Season 1 (DUBBED) - 2/19/22

New On Hulu The Weeks Of February 20 & 27: Law & Order: Season 21, No Exit, And More

Over a decade has passed since the original Law & Order aired what was supposed to be its last episode. The flagship entry in creator Dick Wolf’s landmark procedural drama franchise is about to make a big comeback, as Season 21 is set with a cast of old friends and newcomers, working to keep the streets of New York safe. If only one of those detectives was trapped in the rest stop that No Exit takes place in, as it’d make this streaming exclusive’s abduction whodunnit all the easier to solve. 

American Song Contest: Series Premiere - 2/22/22
HOW IT ENDS (2021) - 2/22/22
Snowfall: Season 5 Premiere - 2/24/22
THE LAST RITE (2021) - 2/24/22
NO EXIT (2022) - 2/25/22
Law & Order: Season 21 Premiere - 2/25/22
THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS (2018) - 2/27/22

February 2022 is one huge month of streaming delight if you're a Hulu subscriber. Which is why you should consult this schedule from time to time, as titles are subject to change and availability. Also, you'll probably want to write down when movies like Tombstone and That Thing You Do!, as well as TV premieres like Snowfall Season 5, are happening. We'll see you back here around this time next month, but in the meantime, check out the 2022 TV premiere schedule to find out what other titles are returning or debuting in the winter and spring season. 

Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley is getting strong reviews from critics and from the fans who have seen it. However, what it is not doing is setting the box office on fire. Unfortunately, it’s not looking like that’s going to be changing, even with the positive word of mouth. That's because the number of screenings of Nightmare Alley are reportedly being slashed in order to put Spider-Man: No Way Home on more screens. And many are blaming Disney for doing this to itself.

Nightmare Alley opened just this past Friday, the same day as Spider-Man: No Way Home, but some are reporting that showings of Nightmare Alley are already difficult to come by. This isn’t going to help the movie’s success, as it makes it difficult to see the movie even for those who would like to do so. 

While it’s certainly not unusual to have movies see the number of showings reduced when they’re underperforming, that usually doesn’t start until the end of the first week at the absolute earliest. But in some markets, this seems to be happening only days after the movie opened. 

What makes the whole thing interesting is that while Spider-Man: No Way Home is a Sony production, it’s made in conjunction with Marvel Studios, and Nightmare Alley is a Searchlight production, which means it’s actually a Disney movie, as it’s from one of the studios that came with the Fox purchase. This means that Nightmare Alley and No Way Home are pitting Disney against itself in some capacity. Technically Nightmare Alley getting its screenings reduced would be bad news for Disney, and one assumes the studio would not want to see that. And if any studio has power to make things happen at theaters, it's Disney.

It’s not entirely widespread; a quick peek at showtimes in my own Northern California market shows three, four, and even five screenings a day for Nightmare Alley at every multiplex where it is available. Spider-Man: No Way Home hasn’t completely cannibalized every screen in every town, but it does seem to be happening in some places.  

Of course, Disney could have moved the release date for Nightmare Alley, but clearly chose not to do that. We see studios moving release dates all the time to try to give movies the best possible shot at success, and that’s all the more true these days. 

Whether this was an attempt at counter-programming or the decision, as is sometimes made, to cut a movie loose because it was decided success was unlikely, it seems like Nightmare Alley is becoming a self fulfilling prophecy, as the movie isn’t going to do well at all if nobody can see it.  

Back in October, Andy Serkis' Venom: Let There Be Carnage set a new box office record as a blockbuster released during the pandemic. Making $90.1 million in three days, it not only made more money in its opening weekend than any other title since March 2020, but it was the first major sequel to outgross its predecessor. It was an impressive achievement at the time... which makes what Jon Watts' Spider-Man: No Way Home just did border on the miraculous. The new Marvel Studios film not only surpassed the money made by Venom 2, but nearly tripled it.

Check out the full Top 10 in the chart below, and continue reading below for analysis!

When Jon Watts' Spider-Man: Far From Home came out in the wake of Joe and Anthony Russo's Avengers: Endgame in the summer of 2019, it only managed to make $92.6 million – which should impress upon you how ridiculously massive these numbers are. There was concern that growing fears regarding the Omicron variant of COVID-19 were going to potentially take a big bite out of the gross, but looking at the results it doesn't look like it was a particularly influential factor in people's movie-going habits since Friday.

Not only is Spider-Man: No Way Home's opening weekend box office performance create a new high water mark for new releases since the start of the pandemic, but it's actually one of the most successful of all time. Not factoring in inflation, the only two movies that made more money in their first three days than the latest web-slinger blockbuster are the aforementioned Avengers: Endgame ($357.1 million) and Joe and Anthony Russo's Avengers: Infinity War ($257.7 million). This means that it was more successful than all of the Disney-era Star Wars movies, the Jurassic World duology, and even the first two Avengers films. That's remarkable.

Of course, what only adds insane fuel to the fire is the performance of Spider-Man: No Way Home in foreign markets, which when added to the domestic haul more than doubles the global gross. The movie doesn't have a confirmed release date in China yet, but it came out in theaters around the world simultaneously this weekend, and the outcome is awesome. The Marvel blockbuster has already made $587 million worldwide, making it already the sixth biggest release of 2021.

While the numbers themselves are eye-opening, it's certainly hard to call the success a surprise. Thanks to all of the hype surrounding the film's dip into the multiverse and past Spider-Man movies, the release has been hailed as one of the most anticipated 2021 features since the start of the year. Add in the overwhelmingly positive reviews that started pouring in last Monday, and a perfect formula for box office success was generated.

There was never any real doubt that Spider-Man: No Way Home would ultimately be declared the highest grossing domestic film of the year, but what we didn't know was how quickly it would grab the title; it turns out that the answer was three days. Destin Daniel Cretton's Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings has held on to the top spot since late September, as it was the first Hollywood title to eclipse $200 million at home – but it ended its run with $224.5 million, which is a number that the latest Spider-Man just surpassed.

The Draw Of Spider-Man: No Way Home Definitely Took Attention Away From Other Big Screen Releases

The movie theater industry obviously has to be elated by the success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, as the influx of customers seeing the Marvel blockbuster like back in pre-pandemic times must have been blissful – though at the same time it's hard not to notice that the success of the new release didn't exactly lead to a "rising tide lifts all boats" situation. More money came into the box office this weekend than any other Friday-to-Sunday in 2021, but it's hard not to notice that achievement was done with only one title making north of $10 million.

One of the bigger disappointments this past weekend was Guillermo del Toro's Nightmare Alley – which was given a strange release date considering it's being distributed by 20th Century Films, which is owned by the Walt Disney Company, which has a lot of stock in the success of Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: No Way Home. The film is the first del Toro has made since the Best Picture-winning The Shape of Water in 2017, and the dark noir has gotten some great reviews, but it was mysteriously stuck in the shadow of the wall-crawler, and has been given little chance to really succeed. Hopefully word of mouth will do it some favors in the coming weeks.

Looking at the rest of the chart, the movie world was shocked last weekend when Steven Spielberg's West Side Story only managed to make $10.5 million during its debut, and things didn't exactly improve this time around. The desire to see Spider-Man swinging around the streets of New York instead of gangs rumbling in the streets was made very clear in the musical's second weekend results, as the feature took a 68 percent plunge and added only $3.4 million to its domestic total. This means that it is still waiting to hit the $20 million mark (it presently sits at about $18 million), which is definitely not great when you consider that the reported budget of the title is about $100 million (according to Variety).

Expect Spider-Man: No Way Home To Dominate Again In Its Second Weekend.

Given that a steep 60 percent fall in its second weekend would still result in Spider-Man: No Way Home having the second best Friday-to-Sunday performance of 2021, it seems fairly easy to predict at this point that the film will still be called the number one movie in America next week. That being said, there are some other huge titles coming that will hopefully give the Marvel movie some real competition and keep movie theaters flooded with masked audiences.

There is a trio of anticipated titles set to arrive on the big screen this Wednesday, including Lana Wachowski's The Matrix Resurrections (which will also be available on HBO Max), Matthew Vaughn's The King's Man (a prequel to the two Kingsman blockbusters), and Garth Jennings' Sing 2 (the animated sequel to 2016's Sing). There is an expectation that these titles will do a solid job mixing up the Top 10 in a major way, so be sure to head back here to CinemaBlend next Sunday to see how all of the cards fall.

Warning: spoilers for Nightmare Alley are in play. This dark tale is about to get spoiled something fierce, so you may want to head to another piece of coverage pertaining to the film, courtesy of CinemaBlend. 

There are no literal monsters or supernatural forces at work in Guillermo del Toro’s noir thriller Nightmare Alley. In fact, the beasts at work are purely human, with various motivations at work throughout the entirety of this retelling of author William Lindsay Gresham’s 1946 novel. By time the Nightmare Alley ending kicks in, the fate of Bradley Cooper’s noir huckster feels like it had been locked in since frame one; and even Stanton Carlisle himself would agree. 

Heed this last warning, dear reader! We’re about to swim into the dark but beautiful waters of this twisted tale, and it’s going to take us everywhere that Stanton set foot. Which means, there are a lot of details that the uninitiated may want to discover by watching the film for themselves. If you don’t want to ruin the fun, head back into the light and enjoy our spoiler-free material on the movie. Those ready to take a trip into Nightmare Alley only need to follow us further, but be warned. You might not like what you see, and it’s very easy to get lost between what’s real, and what’s merely a spook show.

What Happened At The End Of Nightmare Alley?

Trying to escape his own dark past, Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) goes from a drifter working at a passing carnival to the toast of New York. His mentalist act, alongside girlfriend/assistant Molly (Rooney Mara,) earns him much praise, but ultimately brings him to the edge of death and imprisonment. If only he’d heeded the warnings of those that taught him, he could have saved some lives throughout Nightmare Alley’s third act. 

Pushing his act to its breaking point, thanks to some encouragement from the shady Dr. Lilith Ritter (Cate Blanchett), Stanton uses his “powers” to communicate with the dead. In actuality, he’s using information from Dr. Ritter’s files to con rich, grieving subjects into paying him to contact the afterlife. The act winds up killing several people, spurring a murder-suicide from one customer, Miss Kimball (Mary Steenburgen,) and ending with Stanton killing eccentric billionaire Ezra Grindle (Richard Jenkins), as well as his bodyguard (Holt McCallany).

Escaping with their lives after the Grindle swindle, Molly finally leaves Stanton; which isn’t helped by the fact that she knew he was having an affair with Dr. Ritter. The good doctor, as it turns out, was on the take as well, keeping Stan’s money for herself, while preparing to incriminate him for safety. After an attempt on Dr. Ritter’s life, Stan flees, drifting once again as he must stay on the run. 

Which winds us to those final moments in Nightmare Alley, where a broken down and alcohol-addicted Stanton Carlisle is desperate for work. Returning to the life of a carny, there’s only one job a savvy carnival operator (Tim Blake Nelson) would give a man like that. It’s just a temporary gig, until they find the right man for the job, and it’s as the star of the carnival’s geek show. Smiling darkly and laughing the laugh of a man who knows he’s damned, Stanton replies with the dark closing line of the film: “Mister, I was born for it.” 

The Secrets Of Stanton Carlisle’s Dark Past

Maybe somewhere along the way, Stanton Carlisle could have changed his fate. He honestly tried to do exactly that at the start of Nightmare Alley, after setting a house on fire to cover up a murder he’d committed. As we move along the story of Stan’s ambitious climb to entertaining society, all we know is that he had a bad relationship with his alcoholic father, and carried the watch that his old man coveted so hard.

As it turns out, Mr. Carlisle’s dark past involved letting dear old dad die, due to exposure from an open window. Claiming him a weak man who turned his mother away, leaving the two of them in absolute squalor, Stanton admits his crimes to Dr. Ritter in a psychoanalysis session. Strangely enough, this wasn’t the worst of his crimes, nor is it what sealed his path to dark times. That started at the carnival, and with the most honest of intentions.

The Spook Show: Stanton’s Path From Drifter To Showman

We see Stanton Carlisle begin his life as a carny in an earnest enough circumstance. He finds the carnival by fate, and is asked by Bruno (Ron Perlman) to stick around and help load out the show on a night of inclement weather. Part of his duties eventually see him taking what should have been a cautionary detour, as he’s enlisted to capture the show’s prized geek, who’s escaped into the funhouse. 

The largest red flags that should have warned Stan of his Nightmare Alley fate come from two of the old hands on the carnival circuit. Clem (Willem Dafoe) lays down the process as to how you can turn any man into a geek, and it involves addiction to alcohol and a bit of opium to help the ride. At this point, Stanton doesn’t drink, as his father’s habit is still fresh in his mind; but that all changes down the line. 

The most important piece of advice comes from Stanton's mentor, Pete (David Strathairn). Teaching Stanton the art of mentalism, he warns him not to get too deep into the weeds, and always let the audience know it’s in fun. Otherwise, he’ll be playing “the spook show,” pretending to be clairvoyant when, in fact, he’s not. People are likely to get hurt if you do that, and Pete knows it for sure. 

Absolute Truth: Stanton’s Path From Showman To Geek

Ignoring the warning signs, and accidentally killing Pete by feeding his addiction with a bottle of deadly wood alcohol, Stanton takes Molly and his act into the world. Two years have passed since the two left the carnival, and “The Great Stanton” is wowing crowds in Buffalo, New York. Which is where Dr. Ritter gets her hooks into the social climber, and starts to feed his ambitions a little too heartily. 

Before long, Stanton starts his downward spiral of performing “the spook show,” in order to make off with tons of money, and with Dr. Ritter’s help. Gaining inside information on her patients, the act convinces Miss Kimball her dead son misses her and her husband. As if that wasn’t enough, that “success” woos Ezra Grindle into trying to atone for his horrible deeds against young women, spurring from an ill-fated love affair. 

“The Spook Show” has done its deed, and with four dead people on his conscience, Stanton Carlisle loses it all. He even loses Molly, who somehow stuck with him for so long, even after knowing he was cheating on her with Ritter. Broken, penniless, and addicted to the alcohol he got a taste of from Dr. Ritter, Stan becomes the geek he was bound to wind up the whole time.

Was Stanton Carlisle Cursed The Whole Time?

While Nightmare Alley isn’t a strictly supernatural film, at least not compared to Guillermo del Toro’s other work, there’s a case to be made that Stanton could have been cursed. It’s never said in the movie outright, but the attention to his father’s watch almost acts as a dark talisman that symbolizes that his journey was always going to be towards ruin. Killing his father and taking his watch may have seemed like the start of a new life for Stanton, but as the stakes rise and the payout grows, Mr. Carlisle’s ambitions seem to keep him marching towards doom.

In the most “magical” moment of the film, fortune teller Zeena (Toni Collette) even tries to warn Stanton of what’s to come; thanks to a tarot reading. Drawing three cards, she is the ultimate warning sign that he should be taking a moment to think about what he’s doing. Of course, he doesn’t heed those warnings, leaving a trail of consequences in his wake. And as Dr. Ritter warned him, “dealing with Ezra Grindle will have consequences. Permanent ones.”

Could Stanton Carlisle have been cursed throughout all of Nightmare Alley? That depends on how much you consider the man cursed by his own ambitions, and whether or not he could have denied his inner greed. Molly certainly helped keep it at bay for long enough, but in the end, the huckster found himself easy prey to the pretty poisons he allowed himself to indulge in.

If you haven’t seen the absolutely stunning work of Nightmare Alley yet, or find yourself wanting to revisit its charms, you can do just that as the film is currently in theaters. However, should you want to rejoin the world of the living and the light, the showcase of 2021 new movie releases is waiting to show you the way. Just remember to keep your eyes on the cards, and let the audience know it’s all in good fun before the curtain drops. There’s always a geek waiting to be made, and if you’re not careful, that geek could be you. 

Directors can be quite a chummy bunch when you get to know them, especially if you happen to be a director yourself. Guillermo del Toro knows this, as he’s always had a reliable group of friends that have helped him make big decisions in his filmmaking career. Thanks to his current film Nightmare Alley, a new name seems to have been added to that roster, as J.J. Abrams scored a special thanks credit in del Toro’s latest cinematic tale. How that credit was earned came down to a couple of questions, and a key choice that the Star Wars filmmaker suggested, in order to nail down the rhythm of the overall film. 

That choice was ultimately linked to Bradley Cooper’s Stanton Carlisle, and more specifically when we would first hear him speak as a character. As we discussed Nightmare Alley during the press day for the film, Mr. del Toro shared with CinemaBlend just how much he values collaboration and feedback from his peers. In that spirit, this is why he credited J.J. Abrams with a “special thanks” on the project: 

Nightmare Alley starts off rather cryptically, as our first introduction to Stanton Carlisle is when he’s lighting a house on fire. Escaping his deeds, he hops on a bus out of town and arrives at the pivotal point in his destiny. About to head to a diner, Bradley Cooper’s protagonist finds his eye wandering towards a traveling carnival, which puts into motion a chain reaction that leads to his ever winding fate.

True to Guillermo del Toro’s description above, we spend an extended period of time watching the mute Stan take in the sights of his future workplace. It’s only when he’s recruited to hunt down the recently-escaped geek performer that we finally hear his first words, which are addressed to his would-be quarry. We see part of this moment in the first trailer for the movie, which was also fittingly devoid of any dialogue from Mr. Cooper's character. It’s uncertain where that break in the dialogue occurred in the previous version of the film, but as it stands, Stanton Carlisle’s first lines act as a punctuation on an enigmatic character. 

Experiments in how scenes would play out seem to be the driving force behind how the finished version of Nightmare Alley was found in the editing room. Running for two and a half hours, this was after quite a bit of trimming, as Guillermo del Toro admitted a much longer cut was the starting point for this evolution. Just like J.J. Abrams helped shape our introduction to Stanton Carlisle, another director gave del Toro a note that would come in handy throughout those edits: 

Three different versions could already be claimed to exist in the world of Nightmare Alley: the three and a half hour initial cut, the almost three hour “grand” cut and the two and a half hour version that’s in existence. Oddly enough, Michael Mann isn’t a stranger to such a scenario, as he’s banked and released alternate versions for films like Miami Vice and even his 1995 classic Heat. With roughly an hour excised from del Toro’s adaptation of William Lindsay Gresham’s 1946 novel, there’s no telling what lies in the footage that found itself stored away, potentially to live another day. If we get either or both of those versions in the future, there’ll definitely be room on that “Special Thanks” credits roll for whomever helps make it possible. 

Nightmare Alley is currently in theaters, so if you’re inclined to enjoy some noir goodness with your holiday season, it’s there for you. Otherwise, you can start lining your movie watching schedule up for next year with 2022’s release schedule. It surely beats trying to psychically conjure those dates, as that sort of racket could lead to some serious trouble if you’re not careful. 

2021 was probably the worst year in the Golden Globes’ 77 year history. They were rightfully called out earlier this year for a total lack of Black members, as well as other unethical practices, resulting in NBC refusing to air their ceremony for 2022. 

The HFPA is currently in the process of making reforms to their organization, and has recruited 21 new members this year (their total prior was about 86). It was uncertain if the HFPA would even announce nominees and winners for the films of 2021, but on October 15th they confirmed they would hold a ceremony in some capacity, with nominations to be announced December 13th at 6 A.M. PST. 

A consequence of the chaos this year for prognosticators is that we don’t actually have confirmation on what films will be campaigned in comedy or musical, making predicting films like CODA much more difficult. So in my predictions below I’m also predicting category placements.

Motion Picture Drama

If Belfast, Dune, King Richard, and The Power of the Dog don’t all show up here, I’d be shocked. In my mind that leaves open one slot for a wildcard to sneak in. Part of the challenge predicting this year is that we don’t know which films will be slotted in comedy or drama. If CODA is in drama, I think it has a shot here. Despite underwhelming reviews, we shouldn’t underestimate Nightmare Alley or Being the Ricardos either. Spencer and The Tragedy of Macbeth could certainly contend, as could either of Ridley Scott’s films: House of Gucci and The Last Duel. Right now I’m hesitantly predicting CODA, but I expect to be swapping out this slot up until nomination morning.

Drama Actor

Will Smith (King Richard), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Power of the Dog), and Denzel Washington (The Tragedy of Macbeth) are near-locks in this category. The remaining two slots are tricky, as much of the competition they’ll face at the Oscars is on the comedy/musical side. Joaquin Phoenix has a shot for his understated performance in C’mon C’mon (assuming that’s in drama), and though it's a long shot, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nicolas Cage sneak in for Pig. For now, I’m predicting Javier Bardem for his portrayal of Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos, and Bradley Cooper for Nightmare Alley.

Drama Actress

Don’t bet against these four: Kristen Stewart (Spencer), Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye), Nicole Kidman (Being the Ricardos) and Lady Gaga (House of Gucci). As for that final slot, Penélope Cruz and Olivia Colman are certainly in the conversation for their roles in Parallel Mothers and The Lost Daughter respectively, but those films could be a little under the radar for the Globes. They love actors who play musical icons (see Andra Day’s shocking win last year), so I’m predicting they’ll nominate Jennifer Hudson for her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in Respect. 

Motion Picture Comedy / Musical

This was the best year for musicals in recent memory, and unlike some years, the Globes have plenty of riches to pick from in this category. West Side Story, Tick, tick… Boom!, Cyrano, and In the Heights all have a great shot to make it into this lineup. But they’ll be competing with comedies Licorice Pizza and Don’t Look Up. I expect the lineup will be pulled from these six films. In the Heights and Cyrano are probably the most vulnerable of the musicals. Though recency bias would favor Cyrano, I’m predicting it to miss, as it’s the least acclaimed the bunch. Or maybe both will show up at the expense of Don’t Look Up, whose divisive reactions could work against it.

Comedy / Musical Actor

There are four actors in this lineup that no one should be betting against: Andrew Garfield (Tick, tick… Boom!), Peter Dinklage (Cyrano), Leonardo DiCaprio (Don’t Look Up), and Anthony Ramos (In the Heights). The final slot is keeping me up at night. I would love for them to go with Simon Rex for Red Rocket, but that’s probably wishful thinking. I could honestly see them going for Ansel Elgort in West Side Story, but in a year where the organization is on thin ice, I think they’ll know better than to bring that sort of controversy their way. I’m perhaps optimistically going with Cooper Hoffman for Licorice Pizza. Although he is young and hasn’t been as seriously in the awards conversation as his co-star Alana Haim, it certainly helps that he is part of a bigger overall contender. 

Comedy / Musical Actress

The two no-brainers here are Alana Haim for Licorice Pizza and Rachel Zegler for West Side Story. I also expect Emma Stone may pretty easily get a nomination for Cruella, considering that things start to get a little thin beyond here. If CODA is in comedy, Emilia Jones will be nominated. And if Haley Bennett is lead for Cyrano, I’d say the same. If not, the most realistic options in my mind are Melissa Berrera (In the Heights), Jennifer Lawrence (Don’t Look Up), and Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World). I am far too cynical to pick the latter, but I would jump for joy if it happened. I’m settling for Berrera and Lawrence for now.

Supporting Actor

I’m expecting both Ciaran Hinds and Jamie Dornan will make it in for Belfast and Belfast respectively. Jared Leto has a shot here for House of Gucci, especially considering he was surprise nominated for The Little Things last year. For the remaining two slots there are a lot of options. Jon Bernthal has a great shot at coat-tailing off of King Richard. And I’d love to see Robin de Jesus in for Tick, tick… Boom!, a film I expect they’ll adore. I’m predicting those two for now. Kodi Smit-McPhee has been garnering lots of critics awards, but I’m skeptical he’ll perform as well with certain major precursors. Troy Kotsur has been gaining steam for CODA, but like Yuh-Jung Youn or Paul Raci last year, he may be too unknown for the HFPA. I’m also watching out for Mike Faist (West Side Story), Bradley Cooper (Licorice Pizza), and Ben Affleck (The Tender Bar). Unfortunately I don’t have much hope for Jason Isaacs (Mass).

Supporting Actress

Four performances widely expected to be nominated here are Ariana Debose (West Side Story), Caitriona Balfe (Belfast), Aunjanue Ellis (King Richard), and Kirsten Dunst (The Power of the Dog). Fighting for that last slot we have Cate Blanchett (Nightmare Alley), Meryl Streep (Don’t Look Up), Ruth Negga (Passing), and Ann Dowd (Mass). I am also considering Rita Moreno for West Side Story. Though this is somewhat of a long shot, it could be a great moment for the Globes to pick a veteran all-star for what will likely be their favorite musical there. But considering how CODA seems like it’s starting to take off, I’m going with Marlee Matlin.

Director

The contenders who seem most likely here are Steven Spielberg (West Side Story), Kenneth Branagh (Belfast), Denis Villeneuve (Dune), and Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog). Many are predicting Paul Thomas Anderson for Licorice Pizza. I am skeptical. The director has never been nominated for a Golden Globe before. We can’t count out Adam McKay (Don’t Look Up), who was nominated for Vice and The Big Short. Nor should we underestimate Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard) or Guillermo del Toro (Nightmare Alley). However, I’m going with Lin Manuel Miranda for Tick, tick… Boom! Some would call this a long-shot, but I think the film is stronger than many are assuming and this feels like just the kind of celebrity actor-director nomination they’re notorious for embracing.

Screenplay

To make up for the director snub, I’m predicting Paul Thomas Anderson will land his first Golden Globe nomination in screenplay for Licorice Pizza. I also feel confident writer-directors Jane Campion and Kenneth Branagh will be nominated for their widely celebrated films. Despite Being the Ricardos’ lackluster reviews I cannot in good conscience underestimate 7-time nominee, 3-time winner Aaron Sorkin in this category. I’ve got my eye on Don’t Look Up here, as well as King Richard. But I feel the love for West Side Story will be so strong that Tony Kushner will take a nomination.

With the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations both taking place Monday the 13th, there will surely be a lot to discuss in terms of how it shapes the Oscar race. Check back here on Cinemablend for more awards analysis in the coming weeks.

The last time Guillermo del Toro directed a feature film it was The Shape of Water and it went on to be named Best Picture at the Academy Awards. And so, it would make a lot of sense to pay attention to del Toro’s next movie, the dark noir tale Nightmare Alley. Critics have now had a chance to see the new movie starring Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, and even more impressive stars, and while it’s not being reviewed quite as warmly as the last movie, this is still a film you’ll likely want to check out.

CinemaBlend’s Mike Reyes reviewed Nightmare Alley and he was a big fan of Guillermo del Toro’s journey into noir. He gave the film a perfect five star review, and lauded the impressive cast and the remarkable story with equal measure, saying... 

But he’s not the only one who has fallen for Guillermo del Toro’s noir remake. THR is equally smitten with the film. It’s an incredibly dark story, practically the definition of noir, but it shines no less brightly for what it is able to accomplish... 

Nightmare Alley is a remake of a 1947 film (itself based on a 1946 novel) and stars Bradley Cooper as a man who falls in with a traveling carnival, and falls in love with one of the performers while learning the ways of being a mentalist himself. Eventually he moves on to greener pastures, but in doing so his reach exceeds his grasp.

Most of the praise on the screen is going to the two main leads. Bradley Cooper is getting his share of praise for playing a character who is utterly unsympathetic, and yet, one we still follow all the way to the end. But Cate Blanchett, who plays a psychologist who joins forces with Cooper’s character, may be the true star, as Slashfilm says… 

However, while Nightmare Alley may be a cautionary tale about the dangers of overgrown ambition, there are some critics who ultimately feel that the movie itself is actually that. The Playlist says the movie tries to do a lot, but succeeds at very little of it, explaining... 

While certainly not all critics love the new movie, most do, and so it seems likely that audiences will finds something to appreciate here. Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley arrives in theaters December 17 

The world knows writer/director Guillermo del Toro primarily as a purveyor of stories pertaining to monsters and the supernatural. After making a storied career through such projects, winning box office and awards season acclaim through movies like the Hellboy series and The Shape of Water, del Toro has arrived at a point where he can write his ticket to anywhere he wants to go. In this respect, watching Nightmare Alley will surprise some of his fans, as his reimagining of the 1946 novel doesn’t include any mythical creatures, and merely brushes against powers beyond the veil. To some, that journey may seem daunting; but to devoted fans of the filmmaker’s work, the new feature feels like a movie he’s been building towards for some time now. 

Much like director Edmund Goulding's adaptation of William Lindsay Gresham’s novel from 1947, the action in Nightmare Alley is focused on Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper), a man who drifts into a traveling carnival show and comes out the other side with tricks up his sleeves an a means to rub elbows with high society. He achieves such heights thanks to being a gifted mentalist – a skill he hones with the help of a mentor (David Strathairn) he meets while touring with fellow performers. But as time goes on, and Stanton’s ambitions are stoked when meeting a psychiatrist who proves to be on his level (Cate Blanchett), the edge of Stanton’s “powers” draws ever closer, with deadly consequences looming ahead.

Nightmare Alley isn’t merely inspired by classic films; it embodies the very DNA of such movies.

Time and time again the neo-noir genre is a flavor that filmmakers attempt to nail, but regularly through one way or another seem to fall short of the mark. Guillermo del Toro’s efforts in Nightmare Alley succeed with flying colors because he and co-writer Kim Morgan truly understand what makes this sort of movie tick. Even in a modern, full-color context, you can practically see how fitting the exploits of these characters would be if they were shown in black and white. 

Period-appropriate lingo, spot-on costuming, and production design that harkens back to old Hollywood all accompany this tale of exploring when too much is too much. Without a proper, deeper understanding of why people love this classic style, all of those aspects would just be window dressing, but that's not Nightmare Alley. Though it also helps that just as del Toro and Morgan wonderfully register the nature of the genre, the cast is absolutely game for bringing it all to life.

Bradley Cooper disappears as Nightmare Alley’s lead, but Cate Blanchett is the true stunner.

The ensemble at play in Nightmare Alley isn’t merely a dream team of A-list talent and Guillermo del Toro loyalists, it’s also a cast brimming with actors who deliver exceptional neo-noir energy. Blending previous del Toro collaborators like Clifton Collins, Jr, Ron Perlman, and Richard Jenkins with the likes of Toni Collette, David Strathairn, and Rooney Mara is just the start, and it proves to be a formula you can’t lose with. But the true heavy hitting charisma at the heart of this movie has to come from Stanton Carlisle, which is where Bradley Cooper’s acting talents come into play.

Shifting through the slings and arrows of the cunning man’s fortunes, Cooper disappears as the mentalist who will becomes the toast of New York City thanks to his exceptional ability to read his marks. Commanding the role in its various phases, Bradley Cooper's character is pushed in some ways we’ve seen before in Nightmare Alley, but it's delivered with the actor aligning the ferocity we’ve seen him exhibit previously along with key doses of restraint. And yet, when it comes to the true stone cold stunning talent of this poisonous drama, you need not look further than Cate Blanchett’s Dr. Lilith Ritter.

Blanchett and Cooper’s pairing is one of the cinematic joys of 2021, as right from their first moments together on screen it’s absolutely what you would have expected and hoped for. The audience is going to obviously go into this movie with ideas in regard's to Lilith's motivations in Nightmare Alley, but whether those notions are fulfilled or not is incidental, as Blanchett’s pitch perfect performance supersedes such matters and culminates as a beautiful knockout. 

Finally making the noir film he’s always dreamed of, Guillermo del Toro shows the world he doesn’t need the supernatural to thrill.

The added personal pressure that comes with any “passion project” can scar even the most prodigious directors. It’s because of that historically proven circumstance that even the most optimistic viewer might feel some trepidation when approaching Nightmare Alley, as Guillermo del Toro has dreamed of making a neo-noir project for some time. Weaving his legendary magic as a storyteller, del Toro doesn’t deliver a missed opportunity, but instead seizes the moment in deliciously dark victory.

The writer/director has always been known as a creator who has passions as clear as his visions when it comes to pulling a project together. Nightmare Alley absolutely proves that he’s never let that zest for cinema over-inflate his work or his approach; he opts to thrill the viewer in a way that keeps his feet firmly planted on the ground, but allows for that trademark gore and brutality to peek out when it's most needed. With a cast that’s stacked to the rafters with talent, and a story so twisty that you’ll be surprised by the clues lying right in front of your eyes, it’s easy to see why this movie has been saved as a theatrical experience. 

Some people might think that, for the most part, 2021’s movie rundown is pretty much finished. Though if you pay attention to the awards season chatter, or even if you’re just looking out for Spider-Man: No Way Home, you’d know December is a pretty big month. It’s about to get bigger, as Guillermo del Toro’s final trailer for his latest film Nightmare Alley shows Bradley Cooper reading the mind of Cate Blanchett, and a whole lot more, in bloody detail.

As Searchlight Pictures is positioning this film for an awards qualifying run, the promotional machine is starting to rev up rather fiercely. Our latest look at Stan Kenton (Bradley Cooper) includes everything from a lie detector test to good old fashioned noir movie seduction. The one thing you won’t find in here is the del Toro staple of supernatural monsters, and that’s for good reason. In the world of author William Lindsay Gresham’s source novel, humanity is the beast, and its denizens can shed blood just fine without any powers. 

This is a slicker, meaner beast than the previous trailer we saw for Nightmare Alley, which brooded a little more as it laid the foundation. With the introductions to the world of Stan Kenton, and his transition from carnival performer to high society adviser already established, it’s time to throw some threats into the pot. Bradley Cooper’s ambitious huckster certainly gets his share of warnings from multiple parties, with varying degrees of anger being presented. 

On one hand, the ever busy Cate Blanchett cryptically warn him of keeping the right people happy, with a cool and icy demeanor. Which is a perfect juxtaposition from Richard Jenkins, who gets a bit fiery with his insistence on results from his mind reading friend. Nightmare Alley wouldn’t be a film noir if it didn’t have its slimy protagonist pinned into a corner every so often, so this tracks. 

Marking Guillermo del Toro’s first directorial effort since 2018’s Best Picture winner The Shape of Water, his departure from the world of fantastical monsters is as slick as you’d expect. Going hard on the noir aspects, as it fulfills a lifelong dream of his in the world of filmmaking, Nightmare Alley looks like a dream that promises a swift passage to Hell. In a world like the one we’ve just gotten a glimpse at, such a prospect is probably seen as a kindness among the cruelest of people. 

Nightmare Alley will invite viewers into its web of deceit, only in theaters, on December 17th. Don’t be afraid to check out the 2021 release schedule, as there’s plenty more where this came from in the next month. Though considering that other trailer that dropped earlier this week, it wouldn't take a mind reader to guess another anticipated December release. 

While creative mastermind Guillermo del Toro has had his hands full with various projects in numerous mediums, his last film as a director was 2017’s The Shape of Water. The almost four year gap between directing projects looks to have been worth it, as del Toro has finally tackled a passion project near and dear to his heart: a re-adaptation of the noir classic Nightmare Alley. Starring Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett, as part of an impressive all-star cast, this new project still asks a frequent question that Guillermo del Toro is known to ponder: where is the line between a man and a beast?

Searchlight Pictures has finally released a trailer for Mr. del Toro’s latest film, which may surprise some of his fans and the public at large. Instead of his usual dabbling in the forces of the supernatural, Nightmare Alley is an R-rated film noir, grounded very much in reality. Though that’s not to say an air of the mystical is totally absent, as the film shows Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) and Dr. Lilith Ritter (Cate Blanchett) put on a mind-reader act that separates fools from their money through what feels like the power of magic.

While this first look at Nightmare Alley is merely a teaser, it's enough to fire up the imagination in terms of what's to come. But if there's anything that can outdo the gorgeous visuals that are on display, it has to be the supporting cast that make up the world of Guillermo del Toro's latest film. Everyone from David Strathairn to Willem Dafoe plays their roles in this period piece, which follows Bradley Cooper's Stan from the dingy world of the carnival to the world of high society. At every turn, there's a mark to be had, and a consequence just moments away from being fulfilled. And yes, Ron Perlman is part of the picture, reuniting with his Hellboy/Pacific Rim director for the occasion.

Adapted from author William Lindsay Gresham’s 1946 page turner, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Nightmare Alley committed to the screen. A 1947 version, starring Tyrone Power, was coincidentally a product of 20th Century Fox; which probably explains how Guillermo del Toro was able to tackle the project in a more contemporary fashion. But be forewarned, this isn’t merely an adaptation of the previous film. Mr. del Toro, who co-wrote Nightmare Alley’s script with writer Kim Morgan, has gone on record as stating that this is a re-adaptation of facets from Gresham’s original novel.

While the extended wait for a new Guillermo del Toro film may sound a bit extreme, it’s only because he’s had his hand shepherding projects like Netflix’s Trollhunters series, as well as Scott Cooper’s Antlers. The latter project being another Searchlight Pictures film that’s set to be released in October, it looks like Nightmare Alley will be a great bookend for Cooper’s definitely supernatural thriller. So those looking for a cinematic del Toro fix are about to be doubly rewarded, thanks to his efforts as producer and director.

Nightmare Alley takes us into the world of Stanton Carlisle, with all the deceptions and consequences it entails, on December 17th. So be sure to plan your movie calendar accordingly, by using our 2021 release schedule. You never know what other webs of intrigue you could fall into on any given weekend.

When you’ve built a reputation for weaving fantastical worlds full of monsters and the supernatural, it’s hard to shake that sort of image. But if it’s writer/director Guillermo del Toro that’s the subject of discussion, the preconceived notions are even harder to deny. So when moviegoers see the title of his next film, a re-adaptation of author William Lindsay Gresham’s Nightmare Alley, they’re probably going to expect more of the same from the man who won big with The Shape of Water. Which, as the director himself has confirmed, couldn’t be further from the truth.

As he spoke with Vanity Fair, who has provided a first look at images from the Bradley Cooper/Cate Blanchett headed ensemble film, Guillermo del Toro made it abundantly clear what to expect from Nightmare Alley. If you’re expecting a period piece full of well dressed people doing horrible things, then so far so good. But the crucial distinction between Searchlight Pictures’ December release and the rest of del Toro’s filmography is best described in the man’s own words:

The burden of expectations subverted hit pretty hard when 2015’s Crimson Peak was marketed as more of a chilling ghost story, rather than a gothic romance with touches of the supernatural. Even Guillermo del Toro himself chalks the losses of that film to the marketing campaign, and as such the $50 million budgeted film wasn’t so impressive when it only brought in $75 million at the box office. So one could see why del Toro wants to get out ahead of the game and firmly sell Nightmare Alley for the type of film it is.

Accompanying this interview is a selection of photographs, showing stars like Bradley Cooper, Willem Dafoe, and Rooney Mara all decked out in period appropriate finery. So if the viewing public isn’t quite sure what to expect from Nightmare Alley, this tantalizing first look is sure to set the right tone. Even in the special promo reel Searchlight Pictures ran with a special advanced screening of Nomadland, the early footage showing Bradley Cooper’s scheming cad looked adjacent to the lush visual world of The Shape of Water.

The monstrosity of Nightmare Alley is purely human, and it’s headed to theaters before the end of the year. Originally slated to open at the beginning of December as a limited release, a recent reshuffle of the calendar has upgraded Guillermo del Toro’s noir thriller to a wide release on December 17th. So we should probably expect a trailer to finally drop at some point in the next month.

As that’s the same day the Disney adjacent Spider-Man: No Way Home is set to drop in theaters, it feels like the studio feels like they have a counterprogramming hit on their hands. But if you want to get the full picture of what December has to offer at a theater near you, 2021’s release schedule is practically the perfect roadmap. Though if you want to see some monsters connected to the creative mind of Guillermo del Toro, Antlers is still on its way to scratch that itch on October 29th.

This year has been a strange one for the film world. The pandemic has continued to have a massive impact on the industry, and studios spent the early months of 2021 continuing to shuffle around the release schedule. Now, at long last, it seems like what's on the calendar is going to stay in place – and one of the best things about that is the fact that fans can now start getting really excited for the big titles set to come out in the fall. The downside is that there are a number of big titles set to come out that have yet to reveal a trailer for us to enjoy.

The wait for footage from Spider-Man: No Way Home in particular has been driving people nuts on social media, but there are also five other titles on the way that are testing the patience of cinephiles anticipating a preview. We're now more than a month into the second half of 2021, and we're tapping our watches patiently waiting for all of these trailers to drop.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17)

Fans have been clamoring to see a Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer for months now, desperate to see what kind of trouble Tom Holland’s beloved wall-crawler is in following the major cliffhanger at the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home… but the wait continues. With the movie not out until December, and two other Marvel Cinematic Universe titles on the way between now and then – specifically Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings and Eternals – it’s possible that the marketing department for the new Spider-Man 3 is keeping quiet in order to not to be too much of a distraction from those other blockbusters.

The Matrix 4 (December 22)

Not only are we lacking a trailer for Matrix 4, but we are lacking… everything. The science-fiction film, arriving 18 years after the release of The Matrix: Revolutions, completed production during the pandemic in 2020, but details have been spectacularly hush-hush. It’s one thing that we haven’t seen even a split second of footage from the film with less than six months until its release, but what is far more shocking is that we also haven’t seen a single still or even learned what the actual title is. When we do finally get an update about this production and a first look, it’s going to be a long time coming.

Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City (November 24)

Unlike the case with The Matrix 4, it’s only been about five years since we last saw a Resident Evil movie, with Resident Evil: The Final Chapter theatrically released in 2016 – but what's significant is that the new film is intended as a reboot for the franchise… and we have yet to see a single frame from it. Sony Pictures announced back in March that the title of the new video game adaptation will be Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City, but that’s where the marketing for the project has stopped to this point. Production was able to be completed up in Ontario, Canada before the end of last year, but we’re still patiently waiting for new confirmation that it will actually be arriving in theaters this November.

Red Notice (November 12)

Given that Netflix releases new material on a weekly basis now, it’s understandable that they tend to not release trailers for their movies until they are just about to arrive… but how does the company not make an exception for Red Notice? The new action film has a powerhouse lineup of stars fronting it, including Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, but rather than promoting it as one of the most exciting films of late 2021, we instead have barely heard a peep out of it. One might have thought that the arrival of The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard or Jungle Cruise this summer would have inspired the streaming service to release at least a tease of what to expect from the upcoming heist thriller, but instead we haven’t seen anything.

Nightmare Alley (December 3)

It’s been nearly four years since Guillermo del Toro walked across the stage at the Academy Awards to accept multiple awards for The Shape Of Water, including the trophies for Best Director and Best Picture, and we’ve been patiently waiting for his next film ever since. At long last it is finally set to arrive at the end of this year, set to hit theaters in the first week of December… but we really have no idea what we will be getting from Nightmare Alley, because Searchlight Pictures has not yet started to promote the quickly arriving release. The new movie sports an outstanding supporting cast that includes Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe, Toni Collette, Richard Jenkins, on Perlman, and Rooney Mara (among many others), and we couldn’t be more excited to see their characters’ various styles in the del Toro feature, but for now we’re being forced to be extremely patient.

Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Project (November 26)

Here's a fun fact: Bradley Cooper has not just one, but two movies set to come out at the end of the year that have yet to show us even a second of footage. In addition to Nightmare Alley, the actor is also starring in the latest film from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson, which, like The Matrix 4, doesn't actually have an official title yet. The movie is set in Los Angeles during the 1970s, and follows the story of a child actor who befriends a director. In addition to Cooper, the feature also stars Skyler Gisondo, Emma Dumont, Benny Safdie, and Joseph Cross, and cinefiles everywhere are waiting to get a even a glimpse at the thing.

Hopefully it won’t end up being too long before we actually get to see the trailers for Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Matrix 4, Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City, Red Notice, Nightmare Alley and the new Paul Thomas Anderson film – and you can be sure that as soon as we do, you’ll be able to find the footage here on CinemaBlend. While we continue to wait, we’d recommend checking out our full 2021 Movie Release Calendar to discover every title that is set to come out between now and the end of December.

Whether you know the man best for his work in Platoon, The Boondock Saints, Finding Nemo, The Last Temptation of Christ, Mississippi Burning, The Florida Project, or the Spider-Man movies, to name only a handful of his noteworthy projects, it's safe to say that Willem Dafoe is a hard-working actor with commendable range and depth, and one who's capable of portraying a wealth of different characters — whether they're the scum of the earth or the Lord himself. Certainly, it's easy to see why Dafoe has been such a consistently in-demand star for the past three-plus decades. And that's a trend that's not set to die anytime soon, hopefully. The Oscar-nominated star has several projects lined up, including the latest feature films from Wes Anderson, Yorgos Lanthimos, Paul Schrader, Guillermo Del Toro, Walter Hill, and Robert Eggers. Additionally, the prominent performer is attached to intriguing and director-driven projects from a few newcomers.

If you love Willem Dafoe, here are the upcoming movies that you can look forward to.

The Card Counter - September 10th, 2021 (Post-Production)

Suffice it to say, Willem Dafoe is quite chummy with writer-director Paul Schrader. The revered filmmaker and accomplished actor collaborated several times over the years, most recently with 2016's Dog Eat Dog. Now, they'll join forces yet again for The Card Counter, a crime drama that also stars Tye Sheridan, Oscar Isaac, and Tiffany Haddish.

Centered around a degenerate gambler who attempts to provide guidance to ayounger man in the pursuit of revenge against a mutual enemy, The Card Counter faced its fair share of difficulties during production, notably as filming was paused during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it's officially in the can now, and this surrealistic movie is expected to be one of the trippier, darker films to come from the cerebral filmmaker — which is saying something. Particularly as Schrader's follow-up to his tremendous First Reformed, here's hoping this latest reunion with Dafoe is another outstanding hit. We don't have long to wait, as it's on the 2021 movie release schedule. The Card Counter will arrive on September 10th, 2021.

The French Dispatch - October 22nd, 2021 (Completed)

Wes Anderson is known for reuniting with his frequent collaborators on a regular basis, and his working relationship with Willem Dafoe is far from an exception. With The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Grand Budapest Hotel, Anderson and Dafoe have formed a reliable companionship, particularly with the actor providing a trio of strong supporting turns. Now, the singular auteur and the award-nominated performer will reunite again for The French Dispatch, Anderson's newest feature film.

In another excellent ensemble filled with top-tier talent, including Jason Schwartzman, Liev Schreiber, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Adrien Brody, Lea Seydoux, Anjelica Huston, Benicio Del Toro, Timothee Chalamet, Jeffrey Wright, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, and Elisabeth Moss, Willem Dafoe will play another supporting part as Albert the Abacus in this broad-reaching, multi-narrative period dramedy. Nevertheless, Anderson typically knows how to bring out exquisitely dry performances from his accomplished actors, which should hopefully be the case here as well. We'll find out soon enough when the new film premieres on October 22nd.

Nightmare Alley - December 3rd, 2021 (Post-Production)

Over the course of his ever-impressive career, Willem Dafoe has joined forces with some of our best living filmmakers, including (but not limited to) David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Wes Anderson, Abel Ferrara, Sam Raimi, Oliver Stone, Spike Lee, John Waters, and Paul Schrader. But, for reasons unknown, the Oscar-nominated actor hasn't collaborated with one of our greatest genre filmmakers, Guillermo del Toro... until now.

Indeed, Willem Dafoe is part of the accomplished cast behind Nightmare Alley, the latest film from the Oscar-winning moviemaker. Along with Dafoe, who's set to play Clem Hoately, the top-notch ensemble includes Bradley Cooper, Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Richard Jenkins, Tim Blake Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, Toni Collette, Ron Perlman, and Clifton Collins Jr. That's quite a cast, but that's to be expected after the triumphant success of 2017's Best Picture winner, The Shape of Water. Certainly, with his capability to play up menace and scorn, Dafoe seems like a natural fit for a snarly bad guy, though he's also an actor capable of tremendous wit and emotional depth. No matter what Dafoe brings to the table here, this is a pairing that was long meant to be.

The Northman - April 8th, 2022 (Post-Production)

Even in a career that's chock-full of highlights, Willem Dafoe's mesmerizing co-lead performance in Robert Eggers' The Lighthouse was among his greatest achievements. His nautical nuisance was a deprived delight, so it was tremendously exciting to know that the actor behind the salacious scallywag would soon reunite with Eggers for The Northman, the writer-director's third film set at the turn of the 10th century in Iceland.

Starring Alexander Skarsgard, along with Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Bjork, and Ralph Ineson, this Viking saga (which remains semi-secretive) sounds like the filmmaker's most audacious and challenging project to date, though he has only proven himself to be more confident and commanding with each successive film. With an all-star cast and an enticing premise, we should (hopefully) be looking at another triumph from the accomplished and distinctive up-and-coming filmmaker, along with yet another memorable supporting performance from the one-and-only Willem Dafoe.

Inside - TBA (Post-Production)

Throughout this uncertain year (and change), filmmakers were forced to find inventive ways to shoot in confined locations, notably with minimal actors and truncated crews on set. Especially in retrospect, it'll be interesting to see what art is produced from this tumultuous period, including Inside, the narrative feature film debut of director Vasilis Katsoupis (My Friend Larry Gus).

Not to be mistaken with Bo Burnham's recent Netflix special, Inside follows a high-end thief, played by Willem Dafoe, who's trapped in a high-tech penthouse in Times Square after an important heist goes wrong. Where this actor showcase ultimately goes from there remains to be seen. Certainly, Dafoe is a top-notch performer who is more than capable of acting off himself; rewatch the Spider-Man films if you happen to disagree. Nevertheless, it'll be intriguing to see how the seasoned star holds the dramatic stakes by himself, in one centralized location. Production wrapped on this under-the-radar movie last June. It was expected to come out this spring, though its current release date is undetermined. Most likely, Inside will premiere during the fall festival circuits.

Poor Things - TBA 2022 (Pre-Production)

With his elastic face and rubbery features, Willem Dafoe is an immensely talented actor with tremendous range — especially when you consider how refrained and restrained he can be in equal measure. Certainly, Dafoe is capable of a wide array of emotions and off-beat affectations, which bodes well for the actor's collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos (Dogtooth) in Poor Things, based on the 1992 satiric novel by Alasdair Gray.

A flip on the traditional Frankenstein template by having a young woman brought back to life by her deranged husband, only to have the brain of an infant, it's easy to see how the dark and wryly funny filmmaker could have a ball with such a bizarre premise. From a screenplay written by The Favourite's Tony McNamara, this Victorian tale of love and off-kilter discovery will star Emma Stone as our reborn beauty, with Dafoe expected to play the mad scientist husband. Currently in pre-production, Poor Things will shoot in Hungary later in 2021. Expect more details to come in the weeks and months ahead.

Dead For A Dollar - TBA (Pre-Production)

Along with his forthcoming reunions with regular collaborators like Wes Anderson and Paul Schrader, Willem Dafoe is signed on to reconnect with director Walter Hill for his upcoming western, Dead for a Dollar. Also set to star Christoph Waltz, this period piece from the filmmaker behind The Warriors follows a famed bounty hunter (Waltz) in 1897 who is hired to find and return a politically progressive wife to her successful Santa Fe businessman husband. Told to search for her in Mexico, our lead travels to the border, only to cross paths with his sworn enemy, professional gambler and occasional outlaw, Joe Cribbens (Dafoe).

Previously, Willem Dafoe and Walter Hill joined forces to make 1987's Streets of Fire, but they haven't worked together since. Hopefully, this newly-announced movie (per Deadline) comes together to allow this veteran director and accomplished actor to collaborate once more — particularly in an old-fashioned genre without too many new additions to the silver screen. Details remain slim, but this is a project worth following.

Tropico - TBA (Pre-Production)

As a veteran operative hired to spy on an American businessman (Pedro Pascal) in a coastal town in Brazil, Willem Dafoe is signed on to lead Tropico, the latest film from director Giada Colagrande (Padre). Also starring Morena Baccarin, this upcoming thriller will admittedly follow a familiar template, notably as Dafoe's character falls for this businessman's wife (Baccarin) in the middle of his mission, who also has a twin (Baccarin as well). But the script is considered atmospheric and exotic (per Deadline), which promises some steamy work for its talented stars. That said, this project, which was announced nearly two years ago, hasn't seen much development, particularly with the pandemic. Therefore, this announced movie might not be moving forward. But if it does, Tropico provides Dafoe with an intriguing star vehicle — in a sunny locale to boot.

Twelve Minutes (Video Game) - August 19th, 2021 (Completed)

An ambitious, interactive time-loop thriller, Twelve Minutes promises to be much more than a time-passer when it comes to modern video games. With an all-star voice cast, including Daisy Ridley, James McAvoy, and Willem Dafoe, along with some expansive, grandiose ideas for what it can achieve in a developing medium, it has the potential to be a game-changer (if you can pardon the pun) — that is, if it's as good as the creators hope. Ultimately, we'll have to wait until August 19, 2021 to see how this new product fares, though it sounds like the game-makers are quite confident in their vision. You can get a glimpse at this intriguing video game, as well as the voice performances, in this clip.

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Few actors have seen a monumental shift in their careers quite like Bradley Cooper. Over the course of a decade, The Hangover star went from being an affable supporting player in Wedding Crashers and Yes Man to one of the most acclaimed actors-turned-directors working in Hollywood today. Certainly, this transition didn't happen overnight, but the eight-time Oscar-nominated A-lister has demonstrated his exceptional dexterity time and time again, both in front and behind the camera.

Suffice it to say, Hollywood is eager to bank on that proven talent with a number of exciting 2021 movies, including the newest films from Guillermo Del Toro and Paul Thomas Anderson. Additionally, Bradley Cooper is expected to reprise his role as Rocket Racoon in upcoming Marvel movies like Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy 3, all while he gets the pieces in place for his long-awaited sophomore directorial feature.

Indeed, Bradley Cooper's star power only continues to grow, and we should expect a lot more great things from the celebrated superstar in the years to come. If you love the Oscar-nominated actor-director behind A Star is Born, here's what's coming up next!

Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Movie - November 26th, 2021 (Post-Production)

It's safe to say that Paul Thomas Anderson is one of our finest working filmmakers. Whether you know him best as the writer-director behind Boogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, The Master, Punch-Drunk Love, or Phantom Thread, the Oscar-nominated auteur has made some of the best films of the past two decades, and he has fostered some of the finest film performances in that time, too. Particularly seen through his work with Daniel Day-Lewis, Joaquin Phoenix, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Adam Sandler, Amy Adams, and the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman, to name only a few stars who've worked with the revered storyteller, PTA has crafted some extraordinary films with incredible lead and supporting performances. Hopefully, that's also the case for Bradley Cooper, the headliner of Anderson's latest, still-untitled movie.

Details remain slim for this new film, which is reportedly called (or was previously titled) Soggy Bottom, but we know that it follows a high school student trying to become an actor in the '70s. Certainly, that synopsis will earn a few comparisons to Boogie Nights right off the bat. Bradley Cooper is expected to play a film director and producer. Not a lot is known about his character otherwise, however. What we do know, though, is that the movie will premiere on November 26th, followed by a wide release on Christmas. Given Paul Thomas Anderson's impressive winning streak, one can reasonably assume that Cooper is attached to another winner. Hopefully, that's proven true later this fall.

Nightmare Alley - December 3rd, 2021 (Post-Production)

Additionally, Bradley Cooper is also working with another modern master moviemaker. Specifically, Cooper stars in Nightmare Alley, the latest psychological thriller from co-writer/director Guillermo Del Toro. As the awaited follow-up to his Best Picture winner, The Shape of Water, the genre filmmaker has rounded up another exceptional starry cast, including Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Rooney Mara, Willem Dafoe, and Bradley Cooper. Based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham, Nightmare Alley follows Stanton "Stan" Carlisle (Cooper), an ambitious carny who has the unnerving talent of manipulating people with only a few well-chosen words. He'll join forces with Dr. Lilith Ritter (Blanchett), a ruthless psychiatrist who proves to be quite a dangerous collaborator. Together, Stan and Dr. Ritter make an appropriately ... nightmarish pair.

Following a few 2020-related production delays, Nightmare Alley is officially finished filming and it's scheduled to be released on December 3rd, 2021. That puts the movie right smack dab in the middle of awards season, which should hopefully prove well for both Guillermo Del Toro and Bradley Cooper during this year's upcoming Oscar circus.

Thor: Love And Thunder - May 6th, 2022 (Post-Production)

We haven't seen the last of Rocket Racoon. As we saw in the last two Avengers movies, the loud-mouth intergalactic mammal has become close — but maybe not chummy — with the hammer-wielding demigod. Therefore, it's unsurprising to know that Bradley Cooper will likely reprise this comic character in next year's Thor: Love and Thunder.

While this casting information hasn't been officially confirmed by Marvel, ScreenRant claims that Bradley Cooper's scene-stealing character is sure to appear along with the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy, which makes sense given where we last saw Thor in Avengers: Endgame. Recently, the superhero sequel wrapped production ahead of its May 6th, 2022 release date. Details remain selective (and obviously secretive) for the time being, but we'll learn more about the supersized blockbuster in the months ahead.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 - May 5th, 2023 (Pre-Production)

Likewise, Rocket Racoon will soon return for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the third (and likely final) installment in the Marvel series, which is scheduled for May 5th, 2023.

Not much is known about the story at the root of this comic book sequel, but all the main cast members, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, and Vin Diesel, are expected to reprise their roles. Similarly, Bradley Cooper is signed on to return to voice the smartass, space-based criminal furball once more. Once again written and directed by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is still a while away, particularly with The Suicide Squad arriving soon, but it's on the horizon. Reportedly in the early stages of pre-production, Gunn's latest comic book adaptation is expected to start shooting either later this year or early next year.

Maestro - TBA (Announced)

With 2018's A Star is Born, Bradley Cooper proved to be a triple threat, notably as he gave arguably his finest performance of his career (to date) in a movie that he also co-wrote and directed with commanding confidence, particularly for a first-time filmmaker. Hell, the movie proved that he's actually a quadruple threat; to top it all off, he can sing! Suffice to say, the Oscar-winning directorial debut is a tough act to follow, but Hollywood was understandably eager to get the A-list actor back in the director's chair. Thankfully, it looks like that might happen sooner rather than later with Maestro, another ambitious romantic drama, this time centered around legendary West Side Story composer Leonard Bernstein and the decades-spanning love affair he shared with his wife, Felicia.

Along with directing, producing, and co-writing the upcoming Netflix movie, Bradley Cooper will also star in his sophomore feature as Leonard Bernstein opposite Carey Mulligan as Felicia Bernstein. Additionally, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Todd Phillips are expected to produce. Production isn't predicted to start until sometime in 2022, however, so Cooper's follow-up feature remains in early development — for now.

Matt Helm - TBA (Announced)

Based on Don Hamilton's prolific spy novel series, it makes sense that Matt Helm is coming together, especially in an age when literary adaptations like Jack Ryan, Jack Reacher, and Spenser Confidential, to name a few, are proving to be dependable star vehicles on screens — on screens both big and small — particularly for prominent male middle-aged actors. Certainly, in an era driven by franchise starters, it's also easy to see why Hollywood was interested in securing the rights to the 27 book series. In fact, four of the books were already turned into movies with Dean Martin in the 1960s. With that said, while Matt Helm isn't a surefire thing, if it does well, the gravy train will start a-rollin'. That said, developments have been slow for this potential starring vehicle.

When the project was announced in 2018, it featured a lot of heavy-hitters. Along with Bradley Cooper playing the title role, George Clooney and Grant Heslov were involved as executive producers. Likewise, Steven Spielberg was attached, though not to direct. It's uncertain who is presently attached to the project, but it's easy to see the potential — both for Cooper as an adaptable movie star and as a promising new action film series.

Producing: The Fixer - TBA (Announced)

Outside of his upcoming acting commitments, Bradley Cooper is also attached to produce The Fixer, a possible new Ron Howard picture. The story is centered around the true story of a disgraced FBI agent who, at the height of the Cold War, is tapped to lead a team of CIA operatives and Chicago mobsters on an unlikely mission to kill Fidel Castro, as Deadline reported. It's unclear if Cooper is also expected to play the FBI agent in this upcoming feature; he's only signed on to produce alongside frequent collaborator Todd Phillips. Additionally, it's unclear where this project is in development, as no further updates have been provided since it was announced in early 2020. Currently, Howard is filming Thirteen Lives. Therefore, this one is on the backburner.

Producing: Untitled Hulk Hogan Biopic - TBA (Announced)

The Hulkster has lived a long and varied life, to put it mildly. The controversial former WWE superstar was once among the most famous professional athletes on the planet, but time hasn't been kind to the weathered wrestler. His checkered reputation is the stuff of legend (in a matter of speaking), and it'll also inspire an upcoming, untitled biopic from Oscar-nominated director Todd Phillips (Joker), one that's set to star Chris Hemsworth as the troubled blonde-haired, long-mustached muscleman. Additionally, Bradley Cooper is on board to produce this cinematic version of Hulk Hogan's story.

Set up at Netflix, this Hulk Hogan biopic has a lot of narrative ground that it can explore, though it's unclear where it is in development. The project was announced a few years back, but the production start date hasn't been announced. Certainly, given how much Todd Phillips' profile has ballooned with the success of his recent Oscar-nominated movie, his attention might be diverted. So, it could take a minute to get to the screen. But this larger-than-life life story is certainly primed for a grandiose Hollywood retelling.

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Having conquered the world of big screen comedy, biographical dramas, comic book movies, and even starred in a few horror flicks, the next venture for Bradley Cooper is film noir, with none other than Guillermo del Toro as his guide. The celebrated visionary filmmaker cast the Academy Award-nominated A Star is Born actor as the lead of his next big project, Nightmare Alley, in 2019.

The mystery thriller, set in the 1940s, tells the story of a man named Stanton "Stan" Carlisle - Bradley Cooper’s character - who makes a living at a traveling carnival with his manipulative skills in mentalism. His ambition for greater glory eventually leads him to cross paths with Lilith Ritter (Oscar winner Cate Blanchett), a psychiatrist for the upper class with her own penchant for deceit.

The upcoming film will be many audiences’ introduction to this classic story of suspense, but it will not be the first time it has been told on the big screen. That being said, what is the legacy of Nightmare Alley and what else is there to know about it before it finally hits theaters? The answers will be revealed in the following collection of confirmed facts surrounding this anticipated production, starting with when we can expect to see it.

Nightmare Alley Is Set For A December 3, 2021, Release

Principal photography on Nightmare Alley first began in January 2020, but just two months later, it would join the club of countless Hollywood projects put on pause in the wake of Covid-19’s global outbreak. Disney, which owns the film’s distribution company Searchlight Pictures, would continue to keep the production on hold until the following September.

After it had initially finishing shooting in November 2020, followed by reshoots, Nightmare Alley officially wrapped on production on December 12, 2020. By then, it was scheduled to hit theaters nearly a year later - specifically on Friday, December 3, 2021.

Bradley Cooper Is Joined By A Star-Studded Cast For Nightmare Alley

Before Bradley Cooper got the part of deceptive carny Stan Carlisle, Leonardo DiCaprio was in talks to lead the cast of Nightmare Alley in early 2019 before scheduling conflicts forced him to abandon the project. Cooper’s stepping in was confirmed the following September, along with Cate Blanchett as Lilith Ritter, and her Carol co-star Rooney Mara as Molly Cahill.

That same month, in another instance of casting replacements for the project, David Strathairn took over Michael Shannon’s original role of Pete Krumbein, while Toni Collette was announced as his carnival performer wife, Zeena, followed by Willem Dafoe’s inclusion that October and Mindhunter’s Holt McCallany the next month. Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson, veteran Italian actress and singer Romina Power, and Oscar winner Mary Steenburgen all joined the cast of Nightmare Alley during the first few months of shooting, following the January 2020 additions of The Shape of Water’s Richard Jenkins and Ron Perlman, who has an extensive history with the director.

Guillermo Del Toro Makes A Long Awaited Directorial Return With Nightmare Alley

It was announced that Guillermo del Toro would be directing Nightmare Alley while he was still riding high on the widespread acclaim for The Shape of Water in December 2017. The romantic fantasy, which earned the 56-year-old, Mexican-born filmmaker Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, was actually the last movie for which he was at the helm.

Of course, the man has still been keeping busy since, directing episodes of his trilogy of animated Tales of Arcadia series on Netflix or producing films like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, the 2018 sequel to Pacific Rim, or the completed but not-yet released horror film Antlers, for instance. He will follow-up Nightmare Alley as co-director of a dark, stop-motion take on Pinocchio (which has been in and out of development hell since 2008) and a documentary profiling the career of Michael Mann that is currently untitled.

Guillermo Del Toro Co-Wrote The Screenplay With Movie Critic Kim Morgan

While he is not sharing the director’s chair this time, for Guillermo del Toro, penning the script for Nightmare Alley was not a solo effort. The famously collaborative talent had a co-screenwriter in the form of Kim Morgan, who is better known for her journalism background.

The film aficionado and critic has written for many notable entertainment-based publications, such as Sight & Sound and Playboy, and has also contributed to The Criterion Collection, presented films airing on Turner Classic Movies, and sat in for Roger Ebert as a guest on Ebert & Roeper in 2007. Nightmare Alley is Kim Morgan’s third screenwriting effort, but neither she nor Guillermo del Toro are the first to tell the story.

Nightmare Alley Is The Second Film Adaptation Of A Novel

The inspiration for Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley is a book of the same, published in 1946. The bleak commentary on the seedy inhabitants of show business - complete with slimy schemers, femme fatales, and all the classic elements of noir - is the debut novel and best known work of American writer William Lindsay Gresham.

Just a year after its release, Nightmare Alley was adapted into a film by Twentieth Century Fox starring Tyrone Power (whose daughter, Romina, appears in the upcoming reinterpretation) in the role now held by Bradley Cooper. Guillermo del Toro has described his new version as not a remake of the 1947 picture, but a “re-adaptation,” which may likely be from his reputation for darkness.

Nightmare Alley Will Be Rated R, According to Guillermo Del Toro

If there was any question of just how dark Nightmare Alley could be, Guillermo del Toro has already made sure to set that record straight. While speaking to Collider in promotion of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, he mentioned how he had been a fan of the William Lindsay Gresham’s novel since the early ’90s. When asked if the film would be rated R, he assured that “double-R” would be a more fitting rating for the noir when he was a done.

While there likely should not have been any question of an R-rating for a traditional film noir from Guillermo del Toro, his promise does come with much reassurance, nonetheless. With the exception of Hellboy, I have always preferred his darker, more adult stories, such as Pan’s Labyrinth or The Devil’s Backbone, believing them to match up with his vision more smoothly than his lighter efforts. That being said, with its mega-talented cast and heavy source material, it appears that we may be in for yet another Del Toro masterpiece with Nightmare Alley.

With two Oscars to her name, and several other accolades to boot, Cate Blanchett is undeniably considered one of our finest working actresses. In movies both big and small, as well as the new limited series Mrs. America, the award-winning actress has often demonstrated her incredibly dynamic and adaptable talents, proving herself willing to tackle many different on-screen personalities with gusto.

That tradition is set to continue with many exciting new projects in her future, including two upcoming Guillermo del Toro pictures (one of which is Netflix's animated Pinocchio), a new Adam McKay film, a video game adaptation, and more. Certainly, Blanchett's well-distinguished, well-recognized acting chops will stand out in any type of project — be it a blockbuster or prestige drama. So, we should expect only the best from Blanchett.

If you're a big fan of Cate Blanchett, like I am, here's what you can look forward in the near future.

Pinocchio - TBA 2021 (Filming)

Several storytellers have attempted to bring the fable of Pinocchio to life on the big screen. Unfortunately, only a select few have succeeded. Generally speaking, the ones that work tend to be the animated ones, with Disney's 1940 classic being the shining star example. With that said, if any working filmmaker could do justice to the tale of the wooden puppet who wants to be a real boy, it's fantasy director Guillermo Del Toro.

The Oscar-winning moviemaker is currently in the midst of making his own stop-motion animated version of the beloved fairy tale, and he's assembled a great ensemble of voice actors for the project. The talented stars set to lend their pipes to this forthcoming family film include Ewan McGregor, Christoph Waltz, Ron Perlman, John Turturro, Finn Wolfhard, Tim Blake Nelson, Tilda Swinton, and Cate Blanchett. That's a mighty fine roster right there!

With a screenplay written by Guillermo Del Toro, Patrick McHale (Adventure Time), Matthew Robbins (Jaws), and Gris Grimly, with a visual design that's evoking Grimly's 2002 re-design of the classic 1883 novel, Pinocchio will be the first feature-length animated movie directed by del Toro, and it's a project that the director has been trying to lift off the ground for years before Netflix finally agreed to foot the bill. The plan is to release the new movie, which is currently still in production, sometime next year.

Co-directed by Mark Gustafson, this latest cinematic take on Pinocchio is meant to be a "brutalist fable," in del Toro's words, of the familiar story. Certainly, del Toro's take on the tale is bound to be interesting — no matter which way he approaches the material. Anticipations are very high for Netflix's newest animated production, and we hope it's another winner for Guillermo del Toro!

Nightmare Alley - TBA (Filming)

In addition to Netflix's much-anticipated Pinocchio, Cate Blanchett is also starring in Guillermo del Toro's other new movie: an upcoming live-action psychological thriller, Nightmare Alley, based on the 1946 novel of the same name by William Lindsay Graham.

Adapted by del Toro and Kim Morgan, the tale of a corrupt con-man teaming up with a psychiatrist to trick people into giving them money will star Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Willem Dafoe, Toni Collette, Richard Jenkins, David Strathairn, Mary Steenburgen, and several other notable stars. As the follow-up (or, at least, one of the follow-ups) to the filmmaker's Best Picture-winning The Shape Of Water, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see how much talent and interest thrown into this new project. Alas, while filming started back in late January, the production was shut down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nevertheless, production resumed again in mid-September under safety protocols, and it's presumably still going on at the moment. Though, with the timeline in consideration, one would assume that filming should be wrapping up soon — if it's not finished already. Therefore, while there's no release date set for Guillermo del Toro's latest live-action feature, one could reasonably believe that it might be ready to screen sometime next year.

Certainly, the tantalizing promise of not one, but two new Guillermo del Toro movies to look forward to in the months ahead is exciting for movie lovers everywhere. But nothing is currently confirmed when it comes to the movie's release. More details should hopefully arrive in the months to follow, but if Nightmare Alley does decide to come out sometime next year, it's possible that we might be looking at another awards contender for del Toro. But only time will tell.

Don’t Look Up - TBA 2021 (Pre-Production)

Don't Look Up is the latest satire written and directed by Oscar-winner Adam McKay (Anchorman, The Big Short). And it's gearing up to host one of the most impressive ensembles we've seen in recent memory. In addition to Jennifer Lawrence frontlining, this Netflix comedy will also star Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet, Jonah Hill, Meryl Streep, Ariana Grande, Kid Cudi, Himesh Patel, Matthew Perry, Rob Morgan, and Cate Blanchett. Certainly, that's one great line-up of stars. And the premise itself might prove to be highly relevant for today's times. The plot follows a pair of astronomers (Lawrence, DiCaprio) who try to warn the world of an impending meteorite that will destroy the planet in six months. Chaos ensues from there.

While McKay is more well-known for his more dramatic endeavors, Don't Look Up is said to be a rip-roaring comedy, which is intriguing to hear.

While The Big Short and Vice have their fair share of critical praise and awards consideration, it's hard not to miss Adam McKay's looser, goofier broad comedies — notably, the five he made with Will Ferrell. The filmmaker has an Oscar to his name now, though. So, no matter how big or wacky his future films might get, they'll garner some awards consideration — which makes it easy to see why McKay was able to wrangle up such an impressive cast-list.

Nevertheless, outside of Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence's roles, it's currently unknown how big of a part these other actors will have in this new movie. It's possible they're prominent players, and it's possible that they're glorified cameos. With an A-list cast this big, neither one is out-of-the-question. Therefore, we'll have to wait to see what becomes of this new Netflix production. It's currently in pre-production and expected to start filming early next year for a release later in 2021.

Armageddon Time - TBA (Pre-Production)

The time of Armageddon will soon set upon us. Following up last year's acclaimed space drama, Ad Astra, writer-director-producer James Gray is set to helm Armageddon Time, a coming-of-age drama exploring friendship, loyalty, and adolescence while growing up in Queens in the 1980s. Currently, details are limited on the project otherwise, but Gray has already scored a hell of a cast for his latest film. The forthcoming film will star Anne Hathaway, Oscar Isaac, Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland, and Cate Blanchett in undisclosed roles.

As an autobiographical period piece meant to be evocative of the works from Federico Fellini and François Truffaut, Armageddon Time might pose a scary title, but it's said to be a warm and emotional piece reflective of Gray's previous film, Two Lovers (and, for my money, one of his finest films yet). Hopefully, more details will come out soon.

What we do know, however, is that it's going to be filmed in New York City — which seems like a no-brainer, given the setting in mind. But in the midst of this ongoing pandemic, it's hard to know when productions will begin in earnest in the Big Apple. Most likely, the goal will be to shoot this film next year, with the intention of releasing it either that same year or the year after. No matter what happens with Armageddon Time, it's certainly going to be one worth following. Hopefully, Gray will get another great performance out of Cate Blanchett, similar to how he's gotten several great performances from several of his past notable collaborators, including Joaquin Phoenix, Marion Cotillard, Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more.

There's currently no release date in place for the upcoming movie, currently in pre-production. Whenever more details arrive, we'll certainly keep you posted.

Borderlands - TBA (Pre-Production)

Cate Blanchett and director Eli Roth made for an unlikely pair when they collaborated on 2018's darkly comedic family fantasy film, The House with a Clock in its Walls. But the resulting film is one of the best-reviewed films in Roth's filmography, and it became a stealthy hit at the box office to boot. So, it might not be terribly surprising to learn that Blanchett and Roth are planning to reunite for an upcoming project. Nevertheless, it's surprising that the movie they picked is an adaptation of Gearbox Software's apocalyptic video game series, Borderlands.

Set in the abandoned fictional planet of Pandora, this new movie will follow the inhabitants of this decrepit planet as they search for a mysterious relic. It's still early in development, but it's already securing some major talent. Chernobyl's Craig Mazin, for instance, is set to write the screenplay alongside newcomer Aaron Berg.

Developments made on the film remains limited otherwise, though it was reportedly set to enter pre-production earlier this year before COVID-related shutdowns halted several productions. How ironic it is that an apocalyptic wasteland movie might've been delayed by the threat of a real-life disaster. Nevertheless, we'll have to wait to see what happens next for this project. It'll be a big film with a sizable budget, so these things take time. It might be a while before it's geared up and ready to go.

In any case, Cate Blanchett is keeping herself busy with a variety of different projects at this time. Whether or not this one comes together, there's no doubt that the two-time Oscar-winning actress will find some projects that hopefully complement and continue demonstrating her incredible acting talents. Whether or not that project is a film adaptation of Borderlands by director Eli Roth still remains to be seen.

Which upcoming Cate Blanchett movie gets you excited the most? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below!

As his vacation from film directing draws to a close, Guillermo del Toro seems ready to get to work with two big projects on his hands: a stop-motion remake of Pinocchio for Netflix, and the retelling of novel/noir pot boiler Nightmare Alley. While casting on that second project was moving forward with Leonardo DiCaprio in mind for the lead, it appears that none other than Bradley Cooper is now in the running for this dark and twisting tale’s male lead.

The offer to star in Nightmare Alley has reportedly gone out to Bradley Cooper within the past couple of days, with news getting out that DiCaprio and those in charge of making this deal couldn’t see eye to eye. At this time, the same sources that say Cooper is in talks to take the lead haven't an inkling as to whether or not he’ll accept.

Bradley Cooper teaming up with Guillermo del Toro is a prospect that’s pretty impressive. With Cooper coming off of a fantastic 2018, thanks to his remake of A Star Is Born, as well as his role in Avengers: Endgame making his 2019 pretty bright as well, the triple threat who helped remake a well-worn Hollywood staple into something new and invigorating certainly understands a thing or two about revisiting a previously told tale.

But to have a chance to see Bradley Cooper attacking a role as dark as Stanton Carlisle, the carnival barker who’ll do anything to get what he wants, is something that’s hard not to get excited about. We’ve seen hime as a hero, or even an anti-hero, quite often; but rarely have we seen Cooper turn to the dark side of his talents.

While this deal is still being worked out, and the potential participation of Bradley Cooper in this new adaptation of Nightmare Alley isn’t written in stone, the project still has a promising pedigree behind its inception. Guillermo del Toro, in a fashion true to his career, is planning to serve not only as the director of this suspense thriller, but he’s also co-written the film’s script with writer Kim Morgan; as per Variety’s reporting on this film’s latest developments.

Part of his overall deal with Fox Searchlight, Nightmare Alley is a fitting project for the studio, as the original film adaptation of author William Lindsay Gresham’s novel was previously made as a film for Fox in 1947. It’s safe to say that with this new version of that same story, del Toro and Morgan will be adhering to the original timeframe of the source material. Which is even more comforting, as Guillermo del Toro has shown time and time again, with projects such as Crimson Peak and The Shape of Water that he knows how to marry the look of a bygone era with the tone of a more modern thriller.

Bradley Cooper and Guillermo del Toro could be one hell of a filmmaking team, should this Nightmare Alley deal go through. And as soon as there are any updates, we’ll report them here on CinemaBlend as they break.

In the meantime, Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born has just hit HBO; and Guillermo del Toro is the producer and co-writer on Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark, which will hit theaters on August 9th. For more information on films heading our way this year, take a look at our 2019 release schedule for further information.

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of those actors who will get the chance to work with just about all of the greatest filmmakers of our time. The Oscar-winner has collaborated with Christopher Nolan, Alejandro Iñárritu, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Ridley Scott, Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, the list goes on. And the list might be getting longer, because the actor is reportedly in talks to star in Guillermo del Toro’s next project, titled Nightmare Alley.

The filmmaker, best known for stylized films such as Pan’s Labyrinth and Crimson Peak, has been taking a year off from directing, but he's set to make a strong return with a coming adaptation of thriller Nightmare Alley, based on the ‘40s noir by William Lindsay Gresham. Leonardo DiCaprio would star as conman Stanton “Stan” Carlisle, who pairs up with a female psychologist to swindle people into giving them their riches.

Guillermo del Toro has penned the script with Kim Morgan, and he will produce the film with frequent collaborator J. Miles Dale for Fox Searchlight, according to Deadline. The novel was previously adapted into a movie in 1947 starring Tyrone Power, but the upcoming Nightmare Alley is said to be drawing more from the source material than serving as a remake to the previous film.

Nightmare Alley is scheduled to begin shooting in the fall, amongst del Toro’s other high-profile project, a new Pinocchio movie for Netflix. The streaming service is backing the project for the writer/director, which will be a new take on the fairytale that is set behind fascist Italy. Disney was previously to add the tale to its live-action slate starring Tom Hanks as Geppetto, but it has since reportedly been cancelled, maybe due to competition with del Toro’s vision.

Guillermo del Toro was recently recognized with a Best Picture win for his 2017 girl meets fish romance The Shape of Water. He has since been producing his upcoming horror film Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark and Antlers.

Leonardo DiCaprio is infamously choosy about what roles he signs on for. His last role was all the way back in 2015 for The Revenant. The actor will soon return to the big screen for Quentin Tarantino’s highly-anticipated next film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as a ‘60s television actor named Rick Dalton. He will also team back up with Martin Scorsese for an adaptation of Killers of the Flower Moon and potentially for a Theodore Roosevelt biopic.

If the actor joins Nightmare Alley, it will certainly be the highest-profile collaboration Guillermo del Toro has opted for, since the director has usually hired lesser-known actors in his prior films. It’s an exciting project to look forward to, especially the idea of DiCaprio and del Toro taking on the noir genre together.