There is no better way to kick off the New Year than with fresh entertainment options.
Here is a list of some works that have been highly anticipated for a long time; some are
sequels and others are brand new ideas.
Egyptian Movies
FASEL MEN AL LAHAZAT AL LAZIZA
(A BREAK OF GOOD MOMENTS)
A new social comedy production with icons Hesham Maged and Hannah El Zahed is expected to be released in April 2024. In Fasel Men Al Lahazat Al Laziza, architect Hesham Maged and his wife Hannah El Zahed are living a miserable life together until a surprising event introduces glimpses of happiness into their marriage. Maged and Zahed are hoping that their chemistry together will repeat the success of their latest movies, Tasleem Ahali and Mister X.
WELAD RIZQ 3
(THE SONS OF RIZQ 3)
Returning with a new chapter in the summer of 2024, Welad Rizq will feature several changes to its usual tone; some are pleasant surprises while others are rather shocking twists. Meanwhile, the introduction of Asser Yassin in the role of Al Shayeb, may be the answer to the criticism by critics that the franchise was lacking a special type of villain. The plot will revolve around the revenge quest of Al Shayeb against Welad Rizq, with glimpses of their history together.
SHAAO
(BROTHER)
Amr Youssef’s latest movie, Shaao, is an action thriller based on the widely successful novel, Prince of Thieves, by Chuck Hogan about a group of friends who commit a series of crimes with the help of several outsiders. The cast includes Youssra, Mohamed Mamdouh, Dina El Sherbiny, and Amina Khalil. Almost the same group was assembled eight years ago in the series Grand Hotel, which was a massive success. Can the same group achieve success twice?
AL HAWA SULTAN
(LOVE RULES)
This is the second movie together for superstars Ahmed Dawood and Menna Shalaby following their first joint film, Al Maa Wal Khodra Wal Wagh Al Hassan (Brooks, Meadows and Lovely Faces). In the rom-com Al Hawa Sultan Ahmed Dawood is an engineer who falls in love with Menna Shalaby. The cast includes other stars, like Ahmed Khaled Saleh and Sawsan Badr, who have extensive experience in comedy.
International Movies
JOKER FOLIE À DEUX
A few years ago, Joaquin Phoenix shook the world with his outstanding performance in his
masterpiece Joker. It seems he is about to do it again with the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, to be released on October 4. The psychological depth of the movie, along with its dark tone, are sure to make it a fan favourite. Lady Gaga is introduced as Harley Quinn, a psychiatrist assigned to treat Arthur Fleck, or Joker, who eventually gets into a twisted romantic relationship with him. We can’t wait to see if it will be as successful as its predecessor!
DUNE PART TWO
A huge hit in 2021, Dune captured hearts with its mesmerising graphics and the outstanding performance of its cast. This year, on the 1st of March, it returns with a second chapter of the journey of Paul Atreides, (Timothee Chalamet) and Chani, (Zendaya). The movie will tell the story of the conspirators who seek control of the spice substance with unique psychotropic properties, as well as the revenge against the Harkonnens who destroyed the Atreides family, and the growing relationship between Paul and Chani. IF What if John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds work together on a fantasy movie? That is right, it would be really exciting. IF, a fantasy comedy film to be released on May 17, will be directed, and written by John Krasinski. The cast of stars includes Ryan Reynolds, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Matt Damon, and Emily Blunt. It tells the story of a young girl who discovers she can see imaginary friends who were abandoned by the kids they helped. Expected to be funny and emotional, with lots of creativity, this is a big one to watch out for in 2024.
CHALLENGERS
Challengers will be out on the 26th of April, and it will feature several stars including Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist. The movie will discuss the story of a Grand Slam champion whose wife signs him up for a challenger event where he faces off with her former lover. Josh O’Connor recently won a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the Netflix series, The Crown. Expect an intriguing mix of his talent with Zendaya’s unique acting techniques.
Egyptian Series
AL HASHASHEEN
(THE ORDER OF ASSASSINS)
Karim Abdelaziz returns to the silver screen in Ramadan 2024 with Al Hashasheen, the biography of one of the most fearsome men in the Middle Ages, Hassan Al Sabah, the leader of a group of assassins who went after political and military figures to serve their own agenda. The series portrays how Hassan Al Sabah (Karim Abdelaziz) rose to power in a short amount of time. The cast features several stars, including Fathy Abdel Wahab, Ahmed Eid, and Nicolas Mouawad.
EL ATAWLA
(THE TOUGH ONES)
Ahmed El Sakka enters the Ramadan race with a new social drama filled with action scenes. El Atawla narrates the intense rivalry between two brothers, played by Ahmed El Sakka and Tarek Lotfy, showing how far each of them is willing to go to achieve their own personal goals. The cast also includes Bassem Samra, Mai Kassab, Zeina, and Salah Abdallah. The last time Ahmed El Sakka and Tarek Lotfy worked together was in the iconic hit Se’edi Fil Gamaa Al Amrekiya over 20 years ago.
EL KEBEER AWI 8
(THE BIG ONE 8)
El Kebeer Awi has become a comedy classic with millions of fans in the Arab world anticipating its new seasons. This Ramadan, for it’s eighth season, it will pick up from where it left off, whether in the marriage debates between El Kebeer and Marbouha, Johnny’s career development journey, or Hazlaoum trying to manage his investments. Reports have confirmed that the original cast will resume their roles, including Mohamed Sallam, Rahma Ahmed, Hesham Ismail, Laila Ezz El-Arab, and Hatem Salah.
ALF LEILA WI LEILA
(ONE THOUSAND & ONE NIGHTS)
Alf Leila Wi Leila has been a Ramadan classic for many decades, but this time Yasser Galal presents it using a different approach. The series will give more focus to the backstories of both Shahrayar (Yasser Galal) and Shahrazad (Yasmine Rais) exploring the foundations of their complex characters. In addition, the show will be much more advanced than its predecessors in terms of graphics and cinematography, in general. The cast includes Lebanese star Nour, Sherry Adel, Mayan El Sayed, and Wafaa Amer.
International Series
HOUSE OF THE DRAGON SEASON 2
Game of Thrones was arguably one of the most successful series in the history of the silver screen. So, it’s no surprise that its prequel, House of the Dragon, was such a great hit in terms of viewership and critical acclaim. Returning in 2024, it continues the story of the Targaryens, nearly 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, with a war of succession called Dance of the Dragons and other events leading up to the beginning of the Targaryen Fall. The full cast, including Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, and Paddy Considine, is expected to return.
THE PENGUIN
The terrifying mobster who calls himself the Gentleman of Crime is here to wreak havoc on
Gotham City. To be released in late 2024, The Penguin follows the events of The Batman
series, narrating the story of Oswald Cobblepot, the Penguin, and his rise to power in the
criminal underworld. The character will be played by Colin Farrell, who will reprise his role from The Batman. Critics have praised Farrell’s portrayal of the Penguin and how he managed to bring out both the sinister and fragile aspects of the character.
BRIDGERTON SEASON 3
With its compelling portrayal of complex relationships, Bridgerton has been described by many as the perfect historical romance series. The third chapter of this masterpiece is about to drop in 2024 and it will be split into two parts. Part one will premiere on May 16, with 4 episodes, and Part two will follow a month later, on June 13, to complete the rest of the eight-episode season. Season three will have a special focus on Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Can his feelings for her go beyond friendship?
DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN
Daredevil, one of the greatest Netflix hits of all time is about to be remodeled by Marvel as part of its extensive universe. Marvel hopes to maintain the Daredevil trilogy hit status with its semi-reboot Daredevil: Born Again. Charlie Cox will reprise his role as Matt Murdock, along with Vincent D’Onofrio and Jon Bernthal as Kingpin and The Punisher respectively. Will Marvel be able to match the quality writing, exceptional acting performance and creative directing that were key to the series’ previous success? We will find out in late 2024.