By Giana Haynia
Throughout 2017, a plethora of highly anticipated books and movies are to be released. From “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” to “The Winds of Winter,” this year is full of entertainment milestones.
Movies
- “Logan”
The third and final installment of the Wolverine solo film trilogy, releasing March 3, follows a very world weary Logan/Wolverine as he cares for an aging Professor X and hides out from the world. He’s forced out of hiding when he comes across a young mutant named Laura with powers just like his.
2) “Beauty and the Beast”
Starting with “Alice in Wonderland” in 2010, Disney has begun remaking their classic films into live action. On March 17, “Beauty and the Beast,” starring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as Beast, brings nostalgia from childhood with the classic songs and romantic story that captured the hearts of Disney fans of all ages.
3) “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol.2”
The dysfunctional team returns in the sequel to the 2014 film on May 5. Taking place two months after the events of the first installment, the team is now searching through space for Peter Quill/Star-Lord’s real parentage. Along with the returning cast of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, and Michael Rooker, the film will also star Kurt Russell and Sylvester Stallone.
4) “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”
The fifth film in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series follows Jack Sparrow as he searches for Poseidon’s trident. This will also be Orlando Bloom’s first appearance in the series in 10 years. The series returns to the theaters on May 26.
5) “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”
“The Golden Circle” is the sequel to the 2014 film, “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” The film follows the main characters Eggsy, Merlin, and Roxy as they head to the United States to meet with their American counterparts. Set to be released on October 6, the film is set to star recurring cast members Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Sophie Cookson, Colin Firth, and Edward Holcroft. “The Golden Circle” will be the series debut of Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, and Jeff Bridges.
6) “Thor: Ragnarok”
The third and final film in the “Thor” trilogy, set to come out on November 3, revisits Thor after the events of “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” In order to save his people from Ragnarok (the destruction of a civilization) caused by the new villain Hela, Thor has to find a way back to Asgard. But first, he has to fight in a gladiator-esque battle against Avengers teammate, Hulk.
7) “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”
“The Last Jedi” is the second film in the new “Star Wars” trilogy, and the ninth film in the franchise. It picks up right where “The Force Awakens” leaves off. Rey had just found Luke Skywalker on an island on the planet Ahch-To after the latter put himself in self-imposed exile. This movie marks Carrie Fisher’s final role. The franchise returns to theaters on December 15.
Books
- “The Winds of Winter” by George R.R. Martin
The next installment in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” will be released this year, although no actual date was announced. This book will open with two big battles and the resolution of cliffhangers from “A Dance With Dragons.”
2) “The Gatlon School for Vigilantes” by Marissa Meyer
In the fictional city of Gatlon City, there are two rival schools. One is highly respected that turns “evolved” teenagers into superheroes; the other has a less respectful reputation that turns teenagers into forgettable sidekicks or minions. The story follows Clara, who has absolutely no interest in being a hero, but as crime rises in the city, she forms a team of vigilantes to fight it.
3) “King’s Cage” by Victoria Aveyard
The highly anticipated third installment in the “Red Queen” series returns on February 7 and takes the readers back to Mare Barrows as she’s kept prisoner by Maven Calore, the king. She was taken prisoner after Maven, in an attempt to get her back to him, sent out in the newspapers that he is sending a group of children to the “Choke” (where the war is fought). Mare and her friends go to save them but they’re shot down. In order to save her friends, Mare promises to go with Maven and stop her friends’ from trying to overthrow him.
4) “Hunted” by Meagan Spooner
Being released on March 14, “Hunted” is the retelling of the classic story, “Beauty and the Beast.” It tells the story of a huntress named Yeva who is desperate to find the creature that her father had been searching for before he went missing in the forest. Despite protests from her sisters, Yeva goes off to hunt the Beast and drive him away from her city.
5) “Marlena” by Julie Buntin
Julie Buntin tells the story of Cat, a fifteen-year-old girl who moved to a rural town in Michigan. She’s lonely and bored until she meets her neighbor, Marlena. Marlena hangs out with a bad crowd and her home life isn’t much better. Cat, desperate for a best friend, quickly befriends Marlena. Within a year of their meeting, Marlena dies and 20 years later, Cat is still haunted by the guilt she feels for her death. The drama is to be available on April 4.
