1. They're Expanding Even More Cinematic Universes
Although Marvel and DC will once again take the spotlight when it comes to expanding on the cinematic adventures of their related properties, there's some exciting expansion happening elsewhere, as well. For the first time, there will be a live-action Star Wars film not beholden to the original, primary story introduced to the world back in 1977. Instead, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will act as a standalone movie that will forgo the familiar characters in lieu of something wholly different, and completely unrecognizable to even the most diehard of Star Wars fans. So far plot details are still minimal, but director Gareth Edwards promised that this will be much more of a combat-focused film than any of the traditional Star Wars films. Think A New Hope meets Saving Private Ryan. Also on the docket for 2016 is a Harry Potter spinoff, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the first in a trilogy of movies based on J.K. Rowling's book of the same name. There's a little hesitation stemming from the fact that the 128-page companion book will be stretched into a trilogy on the big screen. (Thanks for the reasonable cynicism, Peter Jackson.) But, with Rowling serving as the film's screenwriter, they should be able to imbibe each instalment with the necessary lushness and detail. Are you happy to be a film fan in 2016? Share your excitement below in the comments thread.
