Upcoming movie prequels in 2024 double down on our fandom, serving up origin stories and epic flashbacks that delve into the genesis of legendary characters and conflicts.
Movie magic isn’t just about hurtling us towards uncharted futures. Sometimes, the biggest thrills come from revisiting beloved worlds and delving deeper into their rich histories.
In 2024, prequel films are taking center stage, offering fans the chance to witness the rise of iconic heroes, explore legendary wars, and uncover the origins of legendary villains. From the sweeping landscapes of Middle-earth to the roaring engines of Cybertron, this year promises a journey back in time filled with epic battles, unforgettable characters, and untold stories.
Upcoming movie prequels in 2024
So, grab your popcorn and prepare to be transported – here’s a glimpse at the most anticipated prequel films hitting theaters in 2024!
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
- Release date: December 13, 2024
- Directed by: Kenji Kamiyama
- Starring: Brian Cox, Miranda Otto
This prequel to the beloved Disney classic, “The Lion King,” journeys back to the Pride Lands before Simba’s roar echoed across the savanna. “Mufasa: The Lion King” focuses on the early life of Mufasa, the majestic lion who would become a wise and courageous king.
We’ll witness his experiences as a young cub, learning the responsibilities of leadership from his father, King Ahadi. The film will explore the playful rivalry between Mufasa and his younger brother, Scar, showcasing the seeds of their complex relationship. As Mufasa matures, we’ll see him face challenges that test his strength and compassion, shaping him into the respected leader Simba would eventually admire.
Prepare to be captivated by Mufasa’s journey of self-discovery, his encounters with unforgettable characters, and the defining moments that solidify his place as the future king of the Pride Lands.
Trailer
Mufasa: The Lion King
- Release date: December 20, 2024
- Directed by: Barry Jenkins
- Starring: Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, John Kani
Get ready to revisit the Pride Lands in a whole new way! Disney’s upcoming film, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” tells the story of Simba’s dad, Mufasa, before he became king. This prequel will be a musical drama, similar to the 2019 remake, but with animation that looks incredibly realistic.
Some familiar voices will return, like Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. But this time, we’ll hear new actors like Aaron Pierre voicing a young Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as his brother, Scar.
The idea for this movie came about in 2020, and filming began in 2021. While there were some production delays in 2023, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is still set to roar into theaters later this year!
Trailer
Transformers One
- Release date: September 13, 2024
- Directed by: Josh Cooley
- Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Jon Hamm, Laurence Fishburne
Calling all Transformers fans! Get ready for a blast from the past with the upcoming animated film “Transformers One.”
This origin story takes us back to the Transformers’ home planet, Cybertron. We’ll witness the early days of Optimus Prime and Megatron, exploring their relationship before their epic rivalry began. The film boasts a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson.
This prequel has been in the works since 2015, with the idea coming from a writer’s room tasked with brainstorming future Transformers films.
“Transformers One” is set to roll out in theaters on September 13th, 2024, with animation by Industrial Light & Magic, bringing them back to the franchise after working on “Bumblebee” in 2018.
Trailer
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
- Release date: May 23, 2024
- Directed by: George Miller
- Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Angus Sampson, Nathan Jones, Tom Burke
The wait is over for Mad Max fans! The latest installment in the post-apocalyptic saga, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” is a prequel and spin-off of the action-packed “Fury Road” (2015).
Directed by George Miller himself, the film dives deeper into the story of Imperator Furiosa, played again by the talented Anya Taylor-Joy. This time, Chris Hemsworth joins the cast for a high-octane adventure set in the unforgiving wasteland.
Development for “Furiosa” began in 2020, with filming taking place in Australia throughout 2022. Several key crew members from “Fury Road” are back on board, including the screenwriter, editor, costume designer, and composer.
Get ready to return to the world of Mad Max when “Furiosa” premieres at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15th, 2024, before hitting theaters in Australia on May 23rd and the US on May 24th.